Things To Do In Vik Iceland | South Coast Activities

Wondering How To Spend Your Day In Vik With Kids

Vík is a small village on the southern coast of Iceland that is best known for its dramatic landscapes, natural wonders and exciting things to do.

It’s the perfect stop for families travelling on Iceland’s Ring Road and is the gateway to many of Iceland’s most iconic attractions. We loved exploring Vik as part of our Iceland road trip and it has earned our recommendation as one of the top places to visit in Iceland.

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Visiting Vík Iceland With Kids

While Vik may not be as well known as Reykjavík and the Golden Circle, it is one of Iceland’s most stunning villages and really shouldn’t be missed. It has well-priced, family-friendly accommodation and plenty to see.

Situated on Iceland’s South Coast, Vik is a great place to base your family for visiting many of Iceland’s most iconic wonders from waterfalls and black sand beaches to glaciers and volcanic lava fields. It is easily reached via the ring road, just a few hours south of Reykjavík and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Things To Do In And Around Vik

Be sure to add Vik to your family’s Iceland itinerary. With so many things to see and do in and around the area, you’ll have plenty of choices to keep your kids active and entertained. Our top family-friendly attractions in Vik are:

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

No trip to Vik would be complete without a visit to Iceland’s most famous black sand beach. It’s basalt columns and stunning scenery make Reynisfjara Beach a ‘must-see’ attraction, perfect for capturing otherworldly, atmospheric photos.

You can climb the unusual basalt columns and walk along the black sand beach while admiring the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Don’t be tempted to get into the water however adventurous you might be feeling; the south coast has a ferocious reputation and is not suitable for swimming. Keep a lookout for the infamous ‘sneaker waves’ that can knock you off your feet and pull you out to sea if you are not careful.

Dyrhólaey Peninsula

The Dyrhólaey Peninsula nature reserve is a promontory with great views of the ‘doorhole’ rock arch, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.

Kids will love seeing the blow hole erupt with every wave and, during the summer (June and July), watching the puffins nest on the cliffs. The optimum time of day to visit is at sunrise or sunset; you’ll get the best light and the fewest crowds but be prepared for the South Coast wind!

Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach

Víkurfjara is a stretch of black sand beach that is a short walk from the centre of Vik. With no sneaker waves, it’s a safer beach to visit than Reynisfjara, especially with younger children.

The Reynisdrangar sea stacks are visible from here and families can enjoy horse riding or a quad bike session on the long, open stretch of beach.

Hjörleifshöfði & Yoda Cave

If you are visiting Vik in summer, Hjörleifshöfði has a great, family-friendly trail that offers panoramic views of the village and surrounding area. At the summit is the grave site of one of the first Icelandic settlers, who was killed by his Irish and Scottish slaves in the year 875AD.

Whatever the season, it is well worth visiting the famous “Yoda Cave”, Gígjagjá rock formation at the black sand beach that sits below the mound. Fans of the ‘Star Wars’ franchise will instantly see the resemblance to one of the movie’s most famous characters.

Katla Ice Cave

A short drive from Vik takes you to the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier which has formed over the Katla volcano. By booking a tour, you can venture beneath the glacier into the stunning ice caves.

Guided hikes and snowmobile tours are also available on the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier to explore the stunning ice formations up close.

Kvernufoss And Skógafoss Waterfall

Iceland has hundreds of waterfalls that are worth seeing but some are mightier than others! From Vik, you have access to the thundering Skógafoss which is an impressive 200-foot waterfall that often displays rainbows in the mist. We climbed the many steps to feel the mighty power and get a stunning birds-eye view.

Kvernufoss on the other hand is a smaller hidden gem. To get there you you’ll need to take a short hike trail through a gorge from the Skogar Museum. It is less crowded than Skógafoss but still has its own rainbows! For those looking for a bit of adventure, it’s possible to get behind this waterfall and look through the veil of water.

Sólheimajökull Glacier

To fully appreciate the sheer size of a glacier you’ve really got to get up close and personal! Families with older kids can go glacier hiking and ice climbing on the giant Sólheimajökull (Home of the Sun) Glacier. You’ll also learn how glaciers are formed and what their future might hold…

It is Iceland’s southernmost glacier and is easily accessible from Vik.

Vik’s Lava Show

Nothing compares to the full-on sensory experience that is the Vik Lava Show. You’ll be close to enough to feel the heat, hear the sizzle and even smell the molten rock! As the lava flows in front of your eyes, you’ll learn how the Katla volcano has transformed the local landscape.

As an experience, it is certainly unique and one that will have everyone talking about it for years to come. It is arguably the number one attraction for families in the village of Vik and is the only place where you’ll see a recreated volcanic eruption using real lava. It is suitable for families but do check before you book for any restrictions that may be in place.

➡️Book tickets to the Vik Lava Show here

Puffin Watching

From May to August puffins can be spotted in the cliffs around Vik. June and July are peak nesting season with the best sightings at Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara.

Puffins are most active in the early morning or late evening. A pair of binoculars can turn your hike into a real adventure, especially for the kids.

See The Northern Lights

Vik often experiences stunning displays of the Northern Lights and there is no better time than in winter. They are most often seen between August and May, especially if there are strong solar flares. You’ll have a good chance of viewing them anywhere you can find a clear, dark sky.

While you can book a tour, these can be expensive and are not necessary to see them. Some hotels offer alerts to inform guests when northern lights are visible. Vik church provides a good viewing platform away from the lights in Vik.

Vík í Mýrdal Church

The iconic red-roofed church overlooking Vik dominates the village and is a great location for a walk. A hike up the hill is rewarded with views of the cliffs, the black sand beach and Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

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Best Time To Visit Vik

Vik is worth visiting any time of year, as long as you are prepared for the possibility of extreme changes in weather conditions on Iceland’s South Coast.

Summer is Iceland’s most popular season. June to August, has the warmest and most reliable weather making it the most suitable time for families to visit. With the longest daylight hours, families can also experience the midnight sun. Summer is also the best time to visit Vik to spot puffins and get the most from outdoor activities with kids.

Visiting Iceland in winter is popular for the chance to see the Northern Lights. But it’s not the only reason to visit; seeing Iceland’s stunning landscapes covered in snow and ice is breathtaking.

Between November and March be prepared for short days, colder temperatures and strong winds. Dress in layers and don’t be too ambitious with your itinerary. Vik is impressive and worth visiting in winter but take extra care in the icy road conditions.

Tips For A Family Trip To Vik, Iceland

Visiting Vik with kids can be enjoyable by following a few simple tips.

💡Dress For The Weather: Iceland’s weather can be changeable, especially in Vik! Dress in layers and be prepared for all seasons. It’s perfectly possible to experience sun, wind, rain and snow all in one day, even in summer.

💡Book Accommodation Early: Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to hotels. We recommend you book well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

💡Enjoy Viks Natural Beauty: Whatever your family budget in Iceland, it’s worth exploring the many free things to do. Vik is located in some of the most stunning scenery Iceland has to offer and the vast majority of it can be accessed without charge.

💡Take Your Time: It is not possible to see and do everything in a short visit to Vik. Plan for quality over quantity rather than rush your Iceland itinerary.

💡Leave No Trace: Enjoy Iceland’s dramatic landscape but please stay on designated paths. Do not pick plants or take from the environment and dispose of your rubbish responsibly. This will help ensure everyone can continue to enjoy Vik’s beauty.

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Accommodation in Vik

Vik has various family accommodation options from hotels, guesthouses, campsites, apartments and a campsite.

We stayed in a guesthouse and hotel apartment that we recommend for families with children and teens. If these are unavailable, there are also plenty of other great places to stay in Vik. The village is a popular stopover and booking your accommodation in advance is recommended.

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Final Thoughts | Visiting Vik Iceland

Whatever the time of year, Vík is one of Iceland’s most welcoming villages. Its dramatic landscapes and proximity to so many outdoor adventures make it a great place to base yourself while exploring further afield. Whether you are simply passing through or intend to stay for a few days, make sure you take some time to appreciate all it has to offer.