Want to plan a trip from Reykjavik to Vik? Here is how to reach from Reykjavik to Vik, things to see, places to stay in Vik, and everything you need to know for this Icelandic village trip.
The best way to explore stunning Iceland landscapes is to take a trip from Reykjavik to Vik either driving yourself, a fab tour or public transport.
located at a distance of approximately 187 kilometres from Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, and I urge everyone to go for this beautiful road trip if they are in Iceland.
Vik, also known as ‘Vík í Mýrdal’, is a sparsely populated fishing village with around three hundred residents. It is most popular among tourists for the Black Sand Beach but the impressive coastal scenery, rocky mountains and glaciers that surround the village cannot be missed.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP | THE ESSENTIALS
Top tours for the Reykjavik to Vik itinerary:
Where to stay in Vik?
How to travel from Reykjavik to Vik – bus
The most hassle-free way to get from Reykjavik to Vik is by local bus. There are two common routes which you can take to go from Reykjavik to Vik.
Your first option is to take the bus from Reykjavik campsite to Hvolsvöllur and then to Vík í Mýrdal. Another option to travel from Reykjavik to Vik is by taking a bus from Mjódd to Selfoss – N1 and then to Vík í Mýrdal.
These buses depart once daily and take a total of 3 to 4 hours to go from Reykjavik to Vik. Even though it is a short drive, I suggest taking at least a day out so that you can explore all the striking attractions along the way.
Cost of Reykjavik to Vik – bus
The cost of travelling to Vik from Reykjavik via bus ranges from 3944 kr to 8258 kr depending upon the stops and layovers.
The bus to Selfoss – N1 and then to Vik typically costs 4,855 kr and the bus to Hvolsvöllur and then to Vik typically costs 7,075 kr. You can check the timetable for the bus service here.
If you wish to explore various places that fall en route, you can choose to travel by bus which has multiple stops. This will help you get a taste of the main attractions without having to hike or walk much.
Travelling by bus is the cheapest way to get from Reykjavik to Vik. You can also travel from Reykjavik airport to Vik by bus if you are not keen on staying in Reykjavik.
I suggest you make the Reykjavik to Vik bus journey in summer as the buses are more frequent during this time. In winter, the buses are less frequent and do not make as many stops although due to this, you will reach quicker during winter.
How to travel from Reykjavik to Vik – day tour
There are various day Southern Iceland tours available from Reykjavik to Vik starting from 14500 kr per person. These tours cover a great deal of destinations and you do not have to worry about making an itinerary or missing a great spot.
These tours usually last 10 hours and include a guide who helps you gain a more local perspective of all the locations. They offer pickup services from many hotels and guesthouses and various spots in central Reykjavik.
You can spend your day exploring the rugged landscape of Iceland along with the thrilling waterfalls and glaciers.
How to travel from Reykjavik to Vik – drive
The journey to Vik from Reykjavik by car usually takes up to 3 hours without making any stops but I suggest making this a Reykjavik to Vik day trip.
Driving from Reykjavik to Vik is the fastest way to reach Vik. The drive from Reykjavik to Vik is also my favourite option to cover the distance from Reykjavik to Vik.
The Reykjavik to Vik drive gets quite enticing once you start driving out of the city and through the mountains. I feel that you should take some time out to explore some destinations that are located along this route.
Being in Iceland, you won’t be able to resist stopping to take pictures of the beautiful landscape, especially the black sand beach near Reykjavik.
This journey consists of black sand beaches, stunning waterfalls and volcanoes. Make sure to be mindful of the Icelandic weather during this journey. A road trip from Reykjavik to Vik is exactly what I needed to satisfy the traveller in me
Cost of Reykjavik to Vik – drive
The fuel costs for travelling from Reykjavik to Iceland range from 6000 kr to 8000 kr and you may have to pay around 900 kr per day if you choose to rent a car like I did.
You can also choose to stay in Vik for a night and then make a return trip from Vik to Reykjavik to cover the destinations that you may have missed.
From Reykjavik to Vik – things to see between Reykjavik and Vik
The journey from Reykjavik to Vik is full of surprises and there are various things to see between Reykjavik and Vik. The south coast of Iceland is filled with a variety of natural landscapes ranging from mountains and beaches to glaciers and volcanoes.
Here is a list of destinations to cover and things to do between Reykjavik and Vik to make sure you do not miss out on any of them.
.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring
I started my Reykjavik to Vik journey by soaking in the warm waters of the Reykjadalur hot spring while enjoying the phenomenal view of the mountains.
You will have to hike for a while to reach the hot spring, but be assured that it is one of the best locations along the Ring Road in Iceland.
The hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour and is fairly easy. As I walked this trail, I had the opportunity to befriend some sheep and witness a gushing waterfall.
DETAILS
Address: Reykjadalur Thermal Bathing Pools, Reykjadalur, 816, Iceland
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: Free entry..
Kerid Crater
The Kerid crater is an eccentric 3000-year-old crater. There is a lake inside this crater which makes it even more beautiful. This destination is accessible only on foot.
The crater is made up of red volcanic rock and the blue water of the lake makes this a surreal sight. One thing I enjoyed the most was walking along the rim of this crater. It was a scary yet thrilling experience and I suggest you try this if you are up for some fun in your Reykjavik to Vik tour.
DETAILS
Address: 24R7+GW9, 805 Klausturholar, Iceland
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: 400 kr.
Shop for Icelandic sweaters in Hella
Wool Market Local Store is my favourite place to get Icelandic sweaters. It is run by a local mother-daughter duo and all the sweaters are handmade.
This could be a unique experience for you in your Reykjavik to Vik journey and a warm sweater is never a bad idea. You can find the store here.
DETAILS
Address: 8 850, Gamli Suðurlandsvegur, Hella, Iceland
Timings: Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Seljalandsfoss
This is the most famous tourist attraction while travelling from Reykjavik to Vik Iceland. You might be surprised to know that Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall that you can walk behind.
This is located just off the Ring Road and they have a parking space where you can park your car. The waterfall is even visible from the parking lot. There is a pathway that leads to the waterfall and you can stand behind the waterfall to get a one-of-a-kind experience.
DETAILS
Address: Seljalandsfoss, Þórsmerkurvegur, 861, Iceland
Timings: Open 24 hours.
Price: free entry.
Gljufrafoss or Gljufrabui
This destination is not visited by many tourists and is often overlooked. It is located just 10 minutes away from Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall is hidden behind a cliff and I highly recommend you visit this marvellous sight.
It is a small walk from the parking lot and since this is not a well-known destination, you can get to experience the unique waterfall peacefully without it being crowded.
You can walk close to the waterfall, which I found absolutely fascinating.
DETAILS
Address: Þórsmerkurvegur, 861, Iceland
Timings: open 24 hours.
Price: parking fee of 800 kr that lasts all day long
Solheimasandur plane wreck
This destination is popular along the drive to Vik from Reykjavik. In 1973, a plane crashed on a beach when the US Navy ran out of fuel.
If you’re up for a 4.5-mile roundtrip walk, it is still standing on the shore and is a unique attraction. This is also an extremely popular spot for Instagram pictures if you want to post about your Iceland trip.
DETAILS
Address: Path to Wrecked DC-3 Plane on Sólheimasandur, 871, Iceland
Timings: Open 24 hours.
Price: parking fee of 750 kr
Solheimajokull
After witnessing plenty of waterfalls, this sight was a beautiful change in landscape, something which I had not anticipated in my journey to Vik from Reykjavik.
Solheimajokull is an ancient glacier and even if it is smaller in size as compared to other glaciers in Iceland, it is just as beautiful. You can also opt for Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike to experience the freezing waters and landscape of this glacier to the fullest.
DETAILS
Address: Solheimasandur, 871, Iceland
Timings: Open 24 hours.
Price: free entry.
Dyrholaey Peninsula
This destination is known for its unique rock formations and natural caves. You will get some stunning views of lava columns towering from the seawater and the rocky black beach shoreline from this location.
You have to drive on a slightly steep road to reach the cliff. After reaching the top, you can freely walk around to soak in the view. A historic lighthouse is also present along with the famous black lava rock arch.
DETAILS
Address: Dyrholaey, 871, Iceland
Timings: Open 24 hours.
Price: free entry.
.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
This is the last stop on the list of Reykjavik to Vik sights and the most iconic black sand beach in Iceland. The sand is astonishingly black due to eroded volcanic rock, and the beach is full of basalt columns.
If you are a Game of Thrones fan like me, you will love the fact that this was one of the shooting locations for the series.
You can view the beach from the comfort of the parking lot or walk along the shore. However, I would ask you to pay special attention to the waves, as these are known to sweep people off their feet and reel them in. Extra caution is required, as many people tend to risk their lives here.
DETAILS
Address: CW4P+4J7, 871 Vik, Iceland
Timings: Open 24 hours.
Price: free entry along with free parking.
Where to stay in Vik?
There are fewer accommodation options available in Vik, but there are still enough to choose from. I would recommend these places to stay in Vik –
Luxury hotel in Vik – Black Beach Suites
Located just 7 kilometres from the Vik town centre, this is an ideal stay if you are travelling from Vik to Reykjavik or vice versa.
It offers a view of the sea and the Dyrhólaey peninsula is just 16 kilometres from the property.
Mid-range hotel in Vik – Hótel Kría
The black sand beaches are as close as a 5-minute walk from the location.
It has splendid mountain views and you can also enjoy hiking if you are staying here.
Mid-budget hotel in Vik – Puffin Hotel Vík
This hotel is situated in Vik and many wonderful beaches are located at a 10-minute walk from the property.
Katla geopark museum is just next to the hotel.
Best time to visit Vik
Since Vik is not located very far from Reykjavik, the weather here is in tune with that of Reykjavik on most days.
May to July is generally considered a good time to visit Vik. I prefer visiting Vik, Iceland during the summer as the weather is cool and most of the activities are accessible during this time.
Winters in Iceland are harsh but the good thing about Vik is that it is known to have the warmest winters in Iceland. I would suggest carrying appropriate winter clothes to beat the chilling cold.
I would suggest avoiding Vik during the rainy season as the village tends to get flooded, October being the wettest month.
Things to do in Vik
Explore the Katla Ice Cave
Located at a 45-minute drive from Vik, the ice caves are an absolutely stunning sight to witness when in Vik.
Walking through a glacier almost feels like a scene out of a movie and I highly recommend visiting it once. These caves are naturally formed which is what makes them even more astonishing.
You will have to take a guided From Vik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour to explore the ice cave along with the Katla volcano as entry to the cave is only permitted along with an experienced glacier guide.
DETAILS
Address: Katla Ice Cave, 871, Iceland
Timings: Open 24 hours.
Price: starts from 2600 kr.
Watch the Icelandic Lava Show
The Icelandic lava show was the most unique experience of my Iceland Vik tour. It takes place in a lava field and tells the tale of Iceland’s volcanic eruptions. It is a sensory experience you may never get a chance to experience elsewhere.
It is located 30 minutes away from Vik and is accessible throughout the year. You can buy tickets Icelandic lava show entrance ticket online or physically when you reach the location.
DETAILS
Address: Víkurbraut 5, 870 Vík, Iceland
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: starts from 5900 kr.
Go horseback riding
Iceland is known for its horseback riding, and you cannot miss it, especially when you are in Vik.
This is a great way to explore the surroundings and you can also go for a ride along the seashore. There are various tours that you can take to get a fun horse-riding experience.
Go swimming in the Vik swimming pool
Located in the centre of Vik, this outdoor swimming pool is a great way to get rid of the tiredness from all the travel.
It is surrounded by mountains and is heated so you can enjoy it even during winter. There are multiple restaurants nearby that you can visit after your swim.
DETAILS
Address: Mánabraut, 870 Vík, Iceland
Timings: Monday and Wednesday: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: 900 kr per adult.
Have a delicious coffee in the Skool Beans Cafe
This is a cafe upcycled from a school bus and it makes for a cosy place to grab a quick coffee.
They offer a variety of drinks along with all types of coffee. This is a great spot to relax for a bit and get energized to then continue sightseeing.
DETAILS
Address: Klettsvegur, 870 Vík, Iceland
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit Vik i Myrdal Church
Dating back to 1873, the Vik i Myrdal Church is a pleasing white church located o atop a hill in Vik.
This church was the only surviving architecture of the 1918 flood. You can visit the inside of the church to experience its simple yet soothing interior and unique architecture.
This church provides a stunning view of the village from a height and is also surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. I recommend visiting this place for a peaceful time when in Vik.
DETAILS
Address: Sunnubraut 7, 870 Vík, Iceland
Timings: Only open on Mondays for 24 hours
Price: Free entry
Paragliding in Vik
I was looking for a good adventure when I came across paragliding in Vik and believe me when I say that it was the most thrilling and adventurous experience of my entire trip. Icelandic landscape looks even better from high above and you have to experience it to fully understand it.
It is completely safe as you will be secured using a harness and a professional instructor will fly with you. I highly recommend paragliding if you are an adrenaline junkie like me!
You can book your paragliding adventure Paragliding in Vik adventure.
DETAILS
Address: Sunnubraut 7, 870 Vík, Iceland
Duration: One hour
Price: starts from 40,000 kr.
Visit Reynisfjara Beach
The Reynisfjara Beach is a beautiful black sand beach located along the south coast.
It is famous for its unique landscape, basalt columns and gigantic rock formations that appear from the water.
Although this is a wonderful destination, it is prone to sneaker waves and you must be extremely cautious while exploring it. Maintain a safe distance from the waves so that you do not get pulled in by the waves as it could be fatal.
DETAILS
Address: Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Visit Þakgil Canyon
Þakgil or Thakgil is one of the best-hidden gems of Vik. it is a canyon covered in lush green moss and makes for wonderful hikes and trails.
It has a number of caves and local guides can help you explore these. This is also a good spot for a short picnic if you wish to let yourself be surrounded by nature along with some delicious food.
DETAILS
Address: Þakgil, Sunnubraut 7, 871 Vík, Iceland
Drink Icelandic Beer
Having a glass of Icelandic beer is a great way to call it a day after exploring various sights in and around the village of Vik.
If you are an adult and you like drinking beer, you should definitely taste Icelandic beer. Iceland offers a huge variety of beers and Icelandic beer has been nominated for various awards over the years.
I am sure you will love how this tiny fishing village in Iceland has so much to explore. Plan a trip from Reykjavik to Vik when you are visiting Iceland and be a part of the local canvas.
FAQs – From Reykjavik to Vik
-
How to get from Reykjavik to Vik?
There are a few options which you can choose from to make the journey from Reykjavik to Vik. You can travel by bus as it is the cheapest option but this would not grant you the independence to explore the destinations that fall en route.
In my opinion, the best way to travel from Reykjavik to Vik is by car. This will allow you to make as many stops as you wish and experience a wonderful road trip. If you do not feel like driving but wish to explore all the great spots, you can also opt for a day tour of Vik from Reykjavik.
-
How far is Reykjavik from Vik?
The distance from Reykjavik to Vik is 187 kilometres.
-
What’s the quickest way to travel from Reykjavik to Vik?
The fastest way to travel from Reykjavik to Vik is by car. You can rent a car and it will take you around 3 hours to reach Vik from Reykjavik if you do not stop to explore and drive straight to Vik.
-
How long does it take to journey from Vik to Reykjavik?
It takes anywhere between 3 to 4 hours to travel from Vik to Reykjavik or vice versa. If you are planning a road trip, I suggest you take an entire day out to explore all the destinations without having to rush anything.
PIN FOR LATER!
EXPLORE MORE OF ICELAND
Some of the links on this post are affiliate links. These do not cost you extra to use, but will help provide Continent Hop with a small commission if/when you purchase through them, to recover some of the costs of running this website and providing free content to help you plan your travel. I appreciate your support!