Grundarfjörður sees 900,000 cars pass through each year

About 900,000 cars pass through Grundarfjörður each year, alongside 60,000 to 70,000 visitors arriving by cruise ship, the town’s mayor told mbl.is. Kirkjufellsfoss, a waterfall near the town on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, is a popular tourist destination.

Mayor Birkir Jón Jónsson said Grundarfjörður can accommodate more visitors during the tourist season, which continues to lengthen. The town has a hotel, a hostel and apartments available for short-term rental.

Visitor numbers at the waterfall rose sharply 12 to 14 years ago, after photographs of it with Kirkjufell mountain in the background began circulating widely online. The increase in foot traffic damaged vegetation, leading to the development of facilities to direct visitors around the waterfall.

Several waterfalls or cascades along the river are all called Kirkjufellsfoss. The company Sannir landvættir has an agreement with the landowners and has built walking paths, viewing platforms and a paid car park.

Jónsson said signs warn visitors that climbing the mountain in winter is not recommended because of the danger. The company says the parking fee helps provide access for everyone, keep the area open year-round and maintain quality and safety.