Latest update: 18 December 2024
Vík is the wettest place in all of Iceland. That doesn’t sound very inviting, does it? But it’s also the place of the black beach, the plane wreck, fun food trucks, and more. So, despite the rain, you should put Vík on your Iceland to-do list – and bring your raincoat.
Vík in Iceland
The full name of the village is Vík í Mýrdal. Abbreviated to Vík, because Iceland already has enough unpronounceable place names! It is the southernmost town in Iceland. Less than 1000 people live in Vík, but it seems more because many tourists find their way here. There is a lot to do and see in and around Vík.
If you do a full tour of Iceland, you will definitely pass Vík. People who only have a few days make it to this area and return to Reykjavík. Or maybe they manage to make their way to the Katla Geopark or Jökulsárlon.
Vík í Mýrdal church
The village of Vík is not very idyllic. And the church of Vík is like so many in Iceland: white walls, red roof. But because it is so beautifully situated on a hill, you must go check it out. You will be treated to a beautiful view of the village, the black beach, and the rocks.
Black Beach in Vík (Reynisfjara)
Black Beach. The name gives you an unmistakable idea of what it is: a black beach. It’s near Vík and is a tourist hotspot because of the basalt columns. Everyone wants a photo with the columns, which makes it challenging to take a picture with columns but without people. The beach is a mix of black sand and dark gray pebbles. Actually, I was there a bit too early: the best time to visit Black Beach is at sunset when you get beautiful, dramatic photos.
Around the corner from the basalt columns is the Hálsanefshellir cave. But the ocean is so wild today that it is inaccessible without getting soaked. Black Beach, or Reynisfjara, is known for the sneaker waves. These are enormous waves that unexpectedly come so far onto the beach that people can be swept away by them. The wave sneaks up on you.
Google Maps location
Paid parking
Red Hot Lava soup
Iceland is often called the land of fire and ice. That, of course, refers to the glaciers, geysers, and volcanoes. And lava! So if I can eat Red Hot Lava soup somewhere, I’m in. In Vík, I end up at The Soup Company. The Red Hot Lava soup is served in hollowed-out black bread, and a lot of steam is coming off it. It contains beef, black beans, and red lentils, among other things. A bit spicy but doable (and I’m not one to eat very spicy normally). You can have another serving for free if you want. So The Soup Company offers a pretty good deal!
Icelandic Lava Show
The Icelandic Lava Show is in the same building as The Soup Company. I didn’t plan time for it, and to be honest, I also thought it would be boring. But I read really good reviews online, so in retrospect, I regret not going a bit. The show teaches you how volcanoes erupt, how lava flows, and more.
The views at Dyrhólaey
Set your navigation to Dyrhólaey. This is where you come for the views over the black beach and the rocks, and maybe you will spot a whale in the distance. Yes, really! I saw one. You might also see puffins if you come here between April and August.
Dyrhólaey has been a nature reserve since 1978 to protect the bird population better. This piece of Iceland probably formed a volcanic island a long time ago due to an underwater eruption, and later, it attached itself to Iceland. Now, 80,000 years later, I am standing on a 120-meter-high cliff, taking in the views.
You can limit your visit to the part around the lighthouse, but you can actually also go on an easy hike. So decide what fits best into your schedule: a short stop at the main viewpoints or a walk of about 5 kilometers to Kirkjufjara beach.
Sólheimasandur plane wreck
The Sólheimasandur plane wreck is probably the most famous sight in the area around Vík. And yes, I skip it. It is about a 45 to 60-minute walk – one way. So I was pleased when I discovered that there was also a shuttle bus. Expensive, but everything in Iceland is expensive, and time is money too, right? Only the bus leaves exactly when we drive into the parking lot. After a moment of hesitation and a glance at today’s schedule, my best friend and I decide that the plane wreck should happen on our next visit to Iceland.
But anyway, you can take a shuttle bus. You can book one on-site or online in advance.
The plane wreck is an American DC-3 (if that means anything to you). It crashed on November 24, 1973. Luckily, everyone survived the crash. It is an American Navy plane and no one knows exactly what was wrong with it. There are stories about insufficient fuel and heavy icing that forced them to land. You would think the crew should be able to clarify that, but apparently that is not how it works. 😉
Food trucks in Vík
You can actually find food trucks everywhere in Iceland. Also in Vík. There is the Crepes.is food truck (Google Maps location). You have to know it’s there otherwise you will drive right past it. It is only a tiny little shack in a large parking lot. Try a sweet crepe with Nutella, banana, Prince Rollo (the Icelandic Twix), or a savory one with ham and cheese. The sweet one is super rich and contains an overdose of Nutella. So you can also share it if that sounds a bit much.
Against the mountainside of Vík is an old American school bus (Google Maps location). When you enter the bus, there are seats on both sides. It can hold about ten people, and then it is full. Of course, there is always room for one more. And that is necessary because the Skool Beans micro-roaster is a popular spot. When the weather is nice, you can also sit outside.
Skool Beans roasts the coffee beans themselves and has a wide selection of beans and sweets. You can also buy souvenirs such as espresso cups and cups with a cat on them—the house cat of the bus. Unfortunately, it did not show up during my visit.
Visit the Katla Geopark
Katla is a vast nature reserve that covers about 10% of Iceland. Its volcanoes, ice caves, and glaciers make the park perfect for a day trip from Vík. Ice caves, glacier hikes, and snowmobiling are all possible, but it is best to do them with a tour. You can also hike in the Fjaðrárgljúfur valley on your own.
Between Vík & Reykjavík
If you drive from Reykjavík to Vík, you will find a few more nice stops. Mark them on your Google Maps so you don’t miss them!
Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui waterfalls
The Seljalandsfoss waterfall is unique because you can walk behind it. But not in the winter—not even in early April when I was there. There was too much snow and ice, making it too dangerous. It is an enormously high waterfall (60 meters!) where the water really thunders down. I can feel the water vapor from quite a distance. From the parking lot, it is only a short walk to the waterfall.
And now that you are there… Walk another 500 meters to the Gljufrabui waterfall. It is hidden in a gorge; you can go in it, but you must wear waterproof clothing. People leave the gorge soaking wet. My jeans can’t handle that. An employee is at the entrance to the gorge to regulate the flow. If you just want to take a photo around the corner, they might allow you to do so quickly without lining up.
Google Maps location
Paid parking
Skógafoss waterfall
The Skógafoss waterfall is popular because it is so wide. During my visit, a rainbow appears across the entire width. The wind is pretty strong, so if you stand to close to the waterfall, you’ll get soaking wet. I’m not sure if it’s always like that.
You can follow the path up along the waterfall so that you can look into it from above. We skip that because we suspect that it is actually most beautiful from below – but mainly because our legs are exhausted.
Fish & chips at Mia’s Country Van
Mia’s food truck is cleverly positioned along the road to the Skógafoss waterfall. If you’re hungry, definitely stop here for a portion of fish & chips. There are a few picnic benches so you can eat in peace. A nice man explains all the Icelandic salt, spices and sauces. The fish is like a fish fillet with a hearty remoulade sauce. Yummy!
Accommodation in Vík: The Barn
The Barn is a luxury hostel with shared and private rooms. It is located in the same spot as the fancy Black Beach Suites, so you get that free luxury vibe with the hostel vibe. The bar has nice seating areas and you can order some snacks or a cocktail (€43 for two cocktails, pfffff).
The communal kitchen is very large and fully equipped, with everything from a cheese grater to good knives. Because it is so tidy, almost everyone makes sure it stays that way. The dining room has a nice big window, so you can enjoy a first-class view of the landscape with mountains and sea in the distance. It’s beautiful at sunset, too.
The shared showers are also very tidy. The private bedroom is nice and spacious. I look out over the mountains through the skylight, which is a nice way to wake up. I would have liked to stay here another night.
View The Barn or Black Beach Suites
Be sure to walk around the grounds around sunset!
More Iceland inspiration?
Useful links for your Iceland trip
- Accommodation. Favorite remains Booking.com. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. ‘Free’ walking tours can be booked at Freetour.com or GuruWalk.
- Car rental. If you want to compare more prices, try Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com.
- Guidebooks. I like paper travel guides to flip through, available for sale Amazon and others.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Trip, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? See what Expedia or CheapOair has on offer.
- Yoga retreat or horseback riding vacation. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Iceland or a horseback riding vacation.
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First published: June 2024. The article has been updated since.
