Kirkjufell Waterfall Viewpoint stands above the waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss, just outside Grundarfjörður in West Iceland. From the platforms the falls sit in the foreground and Kirkjufell mountain rises behind them. That combination is what the place is known for. A short walking path connects the car park with the viewing platforms, and a steeper trail carries on down to the foot of the waterfall. Longer trails run around the mountain for anyone with more time.
Kirkjufell Waterfall Viewpoint
Local name: Kirkjufellsfoss
A short path from the car park reaches the point where the waterfall and Kirkjufell line up in a single frame.
- Accessibility
- The car park has two accessible spaces.
- Parking
- Paid car park closest to the waterfall path; tickets are sold for the full day, not by the hour. Free parking about 5 minutes' extra walk away.
- Difficulty
- Short walking path from the car park to the viewing platforms. The trail on to the foot of the falls is steep and runs on metal grating.
- Transport
- A paid bus service runs to the site; as of summer 2025 it ran every 30 minutes.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
- Address
- 351 Grundarfjörður, Snæfellsnes
What makes it special
The viewpoint exists for one alignment: the falls in front, Kirkjufell behind them. It is one of the most recognisable views in Iceland, and the platforms are busy for it.
A short walking path leads from the car park to the viewing platforms. Beyond that single frame there is a steep trail down to the bottom of the waterfall, and longer trails run around the mountain itself. In April there is still snow on the mountains that sit in the same view.
Good to know
- No toilets. There are none at the viewpoint or on the path down.
- The descent is steep. The trail to the foot of the falls runs on metal grating. Take it slowly.
- Expect company. This is one of the most recognisable views in Iceland, and the platforms get busy.
- April keeps the snow. In April the mountains in the same view are still snow-capped.
- There is more than the one view. Longer trails run around Kirkjufell.
Getting there
Most visitors arrive by car, and the site can also be reached on foot from Grundarfjörður. From the car park a short walking path leads to the viewing platforms. From there a steeper trail drops to the foot of the waterfall, on metal grating underfoot.
Best time to visit
Better: April, when snow is still lying on the mountains that appear behind the falls.
Avoid: counting on having the platforms to yourself. This is one of the most recognisable views in Iceland, and it draws a crowd.
Nothing here closes, so timing is a question of how many people are on the platform and how much snow is left on the peaks.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
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Kirkjufell Waterfall Viewpoint on the map
The trail from the viewpoint down to the foot of the falls is steep. It runs on metal grating, and the descent needs to be taken slowly.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you get here without a car?
Yes. The site can be reached on foot from Grundarfjörður, and a paid bus service also runs to it.Are there toilets?
No. There are no toilets at the viewpoint.Is there anything beyond the one viewpoint?
Yes. A steep trail leads down to the bottom of the waterfall, and longer trails run around Kirkjufell.How busy does it get?
Busy. This is one of the most recognisable views in Iceland, and the viewing platforms fill up.