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By Monika

Best Things to Do in Vik, Iceland – Your Ultimate Guide.

Vik is a charming village on the South Coast of Iceland. It is also the southernmost point in Iceland.

It is small but packed with possibilities for memorable experiences. While it’s most famous for the iconic Vík í Mýrdal church, there is so much more to explore in this quaint little town.  

In this guide, I’ll tell you about the best things to do and must-see spots in Vik that will make your visit unforgettable.

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Where is Vik?

Vik is located right on the Ring Road – the main road encompassing Iceland.

It is about 2.5 hours (187 km) from Reykjavik and just over 3 hours (270 km) from Höfn.

How to get to Vik?

By car

Due to its convinient location on the Ring Road, Vik is easily accessible by car.

If you’re driving towards Glacier Lagoons or Vestrahorn from Reykjavik, you’ll drive right through it, so read below to find out why it’s worth a stop!

➡️ Need a rental car? Book from two of the top local Icelandic rental car companies – Blue Car Rental or Lava Car Rental – with an instant 5% discount. No promo code needed!

With a tour

There are many tours listing Vik and various attractions near it in their itineraries. They all depart from Reykjavik. Here are the best reviewed ones:

• Full-Day South Coast, Black Beach & Waterfalls Tour
• South of Iceland Full-Day Trip
• South Coast, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón Tour

What to do in Vik?

1. Vík í Mýrdal church

This is the most famous feature of Vik. This is what everyone thinks of when Vik is mentioned. The small white church with the red roof, perched on a hill, offering amazing views of the nearby black sand beaches and the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks.

The church is closed more than it’s open so unfortunately, it’s difficult to see it inside, but the views of this iconic building with the dramatic Icelandic coastline in the background are definitely worth your time.

It’s one of the most photographed spots in Iceland.

2. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

This is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland, and definitely the most dangerous one. It’s known for its signature basalt columns and incredible views, but also for powerful sneaker waves, so please be careful when exploring!

For more information and important safety tips read my detailed guide to Reynisfjara Beach!

Helpful hint: Reynisfjara is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights around Vik.

3. Reynisfjall Mountain hike

This hike will take you to the top of the mountain towering over Reynisfjara Beach.

The trail starts right in the heart of Vik – just type in Reynisfjall Mountain Hike trailhead and you’ll easily find it.

I haven’t done this hike yet, but from everything I’ve read it’s recommended to go clockwise and you can make it a 4 mile (8 km) loop or go as far as you want to the top and once you get your fill of the amazing views of the beach, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and Dyrhólaey Cliffs, you can retrace your steps and go back the same way.

4. Vikurfjara black sand beach

I guess you could call it Vik’s Town Beach – you can access it right from the town and even ride Icelandic horses there (read more below). It’s not as big as the famous Reynisfjara but just as beautiful. It offers the same amazing view of the Reynisdrangar cliffs without the crowds. 

5. Skool Beans Café 

If you want a cup of delicious coffee from a fun, quirky cafe, this is your place!

Located near Vík í Mýrdal church, this school bus-turned-coffee shop attracts tourists with delicious brew, tasty pastries and funky décor.

It’s a not-to-miss spot for your Vik itinerary!

6. Go Horseback Riding

Ride Icelandic horses on Vik’s black sand beach (Víkurfjara), even if you have no riding experience. It’s an unforgettable adventure! We did it and loved every moment!

One of the most popular horseback riding tours is the Black Sand Beach Horse Riding Tour, organized by Vik Horse Adventure. We booked it for the morning and followed it with some snacks and coffee at the Skool Beans Cafe – it was a great start to our day!

7. Vik Zipline Adventure

For a more adrenaline-powered experience go for a zipline ride over Vik’s scenic canyons!

You meet up at the base camp near Smiðjan Brewery and from there follow your guide who will lead you on a hike between two or three ziplines and bring you back to the meeting point after the thrilling rides.

Book your zipline ride here.

8. Vik Swimming Pool

Go for a swim in Vik’s geothermal pool!

There are no hot springs in this area and the swimming pool provides a great alternative, that is also very budget-friendly.

Admission to Vik’s pool is only 1250 ISK for an adult and 400 ISK for children.

There is the main pool, the children’s one and a hot tub. A perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring – a relaxing soak in a hot outdoor pool with a view of surrounding mountains!

For more information and directions click here.

9. See the Lava Show

Yes, it’s the same lava show as in Reykjavik. It’s a unique immersive experience replicating a real volcanic activity using real lava from the 1918 Katla volcano eruption.

Book your tickets here.

10. See the puffins

Puffins like to nest in the cliffs on the black sand beaches in Vik, so if you’re visiting in the summer months you have a good chance of seeing them there! Another great spot for puffin viewing is the nearby Dyrhólaey Cliff – more on that below. 

11. Dyrhólaey

Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula right by Vik where you can visit the old historic lighthouse, see the iconic massive stone arch with a hole and of course the puffins!

Let’s not forget the views of the rugged Icelandic coast which are breathtaking!

It’s only a short drive (20 minutes) away from the village of Vik.

Learn more in this Dyrhólaey guide!

12. Check out Loftsalahellir Cave

This is a small cave that you’ll pass y on the way to Dyrhólaey.

Don’t miss it (I did so it’s on my list for the next trip!). Look for a small parking area and a path leading to the cave from which you have a great view of the cliffs and the lighthouse.

13. Yoda Cave (Gígjagjá)

About 15 minutes in the opposite direction you have the famous Yoda Cave – the entrance to the cave really does look like Master Yoda from Star Wars!

It’s an easy scenic drive to the top of the cliff to this fun natural wonder. You can also walk around the area and take in the amazing views of the cost.

Read my full guide to Yoda Cave for more details!

14. Hjörleifshöfði

Before you get to the Yoda Cave parking lot you’ll come across the parking for the Hjörleifshöfði trailhead. It’s a 2-mile loop trail leading to the historical Viking burial mound and of course, offering incredible views from the top of the promontory. 

I did not have the time to hike there – I was a tour guide for my dad on his first visit to Iceland and there was so much I needed to show him on the South Coast! But we did see the Yoda Cave and I added the Hjörleifshöfði hike to my to do in Iceland list that just keeps on growing! 

15. Þakgil hiking trails

Þakgil Canyon (also spelled Thakgil Canyon) is a spectacular area with many hiking trails and a beautiful campground with a cave that’s lit up at night and serves as a dining room.

It’s located at the end of rt. 214 (also called Kerlingadalsvegur), which starts at Hotel Katla in Vik. It’s a 15 km drive on a gravel road, with plenty of viewpoints on the way to this lush green breathtaking valley.

Þakgil’s hiking trails offer amazing views of many unique rock formations of the canyon, beautiful waterfalls and Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

16. Katla ice cave tour

Visiting an ice cave is on most travelers’ Iceland bucket list and you can check that off right in Vik!

There are many tours departing from various meeting points in the village that will take you to this mystical famous ice cave. 

Note: You can’t visit an ice cave on your own, for your safety always book a tour with an experienced guide.

17. Black Crust Pizza

This is a must-do when you’re in Vik – where else will you be able to have a slice of pizza on a black crust? And no, it’s not burnt! It’s delicious! The pizzeria is very cozy and located almost directly opposite Vík í Mýrdal church so you can snap your postcard worthy photo of it right from the pizzeria’s parking lot.

Definitely worth checking out!

18. Try Icelandic Beer from Smiðjan Brugghus (Brewery)

Smiðjan is a great place to taste different kinds of Icelandic craft beer, but you can also grab a burger, some wings or have a glass of wine.

And bonus: it’s open till 11 pm, which is not common in Iceland!

Helpful hint: Restaurants and grocery stores in Iceland close early. For more info about opening times and other useful things to know for your trip read this guide!

Best Places to Stay in Vik Iceland

There are a lot of options of accommodations in Vik, depending on your travel style and needs. 

For a bit of luxury, you have Hotel Katla with breakfast and a hot tub. Hotel Vík í Mýrdal and Hótel Kría are also excellent options. 

Budget friendly? Try The Barn Hostel. Prefer to stay on a farm? Prestshús 2 Guesthouse is a wonderful place to stay in Vik. For an apartment feel check out Black Beach Suites near Reynisjfara.

Need more options? Click here or search on the map below:

Is Vik Worth Visiting?

Yes, Vik is definitely worth a visit! 

It’s quaint, charming, with plenty of activities to choose from – from black beaches to hiking trails to delicious meals. Everyone will find something to do here! And let’s not forget the amazing views surrounding this small village in every direction.

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Best time to visit Vik

Vik is beautiful all year long, so you can visit in any season and the natural beauty around this small town will not disappoint, however you should always choose the right season for your must-do activity.

If it’s seeing the puffins, plan your trip in the summer, if it’s visiting the ice cave, plan to visit in the winter months.

Things to do near Vik:

There are amazing places to see and do just outside Vik. Here are my top choices:

• Skógafoss waterfall
• Kvernufoss waterfall
• Solheimassandur plane wreck
• Sólheimajökull glacier – visit the glacier and/or go for a glacier hike
• Seljavallalaug Geothermal Swimming Pool

For more information about other attractions along Iceland’s South Coast read this detailed guide!

👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!

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