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Kirkjufellsfoss

Road 1 open8°C · breezy5 m drop5 min walkfree ISK parkingWest Iceland, Iceland

About

Famous for the view WITH Kirkjufell mountain behind it. You've seen this shot a million times — Game of Thrones, postcards, everywhere. The waterfall itself is modest, but the composition is iconic.

It's not about the waterfall alone. It's about that perfect composition — the cascade framing the arrowhead mountain behind. Photographers queue for the classic shot. Sunrise is magic.

Kirkjufell means 'Church Mountain' — the shape supposedly resembles a church steeple. It's been a landmark for sailors and travelers for centuries. The area is part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Come at sunrise to beat the crowds and get the best light. Bring a tripod for long exposures. The classic shot is from the small bridge. In winter, the falls can partially freeze — even more photogenic.

Driving conditions
Road conditions
Check live
Road · From Reykjavík to the foss
Drive: Good
Visit now
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsClosed (winter)
ClosuresNone nearby
Wind
Visibility
Prices
Cost to visit
free ISK
Parking only · entry free
Entry: Free
Parking: free ISK
No booking
Entry feeFree
Parkingfree ISK
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
Forecast
Today
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Northern lights
Tonight
/9
No data
22:00 – 02:00
Face north
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0
9
Activity peak23:42
MoonWaxing crescent
Light pollutionRural dark sky
Sun & light
Today
Today
Sunrise
Golden hour AM
Golden hour PM
Sunset
Blue hour

Cars & campers

−15%exclusive discountFree cancellationKEF airport pickup 24/74.8

Tours near Kirkjufellsfoss

−10%exclusive discountFree cancellationSmall groups4.8

Photos

Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall front view
Anja M.
Kirkjufellsfoss sunset behind falls
Daniel P.
Kirkjufellsfoss close up
Sofia L.
Kirkjufellsfoss visitors path
Marco R.
Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall Iceland
Elena K.
Kirkjufellsfoss aerial view
Tómas V.

Videos

Seljalandsfoss WaterfallJared Dillingham
Walk Behind the WaterfallPlanet Earth
Behind Seljalandsfoss at SunsetThe Powers Couple
Seljalandsfoss in One ShotCandace Cabrera
Waterfalls of IcelandDutch Angles
Behind a Beautiful WaterfallJerad Gardner, MD

Reviews

Anja Müller
Mar 28, 2026 · Sightseeing
Unique experienceWet & mistyParking availableFamily friendly

Walking behind a 60-meter waterfall is something you don't forget. We went at sunset and the light through the curtain was absolutely magical. Bring proper rain gear — you WILL get soaked through. The path is well-maintained but rocky.

Conditions: Wet, misty spray, soaked path
Parking: Paid, 800 ISK, large lot
Difficulty: Easy
Daniel Park
Feb 14, 2026 · Photography
Great light at sunriseCrowded in summerGljúfrabúi nearby

Best light at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The path behind is slippery in winter but doable with spikes. Don't skip Gljúfrabúi next door — most tourists walk right past it, but it's a hidden waterfall inside a cave. Spectacular.

Conditions: Icy path, cold spray
Parking: Paid lot, small fee
Difficulty: Easy
Sofia Lindström
Jan 6, 2026 · Road trip
Winter closed behindIcyGreat views

Stopped here on a Ring Road trip in early January. The path behind the waterfall was closed due to ice — check conditions before you go if walking behind is the main reason. Still stunning from the front though.

Conditions: Snow, ice, closed path
Parking: Free in winter (closed booth)
Difficulty: Easy (front only)

Frequently
asked
questions

Where is Kirkjufellsfoss?
Snæfellsnes peninsula, near the town of Grundarfjörður. About 2.5 hours from Reykjavík.
Is this Game of Thrones location?
Yes! Kirkjufell appeared as "Arrowhead Mountain" north of the Wall.
Best time for photos?
Sunrise or sunset for golden light. Blue hour works beautifully too.
Is Kirkjufellsfoss free?
Yes, free parking and viewing.
Can you hike Kirkjufell mountain?
Only with a guide — it's steep and exposed. Most people just photograph it from below.
Get directions to Kirkjufellsfoss