Looking for the best things to do in Vík, Iceland? We’ve got you covered!

Tiny though it may be, Vík is one of Iceland’s most unforgettable destinations. This charming village on the South Coast is surrounded by some of the country’s most dramatic scenery, from black sand beaches and towering sea stacks to glaciers and volcanoes. Talk about variety! 

Whether you’re stopping for a few hours on a Ring Road road trip or spending a couple of nights here, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to choose from. So to help you plan your visit, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Vík. Let’s get into it!

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Our Top Choice

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!

Our FAVORITE thing we did in Vik was this ice cave tour! Exploring beneath the Katla Volcano in a natural ice cave was a true bucket list experience, and this tour made it possible!

Check the 1,100+ reviews and book this tour here.

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Vik at a Glance

Before we dive into the best things to do in Vík, here are a few quick things worth knowing before you visit.

See the local landscape: Vík í Mýrdal is a small village on Iceland’s South Coast, around 2.5 hours’ drive from Reykjavík. Despite its size, it’s one of the country’s most popular stops thanks to its dramatic black sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and easy access to some of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions.

Stay the night: Most visitors arrive as part of a South Coast road trip, but we’d actually recommend spending at least one night here if you can. That gives you more time to experience the area’s adventure activities, enjoy the scenery without rushing, and explore early in the morning or later in the evening after the day-trippers have left.

Rent a car or book a tour: Although the village itself is walkable, you’ll need a car or organized tours to reach many of the surrounding attractions, including glaciers, ice caves, and Dyrhólaey. We booked through Discover Cars in Iceland and had a great experience.

How We Would Spend 3 Days in Vik

If you’re exploring Iceland’s South Coast, we’d recommend spending a couple of days in Vik if you can. This will allow you to experience the area’s dramatic beauty without rushing around! Here’s how we’d spend 3 days in Vík. 

Day 1: Start your trip by exploring Vík itself. Visit Vík í Mýrdal Church for one of the best views over the village before heading to nearby Dyrhólaey to admire the dramatic cliffs, lighthouse, and black sand coastline. If you’re visiting between May and September, keep an eye out for puffins! Finish the day by relaxing at the local swimming pool.

Day 2: Head beneath Katla Volcano on an unforgettable ice cave tour before spending the afternoon walking across Sólheimajökull Glacier. 

Day 3: Saddle up for a horse ride along Vík’s famous black sand beach before heading out onto the glacier lagoon for a kayaking adventure. If you have time before leaving, don’t miss the incredible Icelandic Lava Show, where you’ll get to see real molten lava up close. It’s the perfect way to round off your time on Iceland’s spectacular South Coast!

Things to do in Vik

1. Feel the heat at a Lava Show

If you’ve ever wondered what molten lava looks like up close, this is your chance to find out! The Icelandic Lava Show is one of the most unique attractions in the country, and we couldn’t believe it was possible until we saw it for ourselves! Using real lava heated to around 1,100°C (2,000°F), the team recreates a volcanic eruption right in front of you, allowing you to experience it in a completely safe environment. 

It’s a fascinating experience from start to finish. As the lava is poured into the showroom, you’ll actually be able to feel the heat radiating across the room while learning about Iceland’s volcanic history and the powerful forces that continue to shape the island today.

We also loved that it isn’t just a spectacle. The presenters explained how different types of eruptions occur, why Iceland is one of the world’s most volcanically active countries, and what makes its geology so unique. It’s the perfect mix of entertainment and education, so we came away having learned something as well as witnessed an unforgettable demonstration!

At under an hour long, it’s also easy to fit into your itinerary, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating or you’re looking for something to do in the evening. In fact, we’d go as far as saying that no trip to Vík is complete without seeing it. It’s the only live lava show in the world, and after experiencing it ourselves, we can safely say it’s unlike anything we’ve ever done before.

2. Explore Katla’s icy underworld

If exploring a real ice cave beneath a volcano isn’t a quintessentially Icelandic experience, then I don’t know what is! 

This tour takes you beneath Katla, one of Iceland’s most powerful volcanoes, for an experience that feels straight out of a fantasy film. You’ll travel by Super Jeep across rugged volcanic terrain before reaching Kötlujökull, an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull.

From there, your guide will lead you into the ice cave, where you’ll see incredible layers of blue ice, black volcanic ash, and sculpted glacier formations. It’s truly like stepping into a different world!

One of the best things about this tour is that it combines two of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes in one experience: volcanoes and glaciers. You’re not just admiring them from a distance, either. You’re walking right into the place where fire and ice meet.

Don’t worry if you’ve never done anything like this before. You’ll be with a certified glacier guide, and all the necessary safety equipment is included, such as crampons and a helmet. The tour is adventurous, but still accessible for most travelers with a reasonable level of fitness.

At around 3 hours long, it’s also easy to fit into your Vík itinerary, especially if you’re staying nearby or traveling along the South Coast. If you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in Vík, this ice cave tour is hard to beat – and don’t just take my word for it, because you can read over a thousand glowing reviews here!

3. Walk across the Sólheimajökull Glacier

If standing on top of a glacier is on your Iceland bucket list, this tour is the experience to book.

We’ve visited Sólheimajökull ourselves, and it’s one of the most impressive landscapes we’ve seen in Iceland. Even from the edge of the glacier, it feels enormous. So being able to strap on a pair of crampons and actually walk across the ice is something truly special.

After meeting your certified glacier guide and getting fitted with all the necessary safety equipment, you’ll head out onto the glacier to explore a frozen landscape that’s constantly changing. As you walk, you’ll pass deep crevasses, striking blue ice formations, and dramatic ridges carved by thousands of years of glacial movement.

One of the things we love most about this experience is how much you learn along the way. Your guide will explain how glaciers form and how they’re changing over time. It’s so interesting to learn about how they have shaped Iceland’s amazing landscapes!

The hike is designed for beginners, so you don’t need any previous glacier hiking experience. Your guide will show you how to walk safely on the ice, and all the specialist equipment, including crampons, a helmet, and an ice axe, is provided.

If you’ve ever looked at a glacier and wondered what it would be like to stand on one, this is your chance. It’s an unforgettable way to experience one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders, and easily one of the best adventure activities near Vík.

4. Visit Vík í Mýrdal Church

Vík í Mýrdal Church is one of the most iconic sights in the village, and it also happens to offer one of the best views in town! It’s a pretty white-and-red church that sits on a hillside above the village, just a few minutes from the center of Vík and the Ring Road. It’s one of the easiest stops to add to your itinerary, especially if you’re already staying in town.

The main reason to visit is the view. From the church, you can look out over Vík, the black sand coastline, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the Atlantic. It’s a fantastic photo spot, and you don’t need to book a tour or commit to a long hike to enjoy it.

There’s also an interesting practical reason for the church’s location. Because it stands on higher ground, Vík í Mýrdal Church is used as an evacuation point in the event of a glacial flood caused by activity beneath the nearby Katla Volcano.

Even if you only stop for 10 or 15 minutes, it’s well worth the short detour. It’s free to admire from the outside, easy to reach, and gives you one of the most classic views over Vík.

5. Race across black lava sands on a quad bike

Forget ordinary sightseeing – this tour is your chance to explore Iceland’s dramatic black sand landscapes at full throttle! We loved this tour because it was such a fun, high-energy way to experience the wild scenery around Vík. Instead of just admiring the volcanic landscapes from the road, you get to drive right across the black lava sands and feel the scale of the South Coast all around you! 

The route takes you across wide-open black sand plains with views of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier in the distance. Depending on conditions, you’ll also visit the famous DC-3 plane wreck, which is one of Iceland’s most surreal photo spots! Seeing it in the middle of such a vast, empty landscape makes the whole experience feel even more cinematic.

You don’t need any previous quad biking experience, either. Before setting off, your guide will explain how everything works and make sure you feel confident on the bike. You’ll also be given warm insulated overalls, a helmet, and safety gear, which is very welcome when the Icelandic wind kicks in!

One thing to note is that the quad bikes are usually shared between two people, so you can take turns driving if you’re traveling with someone else. It’s a really fun activity for couples, friends, or families with older teens.

6. Ride an Icelandic horse across a black sand beach

There are plenty of ways to explore Vík’s famous black sand beach, but this has to be one of the most memorable! 

This horse riding tour is a beautiful way to experience one of the most dramatic coastlines in Iceland. Vík’s black sand beach is already spectacular, with dark volcanic sand and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean in the distance. Seeing it from the saddle makes the whole place feel even more atmospheric!

The ride itself lasts around an hour, so it’s easy to fit into your Vík itinerary, even if you’re only staying for a short time. You’ll be paired with a gentle Icelandic horse and guided along the beach at a relaxed pace, giving you plenty of time to soak up the scenery.

One of the best things about Icelandic horses is that they’re known for being calm and friendly. They’re also famous for their unique gait, the tölt, which is wonderfully smooth and comfortable to ride, making this the perfect horse-riding experience for beginners! 

We love this tour because it combines two quintessentially Icelandic experiences, and it’s such a memorable way to explore the coastline. For that reason, it’s popular and tends to sell out, which is why we recommend taking advantage of the free cancellation policy and booking in advance.

7. Explore Dyrhólaey viewpoint and lighthouse

Some of the best views in South Iceland don’t cost a penny, and Dyrhólaey is a perfect example. Just a short drive from Vík, this dramatic headland is one of the most spectacular viewpoints along Iceland’s South Coast. It’s famous for its historic lighthouse and enormous natural rock arch, which has been carved into the coastline by centuries of crashing Atlantic waves.

The scenery here is nothing short of breathtaking. From the viewpoints, you can look out across seemingly endless black sand beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, and, on a clear day, all the way to Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. We found ourselves stopping every few minutes to take another photo!

If you’re visiting between May and September, Dyrhólaey is also one of the best places in the region to spot Atlantic puffins. These colorful little birds nest on the cliffs during the summer months, making this a favorite stop for wildlife lovers as well as photographers. Just be aware that some areas of the headland may close temporarily during nesting season to help protect the birds.

Best of all, it’s completely free to visit, making it an easy addition to any South Coast itinerary. Dyrhólaey really reminds you just how wild and beautiful Iceland really is, and we’re so glad we took the time to visit.

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8. Kayak across a glacier lagoon

Seeing a glacier from the shore is impressive, but paddling right up to one is an experience you’ll never forget. We love this tour because it lets you experience Sólheimajökull from a completely different perspective. Instead of standing on the ice or admiring it from a distance, you’ll glide across the lagoon, weaving between floating icebergs with incredible views of the glacier towering above you.

Needless to say, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. As you paddle across the calm water, you’ll pass chunks of ice that have broken away from the glacier, while your guide shares fascinating insights into how these icy landscapes are formed and how they’re constantly changing. 

And don’t worry if you’ve never been kayaking before. This tour is suitable for beginners, and before heading out onto the water, you’ll receive a full safety briefing and be provided with all the specialist equipment you need, including a dry suit to help keep you warm and comfortable.

One of the things we enjoyed most was just how peaceful the whole experience felt. Aside from the sound of your paddle dipping into the water and the occasional crack from the glacier, it’s incredibly quiet. Despite being an active tour, it gives you the chance to slow down and really appreciate the scale and beauty of your surroundings.

9. Soar above Vik on a tandem paragliding flight

This tandem paragliding flight is one of – if not THE – most thrilling ways to experience Iceland’s South Coast. Rather than admiring the landscape from a viewpoint, you’ll soar above Vík with sweeping views of the black sand beaches, Reynisdrangar sea stacks, surrounding mountains, and wild Atlantic coastline below.

What makes this experience so special is the perspective. Vík is already dramatic from ground level, but seeing it from above really shows you just how wild and rugged this part of Iceland is. The dark volcanic beaches and cliffs look even more spectacular from the air.

You don’t need any previous paragliding experience, either. You’ll fly with an experienced tandem pilot, who takes care of the technical side of the flight while you sit back and enjoy the views. All of the necessary safety equipment is provided, including a helmet and harness.

Because paragliding depends heavily on the weather, departure times can vary, and flights only go ahead when conditions are safe. However, that also means that when you do take off, you know your pilot has chosen the best possible conditions for the experience.

If you’re looking for a real bucket-list activity in Vík, this is hard to beat. It gives you a view of Iceland’s South Coast that most visitors never get to see, and a serious adrenaline rush to boot! 

10. Warm up at Vík Swimming Pool 

Vík Swimming Pool is the perfect place to warm up after all of your South Coast adventures! All of the exploring is so much fun, but it also uses up a lot of energy. Sometimes, you just need somewhere to go and chill out for a while!

And that’s where the pool comes in. This is a much more local Icelandic experience than some of the bigger tours on this list, which is another reason we like it. Outdoor swimming pools are a huge part of everyday life in Iceland, and visiting one is a fun and affordable way to relax like a local.

The pool has a 16.7-meter (55-foot) outdoor main pool, as well as a children’s pool, hot tub, cold tub, and sauna. So whether you want to swim a few lengths or soak your sore muscles, it’s an ideal place to hang out and unwind.

It’s also a handy option when the weather turns, which, let’s be honest, can happen pretty quickly in Iceland! Instead of hiding in your hotel room, you can spend an hour or two warming up and recovering after lots of exploring.

Current opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 8 pm, and weekends from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Just note that guests are usually asked to leave the pool 15 minutes before closing.

It may not be the flashiest thing to do in Vík, but it’s cozy and wonderfully Icelandic – and it doesn’t cost a bomb, either! For us, that makes it well worth adding to your Vik itinerary.

Where to Stay in Vik

Although Vík is only a small village, it’s one of the most popular places to stay along Iceland’s South Coast. Spending the night here means you’ll have easy access to glaciers, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and some of the country’s best adventure activities, without having to rush through everything in a single day.

To help you choose, we’ve rounded up three excellent places to stay in Vík for different budgets.

Luxury – $$$

Hotel Vík í Mýrdal is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a comfortable, modern base in the heart of the village. The hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the famous black sand beach, making it an ideal place to stay while exploring the South Coast. The rooms are stylish and spacious, and there’s an excellent breakfast to fuel a day of sightseeing.

Prices range from about 30,000 to 63,000 ISK ($250 to $500 USD) depending on when you’re visiting. Check prices for your dates and book this stay on Booking.com!

Mid-range – $$

Hótel Kría is one of the best-rated hotels in Vík, offering contemporary rooms, beautiful mountain views, and an excellent location just a short walk from the beach. The on-site restaurant and cocktail bar make it a lovely place to unwind after a day of glacier hikes and black sand adventures, while the modern design gives it a slightly more boutique feel than many hotels in the area.

Prices range from about 30,000 to 63,000 ISK ($250 to $500 USD) depending on when you’re visiting. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com!

Budget – $

Guesthouse Carina is an excellent budget-friendly option for travelers who’d rather spend their money on experiences than accommodation. Just a short walk from the center of Vík, it offers bright, comfortable rooms with either mountain or ocean views, along with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great base for exploring the South Coast.

Rooms go for about 14,000 to 38,000 ISK ($115 to $300 USD) depending on the time of year. Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com!

For even more options, check out all the hotels in Vík here!

Renting a Car in Europe

Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.

We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in Europe

• Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
• Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
• Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
• Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
• Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
• Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
• Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.

Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms?

Book with Discover Cars here

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Thanks for reading!

Vik was an unexpectedly great place to visit! The stunning outdoors is enough to make you stay longer, and the charm of the little town makes the trek worthwhile. So slow down, take in the sights, and enjoy Vik!

If you need help planning the rest of your trip, check out our other Iceland blogs! We have guides for wherever your travels take you, from multi-day itineraries to recommendations on where to stay and more. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination. Cheers!

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Where to Stay in Reykjavik, Iceland: 4 Areas & Hotels

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Reykjavik, Iceland: 3-Day Itinerary

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