Vík í Mýrdal is a remote seafront village in south Iceland. It sits in the shadow of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers the Katla volcano. Reyniskirkja is a wooden church dating to 1929. Reynisfjara beach has black pebbles, basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar offshore rock formations. The cliffs of Reynisfjall mountain are home to seabirds such as puffins. Just west, the Dyrhólaey peninsula has a large rock arch. â Google
June to August: Ideal for hiking, puffin watching, and long daylight hours.
May & September: Fewer crowds, mild weather, and beautiful lighting for photography.
October to March: Darker, colder — perfect for Northern Lights (with luck and clear skies), but be mindful of road conditions.
By car: ~2.5–3 hours from Reykjavík via Route 1 (Ring Road) — one of Iceland’s most scenic drives.
By bus: Public and private buses run from Reykjavík daily, though renting a car offers more flexibility.
By tour: Many South Coast tours include Vík as a key stop.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: One of the world’s most dramatic beaches, with basalt columns, crashing waves, and sea stacks. Caution: the waves are powerful and unpredictable — stay well back from the shore.
Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks: Towering volcanic formations offshore, tied to Icelandic folklore.
Dyrhólaey Peninsula: A cliff arch offering panoramic views, puffin colonies (May–August), and dramatic ocean cliffs.
Vík Church (Víkurkirkja): Sitting on a hill above the village, offering peaceful views of the town and coastline.
Mýrdalsjökull Glacier: Nearby glacier covering the Katla volcano — glacier hiking and snowmobiling available.
Walk the black beaches at sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable experience.
Puffin watching from Dyrhólaey cliffs in summer.
Glacier tours or ice cave explorations on Mýrdalsjökull (seasonal and guided only).
Photograph the basalt column cliffs and cave at Reynisfjara.
Visit nearby waterfalls like Skógafoss and Kvernufoss (about 30–40 minutes away).
Stop at Vik’s wool and souvenir shops, known for Icelandic knits and handmade goods.
Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and modern lodges in and around the village.
Cabins and cottages are popular for families and longer stays.
Camping is available nearby in warmer months.
Book in advance, especially in summer, as availability fills up quickly.
Local cuisine features hearty Icelandic staples, often with lamb, fish, and root vegetables.
Try:
Icelandic lamb soup
Arctic char or cod fillets
Rye bread with butter or smoked salmon
Cozy cafés and bistros serve homemade cakes, soups, and quality coffee.
A few pubs and restaurants offer great views and relaxing vibes.
Vík is a small, tight-knit village shaped by volcanic forces, weather, and tourism.
The town sits just beneath Katla volcano, making the local church a designated emergency shelter.
Residents are friendly and used to welcoming travelers — but also mindful of nature’s power and respect for the land.
Stay well back from the waves at Reynisfjara — sneaker waves are dangerous.
Dress in layers and waterproof gear — the weather changes rapidly.
Start your drive early from Reykjavík to beat tour bus crowds.
Combine Vík with nearby sights: Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, or a glacier tour.