12 Unforgettable Things to Do in Vik, Iceland: A Complete Guide

Vik, Iceland, may be a small village, but it’s home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Iceland!

It is a great town to stay in for a few nights while exploring the southern coast.

Whether you’re spending a night or two in Vik during your Ring Road journey or visiting as a day trip from Reykjavik, Vik should definitely be on your Iceland itinerary.

We stayed in Vik for three nights during our trip to Iceland in July, and it was the perfect amount of time for us.

Here’s a complete guide to the best things to do in Vik, along with personal recommendations from my visit to help you make the most of your time here.

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!

Quick at a Glance: Where to Stay & What to Do

If you’re short on time, here are my top recommendations on things to do in Vik as well as recommendations on where to stay!

12 Unforgettable Things to Do in Vik

Here’s a guide to the best sights and things to do in Vik to help you plan your itinerary!

I have also created a downloadable Google Maps with all these locations saved, making it easy to navigate once you’re in Iceland.

1. See Vik i Myrdal Church (Víkurkirkja)

Vik i Myrdal Church is located on a hill above the town of Vik, making it a great spot to get amazing views of Vik and the surrounding area.

It is one of the most photographed churches in Iceland!

Its simple design and red roof really stand out against the dramatic landscape.

The short walk up is definitely worth it, as you get great views of the town, the black sand beaches, and the cliffs along the coast.

Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset is ideal for photos, but it is beautiful to visit at any time of day!

Tip: If you’re visiting in winter, Vik i Myrdal Church is one of the best spots to see the Northern Lights in Vik, thanks to its high location and low light pollution.

Parking: There’s a small parking lot near the church, and it’s just a short walk to the top.

2. See the View from Dyrhólaey & Potentially Spot Puffins

Dyrhólaey is a massive rock arch that stretches out over the water and offers some of the best views in Vik.

We visited around sunset in July, and thanks to the Midnight Sun, it still felt like golden hour at 10:30 PM! The arch and the nearby lighthouse are both worth seeing.

From the top, you’ll get incredible views of the black sand beaches.

The real highlight, though, is the puffins nesting along the cliffside. We saw dozens of puffins during our visit!

Best Time to Visit: If you’re wanting to see puffins, the best time to visit is from May to August when Dyrhólaey becomes a popular nesting spot for puffins.

Parking: There are two parking areas—one at the lower viewpoint and another closer to the lighthouse at the upper viewpoint. I recommend driving to the upper lot for the best views. We didn’t have a 4×4 vehicle and had no issues getting there.

➡️ Trying to budget your trip to Iceland? Check out my trip to Iceland cost breakdown to see how much I spent during my five-day trip!

3. Stop by Skool Beans Cafe

Skool Beans Cafe is a unique coffee shop in Vik, located inside an old school bus. 

It is a must-visit, and they serve up some great coffee and delicious hot chocolate!

I love checking out local coffee spots when I travel, and this was definitely the most unique one I’ve been to.

Tip: If you’re lucky, you might see their local visitor which is a cat named Jeffrey!

Please note that they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

➡️ If you’re renting a car in Iceland (which I highly recommend!), be sure to read my blog post where I go over all the tips for renting a car in Iceland!

4. Enjoy the Food in Vik

Vik has a surprisingly good food scene for a small town!

Our best meal of the trip was at Restaurant Suður-Vik. We ate there twice for breakfast and dinner and enjoyed both meals.

 Here are the best places to eat in Vik that I recommend:

• Restaurant Suður-Vik – Cozy restaurant serving delicious Icelandic food. I loved the Lady in Charge Pizza, and my husband loved the Fillet of Lamb.
• The Soup Company – Perfect for a cold day. They are known for their lamb soup and the famous red hot lava soup (spicy meat soup served in a bread bowl!).
• Smiðjan Brugghús – A great brewery with burgers, fries, and Icelandic beer. The Truffle & Parmesan chips are great as well!
• Black Crust Pizzeria – A delicious pizza place in Vik known for its black crust pizzas. I liked the Icelandic Langoustine pizza!

P.S. If you’re traveling internationally, I highly recommend purchasing the Airalo eSIM. It’s a great way to avoid those excessive roaming charges and eliminates the need for plastic eSIMs!

5. Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most famous beaches, known for its black sand, unique basalt columns, and powerful sneaker waves. 

The Reynisdrangar sea stacks off the shore are a cool sight to see in person!

The beach is incredibly photogenic and perfect for a walk with stunning views, but be cautious of the ocean.

The waves here can be unpredictable and dangerous.

We stayed at a great Airbnb just a short walk from the beach, and I highly recommend it!

It was nice to wake up and walk here in the morning before the crowds, making it a much quieter and more enjoyable experience.

Safety Warning: The waves at Reynisfjara are extremely dangerous. Sneaker waves (unexpected, strong waves) can appear without warning, so always stay a safe distance from the shoreline.

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to visit for a less-crowded experience and better light for photos.

Parking: Parking is available in a paid lot near the beach. It can get crowded, especially during peak times with tour buses, so I recommend coming early.

6. Explore Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Located about an hour’s drive from Vik, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a stunning spot that’s worth the drive and short hike.

The trail is 1.9 miles (3.1 km) long and takes about an hour to complete. 

It’s an easy hike, offering incredible views of the canyon’s steep cliffs, winding river, and moss-covered landscape. 

I loved all of the mossy landscapes in Iceland!

The parking area is conveniently located near the canyon and doesn’t require a 4×4 vehicle.

Tip: To avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening, as it can get busy during the day.

Fun Fact: Justin Bieber filmed his music video “I’ll Show You” here.

➡️ Looking for more hikes to add to your itinerary? Check out my blog post where I discuss the best hikes near Vik!

7. Visit the Katla Ice Cave

A Katla Ice Cave tour is an adventure on most people’s Iceland bucket list for good reason!

This ice cave is one of the few that remains open year-round, making it possible to see an ice cave regardless of the season.

The tour starts with a drive to the base of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier in a super jeep, which is needed to navigate the rough, off-road terrain.

Once you arrive, your guide will provide you with safety gear like crampons and helmets before taking you into the ice cave.

Inside, you’ll walk through the ice cave to be able to see the unique ice formations.

Book in Advance: These tours are popular, especially during the summer months. I recommend booking your tour ahead of time to ensure you get a spot.

➡️I recommend booking the Katla Ice Cave Tour with Arctic Adventures. They have great reviews!

8. See Skogafoss & Kvernufoss Waterfalls

I highly recommend stopping at both Skogafoss and Kvernufoss on your way to Vik.

They’re about 25 minutes west of Vik and are easy stops if you’re driving from Reykjavik or the Golden Circle area.

Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s largest and most famous waterfalls!

You can get up close to the base for an impressive view or climb the staircase to see it from the top (I recommend doing both!).

Kvernufoss is just a short drive from Skogafoss and is a quieter, less-visited waterfall.

You can even walk behind it, which is a cool experience!

Kvernufoss was my favorite waterfall in Iceland. It felt more secluded, and the mossy landscape around it was stunning. It was exactly how I pictured Iceland to be!

Tip: Be sure to bring a rain jacket, as both waterfalls create a lot of mist, and you’ll likely get wet!

While you’re in the area, don’t miss Mia’s Country Van for some delicious fish & chips. It’s open from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM every day and is definitely worth the stop!

➡️ Looking for more waterfalls to add to your itinerary? Check out my blog post about waterfalls in Iceland near Reykjavik to visit!

9. Walk to the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

The Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck is a well-known sight in Iceland.

The wreck is the site of a US Navy plane that crash landed in 1973, and fortunately, there were no fatalities.

To reach the site, you’ll need to walk about 2.5 miles (one-way) across the flat black sand. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

While the trail is easy and flat, it can feel a bit monotonous since there aren’t many views along the way.

However, the plane wreck itself is a unique and interesting sight!

We chose not to visit during our trip, as we felt the walk might not be worth it, given the lack of scenery on the way.

But if the plane wreck interests you, it’s worth considering as an addition to your itinerary.

Parking: There’s a parking area along Route 1, and from there, you will follow the well-marked trail to the wreck. If you’d rather skip the walk, you can take a shuttle bus that will drive you directly to the site.

Tip: Try to avoid visiting in the middle of the day when it’s busiest. Early mornings or late afternoons are less crowded. It’s also windy, so be sure to wear layers to stay warm.

10. Visit Hjörleifshöfði (Yoda Cave)

Hjörleifshöfði, or Yoda Cave, is a cool sight near Vik.

The cave got its nickname because its entrance resembles Yoda’s head from Star Wars!

It’s a short walk from the parking area, so it’s an easy stop to add to your itinerary.

11. Experience the Lava Show in Vik

The Icelandic Lava Show provides a unique opportunity to see real molten lava up close!

It’s one of the few places in the world where you can watch lava in action.

During the show, you will learn about how lava forms, the science behind volcanic eruptions, and how Iceland’s landscape has been shaped by volcanic activity.

You even get to see molten lava being poured into a chamber, where you can watch it cool and solidify.

I think this would be the perfect activity to do with kids in Iceland!

➡️I recommend booking your tickets to the Icelandic Lava Show in advance! It is a fun way to spend an evening in Vik if you’re looking for a unique experience.

12. Go Horseback Riding on the Black Sand Beaches

If you love horseback riding, I can not think of a more picturesque setting to ride a horse than on the black sand beaches in Vik!

I recommend this guided horseback riding tour with Vik Horse Adventure which takes you along the black sand beaches near Vik.

Per the reviews, it is very beginner-friendly (even if you have never been horseback riding before), and Icelandic horses are known for being super friendly and tame.

➡️ I recommend booking your horseback riding tour in advance! It is a unique way to experience the black sand beaches in Vik.

Where to Stay in Vik

There aren’t too many places to stay in Vik due to its smaller size, but here are a few places I recommend that have great reviews!

• Airbnb We Stayed In – Our Airbnb was the most unique accommodation I have ever stayed in! It is a cozy cabin with views of the Reynisfjara Black Sand beach. It was perfect for our three nights in Vik.
• Hótel Kría – A modern hotel in Vik with an on-site restaurant. They offer free breakfast!
• Black Beach Suites – Spacious rooms with kitchenettes and views of the black sand beach
• Hotel Vik I Myrdal – Great location within walking distance to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. It has an on-site restaurant and free breakfast.
• Hotel Katla By Keahotels – A more affordable option just outside Vik with spacious rooms.

Due to the more limited accommodation options in Vik, I recommend booking your accommodations 3 to 6 months in advance if you can.

If you’re planning to visit during the summer months (June through August), I highly recommend booking closer to the 6-month mark.

Check out this interactive map below for even more hotels in Vik!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vik, Iceland Worth Visiting?

Yes! Vik is one of the most scenic towns in Iceland and has plenty of beautiful sights to see, making it well worth a stop.

We spent three nights in Vik during our trip and really enjoyed our time there! I recommend at least spending a night there.

How to Spend a Day in Vik?

A perfect day in Vik includes visiting Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrhólaey, and Vik i Myrdal Church (Víkurkirkja)!

On your drive to Vik from Reykjavik, I recommend stopping at Skogafoss and Kvernufoss which are just outside of the town of Vik.

While in Vik, I highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat at Restaurant Suður-Vik!

If you have time, add the Lava Show or a Katla Ice Cave tour to your itinerary.

How Long Do You Need in Vik?

One full day is enough to see Vik’s highlights, but I recommend staying overnight to experience it at a more relaxed pace and not feel rushed.

I also recommend taking day trips from Vik to explore Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Diamond Beach,Jokulsárlón Lagoon, and Svartifoss.

We did an incredible glacier hike with Local Guide of Vatnajökull, and it was about a 2.5 hour drive from Vik.

We chose the longer hike option called Glacier Discovery, and it was the highlight of our trip!

We spent three nights in Vik which was the perfect amount of time for us.

➡️ Check out my 4-day Iceland itinerary to see everything we did on our trip!

Can You Do a Day Trip to Vik From Reykjavik?

Yes! Vik is about a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavik, making it a doable day trip, but it will be a long day.

I recommend starting early to maximize your time or at least spending one night in Vik if you can.

Can You See the Northern Lights From Vik?

Yes, Vik is a great place for Northern Lights viewing in the winter since it’s away from the city lights.

I recommend driving up to Vik i Myrdal Church (Víkurkirkja) or Dyrhólaey to be at a higher vantage point.

How Long Does it Take to Drive From Golden Circle to Vik?

It takes about 3 to 4 hours to drive from the Golden Circle to Vik, depending on the stops you make along the way and weather conditions.

We stayed the night in the Golden Circle area, and then stopped at Seljandsfoss and Skogafoss & Kvernufoss before making our way to Vik for the night.

It was the perfect scenic road trip!

Conclusion

Vik is a must-visit on any Iceland itinerary!

It was my favorite area we visited in Iceland due to its beautiful landscapes, great restaurants, and small town feel.

I hope this list of things to do in Vik have inspired you to add a few activities to your own itinerary!

I have plenty of other blog posts about my trip to Iceland if you’re looking for more resources to help plan your trip!

• Reykjavik to Vik Drive: The Best Sights You Need to Stop at Along the Way
• 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

Be sure to pin this post for your future planning!