🇮🇸 Iceland · Places to discover
What to see in Vík ?
13 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
MAP · OVERVIEW
Landmarks & heritage (3)
Vík Cemetery (Víkurkirkjugarður)
Landmark
A small traditional Icelandic cemetery at the foot of the church hill, with graves dating to the 19th century. The place exudes profound tranquillity and offers an unusual perspective over the village and ocean – Icelanders maintain their cemeteries with remarkable care.Reynisfjara Basalt Columns (Hálsanef Cave)
Landmark
This hexagonal basalt cavern at the northern end of Reynisfjara forms a natural cathedral of breathtaking proportions. The perfectly regular columns appear hand-sculpted, yet they're the elegant result of lava cooling slowly over millions of years.Church of Vík (Víkurkirkja)
Landmark
This charming white chapel perches on Víkurfjall hill – the village's iconic silhouette. Built in 1934, it historically served as a refuge during Katla eruptions. The ten-minute climb from the village rewards you with spectacular views.Nature & parks (2)
Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
Nature
These striking black basalt needles tower 66 metres above the ocean, said by legend to be trolls turned to stone by the sun. Photographed from the beach at sunset, they're utterly breathtaking.Reynisfjall Mountain Trail
Nature
A hiking route ascending Reynisfjall (340m) from Reynisfjara. From the summit, commanding views extend to Vík on one side and puffin cliffs on the other. Quieter in early morning, this is where locals come for sunrise.Viewpoints (3)
Northern Lights from Vík Beach
Viewpoint
The absence of light pollution and the black sand beach in the foreground make Vík one of Iceland's finest spots for photographing the aurora. Between September and March, set up facing north with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks silhouetted against the sky.Route 215 towards Mýrdalur Valley
Viewpoint
A minor, quiet road climbing Mýrdalur valley towards the interior. Traditional sheep farms, free-roaming Icelandic horses and views towards Katla make for a contemplative drive far from tour buses.Háaberg Viewpoint
Viewpoint
A hidden gem of a viewpoint perched on the hillside behind Vík, offering a singular perspective across the village, the black sand plains and the Atlantic Ocean. Accessible via an unmarked trail from the local cemetery—locals can point the way.Activities (2)
Puffins of Reynisfjall (observation)
Activity
Between April and August, thousands of puffins nest in the Reynisfjall cliffs. Approach their burrows gently on the plateau above Reynisfjara – these endearingly clumsy and colourful birds tolerate visitors within metres.Katla Geopark Visitor Centre
Activity
The information hub for the Katla UNESCO Geopark, encompassing the entire volcanic region around Vík. Essential for understanding local geology before exploring further – local rangers offer invaluable advice on terrain conditions.Beaches (1)
More to discover (2)
Vík í Mýrdal Village Center
Place
Iceland's southernmost village, home to just 300 permanent residents. Wander along the main street, Víkurbraut, to experience authentic local life—a general store, petrol station and modest shops comprise the commercial heart of this intimate settlement.Vík Wool Shop (Víkurprjón)
Place
Authentic Icelandic wool boutique stocking lopapeysa (traditional sweaters) hand-knitted by local artisans. No industrial production here – each piece is unique and traceable to sheep in the region.