Vik, with its black sand beaches, is one of the main stops along the south coast.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in and around Vik, and useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Vik worth a visit?
The town of Vik (or Vík í Mýrdal by its full name) is not very large, with mainly tourist accommodation and stores. It’s one of the most convenient places to stay on the south coast to explore all its treasures: cacades, glaciers, ice caves. And in the town itself, don’t forget to climb up to the church to admire the view!
It’s Iceland’s southernmost village, in the middle of the south coast.
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1. Church and its view
Vik’s charming Reyniskirkja church, with its bright red roof and white walls, sits on a hill overlooking the town. Approaching from Route 1, you’ll easily spot it, whether the landscape is snow-covered or not.
Its shape is typical of Icelandic churches. Its wooden structure dates back to 1929.
If the Katla volcano were to erupt with the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, it is said that the church alone would survive the flood.
From its forecourt, there’s a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and the black sandy beach of Vikurfjara.
The Reynisdrangar rock formations stand out.
If you climb the hill behind the church, you can take a photo of the church with the rock formations in the background.
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2. Víkurfjara black sand beach
The best-known black sand beach is Reynisfjara, a 15-minute drive from Vik (see section below). Vik beach is actually Vikusfjara.
It’s also a long black sand beach, but there are no caves or basalt columns.
However, this beach offers a beautiful view of the rocky peaks of Reynisdrangar. From this side, the 3 peaks of the second are clearly visible, with the highest reaching 66m.
Beware, as at Reynisfjara, the waves can be dangerous, rising very high all of a sudden. Stay away from the water’s edge!
3. Lava show
Vik’s Lava Show is original. For 1 hour, you can watch real molten lava just a few metres away.
In a small, dark room, lava glowing at over 1100°C is poured into a central furnace, releasing intense heat and impressive crackling sounds. Lava is manipulated with a metal bar as they share Iceland’s geological history.
>> Book your tickets
We haven’t tried it yet, but we can’t wait to check it out!
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
4. Reynisfjara black sand beach (15 min)
In winter, Reynisfjara’s black sandy beach takes on a mystical and bewitching atmosphere. Black sand, towering basalt cliffs and the famous Reynisdrangar rock peaks contrast with the white of the snow.
The crashing waves of the North Atlantic Ocean offer an experience for all the senses.
- From Vik = 15min drive
- Just west of the town of Vik
- 6km from route 1
- Beware, some waves suddenly rise very high on the beach and its dangerous, do not approach the water’s edge!
- Find out more in our article on Reynisfjara in winter
5. An overnight stop on your road trip
Vik is the most central city on the south coast.
It’s a great base for exploring the region, and a convenient overnight stop on your road trip.
For example, we recommend
- Hotel Vik i Myrdal, in Vik – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Kria, on the edge of town with large bay windows – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Katla, surrounded by nature, only 5min drive (we like the rooms which have been redecorated) – see prices, photos and availability
WHERE TO STAY ON THE South Coast
In Vik, very central
See the best rated accommodations
Around Jokulsarlon, to return at sunset and sunrise
See top rated accommodations to correct
At Höfn, before continuing on to the eastern fjords
See the best rated accommodations
Our favorite hotel: Hotel Vik i Myrdal
Check photos and availability
6. Skogafoss waterfall (30min)
Skogafoss is one of our favorite winter waterfalls.
The cascade is powerful, a curtain of water 60m high and 25m wide.
Because of its power and water volume, it won’t freeze in winter.
We love the different perspectives you can get, and also the contrasts between black rock and white snow.
- From Vik = 30min drive
- Close to Route 1
- Waterfall visible from the parking lot
- Easy flat walk to the waterfall
- And to get up to the high platform, over 350 steps. Please note that we do not recommend it for people who suffer from vertigo.
- Find out more in our article on Skogafoss in winter
7. Solheimjokull glacier (30 min)
In Iceland, winter is the ideal season for glacier trekking, a unique and unforgettable experience. There are several options on the south coast.
The Sólheimajökull glacier offers breathtaking scenery with its bluish crevasses and ice arches. Experienced guides will help you explore these natural wonders in complete safety.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, these winter hikes on Iceland’s glaciers offer breathtaking scenery and total immersion in the wilderness. But you still need to be in good physical condition.
- From Vik = 30min drive
- Close to Route 1
- View availability and book
8. Other attractions around Vik, further along the south coast
To the west
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (50 min)
- Dyrholaey: arch and lighthouse – road not clear in winter
Eastward
- Skaftareldharaun Lava Fields (50 min)
- Skeidara Bridge Monument (1h30)
- Glacier in Skaftafell (1 hr 35 min)
- Fjallsarlon Lagoon (2 hours 15 minutes)
- Jokusarlon Lagoon and Diamond Beach (2 hours 20 minutes)
- Jokulsarlon ice caves (2h20) = 4h excursions
Find out more in our article onattractions on the south coast in winter.
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How to get to Vik in winter + parking
Where to find Vík í Mýrdal
- On Iceland’s South Coast
- From Reykjavík = 2.5-hour drive
- From Keflavik airport = 3h drive
- From Höfn, at the head of the Eastern Fjords = 3h drive
- Here’s a map to help you find your way:
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there
Vik is easy to reach by car.
It is connected to Reykjavij by route 1? the main road in Iceland.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
Parking in Vik
No worries about parking in Vik, there’s plenty of space and few attractions.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
