Vik is one place you don’t want to miss when visiting Iceland! Even if you are not traveling the whole ring road, it is worth the drive out to the South Coast to see some incredible sights. Explore ice caves, chase waterfalls, or walk along black sand beaches! Below I’ve outlined what to see on your drive to Vik and places to visit in the town.
Sights to Explore on the Way to Vik
If you are traveling to Vik from Reykjavík, the drive will take around 2 hour and 45 minutes. Don’t just drive straight there, there are some very beautiful stops along the way that you won’t want to miss!
Other articles to help you plan the perfect trip to Iceland!
- 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Iceland: Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip
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- Ultimate Guide to Vatnajökull National Park: Must-See Sights and Activities
- Vik, Iceland: A Complete Travel Checklist for 2024
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Day 1
Seljalandsfoss
This waterfall is a very popular waterfall in Iceland so it’s best to arrive early if possible! There is a small parking fee here that can be paid at the stall in the parking lot. Just before the waterfall are bathrooms, a small gift shop and cafe serving pastries, coffee and sandwiches.
Seljalandsfoss is pretty narrow but drops down 200 feet! The impressive part of this waterfall is that you can walk all the way behind the water, from one side to the next. It’s just a short walk from the parking lot to the falls. If you plan to walk behind it, definitely wear a good raincoat or poncho because you will get wet!
Gljufrabui
About 1 ⁄ 2 mile walk from Seljalandsfoss is Gljufrabui, a waterfall inside a canyon. This waterfall is less popular than Seljalandsfoss, but due its small place to view it, it can get crowded. Follow the trail from the first waterfall until you see a small river and canyon opening. You can see glimpses of the waterfall from here, but to really get a good look you’ll need to go inside the canyon. Stay close to the right side of the canyon opening. There is less water here and you should be able to walk along the rocks to get inside.
Skógafoss
Skógafoss is just 25 minutes from Gljufrabui and is another very popular waterfall in Iceland! It is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. It’s 82 feet wide and 197 feet tall! There is a large parking lot, campground and bathrooms here. Parking is free and is just a short walk from the base of the falls. I recommend wearing a raincoat because the closer you get to the falls, the more intense the mist is.
If you have the time and want to get a different view of the waterfall, take the 527 stairs to the top observation deck! After the observation deck you can continue on this trail to view some less popular waterfalls. This trail is around 4 miles round trip. We decided to skip the stairs so I can’t personally speak on the view from the top or the other waterfalls.
Kvernufoss
This waterfall is often skipped but I recommend doing the short hike to see it! Located less than a 5 minute drive from Skogafoss, it’s worth the stop! The trail starts at the Skogar Museum where you’ll need to pay a small parking fee. You can pay inside the museum or online. The trail starts just beyond a gate, following a well maintained trail into the gorge. It takes around 15 minutes to reach the waterfall and the trail is relatively easy. You’ll get incredible views of the waterfall and the gorge about half way through the trail, but keep going to the base of the falls to walk behind it!
Sights to Explore in Vik
Now that you’ve made it to Vik and rested, its time to explore all the town has to offer! We stayed Central Cottages, this cabin sleeps 3 guest and has a small kitchen, with the basics. It was perfect for one night stay but it would be a little too small to stay any longer.
Day 2
Dyrhólaey
You can see Dyrhólaey from most places in Vik and even when you’re driving the ring road. Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula that has a stunning natural arch that was carved out by waves. From the top of Dyrhólaey you can see beautiful views of the black sand beaches and glaciers inland. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching and you might be able to see puffins from April to September. If you visit in May or June just be aware that visitors are only allowed before 9:00am and 7:00pm. They close the gate outside of these hours to protect the Eider ducks and puffins which are nesting here during this season.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara is a popular black sand beach due to its incredible basalt columns and the Hálsanefshellir Cave. Even though it’s called a black sand beach, it is actually covered with a variety of sizes of black pebbles! It’s still incredibly beautiful but if you are looking for a true black sand beach, make sure you visit Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach (more on this next). From here you can also get a great view of Dyrhólaey!
There is a small fee to park here and it can be paid on the Parka app. Be sure to look at the flags before heading to the beach and follow any guidelines that are posted. The waves can be very powerful and dangerous so never get too close to the ocean and don’t turn your back on it! These beaches are known as sneaker waves, which are huge coastal waves that can suddenly appear in a train of smaller waves. The sneaker waves are much larger than those in between and reach way further.
Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach
This beach is much less visited than Reynisfjara, making it a nice peaceful spot away from the crowds! This beach is just a short drive from the town of Vik, there are a few areas to access the beach. The path to the main parking lot (where it takes you if you put it into your GPS) is unpaved and mainly sand so it might not be the best option if you have a small car. The beach gives you great views of the towering cliffs on the right side.
Katla Ice Cave
To visit Katla Ice Cave, you will need to book a tour ahead of time. The ice cave is located about 30 minutes from Vik, on a F-Road. The tour takes you onto the Kötlujökull glacier that is on top of Katla volcano. The glacier is covered in volcanic sand, making it a pretty unique glacier to visit. You’ll go through 2-3 natural ice caves during your tour, where the tour guide explains how these natural wonders come about. The price per person is around $200usd, but can be more if you need transportation from Reykjavik. I visited in early May and have only positive things to say about the tour! The tour guide was super knowledgeable about Katla and about Iceland in general. The ride was definitely bumpy, if you get motion sick try to sit in the front and take motion sickness medicine beforehand.
One thing to note is that the exact caves you see will be different than the ones pictures below! Old caves will either melt or fill with snow in the winter and new ones will form. The famous arch that was around in 2023 and the beginning of 2024 has collapsed since I visited.
Vik is a charming Icelandic village that packs a punch. Whether you’re here for the dramatic black sand beaches, the nearby glacier wonders, or just a taste of Icelandic life, Vik will leave you wanting more!
