Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland Guide
Vík í Mýrdal, often simply called Vík, is a charming village nestled on Iceland's south coast. Known for its dramatic black sand beaches, towering sea stacks, and the imposing Mýrdalsjökull glacier looming in the background, Vík offers a unique and unforgettable Icelandic experience. The village is small but vibrant, serving as a popular stop for travelers exploring the Ring Road and the stunning natural wonders of the south. Despite its size, Vík boasts a rich history and a strong connection to Icelandic folklore. Legend has it that the Reynisdrangar sea stacks are petrified trolls who were caught by the rising sun while trying to pull a ship to shore. The village is also a haven for birdwatchers, with puffins nesting on the nearby cliffs during the summer months. Vík provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure.
Food & Cuisine
Vík offers a variety of dining options, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Expect to find traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb soup, fresh seafood, and hearty stews. Several restaurants offer stunning views of the black sand beach and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Halldórskaffi is a popular choice known for its delicious Icelandic cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Ströndin Bistro & Bar is another great option, offering a more modern menu with a focus on local produce. For a quick bite, try one of the local cafes or bakeries for pastries and coffee.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Vík is relatively quiet, reflecting the village's small size. However, several restaurants and bars stay open late, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a drink and socialize. Halldórskaffi and Ströndin Bistro & Bar are popular choices for evening drinks. Don't expect nightclubs or loud music; the focus is on enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the company of fellow travelers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Vík depends on your priorities. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest temperatures, longest daylight hours, and the best chance to see puffins nesting on the cliffs. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer a good balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Winter (November-March) brings the chance to see the Northern Lights, but also the coldest temperatures and shortest daylight hours. Road conditions can also be challenging during winter.
Transportation
Public transportation in Vík is limited. The primary mode of transport for tourists is by car, either rented or as part of a guided tour. Scheduled buses connect Vík to other towns along the Ring Road, but frequency can be limited, especially during the off-season. Taxis are available, but it's best to book in advance. Walking is the best way to get around within the village itself.
Airport
The closest international airport to Vík is Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located approximately 180 km (112 miles) away. The drive from Keflavík to Vík takes around 2.5-3 hours, depending on road conditions. Rental cars are readily available at the airport. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the airport to Reykjavík and then another bus to Vík. Some tour operators also offer airport transfers to Vík.
Attractions
Vík Church
Vík Church is a picturesque white church located on a hill overlooking the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Built in 1934, the church is a prominent landmark in the area and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the church grounds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic site.
Reynisdrangar
Reynisdrangar are basalt sea stacks located off the coast of Vík í Mýrdal, rising dramatically from the ocean. Legend has it that these stacks were once trolls who turned into stone when caught by the sunlight. Visitors can admire these unique rock formations from Reynisfjara Beach or Dyrhólaey.
Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara Beach is a black sand beach with basalt columns and towering cliffs, known for its stunning scenery and powerful waves. Visitors can explore the unique rock formations, watch seabirds nesting on the cliffs, and enjoy the dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular spot for photography and nature lovers.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a promontory with a lighthouse offering panoramic views of the black sand beaches, cliffs, and rock formations of Vík í Mýrdal. Visitors can spot puffins nesting in the cliffs during the summer months and enjoy hiking trails with breathtaking scenery. It is a great spot for birdwatching and photography.
Vík Wool Factory
Vík Wool Factory is a historic building that once housed a wool processing facility in Vík í Mýrdal. Today, the building has been converted into a museum showcasing the history of wool production in Iceland. Visitors can learn about traditional Icelandic wool crafts, watch demonstrations, and purchase locally made wool products.
Reynisdrangar
Reynisdrangar are basalt sea stacks located off the coast of Reynisfjara Beach. These towering rock formations are said to be trolls turned into stone by the sunlight. Visitors can admire the unique geological features from the beach or take a boat tour to see them up close.
Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara Beach is a black sand beach with basalt columns and towering cliffs. It is known for its powerful waves and stunning views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Visitors can explore the unique rock formations, watch seabirds nesting on the cliffs, and enjoy the dramatic scenery.
Hjörleifshöfði Cave
Hjörleifshöfði Cave is a hidden gem located near Vík with a unique history and stunning views. The cave is named after Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson, one of the first settlers in Iceland. Visitors can hike to the cave entrance, explore the interior, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The cave offers a glimpse into Iceland's ancient past and geological wonders.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a promontory with a lighthouse offering panoramic views of the black sand beaches, cliffs, and rock formations. Visitors can spot puffins nesting in the area during the summer months and enjoy hiking trails with breathtaking scenery. The area is also known for its rich birdlife and diverse flora.
Vík Church
Vík Church is a picturesque white church located on a hill overlooking the village of Vík. The church dates back to 1934 and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the church grounds, attend services, and learn about the history and architecture of this iconic landmark.
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
A US Navy Douglas C-117 crashed on Sólheimasandur black sand beach in 1973. The wreckage remains, offering a surreal and photogenic experience. It's a popular spot for photography and exploring the stark Icelandic landscape. The walk to the plane is about 4km each way across the black sand, so be prepared for a long trek. Remember to check weather conditions before heading out.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara is a stunning black sand beach known for its basalt columns, dramatic sea stacks (Reynisdrangar), and powerful waves. Explore the basalt cave, Hálsanefshellir, and marvel at the raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Be cautious of sneaker waves, which can be unpredictable and dangerous. The beach is a popular spot for photography and enjoying the unique Icelandic landscape.
Dyrhólaey Arch
Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula with a dramatic rock arch, offering panoramic views of the coastline, including Reynisfjara beach and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. During the summer months, it's a popular nesting site for puffins. Hike to the top for breathtaking scenery and a chance to spot these adorable birds. The lighthouse at the top is also a notable landmark.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Skógafoss is one of Iceland's largest and most beautiful waterfalls, cascading down from a height of 60 meters. Hike to the top via a staircase alongside the falls for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. On sunny days, you can often see a single or double rainbow in front of the waterfall. Legend says a Viking chieftain hid a chest of gold behind the falls.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a magnificent canyon carved by the Fjaðrá river over millennia. Its winding path and steep walls create a dramatic landscape. Visitors can hike along the canyon's edge, enjoying breathtaking views. The canyon's unique geological formations and vibrant green moss make it a must-see for nature lovers and photographers. Be mindful of the delicate environment and stay on marked paths.
Day Trips
Þórsmörk is a stunning nature reserve nestled between glaciers, offering incredible hiking opportunities. It's a lush, green valley surrounded by rugged mountains and glacial rivers. Access requires crossing unbridged rivers, so a guided tour in a modified vehicle is highly recommended (or a very capable 4x4). The scenery is simply breathtaking.
Approx. 1.5 - 2 hours driving (including river crossings) Seljalandsfoss is unique because you can walk behind the cascading water for an unforgettable experience (be prepared to get wet!). Just a short walk away is Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall tucked away inside a small gorge. You'll need to wade through a shallow stream to reach it, but the reward is a magical and intimate encounter with nature.
Approx. 1 hour driving These iconic locations are practically in Vík! Dyrhólaey is a dramatic rock arch offering panoramic views of the coastline, including Reynisfjara. Reynisfjara is famous for its basalt columns, powerful waves (be cautious!), and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean. It's a photographer's paradise and a must-see for any visitor to the area.
Less than 15 minutes driving Skógafoss is one of Iceland's largest and most beautiful waterfalls, cascading down from a height of 60 meters. Climb the stairs beside the falls for breathtaking views from the top. The Skógar Museum, located nearby, offers a fascinating glimpse into Iceland's history and culture, with exhibits on traditional turf houses, transportation, and local crafts.
Approx. 30 minutes driving Get up close and personal with a glacier! Sólheimajökull is an easily accessible outlet glacier of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. Guided glacier walks and ice climbing tours are readily available, offering a thrilling experience for all skill levels. Witness the stunning blue ice, crevasses, and ice formations, and learn about the glacier's formation and the impact of climate change.
Approx. 30 minutes driving Eldhraun is the largest lava flow of its kind in the world, created by one of Iceland's biggest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. Today, it's a surreal landscape covered in thick moss, creating a unique and otherworldly environment. It's a great place for a scenic drive and to appreciate the raw power of nature.
Approx. 1 hour driving Fjaðrárgljúfur is a magnificent canyon carved by the Fjaðrá river over millennia. Its winding path and steep cliffs create a dramatic and picturesque landscape. You can hike along the rim of the canyon for stunning views or wade through the shallow river at the bottom (be prepared for cold water!).
Approx. 1 hour driving While the entire Vatnajökull National Park is vast, the Skaftafell Nature Reserve section is accessible for a day trip. Here, you can hike to Svartifoss waterfall, famous for its basalt column surroundings, and enjoy stunning views of glaciers and mountains. There are various hiking trails to suit different fitness levels.
Approx. 2.5 hours driving Þórsmörk Valley (Thorsmork)
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Seljalandsfoss Waterfall & Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
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Dyrhólaey Arch & Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
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Skógafoss Waterfall & Skógar Museum
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Sólheimajökull Glacier
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Eldhraun Lava Field
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Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
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Vatnajökull National Park (Skaftafell Nature Reserve)
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