Kirkjufell

On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in a remote part of western Iceland, a steep and lonely mountain stands guard over the tiny town of Grundarfjörður. The mountain is Kirkjufell, and at 1,500 feet, its height is not what makes it special . What brings people to Kirkjufell is the chance to explore the beauty of the surrounding countryside, or glimpse the spectacular aurora borealis in winter.

Visitors to the area will discover isolated waterfalls, massive fields of lava, and a chance to view the magical Northern Lights without a bit of light pollution. Despite Kirkjufell’s small stature, it is a steep mountain that is notoriously hard to climb, partly because the weather rarely cooperates, so the trails can be muddy and slippery. Whether your goal is to climb this iconic mountain, or simply take in the sights, Kirkjufell and Grundarfjörður are memorable destinations.

Less than 1,000 people reside in the town of Grundarfjörður, and more than half of them are involved in the fishing industry. The town is a two-hour drive from the urban center of Reykjavik, so residents here have created an atmosphere that is rich in culture and community, uninfluenced by city life.

Making it Happen

The nearest airport is in the capital city of Reykjavik, which is quite well connected with the world. From there, you can easily rent a car or take a public bus into Grundarfjörður. A car is recommended, and will allow you to tour other parts of the peninsula at your own pace.

The view from the top of Kirkjufell is spectacular, and well worth the climb. On a clear, dry day, it is possible to reach the summit in just under two hours. At the foot of the mountain, across the road, there is a series of small, picturesque waterfalls. The waterfalls, along with Kirkjufell in the background make for great photo opportunities, especially as the sun is setting.

For such a small town, Grundarfjörður has plenty of lodging options. There are several independent hotels, guest houses, and even a youth hostel for budget travelers. The three restaurants in town are all known for their excellent food and special events.

Kirkjufell and the surrounding landscape will bring you back to a simpler time, when the landscape shaped the culture of a people, and a lonely mountain always had a story to tell.