On the shores of a North Atlantic fjord, this Westfjords town sits beneath the distinctive peak of Mount Kirkjufell. Fishermen work from its harbor while photographers capture the landscape.
Grundarfjörður, a fishing town of 900 residents on Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula, sits between steep mountain ranges and the North Atlantic. The cone-shaped Kirkjufell mountain rises 463 meters from the coastline, creating the town's distinctive backdrop. You can photograph the Northern Lights above Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in winter, watch orcas hunt in the bay during summer, or soak in 38°C geothermal pools while snow falls around you.
Getting to Grundarfjörður
The town lies 177 kilometers north of Reykjavík, about a 2.5-hour drive. Take Ring Road 1 north past Mount Esja and through the Hvalfjardargong tunnel to Borgarnes. At the last roundabout in Borgarnes, turn onto Road 54 toward Snæfellsnes and follow signs to Grundarfjörður. Public buses connect the town to Reykjavík daily, with morning departures from BSÍ terminal.
Exploring Kirkjufell Mountain
Kirkjufell rises 463 meters above sea level, its distinctive cone shape visible throughout town. A 2.5-kilometer trail circles the mountain's base, taking about 1.5 hours to complete. The best photo spots are near Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, especially during winter evenings when the Northern Lights appear. The trail can be slippery in winter, so bring crampons.
Marine Life and Whale Watching
Whale watching boats depart from the harbor between May and August, when orcas hunt in the bay. A harbor-side sculpture by Unnsteinn Guðmundsson depicts an orca named "Thunderstorm" breaching the water. From June through August, you can join puffin watching tours or try sea angling for cod and halibut.
Local Swimming and Activities
The geothermal swimming pool maintains four hot tubs ranging from 37-42°C, plus a 25-meter swimming lane. In winter, you might see the Northern Lights while soaking. The facility opens year-round, with changing rooms, showers, and swimsuit rentals available.
Art and Culture
Find 25 stone sculptures by local artist Lúðvík Karlsson throughout town, including pieces along the harbor walkway and in residential areas. Visit his workshop and gallery at Sólvellir 6 to see works in progress. During the "Á Góðri Stund" festival each July, residents paint their streets in assigned colors and organize concerts by the pier.
Harbor Life
Grundarfjörður's harbor ranks among Iceland's ten largest fishing ports. Visit between 6-8 AM to watch trawlers unload cod, haddock, and red fish. The harbor receives about 50 cruise ships between June and September. A walking path along the pier gives you close views of the fishing operations and incoming vessels.
