Are you heading to Iceland? I’ve got you covered with the BEST things to do in Vik, Iceland this year!
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Vik is a must-visit destination if you’re planning a trip to Iceland.
This small village is located on the southern coast and offers breathtaking landscapes and exciting activities for all types of travelers.
We were on a mission to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and Vik, Iceland understood the assignment.
Vik has stunning views of black sand beaches, majestic waterfalls, volcanoes, ice caves, glaciers, and otherworldly landscapes to add to your Iceland itinerary.
All of the things to do in Vík will leave you in awe!
It’s also known for its unique history, culture, and folklore.
Visiting Vik gives you a beautiful perspective of the land of fire and ice.
As we drove along the south coast of Iceland, we couldn’t help but say “WOW” at just about every turn.
Vik has that sort of effect.
In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the top 29 things to do in Vik, Iceland (in no particular order).
I’ll also clue you into how much you may need to budget to do each of these things in Vik.
Let’s get started!
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1. Vik i Myrdal Church
One of the most iconic sites in Iceland is the Vik church.
This white church with its bright red roof was the first thing we noticed when we drove into Vik.
The Vík í Mýrdal church is perched atop a hill overlooking the quaint village of Vik.
It stands as a symbol of Iceland’s rich spiritual heritage.
If you visit in June, the purple lupines are in full bloom.
However, this is an incredible place to be all year round.
The serene surroundings create a meditative atmosphere.
If you’re looking for the perfect stop to take in an incredible view of Vik, the Vík í Mýrdal church is the place to be.
How much to budget: Free to park and visit.
2. Vik Black Sand Beach
When you’re up on the hill visiting Vik church, you can see the black sand beaches along the southern coast.
The closest black sand beach in Vík is called Vikurfjara Black Sand Beach.
We can just say Vik Black Sand Beach for short.
How did this beach become so black and beautiful?
Well after the Katla volcano erupted, the lava cooled and turned into molten matter.
Eventually, the ocean eroded this black matter down to what is now smaller rocks or sand. Leaving us with the beautiful black sand beach of Vik.
Although it may be tempting, do not enter the water.
As a matter of fact, don’t even turn your back on the ocean.
Sneaker waves are common here. So stay on the sand, and admire the waves from a distance.
Vikurfjara is a low-key beach with stunning views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and unique rock formations.
According to Icelandic folklore, the Reynisdrangar rocks were once trolls and a ship.
The trolls saw the ship at night and went to drag it onto the shore.
However, their timing was regrettably wrong and the trolls turned to stone before they could get the job done.
Reynisdranger is really a site to see with an interesting tale.
This may be the first mention of trolls, but certainly not the last. If you’re a fan of folklore, Iceland has plenty of it.
How much to budget: Free to park and enter.
3. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is one of the most popular attractions in Vik.
You’ll find more than just a black sand beach here.
When we first arrived at Reynisfjara black sand beach, our jaws dropped.
The dramatic rock formations and stunning natural beauty leave a lasting impression.
We drove to Reynisfjara black sand beach in under 15 minutes from Vik.
The beach is surrounded by towering cliffs that are made of basalt columns.
The beauty of the basalt columns is owed to volcanic eruptions from millions of years ago.
The hexagonal shape of these columns creates a stunning visual display. And the perfect photo backdrop.
While Reynisfjara Beach is one of the most fascinating destinations in Iceland, it can become dangerous if you are not cautious.
When you enter from the parking lot, you will see signs warning you of the tide.
This black sand beach is known to have shockingly powerful waves that can sweep you out to sea.
You should always keep your distance from the silvery waters.
You might even spot some seals as you watch the waves from afar!
Reynisfjara is also home to a beautiful cave called Hálsanefshellir.
You can explore Hálsanefshellir cave during low tide.
If you time it right and visit between May and August, there is a chance you will see puffins.
These are cute penguin-looking birds with toucan-like beaks.
If you take one look at them you’ll understand why they are known as “sea parrots” or “clowns of the sea.”
During their breeding season, puffins can be found in Mount Reynisfjall (right above Hálsanefshellir cave).
When you look out into the ocean, you’ll notice another view of Reynisdrangar.
This pair of towering rock formations that rise up from the sea just off the coast can be seen from Vík Black Sand Beach as well as Reynisfjara Beach.
How much to budget: Free to park and enter.
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4. Icelandic Lava Show
The Icelandic Lava Show in Vik is unlike anything else you’ll find in Iceland.
It offers a rare opportunity to see lava up close and personal.
This is a highly interactive experience.
With the help of experienced guides, you’ll be able to see how lava flows and eruptions occur.
This is an incredible opportunity to see how volcanic activity has shaped Iceland’s fascinating landscape over thousands of years.
The stunning visual display makes the Icelandic Lava show a truly unforgettable experience.
This immersive attraction is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
How much to budget: ~$45 USD per person. Check availability for Icelandic Lava Show in Vik HERE
5. Eat at Halldorskaffi
If you walk about three minutes down the road from the Icelandic Lava Show, you’ll end up at Halldorskaffi.
This is an old-fashioned restaurant and bar with local artwork on the walls.
It’s located on the ground floor of Brydebúð, or Bryde’s Store.
You can shop for locally made wool sweaters in the back.
Be sure to try the pizza that comes with red currant jelly on top of it. You’ll leave feeling a little more Icelandic.
How much to budget: Meals vary from $14 USD per plate to $40 USD per plate.
6. Katla Ice Cave Exploration Tour
If you’re an adventure seeker, you must check out the ice caves in Vik.
But don’t go it alone! We went with KatlaTrack (the original ice cave tour company in Vik).
KatlaTrack provided a safe and unforgettable adventure.
Their experienced guides are trained to ensure your safety while exploring the stunning ice caves.
Our guide Johannes was awesome! He uncovered all the magic within the ice caves.
Together we witnessed the stunning blue ice formations that have been sculpted by nature over thousands of years.
The Katla volcano lies beneath the Myrdasjokull glacier.
The Katla volcano erupts leaving ash, and then it snows.
Then there’s another eruption, and the layers continue.
It was absolutely incredible to see the Oreo-looking layered mountains. And even more breathtaking exploring the ice caves.
Truly surreal.
Johannes explained the geological history of the area and gave us deeper insight into the unique features of the ice caves.
We also got to hike across the Kötlujökull glacier.
Safety is the top priority of the KatlaTrack ice cave tour on this glacier hike.
They take every precaution to ensure travelers are safe and comfortable throughout the tour.
We were provided with all necessary equipment including helmets with flashlights and crampons to ensure that we were stable and secure on the ice.
Many footbridges allow for a safe crossing over any melted ice.
Our guide Johannes lead the way through the glacier, ensuring we didn’t encounter any collapsing ice.
It isn’t possible to know the route on your own and would be a huge safety risk trying to hike through ice caves without a tour.
This glacier hiking excursion is a must-do when you are visiting Vik.
I highly recommend safely exploring the secret ice caves with a tour to fully enjoy this unique experience!
How much to budget: ~$185 USD per person. >> Check availability for Secret Ice Cave Tour
7. Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
Riding a snowmobile through Iceland is like something out of a movie!
Mýrdalsjökull Glacier lies above Katla volcano and is the perfect setting for an adventure.
It offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Iceland’s glaciers while also experiencing the thrill of speed and adventure.
If you’ve never done something like this before, it’s not a problem.
The guides offer a safety briefing and a tutorial on how to operate the snowmobile.
You’ll be confident and ready to go.
As you set off on your snowmobile adventure, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning scenery of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.
The snowmobiles are powerful and easy to control.
You’ll follow your guide who will lead you through the glacier, stopping at points of interest to explain the history and geology of the area.
Snowmobiling in Iceland on the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier is an adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime.
It offers an exhilarating experience and is the perfect destination for your next snowmobiling adventure.
How much to budget: ~$200 USD per person >> Check Availability for Snowmobiling Tours
8. Skool Beans Cafe
This should be the go-to for coffee enthusiasts in Vik, Iceland.
The coffee shop is located just off the main road of Vik across from the Vik Black Sand Beach.
It is a traditional yellow school bus converted into the cutest cafe.
You can’t miss it!
We enjoyed chatting with the friendly baristas. They helped us maneuver their many menu options.
They offer so many coffees, teas, and hot chocolates – all of which sounded irresistibly delicious.
They offered free samples of their “dragon breath” which quickly warms up your taste buds with a kick of cayenne.
If I hadn’t already ordered my “Vienna”, I would have gone with the dragon breath.
The Vienna is a double espresso that can be ordered strong or smooth.
I went with strong and it was just the pick-me-up I needed before venturing out into Vik.
My husband got “The Overdose” hot chocolate which was way cooler than we expected.
The rich, velvety chocolate drink was deliciously topped with marshmallows and chocolate bars.
Skool Beans Cafe also offers bagels with different fillings. We ended up trying the Icelandic cream cheese.
It was a bit more whipped, smooth, and slightly sweeter than the cream cheese that we usually have back home.
Loved it!
How much to budget: ~$6 USD to $10 USD per menu item.
9. Dyrholaey
Dyrhólaey features a towering lighthouse and majestic sea arch.
The drive up to Dyrhólaey is full of winding roads up the mountain that bring serene views of the ocean.
Once you make it to the top of the road where the Dyrhólaey lighthouse is, you’ll be greeted by large gusts of wind.
I definitely had to hold on to my hat when I stepped out of our rental car.
As you walk past the lighthouse, you will see the striking Dyrhólaey arch.
This is a natural arch that was formed by the powerful forces of the ocean eroding volcanic rock over millions of years.
When we looked out at the Dyrhólaey arch, it looked like an elephant drinking water out of the ocean.
Do you see it?
Dyrhólaey is also a prime spot to find puffins from May to August.
You can observe these birds in their natural habitat, nesting and flying around the cliffs.
How much to budget: Free to park and enter.
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10. Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
The Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, located in South Iceland, has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
This site features the remains of a US Navy DC-3 airplane that crashed on Sólheimasandur beach in 1973.
All involved survived the event.
The airplane was abandoned and left to rust on the black sand.
The Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck became popular among tourists who were looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Iceland.
The parking area for the plane wreck is over two miles away from the actual site.
It will take one to two hours to walk to the plane wreck on the Sólheimasandur black sand beach.
You can’t drive directly to the plane wreck because you’d be driving on the black sand beach and could get stuck.
How much to budget: ~$6 USD for parking.
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11. Black Crust Pizzeria
Have you ever seen pizza with black crust?
I’m not talking about burnt crust, but pizza crust that has activated charcoal infused into it.
This is their specialty at Black Crust Pizzeria in Vík. And it is incredibly delicious!
This is a pizza place you do not want to skip.
Their menu options are out of this world as they combine flavors like a match made in heaven. We tried their #1.
Our pizza was topped with Icelandic langoustine, truffle infused cream cheese, red onions on my husband’s half, mushrooms on my half, rucola, rosemary, fresh basil, and chili.
A mouthful of yes.
It’s made me look at every other slice of pizza after this differently – almost like it was missing something.
Black Crust Pizzeria also has sour dough pizza that is highly recommended.
Vegan and gluten-free options are available, as well.
How much to budget: ~$30 USD for a pizza pie.
12. Hafnleysa Maritime Museum
The Hafnleysa Maritime Museum is also known as the Skaftfellingur Maritime Museum.
This museum gives a depiction of the maritime history of Iceland’s southern coast.
If you’re into learning about history and culture, this is the stop for you.
Visitors typically spend under one hour here. And it’s a great spot to check out if you need to find something to do indoors.
This is an ideal museum for families where kids can dress up and see the over 100-year-old Skaftfellingur ship.
How much to budget: ~$3 USD per person
13. Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (pronounced like Sell Ya Lands Foss) is easily one of the top waterfalls in Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss is situated about a 48-minute drive outside of Vik along Route 1.
Trust me, it is worth the drive.
One of the coolest parts about this waterfall is that you can walk behind it!
This is as long as you visit outside of the winter season.
During the winter months, the trail behind Seljalandsfoss is closed because the icy conditions become too dangerous.
We went on the very first day of summer in Iceland (which is April 20th).
A beautiful rainbow greeted us in front of Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
No pot of gold, but magical, nonetheless.
We then took the short journey closer into the falls.
After we walked over a few rocks and slightly muddy slopes we found ourselves behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall!
Take it from us, you will get soaked when you walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
This is why you need to wear the right gear!
We wore water-resistant ski pants, TropicFeel jackets and TropicFeel shoes so the water just rolled right off.
Otherwise, we’d probably be freezing, wet, and a little miserable leaving the back of the falls.
You’ll have the opportunity to hike a trail up above Seljalandsfoss to get another point of view.
There’s also a secret waterfall on site less than a 5-minute walk away.
You’ll definitely need waterproof shoes if you venture down to this secret fall.
Once you walk into the frigid cold stream through the cave, look up. Another incredible waterfall!
How much to budget: ~$7 USD for parking.
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14. Hjörleifshöfði and Yoda Cave
Star Wars fans, this one is for you. Hjorleifshofdi has rugged landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and unique geological formations.
The Yoda cave isn’t called that for nothing. If you look at this cave closely, it looks like the silhouette of yoda.
Also, Star Wars Rogue One was filmed here at Hjorleifshofdi.
It’s currently a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
If you hike to the top, you’ll find panoramic views of black sand beaches, glaciers, and the nearby Reynisdrangar rock formations.
The brother of the first settler of Iceland, Hjorleifur, is buried at the top.
Hjorleifshofdi is only a 17-minute drive outside of Vik.
How much to budget: Free to park and enter.
15. Thakgil Canyon
If we are referring to this location properly in Icelandic, it is spelled “Þakgil” canyon.
Thakgil Canyon is about 20 kilometers outside of Vik, closer to Myrdajokull glacier.
Thakgil Canyon is closed during Iceland’s colder months.
It is open to explore from June 1st through September 15th.
The easiest way to find Thakgil Canyon is by putting Hotel Katla into your GPS.
After you get off the main road in Vik, you’ll be driving along a bumpy gravel road.
Just take it slowly.
There are three hiking trails from the parking lot.
Each trail starts at the campground and takes different durations of time ranging from three to eight hours.
Whichever route you choose, just be sure to stay on the marked trail.
Also, keep in mind that these are not beginner trails.
Remundargil Ravine Loop
Remundargil Ravine Loop is the “purple trail.”
Follow the road you entered and you will find the start of the trail up a hill on the left.
Be sure to wear waterproof shoes or you can take off your shoes to cross a shallow creek.
Along the hill, you’ll see purple markings on the sticks.
Follow the purple markings up the really steep hill. Sometimes the markings are hidden in the grass.
This will lead you to the ravine. If you continue further towards the left, you’ll be led to the Remundargilsfoss waterfall along a small stream.
Turn back the same way you came after you reached the waterfall. Next, you can hike to the glacier viewpoint.
This is not an easy hike, and the elevation gets gradually steeper.
Views of the Katla Glacier are the perfect prize for reaching the peak.
Overall, this hike can take three to five hours with a length of 12.5 kilometers.
Although you can start this hike from the campgrounds, you can drive a bit further to cut down the time.
Drive out of the campground, past a big bend, and on your left, there is a small wooden sign.
After you make the left up that road, you’ll find a large open area to park your car temporarily.
This gets you closer to the glacier and waterfall path.
Maelifell
Maelifell is the red trail and is longer than the Remundargil Ravine Loop.
The Maelifell trail is 13.5 kilometers in length and can take four to five hours to complete.
Instead of going left at the campgrounds, you’ll be heading to the right for the Maelifell trail.
This route leads to Miðfellshelir cave and Leynir waterfall.
After you reach the peak of Maelifell, you’ll head down along the Raufargil ravine past the Myrdal Travel Association and back to Thakgil.
This is quite a difficult hike.
Austurafretta Range
Austurafretta Range is the yellow trail. This is the longest trail that is 17 kilometers long. It can take six to eight hours to complete.
The Austurafretta range starts by following the same route as Maelifell.
After you reach the Leynir waterfall, you’ll follow the yellow trail (which is in the opposite direction that the red trail will take you).
You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the Kӧtlujӧkull glacier before you head down towards the Thakgil ravine.
How much to budget: If you plan to stay at the campsite, it costs ~$15 USD per night for camping in a tent or ~$185 USD per night to stay in a small cottage.
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16. Sudur Vik
Sudur Vik is a charming restaurant with great views of Vik and the ocean.
Their menu includes burgers, pizza, fish, and vegan options.
This is a popular restaurant, so it’s best to come prepared with a reservation ahead of time.
How much to budget: ~$20 USD to $40 USD per plate
17. Paragliding Iceland
Experience a stunning aerial view of Iceland’s south shore by paragliding.
You’ll be soaring like a bird with your experienced tandem instructor.
This gives you the chance to see many of the top sites in Vik from up above.
You can fly over Reynisfjara’s black sand beach and the Reynisdranger stones.
Flights last up to 15 minutes depending on weather conditions.
How much to budget: ~$260 USD per person >> Check availability for paragliding tours
18. Icelandic Horse Riding
The horses in Iceland aren’t your average horses.
I immediately thought they were life-sized My Little Ponies when I first saw them.
Icelandic horses are shorter with thick fur. They’re really friendly.
Icelandic horseback riding is a popular excursion in Vik. These horses are sturdy and strong.
Imagine riding along Iceland’s southern coast on horseback.
This is an ideal way to experience Vik’s breathtaking beauty along the black sand beaches.
If you’ve never ridden a horse before, that’s not a problem.
Icelandic horse riding in Vik is suitable for beginners.
The tour guides move at a leisurely pace. Helmets are included.
This is a safe and unforgettable experience in Vik.
How much to budget: ~$100 USD per person >> Check availability for Icelandic Horse Riding Tours
19. Seljavellir Hot Spring
Visiting the hot springs is one of the best ways to warm up in the Iceland cold.
The closest hot spring to Vik is Seljavellir hot spring.
First, you’ll drive about 45 minutes east of Vik. Then take a short, scenic hike through a secluded valley to this hidden gem.
The hike should take about 40 minutes roundtrip.
It is a flat, yet rocky path to the hot spring. It is nearby the Eyjafjallajökul volcano.
And geothermal hot water feeds into Seljavellir.
But the water temperatures are 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Not the hottest.
This is sometimes referred to as the Seljavalaug swimming pool, rather than a hot spring.
Seljavellir hot spring also has the appearance of a long swimming pool.
The waters range from 4 feet to 6 feet deep.
The Seljavalaug swimming pool is an incredibly scenic, sweet escape in Southern Iceland.
How much to budget: Free to park and visit.
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20. Vik Swimming Pool
If you’re looking for a more straightforward way to a heated pool, check out Vik swimming pool.
This is a local, outdoor pool right in the heart of Vik.
There’s a main pool, a kiddie pool, and a hot tub.
Vik swimming pool is a great, family-friendly location to take a dip in Iceland.
How much to budget: ~$6 USD entrance for adults; ~$2 USD entrance fee for kids; ~$4 USD admission for shower and sauna; ~$3 USD to rent a swimsuit or towel
21. Zipline Adventure
If you’re a thrill seeker, add ziplining over Vik to your travel plans.
You’ll find yourself speeding over waterfalls, rivers, and glaciers on a 1.5-hour excursion.
Helmet and safety equipment are included.
The highly-trained and highly-knowledgeable guides give you a great local perspective of all the exciting landscapes of Iceland.
How much to budget: ~$100 USD per person >> Check availability for Zipline Tours
22. Fjadrargljufur Canyon
If you’re a nature lover (like me), you’re probably always on the lookout for the next breathtaking natural wonder to explore.
Fjadrargljufur Canyon is a natural marvel that you’ll fall in love with in Iceland.
It’s just under 70 kilometers outside of Vik. This natural canyon is approximately 2 kilometers long and 100 meters deep.
The Fjadra River eroded the rock over millions of years, forming this incredible canyon.
The trail to Fjadrargljufur Canyon is just under two miles there and back.
Set aside about one hour to complete your journey.
There are two different options for exploring Fjadrargljufur Canyon.
The first option is to walk inside the canyon.
The Fjadra River water levels are usually not very high.
If the water levels are high, consider skipping this trail option.
You should also avoid this route during the winter months. The water freezes and it can be hard to tell the depth of the water.
Not to mention, entering freezing cold waters can be dangerous.
The second option doesn’t require getting wet.
Instead, you are overlooking the edge of the canyon.
Just be sure to stay away from any restricted areas. Stay within the marked path.
How much to budget: Free to park and free to enter.
23. Smidjan Brugghus
This is a popular brewpub in Vik. Here’s your chance to try an Icelandic beer and discover some of their secret recipes.
Icelandic beer is not your typical beer. The brewers at Smidjan Brugghus take inspiration from their surrounding nature.
You’ll taste subtle notes of Icelandic herbs and spices. This makes all the difference.
They have a delicious food menu that caters to rib lovers and vegans.
How much to budget: ~$3 USD to ~$10 USD for a beer. ~$19 USD to ~$30 USD per plate.
24. Skogafoss
If you drive approximately 34 kilometers outside of Vik along Route 1, you’ll find Skogafoss Waterfall!
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls.
It is sourced from two nearby glaciers. You’ll see Skogafoss immediately when you park your car.
So if you are looking for an easy-to-access waterfall, Skogafoss is it.
According to Icelandic folklore, a Viking settler buried a treasure chest behind Skogafoss Waterfall.
Many years later, a local boy discovered the chest and tried to lift it out of the waterfall.
He could only manage to lift the ring on the treasure chest. The chest opened and the boy was blinded.
He dropped the ring and the treasure chest disappeared forever after.
I wouldn’t recommend going in search of the treasure chest, but seeing Skogafoss waterfall is a treasure, in itself.
This is a very popular stop along the south coast of Iceland.
We happened to go at a good time (around 7 pm in April) when it wasn’t too crowded.
How much to budget: Free to park and free to enter.
25. Fimmvörðuháls Trail
The Fimmvörðuháls Trail begins at Skogafoss Waterfall.
The starting point for the Fimmvörðuháls Trail is up the stairs next to Skogafoss.
When you climb the stairs at Skogafoss, you’ll land on an observation deck.
There are incredible views of Skogafoss from above up here.
If you’re up for a challenge, continue onto the Fimmvörðuháls Trail.
This hike can take anywhere between eight to 12 hours to complete.
It’s open to explore from June 15th – August 31st.
The Baldvinsskali Hut is a great pit stop with bathrooms.
If you plan to make the Fimmvörðuháls Trail a two-day hike, consider staying at Fimmvörðuháls Hut for ~$70 USD.
The Fimmvörðuháls Hut is located a short detour off the Fimmvörðuháls Trail.
If you don’t plan to stay overnight, you don’t need to set out in this direction.
The journey along the Fimmvörðuháls Trail takes you through the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
Besides these two glaciers, you’ll also witness over 20 waterfalls and a volcano!
You’ll hike through different elevations, and the weather conditions can rapidly change.
Come prepared for clouds, sun, rain, and snow! (No matter the time of year).
Ultimately, you will end up at Básar Hut in Thórsmörk.
How much to budget: Free to park and free to enter from Skogafoss.
26. Strondin Pub
Strondin Pub is a bistro and bar in the heart of Vik, Iceland.
It has a modern sports bar feel and great views of the black sand beach.
They offer quick and friendly service. The food portions are quite generous, as well.
Some popular menu items are the arctic char, BBQ chicken wings, and lamb chops.
Strondin Pub also has vegetarian soup and pasta options.
How much to budget: $12 USD to $27 USD per plate.
27. Svartifoss
If you’re spending a few days in Vik, and are looking for a day trip, check out Svartifoss.
It’s about two hours outside of Vik.
Svartifoss Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland.
The surrounding basalt columns are the main attraction.
These basalt columns are similar to those that are found on Reynisfjara Beach.
The columns here are dark, owing Svartifoss its name. Svartifoss translates to “Black Falls.”
Get ready for an easy to slightly moderate hike to reach Svartifoss due to its uphill nature.
This hike begins at the visitor center at Skaftafell.
You’ll encounter a few other waterfalls along your journey. (Not to be mistaken for Svartifoss, itself).
When you reach Svartifoss, it is up to you whether you want to stand at the base of the waterfall or admire it from the viewing platform.
The trail to Svartifoss is about two miles total if you return the same way you came.
This route can be completed in about one hour.
There is an alternate return route that adds about 30 more minutes to your journey.
Instead of returning back the way you came, you can continue past Svartifoss.
Follow the trail on the other side of Svartifoss Waterfall for the longer journey back to the parking lot.
How much to budget: $5 USD to park. Free to enter.
28. Diamond Beach
If you’re taking the day trip towards Svartifoss, take a short drive a bit further.
You’ll end up at Diamond Beach.
The glaciers that wash up on this black sand beach appear like giant diamonds.
These life-sized diamonds, well, glaciers, glisten so beautifully against the shimmering black sand.
Diamond Beach was created by the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which is a part of the larger Vatnajökull glacier.
As the glacier melts, large chunks of ice break off and float down the nearby Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.
These icebergs are then washed ashore onto Diamond Beach by the waves and tides of the Atlantic Ocean.
The contrast of the black sandand the icebergs creates a stunning visual effect that is truly awe-inspiring.
But please, do not turn your back on the waves.
Like many of the beaches in Iceland, the waves are more powerful than they may appear.
How much to budget: Free to park and free to enter. However, if you are taking a tour from Reyjkavik, budget ~$170 USD >> Check availability for Diamond Beach Tours
29. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
This is the largest glacier lagoon in Iceland. It is right across from Diamond Beach.
If you’ve seen any expectations vs reality videos of Diamond Beach and there are no “diamonds” present on the beach, it was likely filmed here.
The glaciers aren’t washing up at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon as they always do on Diamond Beach.
You can certainly see glaciers out in the water though!
Remember, don’t enter the waters. This can be dangerous.
The temperatures are frigid and not suitable for swimming.
This glacier lagoon is incredible to see, and if you’re lucky, you may even see the Northern Lights! (most likely from September to March).
How much to budget: Free to park and free to enter. >> Check availability for Glacier Lagoon tours
Top Things to Do in Vik
If Iceland travel is on your bucket-list, be sure to check out Vík.
Vik, Iceland, is a unique and stunning destination that offers something for everyone.
Vik is a great destination for travelers looking to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Whether you’re a nature lover, adventurer, or culture seeker, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in Vik to add to your travel plans.
The town of Vik itself is small and rural.
All the while offering stunning views of waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, ice caves, and more.
There are plenty of great places to eat and exciting things to do in and around Vik.
Are you ready to plan your dream trip to Iceland and explore Vik and beyond?
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