Vik is one of the coolest little towns in Iceland. Besides being picture-perfect, it also offers a ton of different activities and things to see. Located on the south coast of Iceland, Vik and its surrounding areas are home to some of the most unique landscapes you’ll see in the country. Here’s a guide to all the best things to do in Vik!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. When you purchase through links on my site, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).
- Things to do in Vik
- Vík i Myrdal Church
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Black Sand Beach of Vik
- Swim in the Vik Swimming Pool
- Coffee at Skool Beans Cafe
- Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve
- Have a unique meal at Black Crust Pizzeria
- Sólheimasandur plane wreck
- Check out some popular waterfalls
- Icelandic Lava Show
- Gígjagjá (Yoda Cave)
- Go horseback riding
- Eldhraun Lava Fields
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
- Day trip to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Ice cave exploration
- Where to stay in Vik
- Vik FAQ
Things to do in Vik
Vík i Myrdal Church
The Vik i Myrdal Church is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Built in 1873, it’s open to the public and is free to enter. It sits on top of a hill overlooking Vik, meaning you can get a great view of the town and coastline below!
In 1918, the town experienced a devastating flood after a volcanic eruption. The church was the only building that survived and still holds evacuation drills for its residents today!
To get the best view, make sure to climb up the grassy hill behind the church.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara Beach on Iceland’s south coast is known for its interesting caves, rock formations, and striking black sand. Reynisfjall Mountain serves as a picturesque backdrop alongside the beach’s crashing waves.
On the beach itself, there are towering cliffs with staggered basalt columns. These columns make for a cool photo op and can be pretty crowded during the summer months.
(You can also find basalt columns in a few other places around the country as well, like Stuðlagil Canyon in east Iceland!)
Out at sea, you’ll see formations known as sea stacks. These are basalt columns that have been eroded by waves and wind over time. The one that you can see from Reynisfjara Beach is called Reynisdrangar.
Black Sand Beach of Vik
If Reynisfjara is too crowded, Vik’s own Black Sand Beach is another good option to visit!
This beach is close to town and also offers black sand, dramatic cliffs, and views of the Reynisdrangar sea stack. It’s a great place to take a walk along the coast and admire the views.
You can also check out the nearby Voyages Friendship Statue, a lovely art piece that symbolizes the unity between Britain and Iceland.
Swim in the Vik Swimming Pool
The Vik Swimming Pool is a heated outdoor pool in the town centre. It’s the perfect place to take a dip, even on a cold day!
There is a main swimming pool with a small water slide, a hot tub, and a sauna.
The pool is open from 11 AM to 8 PM on Monday through Saturday and from 12 PM to 6 PM on Sundays. Entry costs 900 ISK ($6.36 USD), making it a great option for those traveling Iceland on a budget!
Coffee at Skool Beans Cafe
Skool Beans Cafe is a fun and unique place to grab a midday pick-me-up. The cafe is inside a refurbished yellow school bus and the decor is so cute.
They have tasty coffees, pastries, and other assorted beverages on offer. You can even buy locally-made jewelry and other knickknacks.
The cafe is located right next to the Vik Campsite, which is where I would recommend staying while in town if you’re in a campervan!
Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve
Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve is one of the most gorgeous places to visit near Vik. You’ll find a lighthouse, some nice hiking trails, and sweeping views of black sand beaches, green hills, and sea stacks.
There is a nature walk that runs parallel to Kirkjufjara Beach from one end of the peninsula to the other. I’d highly recommend this short walk for anyone interested in beautiful coastal views and bird watching.
If you’re visiting between May and August, you also have a chance of seeing the adorable puffins when they come to shore to nest!
Have a unique meal at Black Crust Pizzeria
One of the best restaurants I visited in Iceland was Black Crust Pizzeria in Vik. I had a pizza with Icelandic langoustine, garlic butter, and truffle oil — enough said.
Some other unique topping options include marinated duck, spicy tuna, and búri, an Icelandic cheese similar to havarti.
Their pizzas come with either black crust, sourdough, or gluten free dough. They also have some sides, desserts, and a heavily local beer list. Black Crust Pizzeria is one of the best places in Vik to get a delicious and filling meal!
For other tasty dining options, check out Smiðjan Brugghús or The Soup Company.
Sólheimasandur plane wreck
Just a short drive down the road from Vik, you can find the abandoned wreckage of a US navy plane.
This DC-47 airplane crash landed on the black sand shores of Solheimafjara beach in 1973. Luckily, all 7 passengers survived and the mostly intact remains have gone on to become a popular tourist attraction.
To get to the plane, you’ll need to park your vehicle in the designated parking area and walk 45 minutes towards the shore. Despite all the pictures you’ve probably seen on Instagram, climbing on top of the plane is not allowed.
Check out some popular waterfalls
There are numerous amazing waterfalls near Vik, the most popular ones being Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Kvernufoss. They are all located relatively close along the south shore of Iceland, making for an awesome day trip.
Seljalandsfoss (and its neighboring waterfall Gljufrabui) is a 45-minute drive from Vik. These falls are popular because you can walk all the way underneath and around them! Make sure to bring some waterproof gear because the spray gets you very wet.
Skógafoss waterfall is located on the Skóga River. It reaches about 60 m (200 ft) tall and is definitely a must-see. You can climb to a viewpoint above the falls, as well as take a longer hike (starting at the Fimmvorduhals Trailhead) to several other waterfalls.
Kvernufoss is only accessible via an easy, short hike through a valley. Less visited than the other nearby waterfalls, Kvernufoss and its surroundings are simply magical.
Icelandic Lava Show
The Icelandic Lava Show is the only place in the world where you can (safely and consistently) experience red-hot molten lava up close!
A ticket will get you an educational and entertaining sensory experience. You’ll be able to see, smell, hear, and feel the intense heat of the lava while learning about some volcanic history.
Tickets cost 5,900 ISK ($43 USD) for adults and 3,500 ISK ($25) for children under 12.
Gígjagjá (Yoda Cave)
Gígjagjá is a small cave on the beach that resembles Yoda from Star Wars. Just a short detour from the main Ring Road, this is a fun stop for fans of the movies!
To reach the parking area closest to the cave, you’ll need a 4WD car or truck — regular cars won’t make it. If you don’t have a 4×4, you can drive as far as you can and park along the side of the road.
Go horseback riding
Icelandic horses are a small (almost pony-sized!) breed of horse that you’ll find all over the country. Horseback riding in Iceland is a unique experience that will let you marvel at the landscape’s natural beauty.
The town of Vik is a great place to take a guided tour on horseback. There are several different companies to choose from, and a few will even take you for a ride on the beach!
Eldhraun Lava Fields
The Eldhraun Lava Fields are a quick stop along Highway 1 near Vik and a great place to stretch your legs if you’re making the drive out of town.
There is a short boardwalk that takes you around the mossy boulders, which date back to a volcanic eruption in the 1780s. It’s super cool to see such a unique landscape, especially so close to the side of the road!
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a deep and winding river canyon that’s thought to be about 2 million years old.
It’s accessible via a moderate uphill hike from the parking lot. Along the way, there are plenty of lookouts to stop and take in the panoramic views.
In the winter months, you’ll need ice spikes or crampons to reach the top of the hill.
Day trip to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is an otherworldly natural wonder that’s 4 hours from the small village of Vik. If you’re staying in Vik for a few days, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon would make a great day trip!
The chilly lagoon is filled with chunks of ice that have broken off from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. There are boat tours that take you up close and personal to the floating icebergs.
Across the road, you’ll also find Diamond Beach, one of the top sights in south Iceland. Just like in the glacier lagoon, bits of ice break off of nearby glaciers and float onto the beach, making them look like sparkling diamonds.
Ice cave exploration
If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, an ice cave tour should be at the top of your itinerary. These guided tours give you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hike through and around an icy glacier.
There are several caves to choose from, but the Katla ice cave is the most popular option near the small town of Vik. On a tour, the guide will pick you up and drive you to the entrance of the cave around the Katla Volcano.
Once there, you’re kitted up in crampons, helmets, and head torches. You’re then free to hike into the glacier and learn about the area’s geography from your guide.
Where to stay in Vik
Budget
Mid-range
Bougie
Vik FAQ
Where is Vik?
Vik is a remote town located in southern Iceland. You’ll drive through it if you’re taking a road trip around Iceland on Highway 1, the main road.
The capital city of Reykjavik is located to its northwest. To its north, you’ll find Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, one of the country’s largest ice caps.
Is Vik worth visiting?
Vik is absolutely worth visiting! The town itself is quite small and can be seen in about half a day, but the surrounding area is worth exploring more in-depth.
You’ll find unique black sand beaches, glaciers, and dramatic landscapes at every turn. There are tons of short walks and things to see nearby.
How long should I spend in Vik?
It’s definitely worth spending at least one night in Vík í Myrdal. The town itself makes a good base for exploring the rest of Iceland’s southern coast, which is one of my personal favorite areas!
You’ll also love:
- The Perfect 2-Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
- How to Visit Malbork Castle: The Best Day Trip From Gdansk, Poland
- USA Bucket List Destinations: 150+ of the Best Places to Visit in All 50 States
Thanks for reading this guide on top things to do in Vik! Iceland is one of the most incredible countries and the southern coast in particular is a must-see.
xoxo Niki
Like it? Pin it!
