Our Guide to Vík

Things to see and do in and around Vik on your own

Vik is Iceland’s southernmost settlement, located two and a half hours east of Reykjavik; another three and a half hours on the road and you’ll reach Höfn. Approaching from the west, you’ll drop down into Vik as the ring road returns to sea level. As you do, you’ll notice a landmark church on your left. Vik’s church was built more than 90 years ago. Its elevated position and red roof mean it’s easily spotted from pretty much anywhere in the village.

While some visitors are content to admire it from a distance, it’s worth taking a closer look, and having your own rental car makes it easy to call in. You might be wondering why it’s a little out of the way – after all, wouldn’t it make more sense for it to be lower down? Actually, there’s a good reason: if an eruption of Katla volcano creates a flood from meltwater emanating from Mýrdalsjökull glacier, this would become an emergency shelter.

Lava Show

Volcanic activity is never far from the minds of Icelanders. You’ll notice the evidence of past eruptions all around you, not least in the black sand and basalt columns of nearby Reynisfjara beach. In recent years, there has been ongoing activity on the Reykjanes peninsula, characterised by a stop-start pattern of lava flows. 

But what if you could guarantee an eruption and know that you could watch it safely at a close distance? That’s precisely what the owners of Lava Show thought when they came up with the idea of this unique visitor attraction. Volcanic rock – basaltic tephra – is super-heated until it becomes molten and then poured into a heatproof channel in the auditorium to the delight of a waiting audience. Join them – it’s a must-see.

Hafnleysa Maritime Museum

You’d imagine from Vik’s location on the south coast of Iceland that it would have a bustling harbour, but that’s not the case. The area’s topography, coupled with its sandy beaches and the ferocity of the waves that travel thousands of miles before reaching land, means that it’s never had a port.

However, that doesn’t mean Vik is lacking when it comes to maritime heritage, and if you’re interested in history, then the Hafnleysa Maritime Museum is highly recommended. Here, you can learn about the oak-hulled Skaftfellingur, a cargo ship that served the Westman Islands, as well as some of the shipwrecks and maritime disasters that have occurred here over the years.

Tours and activities for which you’ll need a guide

While a self-drive itinerary offers maximum flexibility, there are some activities that require a licensed and experienced guide. A number of tour operators are based in Vik, and there’s ample parking in front of their offices where you can leave your rental car while they take you out on an excursion. 

Super jeeps carry passengers up onto the glacier where it’s possible to hike on the surface of the ice or visit an ice cave – the season is longer on Mýrdalsjökull than it is at Vatnajökull. You might want to swap your wheels for horsepower of a different kind and reserve a spot on a riding tour along Vik’s gorgeous black sand beach. Buggy and ATV rides will inject a bit of speed into the proceedings if getting an adrenaline rush makes you happy. 

How Vik fits into your South Iceland road trip 

Positioned midway between Reykjavik and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Vik’s a logical overnight stop if you’re road tripping along the south coast. Though its population is small, this is the most significant settlement in the region as far as tourism is concerned. Having the convenience of such facilities on your doorstep is a bonus when planning where to stay.

Vik’s a great base for a few nights as you explore its surroundings. Located about two and a half hours from Reykjavik or Keflavik Airport, it’s a good opportunity to get used to driving in Iceland without the pressure of a long drive. If you’re planning stops along the way, such as at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, Vik is in the ideal location.

While ring road loopers will of course carry on, an out-and-back itinerary is also a tempting option. For instance, if you plan to travel only as far as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, it’s worth backtracking afterwards to make Vik your overnight base, as it will shorten the drive back to Reykjavik or Keflavik the following day. 

Amenities and facilities

There’s a wide choice of hotels, guesthouses, cabins, and campsites in the area, many of which have been built relatively recently. Nevertheless, in the peak summer season (June to August) it’s still the case that supply often outstrips demand, and it’s wise to make your arrangements as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. 

There are a number of excellent options for eating and drinking in Vik. Good coffee can be found at Skool Beans and at the Lava Bakery and Café. Diners will enjoy the food at Black Crust Pizzeria, Smiðjan Brugghús, and Ströndin pub. For something less substantial, try the Soup Company. If you’re self-catering and in search of a supermarket, you’ll be pleased to learn that there’s also a branch of Krónan. 

Vik has a large souvenir shop that’s a great place to stock up on gifts to take back home. You can pick up iconic Icelandic products like sheepskin rugs and lopapeysa wool jumpers. It’s also the place to find any items of weatherproof clothing that you may have forgotten to bring with you. 

FAQ

What to do in Vik?

Explore black sand beaches, visit the Lava Show, hike glaciers, ride ATVs, or relax at cozy cafés and local restaurants.

Where to see puffins in Vik?

Head to Dyrhólaey during summer—it's one of the best spots near Vík to see puffins up close.

What is the population of Vik, Iceland?

Vík is a small village with around 300 residents, but it punches way above its weight in charm and things to do!

How do you pronounce Vik?

It’s pronounced “Veek” — short and sweet, just like the village itself!