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Vík í Mýrdal lies along a dramatic stretch of coastline in South Iceland. The small village sits in the shadow of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers Katla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. Vík is the perfect base for exploring the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, both within walking distance. Exploring the ice cave beneath Katla, ice climbing on Sólheimajökull glacier, and snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajökull glacier are also popular things to do in Vík.
The best time of year to visit Vík varies depending on what you want to do there. Summer offers the advantages of relatively warm temperatures and long days, which let you can pack in more outdoor activities like quad biking on lava sands and horseback riding. But if you want to explore an ice cave and look for the northern lights, the colder, darker months from September to April are best.
You can reach Vík by taking the public bus that travels along the entire southern section of the Ring Road. While the village itself is tiny and easy to explore on foot, you’ll want your own vehicle if you plan see many of the surrounding attractions, such as the Dyrhólaey Peninsula. To visit ice caves, glaciers, and the highlands, skip the hassle of driving and book a guided tour.
Smiðjan Brugghús, Vík’s local pub, offers 10 Iceland craft beers on tap as well as hearty meals such as burgers, sandwiches, and wings (as well as vegan options). It’s a casual spot and is ideal for refueling and warming up after a day exploring South Iceland’s rugged landscape. If you’re near the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara, Ströndin Pub is another good option for lunch, dinner, or a drink (and it’s open until midnight).
On Iceland’s southern coast along the main Ring Road, the small seafront village of Vik is best known for its austere white church picturesquely perched just below the Katla volcano. It’s also known for its proximity to the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara and Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
...MoreYou really only need a few hours to see Vík and its surroundings, but the village’s location makes it worth spending the night. Vik is right in the middle of the South Iceland region, which means that several of Iceland’s top natural attractions—including Thingvellir National Park and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon—are within easy reach.
...MoreIf you’re visiting Vik in winter, you can still enjoy strolling along the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara but should practice caution and never approach the waves. You can also explore ice caves and go hiking or snowmobiling on a glacier with guided tours that depart from Vik.
...MoreYou can break up your drive from the capital to Vik by stopping at the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss and by taking a dip in the geothermal water of the open-air Seljavallalaug swimming pool. All lie on, or just off, the main Ring Road (Route 1), which connects Reykjavik and Vik.
...MoreVik is 117 miles (189 kilometers) south of the Golden Circle, or around a two-hour drive. If you are coming from Reykjavik, you can visit Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall before continuing on to Vik.
...MoreYes, Vik is absolutely worth visiting. The charming village is itself very small, but the surrounding area is filled with incredible landscapes, from the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara and sea stacks of Reynisdrangar to nearby dramatic glaciers and volcanoes.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 4 |
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Number of Tours | 73 |
Number of Reviews | 3,490 |
Currency | ISK |