Reykjavik to Vik Drive: The Best Sights You Need to Stop at Along the Way
The drive from Reykjavik to Vik is one of the most scenic drives in Iceland, packed with incredible sights to stop at along the way.
While the drive itself takes only about 2.5 hours without stops, I highly recommend turning it into a full-day adventure—or even stretching it across multiple days—to truly enjoy all of the breathtaking sights along the way.
From stunning waterfalls and black sand beaches, this road trip has it all!
Whether you’re traveling in the summer or winter, this guide covers all the must-see stops, tips for planning your journey, and everything you need to know to make the most of your drive from Reykjavik to Vik.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I will get a commission if you decide to purchase through those links, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
How Long is the Drive from Reykjavik to Vik?
If you were to drive directly from Reykjavik to Vik with no stops, it would take you around 2.5 hours.
But, of course, I recommend taking a full day—or even multiple days—to see all of the sights along the way!
Depending on how many sights you want to see, I recommend choosing a few stops to visit on your drive from Reykjavik to Vik, stay at least one night in Vik (maybe more), and visit the remaining sights on your return trip back to Reykjavik.
If you want to stay more than one night in Vik, which I recommend if you have the time, you can plan to visit some more sights east of Vik as well, which I discuss later on in this post.
The drive is along Route 1, more commonly known as the Ring Road, and it is easy to navigate and well-maintained. It also never seemed too crowded which was a plus, especially during the summer.
We drove this route during the summer when we visited in July 2024.
The weather conditions in the winter can make this drive more challenging so be sure to exercise caution and keep an eye on the weather forecast before you set out on your drive.
If you are weary to drive during the winter, you can always opt for a guided tour from Reykjavik, but if possible, I would recommend driving it yourself as it will give you so much more flexibility to stop whenever you want.
You can download this Google Map for your drive from Reykjavik to Vik which includes all of the stops along the way that I mention in this blog post.
Where to Get a Rental Car in Iceland?
It seems like the way to go with rental cars in Iceland is to get one from a local rental car company instead of the major chains.
We got our rental car from Lava Car Rental and had a great experience with them.
They picked us up from the airport and took us the short drive to their rental car center, and the check-in and check-out process was a breeze.
We did choose to get the full-coverage rental car insurance since the road conditions are rougher in Iceland, and I did not want to take the chance of something damaging our car.
I usually do not buy rental car insurance while traveling since my Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card has some coverage, but since we were traveling internationally, I thought it was safest to purchase the full insurance.
Besides Lava Car Rental, some other popular rental car companies are Blue Car Rental and Lotus Car Rental.
I looked at all three and Lava Car Rental was the cheapest for the dates we selected so we went with them.
We did not get a car with 4WD since we were not planning on driving on any of the F-roads, where a 4WD vehicle is required.
Every place listed on this blog post does not require a 4WD vehicle.
➡️ Check out my blog post where we cover must-know tips for renting a car in Iceland!
What to See Between Reykjavik and Vik?
I would recommend choosing a few places to stop on your drive to Vik and then a few places to stop on your drive back to Reykjavik.
You could fit them all in one day depending on how early you start and what all you want to see.
Seljalandsfoss & Gljufrabui
Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls!
It is so popular since it is easily accessible, and it is only a short walk from the parking lot. You can even see it from the road while driving.
Its iconicness comes from the fact that you get to walk behind the waterfall via a walking path for a super cool view!
While you’re here, please don’t miss walking the extra 10 to 15 minutes past Seljalandsfoss to Gljúfrabúi, which is a hidden waterfall tucked behind a cliff.
To get to Gljúfrabúi, you will walk through a narrow canyon and are greeted with an up-close view of the falls.
We visited on a weekday morning in July, and it was quite busy.
There was a line to enter the narrow canyon to access Gljúfrabúi since there is not much room in there to view it.
We waited about 15 minutes in line to access the canyon.
If you want to avoid the crowds, plan to arrive here early in the morning.
Pro tip: Wear a rain jacket! You’ll definitely get wet from the mist and spray of the waterfalls.
To make your visit easier, here’s an AllTrails map you can use to find both Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi.
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
A short easy “hike” will take you to Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool, one of Iceland’s oldest geothermal pools.
The trail takes about 20 minutes each way–you can see the route here on AllTrails.
Keep in mind that the pool is not maintained and remains in its natural state, which might not be everyones’ preference, but it offers a rustic and more traditional experience.
It is also free to enter!
Skogafoss
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls, both for its size and power.
It was amazing to see in person and be able to walk right up to the base of the falls. Its size is so hard to capture in a photo!
You can walk right up to the base for a close-up view or climb the stairs to a viewing platform where you will get great views from above.
I do recommend climbing the stairs–it is worth it for the views!
Mia’s Country Van
You can not miss out on trying the amazing fish and chips from Mia’s Country Van which is conveniently located near Skogafoss.
These were the best fish and chips I have ever had!
It is open everyday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, making it a great stop for lunch.
Kvernufoss
Kvernufoss is a stunning, more hidden waterfall located near Skógafoss.
When we visited, it was way less crowded than Skógafoss, making it one of the most peaceful stops on our trip—and easily one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland.
Kvernufoss is just a short drive from Skogafoss so it’s a great sight to visit after you see Skogafoss and grab some delicious fish and chips from Mia’s Country Van.
You can park at the Skógar Museum and follow a short trail to the falls, which only takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Once you arrive, you can even walk behind the waterfall and take in the beautiful views!
For detailed directions and the trail route, check out this AllTrails map.
Sólheimajökull
Sólheimajökull is a large glacier that extends out from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap and is conveniently located near the Ring Road on the way to Vik.
You can take a short walk to the glacier’s edge to see its impressive crevasses and ice formations up close, no special equipment needed!
If you’re interested in exploring on the glacier itself, it’s best to book a guided glacier hike for a safe and unforgettable experience.
Here’s the walking route you can follow to come up to the glacier’s edge.
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
The Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck is a well-known site to visit in Iceland.
To reach the site, you’ll need to walk about 2.5 miles across a flat black sand desert to see the remains of a US Navy plane that crash-landed in 1973. Thankfully, everyone on board survived!
Per people’s reviews, the walk is easy but can feel monotonous, as there’s not much to see along the way.
We chose to skip this stop during our trip, as the long walk without views didn’t seem worth it for us.
However, if the plane wreck is something you’re excited to see, it might be a good addition to your itinerary!
Tip: Want to skip the walk and save some time? There’s a shuttle service available that can take you directly to the site for a fee.
Things to Do In Vik
Once you have arrived in Vik, there is plenty to see in the town so don’t miss out on exploring!
Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara Beach is one of Iceland’s most famous black sand beaches, known for its unique basalt columns.
The beach is known for its powerful sneaker waves, so it’s important to stay a safe distance from the shore at all times and to not put your back toward the ocean.
It is a fantastic spot for photography with the unique basalt columns, the black sand, and rock formations in the water.
We stayed in an Airbnb that was within walking distance from Reynisfjara Beach, which was perfect!
It allowed us to easily visit late at night during sunset when there were far fewer crowds, and the views were breathtaking.
Here is the Airbnb we stayed in if you’re interested.
➡️ Check out my guide on things to do in Vik to add to your itinerary! I recommend spending a couple nights in Vik during your journey along the Ring Road in Iceland.
Skool Beans Cafe
Skool Beans Cafe is a must-visit while in Vik!
It is a unique coffee shop that is inside a renovated school bus.
It has a cool atmosphere and is a great spot to grab a warm hot chocolate or coffee!
Dyrhólaey Lighthouse
Don’t miss out on visiting the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse which is located up high, providing you with panoramic views of the coast and the black sand beach.
It is also a popular place to see puffins! We visited in July and saw several puffins on the cliffside.
We timed our visit during sunset, and it was seriously stunning. I highly recommend coming at that time if you’re able.
Visit Vík í Mýrdal Church for Great Views
The Vík í Mýrdal Church is located on top of a hill overlooking the town.
It is one of the best spots to get some great views of the town of Vik with minimal effort.
The drive up to the church is short and easy, and once you’re there, you have panoramic views of the town and the black sand beaches.
Enjoy the Delicious Restaurants in Vik
- Restaurant Suður-Vík – Hands-down our favorite restaurant in Vik! It was one of the pricier restaurants, but it is worth the price tag. The lamb filet and the lady in charge pizza were our favorites for dinner. For breakfast, I had a delicious hot vanilla latte and a protein shake–both were great.
- Smiðjan Brugghús – They serve up some delicious burgers and truffle parmesan fries. It has a laid-back atmosphere and a variety of beers on tap.
- The Soup Company – The perfect place if you’re craving a warm bowl of soup. They even serve their soup in delicious bread bowls.
- Black Crust Pizzeria – A great spot to either dine-in or grab a pizza to go to enjoy at your accommodations—which is what we did. The Icelandic Langoustine was my favorite pizza, and it is even served on black crust–imitating the black sand beaches in Iceland!
Day Trips from Vik
If you have some more time to spare in Vik, I highly recommend traveling further east along the Southern coast to explore some more jaw-dropping sights.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is only about an hour drive from Vik, and it offers spectacular views of moss-covered cliffs and the winding river below.
It is a pretty short and easy trail to follow (approximately 1.9 miles) making it a relatively short stop, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
It does get quite crowded here, so if you can time your visit for early in the morning or later at night, you will have more of the place to yourself hopefully.
Cool Fact: This is where Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show you” music video was filmed!
Svartifoss
Svartifoss is one of the most stunning waterfalls we saw in Iceland!
It has a jaw-dropping background with the dark basalt columns behind it making such a beautiful contrast.
It does require a relatively short hike through the park to reach the waterfall.
It is pretty easy with some steep points on the way up which got my heart rate up at times, but still very doable.
Here is the AllTrails map we used to get to Svartifoss–we did not do the whole route on this map. We just went to Svartifoss and turned around.
Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is a longer drive away from Vik, about 2.5 hours east, but in my opinion, it is 100% worth the long drive!
It is a beautiful black sand beach where pieces of glacial ice wash upon the shore looking like diamonds–hence where the name Diamond Beach comes from.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is next to Diamond Beach, is a freshwater lagoon full of floating icebergs that have broken off from the nearby glacier.
It is super cool to see and you might even spot seals swimming around there like we did!
We just viewed it from the shore, but you can take a boat tour to get even closer to the iceberg.
Vatnajokull Glacier Hike
We booked our glacier hike with the Local Guide of Vatnajökull, and it was an unforgettable experience!
It was a small group tour, with around eight people including ourselves and the guide.
We got to explore on the glacier for a couple hours and were given crampons to put on the bottom of our hiking boots as well as ice axes to assist in walking up the glacier.
You are able to see stunning ice formations and crevasses up close which was such an unreal experience—it seriously felt like we were on another planet!
If you have the chance, choose the longer Glacier Discovery hike—it maximizes your time on the glacier and makes the journey even more worth it.
This did take up most of our day and it was all we did that day, but you could also visit the Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon before or after your hike if you’re short on time.
This was our favorite activity we did during our entire trip to Iceland!
Things to Do In Reykjavik
I do recommend spending a few hours in downtown Reykjavik during your trip if you’re able to!
See Hallgrimskirkja Church
The iconic Hallgrimskirja church is a must-see while exploring downtown Reykjavik!
Its unique architecture is inspired by the basalt columns seen throughout different landscapes in Iceland such as at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Svartifoss.
You can also go inside for free as well to take a look around.
Walk Along Rainbow Street
Make sure not to miss walking down the famous Rainbow Street in Reykjavik!
It is a popular spot for photos, and it is a pedestrian-only street so you do not need to worry about any vehicles.
It is lined with several shops and cafes that you can pop into as you walk up and down the street.
It was painted in 2015 to celebrate Reykjavik Pride and promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity!
Grab a Hot Dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
In my opinion, no visit to Iceland is complete without trying an Icelandic hot dog!
We got ours from arguably the most popular spot, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.
If you’re interested in trying out even more popular Icelandic foods, consider joining a food tour where you get to try a variety of Icelandic foods–including the hot dogs here.
We did not join a tour, but we were near one while at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, and it looked like a fun time!
Enjoy a Cinnamon Bun from Brauð & Co
Please promise me you won’t leave Iceland without grabbing a cinnamon bun from Brauð & Co–they are sooo delicious!!
They are similar to your traditional cinnamon roll without the cream cheese frosting–but in my opinion, even better!
They were moist, crunchy from the topping, and so yummy.
Browse the Local Shops
My personal favorite way to explore a city is on foot, walking up and down the streets and browsing inside all of the local stores.
They have plenty of souvenir and clothing shops to explore.
One of the most unique stores that caught my eye was Hús máls og menningar which is a bookstore, coffee shop, bar, and also has live music!
Relax at Sky Lagoon
A great way to end your trip is to spend it relaxing at the Sky Lagoon which is a short drive away from downtown Reykjavik.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Sky Lagoon and spent around 2 to 2.5 hours there!
It is basically a large heated pool that overlooks the ocean, but it is far more luxurious than just a normal pool.
It is adults-only which adds to the more relaxing experience, and you can partake in the seven-step ritual process which involves a cold plunge, sauna, steam room, body scrub, and more.
They have a swim-up bar where you can purchase beverages as well.
We booked the cheapest option on their website which includes the seven-step ritual and public changing rooms.
Don’t let the word public scare you though as the showers are separated by stalls, so there is still privacy.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is Vik Worth Visiting?
Yes, Vik is 100% worth visiting!
We spent three nights in Vik and stayed at the most amazing Airbnb there that overlooked Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach!
I thought three nights was a perfect amount of time for us.
Our first night was spent after our full day exploring all of the sights along the way from Reykjavik to Vik.
The second day was spent exploring the sights in Vik and further east.
Then on our third day we did a Vatnajokull Glacier Hike which was the highlight of our trip!
Even if you can only spend one night in Vik, I think it is worth it to break up your drive along the southern coast of Iceland.
It is one of the biggest towns on the Southern coast so they have several accommodations to choose from as well as dining options.
Here are some hotels in Vik I recommend:
- Hotel Vik I Myrdal – free breakfast
- Hotel Katla By Keahotels – further outside of downtown Vik but cheaper
- Hotel Kria – free breakfast
- Black Beach Suites – more spacious than others
Can You Drive From Reykjavik to Vik in Winter?
I have not personally visited Iceland during the winter so I can not attest to how challenging it is to drive here during the winter.
I know it can get very snowy and windy which can easily cause white-out conditions, making it difficult to drive.
Therefore, I would keep an eye on the weather and make sure your rental car is well-equipped for winter driving–which most rental car companies should be doing anyway.
If you’re nervous about driving in the winter, you could always book a guided tour from Reykjavik to Vik so your transportation will be taken care of for you—which might be the way to go depending on the weather.
Also, if you’re visiting Vik in the winter, one of the most popular things to do is exploring the Katla Ice Caves which I highly recommend doing as it sounds like an incredible experience!
How Far is the Golden Circle from Vik?
The Golden Circle is about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from Vik.
The Golden Circle consists of three popular sights—Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
I personally wouldn’t plan it as a day trip from Vik as it does not make sense logistically, especially if you’re planning to drive back to Reykjavik after visiting Vik.
Instead, it would be much easier to visit the Golden Circle from Reykjavik as it is a much shorter drive.
I have plenty of other blog posts about my trip to Iceland if you’re looking for more resources to help plan your trip!
- Iceland Summer Packing List: What I Packed for My Trip in July
- 2-Day Iceland Itinerary: Must-See Waterfalls, Glaciers, and More
- How Much Does a 5-Day Trip to Iceland Cost? [Detailed Budget Breakdown]
- 9 Jaw-Dropping Hikes Near Vík, Iceland
- 13 Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland Near Reykjavik (Within 2.5 Hours)
- An Epic 4-Day Iceland Itinerary to See the Best Sights
- Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Iceland: What You Need to Know
- The Ultimate Iceland Bucket List: 43 Adventures You Can’t Miss in Iceland
- 12 Unforgettable Things to Do in Vik, Iceland: A Complete Guide
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