Height: 1,519 feet (463 meters)
Location: Northwest region
Kirkjufell is probably one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. If you do end up heading north from Reykjavik searching for adventure, you have likely already included West Iceland and the town of Grundarfjörður as one of your destinations.
The jagged profile of Kirkjufell fills many photographer’s camera lenses because it is beautifully placed right on the edge of the sea. Not only is it a photographer’s paradise, the scenery surrounding this mountain is simply unmatched anywhere else. In the summertime, the sloping green sides make the cone-shaped peak very enticing. If you are a serious mountain climber, you will be proud once you have crossed Kirkjufell off your list of peaks.
If you do want to climb Kirkjufell, you must either be a very experienced climber, or hire a guide to take you to the top. It is very steep in parts, and has several rope sections that mustn’t be taken too lightly. Plan on about 2 hours to get up the mountain, if you have a spot of dry summer weather. Rain will make the grass-covered slope fairly difficult, if not dangerous. The top is actually quite roomy for a group, and the sights surrounding you are quite magical indeed. Watching the wildlife, taking in all of the peaks nearby, and even the sea itself is simply marvelous to behold.