What to see in Vik Iceland
After taking a redeye flight to Iceland from Orlando we arrived about 5 am.
We rented a car at the airport and headed straight for Vik (3 hour drive from Reykjavik). On our first day from Reykjavik to Vik, we saw Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls (and many more in the days to come). The views were truly unlike anything I had ever seen before. I don’t know what I expected Iceland to be like, but this was so much better.
We arrived in the small village of Vík around sunrise.
Vik is Iceland’s southernmost village and faces the open Atlantic Ocean, framed by a long beach of black volcanic sand.
How many people live in Vik Iceland?
Less than 300 people live in Vik, but it is the biggest settlement for 70km (43 mi).
As we drove into the village we were greeted by a glowing a church sitting on a hill. It felt like something out of a fairy tale.
Next we moved on to the black sand beach which had been at the top of our list. The American journal Islands Magazine counted the black sand beach of Vik, Iceland as one of the ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches on Earth. It was easy to see why!
In one short day I experienced so many sights and places for the first time. My husband and I kept saying that we couldn’t believe we were actually there. Lava fields covered in moss, waterfalls running off the mountains, rivers flowing through lava rock, Icelandic homes sitting at the mountains edge, and black sand beaches! A trip to Vik, Iceland is hard to beat.
What to Pack? Before traveling to Iceland, make sure to read my Iceland Packing List guide so you so that you are prepared for the unique elements this nation has to offer.
Vik Iceland Map
Iceland Tip – Rent a car and drive from Reykjavik to Vik
Reykjavik to Vik day trip
You won’t be disappointed in the incredible views and waterfalls you see along the way. This really can make this a perfect day trip from Reykjavik. This is what we did and it worked great.
Distance from Reykjavik to Vik
The distance from Reykjavik to Vik is 87km (116 miles). It will take you 2.5 hours driving.
If you are looking to save money on a rental car in Iceland you should check out this post. Using these tips we were able to rent a car in Iceland for 5 days for $140!
Things to do in Vik Iceland
Here are the best things to do in Vik Iceland.
Visit Vík í Mýrdal Village in Iceland
Visit the Famous Vik Church
Visit the Black Sand Beach
You have a view of the whole town from the church on a hill.
Another shot of the church in Vik Iceland.
Visiting the black sand beach in Vik is definitely a must. The sand is crushed lava rock formed when it reaches the frigid ocean. A beautiful beach to visit, but not where I chose to sun tan. Half way down the beach is a large vaulted cavern called Hálsanefeshellir (obviously incredibly difficult to pronounce).
Let’s just say the water is not for swimming ;)
Vik Iceland in the Winter
Vik i Mydral church on a hill in Vik Iceland.
This little church was one of my favorite spots to visit in Vik. Not only is the church incredibly charming itself, but it also offers views of the entire town.
The Northern Lights in Vik
Vik Black Sand Beach in Iceland
See the Vik Puffins!
Because we always save the best for last.
What to Pack for Iceland
- Wool base layer – These Icebreaker base layers are not the cheapest, but they are SO warm it’s worth it.
- Fleece lined leggings – These fleece lined leggings were AMAZING to have on this trip. Not just warm, but so comfy and affordable! (You will thank me for these ;)
- Warm Winter Coat – I am obsessed with my Northface Nuptuse Jacket. It is 700 down and will keep you so warm in Iceland. Bonus – it is packable too!
- Warm scarf – I always like to bring a couple scarves for photos.
- Touch screen gloves – There is nothing more annoying than having to continually take off your gloves so that you can use your phone to take pictures or videos, especially in the freezing cold. It’s because of that that these touch screen gloves are my favorite. These are also an awesome choice. They will work with the iPhones, Android phones and iPad and are wind proof.
- Warm socks – I have been loving these Heat Holder socks.
- Warm Fleece Jacket (without hood)
- Fleece Hoodie – This will be great for adding extra layers when needed.
- Warm Winter Hat – Shop my favorite winter hats from Nordstrom.
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Looks fabulously dramatic!
It definitley is! :)
What time of year did you go? What were the road conditions as you were in the more rural areas?
Hey Alecia, we went in December. The roads were fine to drive on but I will say the weather is pretty unpredictable. It would be sunny one minute and then snowing the next. We did get caught in a snow storm or two which made the roads slick but it was nothing you wouldn’t be able to drive on. Going in the winter was actually great for us because there were no crowds and everything was cheaper. :)
Stunning blog! I’m totally planning my trip to Iceland now! Love your pictures!!
Thank you so much! You will fall in love with Iceland. Have so much fun on your trip! :)
As an Icelander, knowing the dangers here and what to look out for… One thing you should never ever ever EVER do, and that is if and when you visit the Black Beach is to go play in the waves… To many lives have been lost there, one only few weeks ago, when a tourist, photographing the waves, was hit by a wave, dragged out, but was found shortly after, dead, and his wife and 2 young children watched!…. Few hrs later, a bus full of tourists stopped, and atleast 8 ended up soaking wet from walking to close to the waves so people had to be dragged away from the sand…… countless tourists have had a near death experience when falling and the waves come in, strong, unforgiving and trying to pull you down with them… And they will not let go, the icecold grip they have on a body is to strong… I am not trying to get you not to come visit Iceland, but listen to what the locals advise, and point out, and take it to heart… We love your visits, but we would love it even more if you an return to your homes, unharmed and happy… and perhaps, one day, return..
And since i have begun… NEVER step out on the ice at the Glacier lagoon.. That is a crasy, infact stupid thing to do….. ok, i´ll stop now… :D
Oh geeze, thanks for the heads up Kristin, that sounds scary. It’s a good reminder for all of us to be cautious while traveling. Thanks for your comment!
Keep up the awesome work !! Lovin’ it!
Fantastic pictures :-)! We love this place, is truly magical and so mysterious.
I’m so glad you like them! Magical and mysterious are probably the two best words to describe Vik! It was so incredible.