Icelandic Winter Chronicles: Part 3 – Spa Day, Stunning Scenery, and a Visit to Kirkjufell
With our original plan to explore the east side of Iceland derailed by road closures, I found myself pivoting to the west, researching new stops along the way. Driving all the way from Hveragerði to Grundarfjörður, a minimum three-hour journey, sounded daunting without a break, so we made a spontaneous decision to stop at a spa—and I’m so glad we did.
Krauma Spa was the perfect place to unwind. Known for its modern yet serene design, Krauma uses the natural geothermal waters of Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. The spa offers a mix of five warm geothermal baths, a cold plunge pool, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, all surrounded by stunning Icelandic nature. The heat from Deildartunguhver, which pumps out a whopping 180 liters of boiling water per second, made the experience feel even more special.
After soaking, you can grab a bite at the café to fully recharge before hitting the road again. Iceland has made soaking in hot tubs part of our daily ritual, and honestly, we’re not complaining. We never get tired of the mix of icy air and hot, soothing water—a perfect way to reset before continuing our trip.
Tonight, we’re staying at Kirkjufell Guesthouse in Grundarfjörður. We lucked out with this booking, especially since we had to change plans last minute due to the road closures. With it being Christmas, finding a room was a challenge, but we managed to snag one of the last available in the area.
Grundarfjörður is a small, picturesque town nestled between rugged mountains and the coast on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Despite its size, it’s a popular stop for travelers, offering incredible views wherever you look. We spent the evening enjoying some late-night snacks and drinks at the cozy Harbour Café in town, soaking in the festive, laid-back atmosphere.
Of course, no visit to Grundarfjörður would be complete without seeing Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain. Standing at 463 meters (1,519 feet), its distinct arrowhead shape makes it instantly recognizable, and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall only adds to its charm. The combination of the mountain’s reflection in the water and the dramatic landscape makes it a dream for photographers. Fans of Game of Thrones might recognize it as the "Arrowhead Mountain" from the show.
So, while our plans changed unexpectedly, Iceland continues to surprise us with its beauty—and I have a feeling Kirkjufell won’t be the last unforgettable sight on this journey.
