Mt. Kirkjufell (463 m) is the most prominent mountain near the town of Grundarfjörður. It is the most beautiful landmark and photographed mountain in Iceland the icon of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The mountain of Kirkjufell and its waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss, attracts nature lovers and photographers. Its isolated location jutting out into the sea makes it a focal point for tourists and seamen alike. The area is surrounded by beaches, a lovely walking trail around it as well as a more challenging climb up to the top where bird and fish fossils can be found.
There’s something exclusive about the shape of Mt. Kirkjufell, green in summer, orange in winter, and white with snow. However, with aurora borealis it provides breathtaking views. The best time to catch the Northern Lights in Iceland is between September and January. Even photographers wait for many hours to capture the sunrise and sunset view. The mountain is free-standing and referred to as the most beautiful mountain as you’ll see crowds of visitors with tripods and cameras taking photos like the one above, i.e. from this angle with the waterfall in front.
Kirkjufell is most favorite for film making location featuring the “arrowhead mountain” that the Hound and the company north of the Wall see when capturing a wight. Kirkjufell is formed with a stack of layers of sedimentary rocks from glacial and interglacial stages. At the base is Tertiary Lava and then it alternates between Sandstone and Quaternary lava. The top is tuff and during the last Ice age, erosion shaped it.
Their sides are so steep because it was a high rock pressure between 2 glacier tongues. It is possible to hike to the top of Kirkjufell but difficult hike with very steep sections. Do not go by yourself as it is very dangerous, get hire an experienced guide that can take you through the right tracks.
