Vik i Myrdal: Iceland's Charming Southern Village

About Vik

Vik dates back to the 9th century, but people didn't settle there permanently until 1890, when traders began selling basics like flour, sugar, and salt. The village grew into a service hub with stores and slaughterhouses, where local farmers would meet.

The village grew up in the shadow of nature's power. The Katla volcano sits nearby, hidden under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, last erupting in 1918. This threat shaped how people live here - they built the church on high ground to stay safe during eruptions or the fast floods that might follow. Like other towns in Iceland, Vik shows how people learn to live with nature that can be both kind and harsh.

Vik has changed over time. Once just a farming and fishing spot, it's now a key stop for tourists. The Ring Road, built in the 1970s, linked this once-cut-off place to the rest of Iceland, making it a must-see on South Coast trips. Even with these changes, Vik keeps its small-town charm, mixing modern comforts with a true Icelandic feel that bigger places often lose.

Farming and fishing once were Vik’s economic engines, but now it is tourism that pays the bills. Hotels, food spots, and tour guides have taken over from old jobs, with places like the Lava Show (opened in 2016) adding to what you can do here. This change brings good and bad - money flows in summer but winter gets quiet, and the village works hard to stay true to what makes it special.

Life moves slower in Vik than in busy Reykjavik. The tight community comes together for events like Fishermen's Day in June. Being far from other towns - the next big place is 70 km away - makes locals rely on each other more. Visitors often say how warm and friendly people are here, proud to share their slice of Iceland. Small as it is, Vik packs in plenty - amazing nature, local culture, and the quiet magic that makes small-town Iceland so special.

Why It's Worth a Visit

For such a small place, Vik offers a lot. The village is surrounded by striking landscapes – black sand beaches, tall cliffs, huge glaciers, and volcanic features.

It also has a real small-town feel that gives visitors a taste of true Icelandic life away from busy Reykjavik. The food is surprisingly good for such a tiny place, with several great restaurants serving fresh seafood and local dishes.

Vik is also a perfect base for exploring the South Coast. Its location puts you close to waterfalls, glaciers, and other natural wonders that make this part of Iceland special.

Location & How to Get There

Vik is on Iceland's southern coast, about 190 km (108 miles) southeast of Reykjavik, right on the Ring Road (Route 1). This makes it easy to reach as part of a South Coast tour or Ring Road trip.

From Reykjavik, it's about a 2.5-hour drive along the Ring Road. I’d recommend renting a car for freedom and flexibility. There are tons of stops to make on the way, and if you go by bus or as part of a tour, you might miss some or have to stick to a tight schedule.

If you don't want to rent a car, public buses run between Reykjavik and Vik, with tickets costing $30-60. The bus takes a bit longer than driving, but lets you enjoy the views without worrying about the road.

If you're coming from other parts of Iceland, Vik's spot on the Ring Road makes it easy to reach from both east and west. From the east, it's about 270 km (168 km) from Höfn, while from the north, you'd likely go through Reykjavik.

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Things to Do There

Despite being small, Vik offers plenty to do:

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

This famous black sand beach with its tall basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks is one of Iceland's most photographed places. The beach offers views in all directions, including the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and, on clear days, the Westman Islands. Be careful – the strong waves here are dangerous, and you shouldn't swim.

Icelandic Lava Show

A unique attraction where you can see real molten lava at 2000°F (1100°C) in a safe setting. It's both fun and educational, giving you insights into Iceland's volcanic nature. The show runs several times a day in the center of Vik and costs a bit more than $50.

Víkurkirkja Church

This white church with a red roof is a key landmark in Vik, often seen in photos of Iceland. Built in 1934, it sits on a hill above the village and serves as a safe place during possible volcanic events.

Dyrhólaey Peninsula

Just a short drive from Vik, this small peninsula offers wide views of the South Coast. From May to August, it's one of the best places to see puffins in the wild. The peninsula's famous arch and lighthouse make for great photos.

Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

Iceland's fourth-largest ice cap covers the Katla volcano and offers chances for glacier hiking, ice cave tours, and snowmobiling. Guided tours are a must for safety and usually start from Vik.

Explore the Village

Take time to walk through Vik itself, visiting the gift shop, grocery store, and local pubs. Strondin Pub has a warm feel, while Smiðjan Brugghús is a microbrewery with good food and local beers.

Places to Visit Nearby

Vik's location makes it perfect for exploring these nearby spots:

Skógafoss Waterfall

About 35 km (22 miles) west of Vik, this powerful 60-meter waterfall creates rainbows on sunny days and lets visitors climb to the top for wide views.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Further west from Skógafoss, about 60 km (37 miles), this unique waterfall allows you to walk behind the falling water for a different view.

DC3 Plane Wreck

This old plane wreck on a black sand plain, about 25 km (15.50 miles) west of Vik, has become a popular photo spot. You can walk 3 km from the parking area or take a shuttle bus.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Though it's a longer day trip (about 193 km (120 miles) east), this glacial lagoon with floating icebergs is worth the drive. The nearby Diamond Beach, where ice chunks sit on black sand, is just as stunning.

Katla Ice Cave

Located under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, these natural ice caves offer a rare look at the blue ice formations below the glacier. Tours run from Vik.

Best Time to Visit

May is a great time to visit Vik when it's not full of tourists. Spring months (April to mid-June) offer mild weather with temps around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), and you'll see wildflowers on the hillsides.

Fall (September to October) is also good, with fewer crowds and temperatures around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). The sea is still warm enough for those brave enough to dip their toes.

Summer (mid-June to August) brings the most tourists but also the best weather, with long daylight hours perfect for seeing more. Winter (November to March) offers a quieter time and the chance to see the Northern Lights, but some places may be harder to reach due to the weather.

Where to Eat

For such a small village, Vik has impressive food options:

Sudur-Vik

In a charming house with a cozy feel, Sudur-Vik serves traditional Icelandic food. Their pan-fried Arctic char and braised lamb shank are highlights, sourced locally. They also have vegetarian options like mushroom risotto. It opens 7 days a week from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Halldórskaffi

This local favorite is known for its lamb and fish dishes and its vegetable soups. The casual, rustic setting with wooden tables and local art makes it welcoming for families or solo travelers. Specialties range from $20 to $40.

Smiðjan Brugghús

This microbrewery pairs craft beers with good food, including burgers, fish and chips, and vegan cauliflower wings. They have 10 different taps with signature beers that are made on-site.

The Soup Company

Located at the Icelandic Lava Show site, The Soup Company offers hearty soups like Icelandic meat soup (kjötsúpa) and creamy mushroom soup, served with homemade bread. It's a budget-friendly choice for a quick meal.

Black Crust Pizzeria

Known for wood-fired pizzas using local ingredients like fresh cod and Icelandic cheeses, Black Crust offers a casual option with unique toppings like the "Volcanic" pizza with spicy chorizo.

Where to Stay

Vik offers various places to stay for different budgets:

Hotel Vík í Mýrdal

Located near Reynisfjara Beach, this modern hotel has spacious rooms with Nordic-style decor and views of either the glacier or the ocean. It includes a gym, sauna, and restaurant. Rates go from $280 to over $400 for two people, depending on the season.

Hótel Kría

Opened in 2018, this newer hotel has modern rooms with large windows and great views. Family rooms with bunk beds make it suitable for groups. Their restaurant, Drangar, is known for upscale dining. Rates from $252 per night.

Volcano Hotel

This boutique hotel offers a warm, homey feel with cozy rooms featuring wooden details. Just outside the village, it provides a peaceful retreat. Rates start at $270 per night.

Guesthouse Vellir

A budget-friendly option with simple, clean rooms with shared or private bathrooms. A short drive from Vik, it's quieter and includes a communal kitchen. Rates from $130 per night.

Puffin Hostel Vik

For budget travelers, this centrally located hostel offers dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms. It has a communal kitchen and lounge with board games. Rates from $80 per night.

Conclusion

Vik i Myrdal may be small, but it offers a perfect mix of natural wonders, Icelandic culture, and practical amenities that make it an ideal stop on any South Iceland journey. Whether you're visiting waterfalls, walking on black sand beaches, or simply enjoying the quiet charm of small-town Iceland, Vik delivers an authentic experience away from the tourist crowds of Reykjavik.