Vík í Mýrdal is one of the most-visited villages on Iceland’s South Coast, and its appeal lies partly in the village itself and partly in what’s within reach. Within 10km you have two of Iceland’s most photographed coastal landmarks; within an hour’s drive in each direction you have glaciers, canyons, and some of the most dramatic waterfalls in the country.
Dyrhólaey — 5km West, 10 Minutes
Dyrhólaey is a promontory ending in a 120m arch of black rock — large enough that small aircraft have flown through it. There are two access points: the lower road leads to a viewpoint over the beach and arch; the upper road takes you to the top of the cliff for a panoramic view across the black sand coast all the way to Vík.
The upper road is also one of the better spots in Iceland for watching Atlantic puffins. The colony nests in burrows along the cliff edge from approximately late April through mid-August. Puffins spend most of their time at sea and return to land in the morning and evening — come at dusk for the best viewing.
Entry is free. Note that the upper road may be closed during peak nesting season (June–July) to protect the colony — check signage at the gate before driving up.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach — 7km West, 12 Minutes
Reynisfjara is Iceland’s most famous black sand beach and one of the most photographed places in the country. The basalt column formations (Reynisdragar) rising from the sea are dramatic in any weather; the caves carved into the cliffside at the western end of the beach add to a landscape that feels genuinely otherworldly.
Sea safety warning — this is mandatory reading: Reynisfjara is notorious for sneaker waves — unpredictable surges that strike far up the beach without warning. The waves are visually deceptive: the ocean may look calm and then produce a surge with enough force to knock down an adult. Stay at least 30 metres from the waterline. Never turn your back on the ocean. Multiple fatalities have occurred here. The warning signs at the entrance are not for aesthetics.
A café at the car park (Black Beach Restaurant) serves food and warm drinks. Entry to the beach is free; parking costs ISK 900 as of 2026.
Skógafoss — 30km West, 30 Minutes
Skógafoss is a 60m waterfall that falls in a single curtain off a mossy cliff — wide, loud, and visible from the Ring Road long before you reach it. A path of roughly 400 steps climbs the side of the cliff to give a view down over the falls and south toward the coast. On sunny days, a double rainbow forms in the spray.
Entry is free. At the base of the falls there is a campsite and a small visitor area. The Skógar Folk Museum nearby is worth 40 minutes if you’re interested in traditional Icelandic farm buildings and artefacts (entry approximately ISK 2,000 as of 2026).
From Vík, drive west on Route 1 — Skógafoss is 30km on the right.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon — 35km East, 30 Minutes
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a 100m-deep canyon carved over thousands of years by glacial meltwater. The Fjaðrá river runs along the canyon floor; the walls are layered with bright green moss. A 2km trail follows the canyon rim — the views down into the gorge are the draw.
Entry is free. Parking is off the Ring Road via Route 206, a short gravel track west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The canyon received significant attention after appearing in a music video, which led to temporary access restrictions; currently it’s open without booking requirements but check conditions locally before visiting.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon — 80km East, 1 Hour
Jökulsárlón is where icebergs calve directly off the Vatnajökull glacier and float into a lagoon before drifting out to sea. The scale and the colour of the ice — white, blue, and occasionally black with volcanic ash — is striking in any weather.
Boat tours run from the lagoon shore: amphibious boat tours (ISK 7,500 per adult as of 2026, approximately 40 minutes) take you among the icebergs. Zodiac RIB tours (approximately ISK 10,000–11,000 per adult, 60 minutes) get you closer. Both require booking in advance in peak season.
Diamond Beach is directly across the Ring Road from the lagoon — icebergs that have washed ashore on black sand, some catching and scattering the light like cut glass. Entry is free; it takes 20–30 minutes to walk.
From Vík, drive east on Route 1. The route passes through Kirkjubæjarklaustur, across the Skeiðarársandur outwash plain (formed by Vatnajökull’s floods), and into the glacial coast zone.
Book a Guided South Coast Tour
Most of the attractions around Vík are accessible by self-drive, but guided tours can be worthwhile if you’d rather not navigate in winter conditions, want a knowledgeable guide for glacier access, or are travelling without a rental car.
| Tour | Duration | From (approx) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Coast Full Day – Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara & Vík | 10 hrs | $100 | Book |
| South Coast + Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon | 14–15 hrs | $165 | Book |
| Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk (near Vík) | 3 hrs | from ISK 9,900 | Book |
| Jökulsárlón Zodiac Boat Tour | 1 hr | from ISK 11,500 | Book |
Prices from GYG as of 2026. Browse all South Coast tours
For accommodation nearby, Search hotels in Vík on Booking.com.