The modest seafront community, Vik, with its captivating seascape, dramatic landscape, and quaint offerings is among South Iceland’s bests. The peaceful village is perched below the Reynisfjall cliffs and has long been stunning yet unexplored. However, this is steadfastly changing. Tourists from the European mainland, as well as the rest of the world, are getting attracted by Vik’s charms, giving rise to plenty of commercial activities to entertain its visitors. And all this without letting go of its pristine beauty! Ice cave explorations, glacier hikes, adventure activities, and a plethora of activities make a trip to Vik an entirely unforgettable experience. Carry along this list of things to do in Vik, Iceland and you’ll have yourself covered with the best.
1. Go puffin-spotting at Dyrhólaey
Whether you are a bird-watcher or not, this experience will be pretty amazing. Dyrhólaey is a rocky promontory, offering some of the most stunning views of the seascape, but is more popular for various puffin nesting spots all around. You can set yourself up on any spot and catch some beautiful views of lovely little birds scuttling and prancing around. While most guided tours will take you to lower Dyrhólaey, those of you comfortable with doing a bit of hiking can also go up to higher Dyrhólaey and enjoy even better views (and also quietude!). However, it is strongly recommended that you try your best not to be noisy, lest you scare away the puffins. Dyrhólaey is a super popular tourist destination so time your visit early in the day to catch the best of views. Also, this one’s a seasonal activity so check in with local sources before heading.
Dyrhólaey
Address: 871 Vik, Iceland
2. Admire Vik i Myrdal Church
Vik’s most iconic structure and probably the most photographed is Vik i Myrdal Church. The red-roofed church shines like a beacon on a hill, overlooking Vik’s stunning seafront and a humble skyline, attracting hordes of tourists. It was built in the 1930s and is locally known as Víkurkirkja. The church, with its scenic surroundings, is every bit a sight, making it a popular wedding destination as well.
Vik i Myrdal Church
Address: Sunnubraut 7, Vík, Iceland
3. Head up to Black Sand Beach
If you’re thinking that we’ve colour-corrected this image – we’ve not! This is just how it looks. Enveloped between towering basalt stacks, waters of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, and a scintillating panorama of Vik, Black Sand Beach is unique and every bit photogenic. You can also walk up to the lighthouse to the right side of the beach for catching spectacular views of the vista or for spotting puffins during summertime. Keep in mind the weather to have the best of experience at Black Sand Beach – the sunnier, the better!
Black Sand Beach
Address: Vikurbraut, Vik 870, Iceland
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Hitch a horseback ride offered by Vík Horse Adventure
Posted by Vik horse adventure on Tuesday, 1 October 2019
Although exploring Black Sand Beach on foot will be fun, but taking the experience up a notch are horseback rides/tours that Vík Horse Adventure offers. While the regular tours are about an hour long, the special ones may be slightly longer. The regular, Black Sand Beach guided tour is ideal for newbies and expert horseback riders alike and makes for a supremely fun experience. However, do remember that the weight limit for mounting the tour horses is 110 kg (240 lbs). Apart from that, wear riding-friendly clothes and footwear, and carry essential basics. Vík Horse Adventure will take care of the equipment.
Vík Horse Adventure
Address: Smiojuvegur 6, Vik 870, Iceland
Website: Vík Horse Adventure
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 70 USD onwards
5. Check out the Voyages Friendship Statue
Voyages Friendship Statue, #Vík í Mýrdal The statue, standing at 1.8m (6ft), is located on the edge of the Black Sand...
Posted by Campervan Reykjavik - Camper Rental Iceland on Wednesday, 11 July 2018
Built as a commemorative monument to end the Cod War and boost friendship between Iceland and the United Kingdom, the Voyages Friendship Statue is a top sightseeing spot. It is 1.8 m (6 ft) high and stands right adjacent to Black Sand Beach. The statue draws its inspiration from those who depended on the sea for their livelihoods and the families of those who were involved in the Cod War, fearing that their loved ones may never return.
Voyages Friendship Statue
Address: Ránarbraut 15, Vík, Iceland
6. Explore Iceland's maritime history at Skaftfellingur Museum
Iceland and sea voyages have historical ties, dating back up to the 9th century when the land was first settled. So, it’s natural that the country would have plenty of maritime information and museums across. Following suit is Vik’s Skaftfellingur Museum, which encapsulates maritime history excellently. There’s a host of historical artefacts, exhibits, and vintage photographs, but the centrepiece of the museum remains a well-preserved 100-year-old Skaftfellingur ship that played an important role in Iceland’s participation in World War II as well as for ferrying people and cargo to and from several parts of the world. The museum makes for an interesting place for kids as they can even try on vikings’ and seamen’s costumes.
Skaftfellingur Museum
Address: 17, Víkurbraut, Vik, Iceland
Website: Skaftfellingur Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 1.5 - 5 USD
7. Hitch a paragliding session with True Adventure Iceland
Just a normal day here in Cape Town . . . #paragliding #paraglidingiceland #paraglidingcapetown #capetown #paraglidingadventure #trueadventure
Posted by True Adventure on Saturday, 2 March 2019
There’s nothing quite like admiring Vik’s dreamy beauty… and that too aerially! True Adventure Iceland offers some superb paragliding sessions that are about an hour-and-a-half long. Plus, some paragliding day tours as well. You can fly solo or even go in for tandem paragliding and share the thrilling experience with a loved one. While most essential equipment and gear is provided with the tour, it is recommended that you wear flying-friendly (warm) clothes and sturdy footwear. You may be a flying novice or an expert, the experience will amaze you alike. So, harness up and let your imagination take flight, paragliding!
True Adventure Iceland
Address: Suðurvíkurvegur 5, 870 Vík, Iceland
Website: True Adventure Iceland
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
8. Go on a zip-lining tour with Zipline Iceland (from USD 104.0)
While paragliding is one way of soaking in Vik’s splendour, zip-lining is another. Zipline Iceland brings some of the most enthralling and adrenaline-pumping zip-lining tours that combine the best of adventure and exploration. While on board, you’ll be treated with fabulous aerial views of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier along with Vik’s panorama. Not just that, local tour guides also provide some interesting information about the flora, fauna, and history of the places that fall along the zip-lining routes. The entire tour is about two hours long, excluding the assembly time so keep that kind of time aside for the best of experience.
Zipline and Hiking Adventure Tour in Vík
Duration: 90 to 120 minutes
9. Take a dip into Sundlaugin/Swimming Pool Vík
If you’re a water baby, this experience will definitely please you. Sundlaugin/Swimming Pool Vík is Vik’s outdoor swimming pool, offering some fantastic views of South Iceland’s landscape. Fret not though – the pool is geo-thermally heated so it makes for a supremely relaxing affair. While there’s a full-sized pool for adults, there’s a smaller one for kids as well! Some of the smaller pools are regulated to be hotter than the main, large pool so you can step into those as well, depending on your preference.
Sundlaugin/Swimming Pool Vík
Address: Mánabraut 3, 870 Vík, Iceland
Website: Sundlaugin/Swimming Pool Vík
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 3 - 7 USD
10. Go on an ice cave exploration (from USD 206.0)
It’s no news that Vik and Iceland’s landscape is every bit wondrous and stunning. Adding to the appeal are the various ice caves that can easily be accessed. Hitch this tour, which is about three hours long, and leave yourself to be thoroughly impressed by the ice caves. This one, in particular, will let you explore the ice cave beneath the Katla Volcano, accompanied by a guide, who provides necessary assistance as well as essential information about these natural wonders. While transport up to the ice cave and necessary gear for cave exploration are provided on the tour, you’ll be expected to carry/wear waterproof and warm clothing, hiking boots, and a thirst for adventure for some hardy yet unique fun!
Ice Cave by Katla Volcano Super Jeep Tour from Vik
Duration: 3 hours
11. Savour one of Smiðjan Brugghús's crisp beers
Nýir bjórar á töflunni í dag, Mangó og ástaraldins skyrsúrbjór og Belgian blonde sem hlaut nafnið "Gul viðvörun" svona í...
Posted by Smiðjan Brugghús on Tuesday, 8 October 2019
Experience a bit of Vik’s pub culture at its famous hangout spot, Smiðjan Brugghús, offering 10 craft beers on tap and some scrumptious bites alongside. While their most famous beers include the pale ale, farmhouse ale, and the Icelandic India Pale Ales, their kale and quinoa vegan burger and the peanut butter mousse do a fine job of hitting the spot. Smiðjan Brugghús is pretty close to Black Sand Beach and the Voyages Friendship Statue so you can easily squeeze in a meal after a day of activities.
Smiðjan Brugghús
Address: Sunnubraut 15, 870 Vík, Iceland
Website: Smiðjan Brugghús
Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)
12. Stop over for a bite at Strondin Bistro and Bar
Strondin Bistro and Bar is just the place to be after an eventful day, packed with sightseeing. It is just a few metres from Black Sand Beach and is a popular haunt for tourists and the locals alike. Grab one of the tables outside and devour the delightful meals, overlooking bewitching views of the seascape, that come out of Strondin’s kitchen. Take it up a notch and order one of the many amazing drinks the place offers.
Strondin Bistro and Bar
Address: Austurvegur 18, Vik 870 Iceland
Website: Strondin Bistro and Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 12am
13. Try Víkurskáli's Icelandic Meat Soup
Lamb Stew
Posted by Mona Wong on Friday, 12 December 2014
Imagine making a usual pit-stop at a fuel station and sauntering into an unassuming cafeteria on-site for a quick bite… but then… a gastronomical surprise strikes! Víkurskáli, in Vik, serves the best and the most spectacular Icelandic Meat Soup you’d have tried. It is hearty, packed with flavours, and absolutely yum! Not just that, their casseroles and burgers are just as tasty. Pair these with one of the beers and you have yourself the makings of a perfect meal, accompanied by breathtaking views of Reynisdrangur.
Víkurskáli
Address: N1 fuel station, Route 1, Vik 870 Iceland
Opening hours: 9am - 8:30pm (daily)
Straight out of a storybook
Poised between towering, rugged sea cliffs and glacier-topped mountains, the scenery in Vik is postcard-perfect! Fewer places offer such a stunning yet unique mix of activities to indulge in. These things to do in Vik, Icelend cover the best of them all so prep yourselves and head to Vik right away!
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