Kayaking by Mt. Kirkjufell at midnight sun

Glide across still water with Mt. Kirkjufell framed against the low midnight sun.

Kayak on the water beneath Mt. Kirkjufell during Iceland's midnight sun season, paddling for three hours with an experienced local guide, full safety gear and a warm refreshment after. The guide leads stops at scenic locations where you can photograph the mountain, watch for seals and float on calm water. Children from age 10 are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels.

The experience

What makes this kayaking different is the light. During Iceland's midnight sun season, the sun dips low but never sets, casting the mountain in a glow that does not exist at any other time of year. Mt. Kirkjufell (the distinctive peak that appeared as the Arrowhead Mountain in Game of Thrones) becomes the centerpiece of a three-hour paddle on still water. You spend the time actually operating the kayak, not watching from a boat, and the guide times the outing so you experience the mountain at its most photogenic hour.

The operator provides everything: kayak, life vest, dry-suit, under-suit, shoes and gloves, so you stay warm and dry even if the water is cold. A full safety demonstration happens before you launch, and the guide is with you the entire time, speaking English and leading the group to scenic stops. At those stops you can float, photograph, or watch for seals that sometimes appear. A warm refreshment waits after you paddle back.

The activity runs three hours total. Public transportation options are available nearby if you do not have a car. Children from age 10 can join, and the operator notes it suits all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Experienced local guide speaking English.
• kayak, life vest, dry-suit, under-suit, shoes and gloves.
• full safety demonstration before launch.
• warm refreshment after the paddle.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 19 Sep 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (10 to 15 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Vestur Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle beneath Kirkjufell during the midnight sun season (May–August), when the low golden light makes this experience possible. It won't look the same any other time of year.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 15 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Mt. Kirkjufell and why is it worth paddling out to see it?

Mt. Kirkjufell is one of Iceland's most recognizable landmarks, a distinctive cone-shaped mountain that became famous after appearing in the HBO series Game of Thrones. During the midnight sun season, the low angle of the sun at night creates light that makes the mountain look dramatically different than it does during the day, which is why the kayaking trip times the paddle for that specific hour.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No prior experience is required. The guide leads the group, a full safety demonstration happens before you launch, and the operator notes the activity suits all physical fitness levels. Children from age 10 can participate.

How cold is the water, and will I actually stay dry?

The operator provides a dry-suit, under-suit, shoes and gloves designed to keep you warm and dry. The water in this part of Iceland is cold, which is why the full protective gear is included and fitted before you launch.