Grundarfjörður Photo

West

Kirkjufell dominates every view from Grundarfjörður — the 463-meter peak rises sharply from the water's edge at the western end of town, with the small cascade of Kirkjufellsfoss tumbling in front of it. The mountain-and-waterfall composition has become shorthand for Iceland photography, and the spot drew further attention when Kirkjufell appeared in Seasons 6 and 7 of Game of Thrones as the "arrowhead mountain." Coming from the south, the approach along the north coast of Snæfellsnes gives you the full view as you arrive. Grundarfjörður is a working fishing village of around 900 people. The town has fuel, a supermarket, accommodation, and a swimming pool. It is roughly 174 km from Reykjavík — about two and a half hours — making it a reasonable day trip or an overnight base for western Snæfellsnes. The parking area near Kirkjufellsfoss fills up quickly with tour buses midday. Come early morning or in the evening for calmer conditions and better light. Winter brings the possibility of northern lights above the peak; in summer the mountain stays lit well into the night.

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