13 Amazing Things to Do in Vik, Iceland
There are a lot of worthwhile things to do near Vik, Iceland, which is a small town about 187 km (116 miles) east of Reykjavik.
Vík is tiny, with a population of just over 300 people, but it is surrounded by incredible scenic landscape – oceanside cliffs, glaciers, the iconic black sands beach, waterfalls and ice caves.
Some of the things to do are a short walk from the Vík town centre, whereas others are a short drive. You would need a car to be able to see everything around Vík, but there are also tours from Reykjavik which bring you to Vík and cover the highlights.
Vík is one of my favourite small towns in Iceland, we spent most of our time in Iceland doing things that there were to do in the area. I’m going to go through the best things to do in Vik so that you can plan how you want to spend 1-2 days in the area.
So, let’s jump in – things to do in Vik, Iceland!
Things to Do in Vík, Iceland
Here are the best things to do that are right in Vík, or within a short drive of the town
1. Walk along the black sand beach
Distance from Vík: 850 m
The Black Sand Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland, in fact – its been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic.
Best of all, the black sand beach is just a short walk from the Vík town centre. The beach itself is actually quite long (180 km or 112 miles long) but you can walk to this section of it from Vík (called Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach) in just 5 minutes.
The black sand beaches are known for their black sand which was formed from thousands year old volcanic rock. You can’t swim at the beaches, but you can enjoy the waves and views of the Atlantic ocean, and the scenery of green mountains and the Vík town in the background.
When we were at Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach, it wasn’t very busy at all – in fact, we were the only people on the beach at that time.
We grabbed hot chocolates and took a leisurely walk along the shoreline, and walked over to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (the more famous one), which is where you can see the basalt columns.
2. Admire the Reynisdrangar basalt columns
Distance from Vik: 850 m
The Reynisdrangar basalt columns are a short walk from Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (as long as the tide cooperates) and the centre of Vík. You can walk to these basalt columns in just 10 minutes from the beach or from Vík.
The columns are 216 feet tall, and located right by the shoreline.
If you visit these basalt columns at certain times of the year, there will be many tourists in front of them – and many people climbing them.
However, its important to know that you’re technically not supposed to climb the columns – there are cautions against doing so, for safety reasons. (Although you can’t tell by our photo, we only climbed up one step, which is what I recommend if you want to get a photo like ours.)
Sometimes the tide from the ocean comes in too far, which makes it impossible or very unsafe to get close to the columns. Pay attention to signage and the tide that day, as the waves, when they come in, are incredibly strong.
You don’t need a lot of time at the beach or the basalt columns, but give yourself at least 45 minutes to an hour for walking there from Vík, admiring the scenery and taking photos.
Good to Know: There is a large parking lot and tourist centre with washrooms near the Reynisdrangar basalt columns. You can also buy drinks and snacks there, such as an Icelandic hot dog.
7. Get bird’s eye views of the ‘three trolls’
Distance from Vík: 900 m
From Black Sands Beach, and from the Basalt columns, you’ll see three rock formations sticking out of the sea.
The views of the ocean, black sand beach and columns are gorgeous, but these rock formations (called Reynisdrangar, and nicknamed ‘the three trolls’) deserve a special mention because of an Icelandic legend about them that dates back a few hundred years.
Legend has it that the trolls tried to capture Viking ships off the coast of Vík, and the sun rays turned their bodies to stone. (Morbid, I know.)
To get the best view of the ‘three trolls’ from above: There is a road up heading up a hill from the west of the town. There is a flat spot to park at the top, and from there, you can walk about 10 minutes west for a bird’s eye view of the three trolls. It’s a beautiful view where you can see not only the Reynisdrangar trolls, but the waves crashing into the shore.
4. Do the Vík Horse Adventure
Distance from Vík: right in town
The Vík Horse Adventure was something we stumbled across by accident – we saw these people riding horses along the black sands beach and then realized that there’s a tour company in Vík that arranges this.
Vík Horse Company offers horseback riding trips that are 1-hour long, and happen right along the coastline.
The horseback riding tours are for ages 10+, for all levels (even complete beginners.)
If you’re in Iceland with kids, you’ll be interested to know that Vík Horse Adventure offers a family-friendly option for kids who are 6+. These rides are just 30 minutes.
You can book your horseback riding excursion on their website here.
5. Enjoy signature coffee from Skool Beans in Vík
Distance from Vík: 500 m
Skool Beans Micro Roaster is a cafe in Vík located in a repurposed school bus!
They make signature coffees, teas and hot chocolates, and have baked goods as well. (Sometimes, there is also an orange cat named Sir Jeffers who visits.)
Skool Beans Cafe is open during the day only, from 9am to 3pm Tuesday through Friday, and until 5pm on weekends.
There are plenty of tables to sit at inside the bus, by the window while enjoying the view of the ocean. Take a look at the Skool Beans menu here.
6. Explore the Katla Ice Cave
Distance from Vik: right in town
One thing to do in Vik that is mandatory if you crave adventure is an ice cave tour of the Katla Ice Cave.
The Katla Ice Cave is in the Kötlujökull glacier, and there is a tour centre right downtown in Vík that can bring you inside to explore it.
A guided tour is the only way to enter the ice cave (or any ice cave in Iceland), as its not safe to go in without someone who is knowledgeable about the cave and its changing form.
The Katla Ice Cave tour takes about 3 hours in total (including the time needed to get to the cave from Vík) and includes all the safety equipment.
Check availability for the Katla Ice Cave Tour here
7. Climb to the church to get a view
Distance from Vik: 500 m
One of the buildings that defines Vík is the white and red church, called Vík i Myrdal Church (built in 1929.)
If you climb up the hill to the church, you can get a beautiful view of the town, beach, oceanside cliffs and the three trolls.
To get to the top, find Hatún street, and take it in the direction of the church. (I wold go on foot and walk along the road.)
If you would rather drive, there is a a little graveyard (called the Vik graveyard), with a path leading to the church. There are excellent panoramic views from the path as well.
Interesting fact: There is actually two churches in Vik,and both of them look almost identical. This one is called Vik i Myrdal Church, and the other is called Reyniskirkja Church. Red-rooved white churches are actually very common in Iceland.
8. Hike the Sólheimajökull Glacier
Distance from Vik: 30 km
There are a few different glaciers in Iceland that you can hike, but one of the best ones is Sólheimajökull Glacier, just off the Ring Road near Vík.
It can be hiked year-round, and it also looks different year after year, and depending on the season; because of changes in temperature.
Similar to an ice cave, you need a guide in order to hike a glacier in Iceland. Our tour was excellent, very professional and we had an amazing time.
I couldn’t believe the how varied the terrain looked. It reminded me of being on a set of Star Wars, or on another planet. It’s very beautiful and I would recommend a tour of Sólheimajökull Glacier.
Check availability for the Sólheimajökull glacier hike here
9. Sample local Icelandic cuisine
Distance from Vík: right in town
There are a few different restaurants in Vík that serve traditional Icelandic food, but there are some international (fast food) options as well.
For Icelandic food in Vík, check out:
- Restaurant Suður-Vík (open daily from 12pm to 9pm)
- Halldórskaffi (open 12 to 9pm, serves Icelandic and international dishes. See menu here.)
Good to Know: If you’re craving American-style fast food, then head to Smiðjan Brugghús for burgers and Black Crust Pizzeria for pizza
10. Spend some time at Dyrholaey
Distance from Vík: 12 km (7.4 miles)
Dyrhoaley (meaning “the hill island with the door hole” in Icelandic) is a unique looking rock formation that looks like an arch.
Its nestled in a cove by a shoreline that is also a common nesting area for wild native birds, including puffins.
Because of this, there is sometimes limited access to Dyrhoaley in the spring due to nesting birds (which by the way, can get aggressive if you approach their nest, so be careful.) Usually, this is not an issue anymore by July or August.
Beside the archway-looking rock, there are also a few other things to see near the Dyrhoaley:
- The Arnardrangur (“Eagle rock” in English) which you can see out in the tide
- The Dyrhólaey Lighthouse (you can walk up to it, but not go inside)
- The Endless Black Beach, which you can go for a walk along the coast
To get to Dyrhaoley, take the Ring Road 1 west from Vík, and then turn left onto road 218. If. you drive all the way to the top (which I recommend) then you’ll have gorgeous views of the area. Afterwards, drive back down, and you can park if you want to spend some time on the beach.
11. Shop at Katla Wool Studio
Distance from Vík: right in town
There is a small shop in Vík where you can buy authentic lopapeysas, which is the traditional Icelandic wool sweaters.
Lopapeysas are a very mass produced produced, so if you find them in souvenir store, then it may not be authentic. A real lopapeysa sweater will have the knitter’s name on it and say that it was knitted in Iceland.
But Katla Wool Studio (Prjónastofa Katla) in Vík sells wool products of several kinds – hats, mitts, sweaters. Its a great place to shop for a high quality gift or souvenir from Iceland. It’s also perfect for grabbing something warm if you’re colder than you thought you’d be!
12. Go zip-lining
Distance from Vík: right in town
If you’e in Vík between April and October, then you have the opportunity to go zip-lining.
The Vík zip-lining experience includes hiking through beautiful dramatic meadows outside Vík, followed by the zip-lining itself.
There is hiking in between each zip-line, there there are about four zip-lines in total. If you’re looking for things to do in Vík over the course of two days, then you can buy combo packages that include zip-lining + a lava show, or the ice cave.
Read details on the Vík zip-line website here.
13. Watch a live Lava show
Distance from Vík: right in town
The lava show in Vík is one of the only lava shows in the world (the other one is in Reykjavik, but its done by the same company.)
The show is just under an hour long and allows you to watch real bubbling, hot lava right in front of you.
The show is best for adults and kids who are 5+, just because a large part of the show involves talking and might be boring for younger kids.
The lava show in Vík is often sold out, so its worth booking in advance if this is something you want to see. You likely have more chance of getting into the Vík show, than in Reykjavik, where its more popular.
Read more details about the lava show in Vík here.
Where to Stay Near Vík
- Budget: Hótel Vík i Myrdal This hotel has stunning views of the Basalt Columns and the sea, has a restaurant on-site and breakfast is included
- Mid Range: Hótel Kría Modern style amongst the mountains with full-length windows, Hotel Kria offers a free hot breakfast
- Luxury: Hótel Katla by Keyhotels Outdoor hot tubs and sauna, just 5km from Vik. Breakfast included
Things to Do in Between Reykjavik and Vík
Are you driving from Reykjavik to Vík? Here are a few things you can see and do along the way. These stops are part of the reason why Iceland is so popular.
1. See the Skogafoss Waterfall
Distance from Vik: 34 km
Skogafoss waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, and its just 30 minutes west of Vík. For this reason, you can either visit Skogafoss on the way to Vík from Reykjavik, or just drive there separately.
Skogafoss was personally one of my favourite waterfalls that I saw in Iceland. It stands 197 feet tall, and you can get views from the top as well as at the bottom. One time we were there, there was a perfect rainbow!
Entrance is free of charge, and there is a large parking lot. They say that sometimes the path from the parking lot to the falls will be closed in the winter if the conditions. are icy, but it was open during our trip to Iceland in February.
Give yourself 45 minutes at Skogafoss at least, incase you want to take the staircase to get views from the top.
2. Visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Distance from Vik: 60 km
Seljalandsfoss is one of the must-do things on the way from Reykjavik to Vík. Seljalandsfoss is one of the few waterfalls in Iceland where you can walk behind the waterfall, being able to see it from all angles.
Entrance to Seljalandsfoss waterfall is free, and you just need to give yourself 15-20 minutes to walk to the waterfall from the parking area.
As you can imagine, it gets quite misty and wet behind the waterfall, so I recommend wearing your poncho or rain jacket if you have one – or at the very least, just a hoodie or something warm. Both myself and daughter got a bit damp.
Also, we found the rocks slippery – so wear good shoes.
9. Hiking at Thórsmörk
Distance from Vik: 59 km
Thórsmörk (also sometimes written as Þórsmörk) is a stunning valley located in between Reykjavik and Vík, in the ‘highlands’ area of Iceland. It was named after Thor, the Norse God.
It is one of the most popular places to go hiking in Iceland, and there are a number of trails to choose from – some that are hours long, and some that would be multi-day hikes.
If you’re an experienced hiker, you could consider the Laugavegur Trail, which is a 55 km (34 miles) multi-day hike. It’s the most popular trail in Iceland, and over 100,000 people hike it each year each year.
However, assuming you were’t planning to hike for several days, then I would recommend this 4.7 km (2.3 mile) hike instead which takes under 2 hours on average. When you visit the Alltrails site, you can see other Þórsmörk hike options on the right hand panel
Access to Þórsmörk might be limited in the winter months, as the F-roads that lead to the highlands are often closed.
10. Gljufrafoss
Distance from Vik: 61 km
Gljufrafoss is another waterfall between Reykjavik and Vik and is actually very close to Seljalandsfoss; about 150 metres away.
You need to hike for about 10 minutes in order to reach it. While its an easy route, you might get wet and the land is a bit uneven – so it might not be ideal for small children or anyone with mobility issues.
Part of the reason why not a lot of people see this waterfall is because you have to get into cave to see it – to do that, you have to walk through a stream which run.
Not everyone is prepared to get this wet – but if you are, you’ll be rewarded with the cave that you may have all to yourself!
Things to Do in Between Vík and Glacier Lagoon
If you’re driving from Vík to Glacier Lagoon (or coming back from the opposite direction) then here are a few gems to see on the way
11. Take in stunning views at the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Distance from Vík: 68 km
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a stunning canyon, with the Fjaðrá river flowing through it. Its believed to have been formed 9,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age.
The cliffs at Fjaðrárgljúfur are over 300 feet tall, and this is where you are standing to get views of the canyon. We walked along a wooden pathway at the top of the cliffs, admiring the views and taking photos.
If the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon looks familiar, it may be because you saw it in Game of Thrones! (Jon and Daenyrus flew their dragons together through the canyon in season 8.)
Entrance to the canyon is free; there is a parking lot from where you follow the wooden boardwalk that will take you along the top of the canyon. I recommend setting aside at least an hour at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.
We were a bit rushed when we visited, as we had a full itinerary. But this is a place where you will want to take your time.
12. Hike to Svartifoss
Distance from Vik: 139 km
Svartifoss is a unique looking waterfall that takes a bit of short 1.5 km (0.9 mile) trek to get to – but its worth it.
Svartifoss means “black falls” in Icelandic, and is surrounded by basalt columns, similar to the ones at the Black Sand beach.
Svartifoss is located just off the Ring Road 1 in between Vík and Glacier Lagoon.
There is a 1000 ISK ($9 USD) parking fee which can be paid at the visitors centre when you arrive. The trail to the Svartifoss waterfall is easy, and on a mostly gravel path surrounded by greenery.
Visiting Vik FAQ
Here are the most commonly asked questions about visiting Vik Iceland
How many nights should I stay in Vik?
I would recommend spending 1-2 nights in Vik. This gives you enough time to do a glacier or ice cave tour, a lava show, visit the black sands beach and the basalt columns.
How do you spend a day in Vik Iceland?
To spend a day in Vik, you should first grab a coffee at Skool Beans and then take a walk to Black Sands Beach and see the Basalt Columns. After that, choose between a Katla Ice Cave tour or a Sólheimajökull Glacier tour in the afternoon.
Is Vik Iceland worth visiting?
Vík Iceland is definitely worth visiting. It’s a very small town, but it has a lot of adventure activities at its reach because of the unusual terrain which surrounds it. Vík is surrounded by meadows, glaciers, ice caves, and over 100 km of black sand beach.
What waterfall is on the way to Vík Iceland?
There are a few waterfalls on the way to Vík from Reykjavik, but the two most popular ones are Seljandsfoss and Skogafoss. Both of these waterfalls are easily accessible off the Ring Road, and its free to visit.
Things to Do in Vík, Iceland: Final Thoughts
By now you know about the things to do in Vik and outside of it. Vík is surrounded by some of the most iconic, stunning scenery in Iceland and is a must-visit in south Iceland.
Things to do in Vik include visiting the black sand beach and basalt columns, exploring ice caves, going zip-lining, seeing a live lava show, and visiting the Dyrhoaley. You can enjoy Icelandic cuisine and find a place to stay in the town of Vik.
I hope that you enjoy your time in Vík and are able to enjoy the natural beauty and take part in all of these amazing activities