Vik, Iceland is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip and discover all that Vik has to offer. Now, Vik has been getting much more attention from tourists as a popular travel destination.
Vik or Vík í Mýrdal is an excellent tourist place in Iceland. It is in fact a small village that is known for its black sand beaches and dramatic coastline. But, it has many things to offer for the visitors.
Why Vik Iceland
If you’re looking for a unique travel destination that offers stunning natural beauty and unforgettable experiences, look no further than Vik, Iceland. This small town on the southern coast of Iceland is a hidden gem that boasts black sand beaches, towering cliffs, and awe-inspiring waterfalls.
There are many reasons why Vik Iceland is such a popular travel destination. The village is located in a beautiful setting, with the sea on one side and picturesque mountains on the other. In addition, Vik is a great base for exploring the rest of Iceland, as it is located near many of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Vik has something to offer. This guide will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in this incredible destination.
Despite its small size, Vik is home to many of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks. If you plan a trip to Vik Iceland, this guide will give you the important information you need. We will cover different helpful travel topics for Vik.
Vik Iceland Map
Check out the location of Vik Iceland on Google Maps. Find out the Vik map and Iceland map by zooming in and zooming out to understand the position of the places:
How to get into Vik Iceland
Vik is located on the southern coast of Iceland (on the Reykjanes peninsula, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean). Getting to Vik Iceland is easy, as it is located just a short drive from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.
If you are coming from the UK or Europe, you can fly into Keflavik International Airport, located about 45 minutes from Reykjavik and 192 minutes from Vik. There are some popular airlines that offer flights to Keflavik. It includes Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Transavia, PLAY, Scandinavian Airlines, Icelandair, Finnair, Iberia Express, Air Baltic, British Airways, EasyJet, and more.
From Reykjavik to Vik
There are a few different ways to get to Vik, depending on where you are coming from. The most common way to get to Vik is by car.
Route: There are a few different routes that you can take to get to Vik by car. The shortest route is to take Route 1 from Reykjavik. It is also known as the famous Ring Road.
Duration: This route takes about 2 or 2.5 hours from Reykjavik to Vik.
Distance: This small town is about 180 kilometers away from the capital city.
Transportation: As for transportation, renting a car is the most popular option for exploring Vik and the surrounding areas. There are also bus tours available from Reykjavik to Vik and back. This is for those who prefer not to drive by themselves.
Get around in Vik Iceland
Once you are in Vik Iceland, there are plenty of transportation options. You can walk, or take a bus. There is also a local taxi service for getting around. The village is not so big. It is absolutely ok and easy to walk around the village.
There are many tourist places in Vik that are only accessible through gravel tracks. So, travelers need to use well-equipped cars to access the spots.
Top tourist attractions in Vik Iceland
1. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
The beach is known for its unique basalt column formations, towering cliffs, and the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is surrounded by stunning rock formations, including the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, which rise up from the sea just off the coast. Legend has it that these stacks were once trolls who were turned to stone by the rising sun.
While Reynisfjara is a stunning and unique destination, it’s important to note that the waves and currents can be very dangerous, and visitors should take precautions and stay away from the water’s edge.
2. Icelandic Lava Show
It offers visitors the chance to witness a demonstration of molten lava flowing in a controlled environment. The Icelandic Lava Show provides a safe and controlled environment to experience the power and beauty of volcanic activity in Iceland. The show is educational and informative.
3. Vik I Myrdal Church
It is one of the most photographed churches in Iceland due to its unique and charming appearance. This picturesque church is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it is often used as a backdrop for wedding photos and other special occasions. It is a symbol of the resilience and strength of the Icelandic people
4. Dyrhólaey Lighthouse
The lighthouse was first built in 1910 and has been an important navigational aid for ships and boats sailing along the South Coast of Iceland ever since. It offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and sea.
5. Katla Volcano Ice Cave
Visitors to the Katla Volcano Ice Cave can explore the stunning blue and white ice formations, which create a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. The cave is illuminated by natural light, which filters through the ice and creates a magical and unforgettable experience.
6. Puffin bird
This Atlantic seabird is a great attraction in Vik Iceland. You can enjoy this beautiful bird in Summer from May to August. Dyrhólaey in Vik is a popular nesting area for puffin birds.
7. Dyrhólaey Natural Viewpoint
It is an incredible place to stop and admire the Atlantic Ocean and the black sand beach. This is absolutely worth visiting spot. You need to heed the various warning signs.
8. Reynisfjall Observation Deck
This is another great place to view the beauty of Vik. You can enjoy mindblowing nature enriched with beaches, waves, and rocks.
9. Hálsanefshellir Cave
It’s a phenomenal natural formation of Basalt columns and caves. The rocks lining up the cave have an amazing design, it’s crazy to think that these are all natural and the pyramidal looks on the outside lined with basalt columns facing the beach just adds a great touch to it.
10. Solheimajokull Glacier
The glacier is known for its stunning blue ice formations and rugged terrain. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the glacier and learn about its formation, history, and environmental significance.
11. Reynisdrangar Cliffs
Reynisdrangar Cliffs are a series of basalt sea stacks and these are distinctive rock formations that rise out of the sea. Visitors can view the Reynisdrangar Cliffs from the nearby black sand beach of Reynisfjara or from the top of the nearby Dyrhólaey promontory. The cliffs are especially dramatic when viewed against the backdrop of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
How to start a tour in Vik Iceland
There are two ways to make a tour in Vik. One is exploring Vik from Reykjavik and the other is experiencing Vik arriving there. You can choose whatever is suitable for you.
1. Vik tour from Reykjavik
There are some highly reviewed tour operators that offer activities from Reykjavik. The tourist can avail touch-screen audio guide in line with a live guide in Iceland tour. If you like to avoid trip planning activities by yourself and want to get an easier solution to discover Vik, then follow travel itineraries from Reykjavik.
The potential traveler can take help from the personalized trip planner. Leave your difficulties of making a travel plan to the expert and get the result. You will get a customized trip plan for Vik Iceland if they know your budget, duration, travel style, group size, travel interest, accommodation, and transportation choice.
A self-drive tour is a great way of experiencing Iceland and its south coast like Vik. You can make a multi-day campervan tour if you have a valid international driving license. Exploring Iceland in a campervan is a popular way to travel for many visitors. A campervan trip in Vik Iceland can be an unforgettable experience with careful planning and preparation.
2. Vik tour plan from Vik
The second option for discovering Vik is to start the tour after arriving at this amazing tourist destination. It is better to book a guided tour in advance.
If you are unprepared, then start with the Katla Visitor Center. This is a tourist information center where you can avail valuable advice and suggestions on where and when to go. Get some ideas, collect a free Vik map, and plan properly to explore Vik. Explore the exhibition center, souvenir shop, and cafe.
Select your preference of tour type such as a full-adventurous, or semi-adventurous tour. After that go for experiencing the trip. Vik glacier hiking, paragliding, and ice climbing are part of the adventurous tour.
If you want to avoid Vik adventure tours, then visit the black sand beaches of Vik, make a Puffin bird-watching trip, go to Vik Icewear wool factory, enjoy a jeep tour, and more.
Best things to do in Vik Iceland
There are many things to do in Vik Iceland, including hiking, kayaking, climbing glaciers, exploring the black sand beaches, and visiting the tourist places nearby glaciers. If you want to get a broad idea about experiencing Vik, then pay attention to these tours:
1. Photography Tour
Vik is a scenic travel destination. It is a beautiful location with stunning landscapes that are perfect for photography. There are several photography tours available in Vik that can take you to some of the best locations for capturing the natural beauty of the area.
You can visit different tourist attractions in Vik with an experienced photography tour guide. The place may be Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, or any other attractive spot in Vik. There is a network of photographers and videographers named Localgrapher. The tourist can contact them to book their photography tour service.
2. Thorsmork Adventure
Thorsmork is an Icelandic nature to the core. It is one of the popular adventure destinations in Iceland. For those who love outdoor activities, Thorsmork in Vik is a great option for them. It is located among the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull.
Thorsmork has its own kind of beauty. Thorsmork adventure will offer you to explore the mighty valley of Thor. It is an incredibly beautiful nature reserve. Experiencing Thorsmork is ideal for active travelers who have an adventurous spirit.
3. Glacier Hiking Experience
Glacier hiking is a popular activity and experiencing glacier hiking is a flagship thing to do in Vik, Iceland. There are many glaciers in the area that offer unique and exciting experiences for adventure seekers.
To experience the glacier in Sólheimajökull by hiking has been attracting many adventurers and travelers. A glacier hike will give you the opportunity to see ice formations, crevasses, and water cauldrons.
4. Zipline and Paragliding adventure tour
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure in Vik, Iceland, ziplining and paragliding are two exciting activities that you can consider. You can experience the thrill of speeding over Iceland’s rivers, waterfalls, and glaciers on a zipline adventure in the seaside village of Vik.
A paragliding tour in Vik will give you the thrilling experience of seeing the beauty of the small village from the sky. Enjoy a bird’s eye view over Iceland’s Vik. This will be an unforgettable tour experience.
5. Horse riding
It is an excellent way of exploring Vik. Ride on a horse and enjoy the picturesque black sand beach. Horse riding experience in Vik can be tailored. It is also suitable for beginners since they go with calm and peace.
Travelers can experience the incredible scenery of Vik Iceland without being stuck on a crowded bus. A horse riding tour in Vik is a great fun thing to do in Iceland.
6. Ice cave tour
This is one of the top things to do in Vik. These caves are formed by glacial meltwater that carves tunnels and caverns into the ice, creating breathtaking formations that are both beautiful and otherworldly. Ice cave tours in Vik are generally led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the geology and history of the area.
An ice cave under Katla Volcano is a rare natural wonder. This ice cave tour is such an experience that is impossible to explore by someone alone. On the way to Katla Ice Cave, travelers will be able to view the majestic mountains and glaciers of Iceland’s Vik.
7. Bike tour, Super jeep tour, Buggy tour, Snowmobiling
Vik is full of natural beauty. It offers plenty of options for travelers to make an enjoyable tour. You can experience Thorsmork, Eyjafjallajökull, Landmannalaugar, Fimmvorduhals, and Hekla tour by super jeep. This is a fantastic way of experiencing Vik.
You can enjoy a buggy tour on the black sand beach or Þórsmörk. Travelers will take the wheel to drive along the Vik sand beach. You can enjoy the ride and experience the amazing views of the coast of Vik Iceland.
Another way of thrilling adventure is a snowmobiling tour. It will give you a brand new perspective on discovering Vik beyond typical sightseeing in Iceland.
Even tourists can make quad bike tours on black lava sands. This is a new way of exploring Vik in South Iceland. Quad bike tours are suitable for any level of travelers including beginners.
Vik is great for off-road vehicle tours. If you are confused to choose your tour, you can visit Viator to find a suitable tour to select for you.
Hotels in Vik Iceland
Before embarking on your journey to Vik, it’s important to plan your accommodations. There are a variety of options available, from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and Airbnb rentals. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak travel season.
There is no shortage of accommodation in Vik, Iceland. You can stay in any hotel, hostel, guesthouse, apartment, cottage, or farmhouse. Choose whatever you like to stay in Vik. More than 1600 hotel rooms are available in Vik.
With so many options to choose from, it can be not easy to decide which one is right for you. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a hotel in Vik Iceland. Location, cost, and size are the three important elements to book accommodation.
Vik is a small town, so most hotels are centrally located. Consider how close you want to be to the main attractions and activities in town. In this regard, The Barn can be a good hotel to stay in.
Hotels in Vik range in price from budget-friendly to luxurious. Be sure to compare rates and amenities to find the best value for your money. Guesthouse Carina is comparatively cheaper and highly rated accommodation. Black Beach Suites is a luxurious option to stay in.
Vik hotels come in all sizes, from small inns to large resorts. Consider how many people you are traveling with and what accommodations you need. Here is some more recommendation:
Cottage: Vik Cottages
Apartment: Vik Apartments
Farm Stay: Giljur Guesthouse
Hostel: Puffin Hostel Vik
Airbnb Vik Iceland
There are so many options for Airbnb rentals in Vik Iceland. More than 100 Airbnb superhosts are available to provide you with accommodation. It’s recommended that you book well in advance to ensure availability.
When booking an Airbnb accommodation in Vik, you have to consider the location of the property and the amenities it offers, such as parking, Wi-Fi, and kitchen facilities, to make sure it meets your needs and preferences.
Where to eat in Vik Iceland
Vik Iceland is also a great place to eat, with many restaurants serving fresh seafood caught right off the coast. The town of Vik has a few restaurants and cafes, as well as a grocery store. The food options in Vik are therefore somewhat limited. However, there are still a number of good places to eat in Vik.
The travelers can get dine-in and takeaway services from the restaurants of Vik. The Soup Company, Restaurant Suður-Vík, Black Crust Pizzeria, Wok On Vík, and Smiðjan Brugghús are highly-rated restaurants to have your food.
Best time to visit Vik Iceland
The weather in Vik is variable and can range from sunny and warm, to cold and windy. Travelers can visit Vik the whole year around. You can make a tour either in winter or in summer. It is said that the best time to visit Vik is August.
In case of the winter season, plan a tour at least 6 months in advance. You have to keep in mind that you might face some difficulties to arrive in Vik. Pay attention to the weather forecast. Remember that it can be rainy in warmer months.
Vik’s weather is milder than the rest of Iceland since it is closer to the seashore. It turns into a blanket of wildflowers in the Summer. The warmest months are July-August with an average temperature of 14.7 (degree Celsius). February is the coldest in which temperature drops down about 0 (degree Celsius). Winter becomes a snowy wonderland. This time is good for watching Northern Lights.
Things to know before visiting Vik
1. Visa to Iceland
Since Vik is a tourist place in Iceland, travelers need to get a visa from Iceland which is a Schengen country. The people of Schengen countries don’t need visas to enter Iceland. The citizens from rest of the countries of the world can check the visa requirements on the IVISA website for free. They offer global online visa services and information help.
2. Internet and mobile communication
Staying connected throughout travel in Vik Iceland is important. For this purpose, tourists can buy eSIM or rent an unlimited pocket wifi modem in Iceland for communicating with the world. Their calling code is +354.
3. Miscellaneous
The local currency is Icelandic Krona(ISK). Right-side driving is the correct way of road communication. For the time zone, Iceland follows GMT exactly. There is a health care clinic, pharmacy, supermarket, gas station, and bus stop in Vik. 112 is the most emergency number in Iceland for crime, rescue, accidents, fire, or any kind of natural disaster.
If you are in Iceland, then try to visit Vik. It is a popular stop for tourists traveling around Iceland. The town is surrounded by stunning scenery that is waiting to amaze you.
Precautions during visiting Vik
If you’re planning a visit to Vik, Iceland, there are a few precautions you should take to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips:
- Be prepared for the weather: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable and harsh, so make sure you bring warm and waterproof clothing, especially if you plan to visit during the winter months. Keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.
- Drive carefully: If you plan to rent a car and drive in Iceland, be aware that the roads can be narrow and winding, with steep drops and potentially icy conditions. Drive cautiously and make sure you have a GPS or map to help navigate.
- Respect the environment: Vik is known for its stunning natural beauty, but it’s important to respect the fragile ecosystem. Stay on designated trails and don’t disturb wildlife or vegetation.
- Be aware of the tides: Vik’s black sand beach is beautiful, but it’s important to be aware of the tides. Stay away from the water’s edge during high tide and be mindful of sneaker waves, which can unexpectedly come up and pull people out to sea.
- Check for volcanic activity: Iceland is home to many active volcanoes, so be sure to check for any alerts or warnings before visiting. In the event of an eruption, follow instructions from local authorities and evacuate if necessary.
- Be prepared for limited services: Vik is a small town, so be prepared for limited dining and lodging options. Make sure to book accommodations and restaurants in advance if possible.
- Stay away from the cliffs: Vik’s cliffs are some of the highest in Iceland, and they offer spectacular views. However, they can be dangerous, so keep a safe distance from the edges and don’t climb any barriers.
Overall, Vik is a beautiful and unique destination that is definitely worth a visit, but it’s important to be prepared and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Final thoughts
Be sure to research and book your accommodations, tours, and transportation well in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip in Vik Iceland.