Kirkjufellsfoss

Overview

Kirkjufellsfoss stands as a modest triple cascade that has achieved global recognition not for its size or power, but for its remarkable compositional partnership with Kirkjufell mountain. The waterfall consists of three distinct streams that tumble down a rocky escarpment, creating multiple tiers of flowing water that serve as the perfect foreground element to Iceland's most photographed mountain. Located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this 5-metre waterfall has become synonymous with Iceland's landscape photography, featuring in countless images that capture the dramatic interplay between flowing water and the distinctive church-shaped peak behind it.

The waterfall's fame extends beyond photography into popular culture, having served as a filming location for HBO's Game of Thrones, where it represented the "arrow-head mountain" north of the Wall. This exposure, combined with Iceland's growing tourism industry, has transformed Kirkjufellsfoss from a relatively unknown cascade into one of the country's most visited natural attractions. What makes this location truly special is not the waterfall in isolation, but rather the harmonious composition it creates with Kirkjufell, demonstrating how landscape elements can work together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 64.9391°N, 23.3039°W

**Entry Fee:** Free

**Opening Hours:** Accessible 24 hours

**Best Time to Visit:** September to March for Northern Lights; June to August for midnight sun photography

**Difficulty Level:** Easy - suitable for all fitness levels

**Nearest Town:** Grundarfjörður (2km)

**Elevation:** 15 metres above sea level

**Waterfall Height:** Approximately 5 metres across three tiers

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, take Route 1 (Ring Road) north for 59km to the junction with Route 54. Turn left onto Route 54 and continue for 127km through Borgarnes and around Hvalfjörður. The total distance from Reykjavík is 186km with a driving time of approximately 2 hours 15 minutes under normal conditions. The entire route follows paved roads suitable for all vehicle types year-round, though winter conditions may require studded tyres or snow chains.

Route 54 leads directly through Grundarfjörður, where clear signage indicates the turn-off for Kirkjufellsfoss. The waterfall is located on the eastern outskirts of the town, making it easily accessible for visitors staying in Grundarfjörður's accommodation options.

Parking

A designated gravel car park accommodates approximately 30-40 vehicles and is located directly off Route 54. Parking is free of charge, though the limited capacity means early arrival is advisable during peak season (June-August) and Northern Lights season (September-March). During busy periods, particularly around sunset and late evening hours, vehicles often line the roadside, though visitors should be mindful not to obstruct traffic or damage roadside vegetation.

Access

The waterfall lies just 200 metres from the car park via a well-maintained gravel path. The walk takes 3-5 minutes and is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, though the gravel surface can be uneven in places. Several wooden viewing platforms and stone arrangements provide stable positions for photography and viewing, with the main viewpoint positioned to capture both the waterfall and Kirkjufell in a single frame.

What to See and Do

The primary activity at Kirkjufellsfoss is photography, with the classic composition featuring the three-tiered waterfall in the foreground and Kirkjufell mountain as the dramatic backdrop. The waterfall flows consistently throughout the year, though volume varies seasonally, with peak flow occurring during spring melt (April-May) and autumn rains (September-October).

Northern Lights photography represents the location's most celebrated attraction, with the aurora borealis often appearing directly above Kirkjufell between September and March. The combination of the illuminated waterfall, the mountain silhouette, and the dancing green lights creates one of Iceland's most sought-after photographic compositions. Professional and amateur photographers often gather here during clear, dark evenings, particularly around new moon periods when sky conditions are optimal.

The site offers excellent opportunities for time-lapse photography, capturing the movement of clouds around Kirkjufell's peak and the flowing water of the cascade. During summer months, midnight sun photography provides unique lighting conditions, with the low-angle light creating dramatic shadows and warm tones across the landscape.

Bird watching opportunities include common redshank, golden plover, and various duck species that frequent the stream and surrounding wetlands. The area also provides access to longer hikes around Kirkjufell's base, though the mountain itself requires technical climbing skills and should not be attempted without proper equipment and experience.

Best Time to Visit

**September to March** offers the best Northern Lights viewing opportunities, with peak activity typically occurring between 21:00 and 02:00. October through February provides the longest nights, whilst September and March offer milder weather conditions with reasonable aurora potential.

**June to August** delivers midnight sun photography opportunities and the most reliable weather, though the location becomes significantly busier with tour groups and independent visitors. Summer also provides the highest waterfall flow from glacial melt and longer daylight hours for extended photography sessions.

**April to May** and **September to November** represent shoulder seasons with fewer crowds, dynamic weather patterns creating dramatic skies, and optimal waterfall flow rates. These periods offer the best balance between good conditions and manageable visitor numbers.

**December to February** presents the most challenging conditions with frequent storms, limited daylight (4-5 hours), and harsh weather, though successful Northern Lights photography during these months can yield exceptional results.

Safety

Winter conditions create slippery surfaces around the waterfall viewing areas, with ice formation on rocks and pathways presenting fall risks. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear with good grip and exercise caution when moving between viewpoints in low-light conditions.

Strong winds are common throughout the year and can create challenging conditions for photographers using tripods and other equipment. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly during winter months, and visitors should monitor forecasts and dress appropriately for extended outdoor periods.

The car park and roadside areas can become congested during peak viewing times, creating pedestrian hazards as visitors cross Route 54. Particular caution is required during Northern Lights season when many people are moving around in darkness with limited visibility.

Flash flooding is possible during extreme weather events, though the gentle gradient of the area minimises serious risks. The waterfall and surrounding streams should not be crossed, as rocks can be slippery and water levels may rise unexpectedly.

Nearby Places

**Grundarfjörður** (2km) - A picturesque fishing village offering accommodation, restaurants, and services, plus the Grundarfjörður Folk Music Museum and walking trails along the harbour front.

**Ólafsvik** (17km west) - Historic trading port featuring the Natural History Museum of Snæfellsnes and access to whale watching tours operating from the harbour.

**Snæfellsjökull National Park** (25km southwest) - Home to the famous glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, extensive hiking trails, and diverse arctic flora within Iceland's smallest national park.

**Djúpalónssandur Beach** (35km southwest) - Dramatic black pebble beach featuring twisted metal remains from a 1948 shipwreck and the traditional lifting stones once used to test fishermen's strength.

**Arnarstapi** (30km south) - Coastal village renowned for dramatic basalt cliff formations, natural arches, and excellent seabird watching opportunities including puffins during summer months.

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