Vík í Mýrdal – Iceland’s Southern Village by the Sea
Vík í Mýrdal, often simply called Vík, is the southernmost village in Iceland. Despite its small size, it has become one of the country’s most popular travel destinations thanks to its dramatic landscapes, black sand beaches, and proximity to glaciers and volcanoes. Nestled between the North Atlantic Ocean and the towering cliffs of Reynisfjall, Vík í Mýrdal is a place where Iceland’s natural forces are always on display.
Unlike many villages in Iceland, Vík does not have a protective fjord or harbor. Instead, it faces the open sea, which has shaped its history and daily life. The name “Mýrdal” refers to the “mire valley” surrounding the village, an area dominated by volcanic soils, glacial rivers, and black sand plains. Just inland rises Mýrdalsjökull, the glacier that covers Katla, one of Iceland’s most powerful volcanoes.
Nature and Landscapes Around Vík
The landscapes around Vík are among the most photographed in Iceland. The world-famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach stretches west of the village, with its hexagonal basalt columns and sea stacks known as Reynisdrangar. According to legend, these towering rock formations were once trolls, turned to stone by the morning sun.
To the east lies the vast Mýrdalssandur, a glacial outwash plain formed by centuries of eruptions and floods from Katla. North of the village, the glacier Mýrdalsjökull dominates the skyline, reminding visitors of both Iceland’s beauty and its geological power.
Birdlife is abundant here as well. In summer, puffins and other seabirds nest along the cliffs of Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjall. The combination of black sands, green hillsides, ocean waves, and bird colonies makes the area around Vík one of the most diverse and stunning natural settings in Iceland.
History and Culture of Vík í Mýrdal
Vík has long been a vital stopping point for travelers along the South Coast. Before modern roads, the surrounding sands and rivers made journeys challenging, and the village became a place of shelter and rest. Today, with the Ring Road running directly through it, Vík serves as a hub for visitors exploring the region.
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Vík is the white church perched on the hill above the village. Built in 1934, Víkurkirkja is not only a place of worship but also a safe gathering point for residents in the event of an eruption from Katla. From its vantage point, the church offers sweeping views over the village, ocean, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Though small, Vík has a welcoming atmosphere, with local shops, restaurants, and cultural events that give travelers a glimpse of life in rural Iceland.
Experiencing Vík í Mýrdal on Horseback
While many visitors explore Vík by car or on foot, horseback riding offers a completely different perspective on the area. Riding along the black sand beaches, with waves crashing beside you and sea cliffs rising ahead, is an unforgettable experience. The sure-footed Icelandic horse, with its smooth tölt gait, is perfectly suited for both the sandy plains and the gentle trails surrounding the village.
For beginners, short rides near Vík provide a safe and memorable introduction to Icelandic horses. For more experienced riders, longer treks across the sands and into the valleys around Mýrdalsjökull offer both adventure and breathtaking views.
Hestar og Fjöll and Vík í Mýrdal
Hestar og Fjöll offers tours that connect riders with Iceland’s most iconic and hidden landscapes. While Vík í Mýrdal itself is not the starting point of the tours, it is closely tied to the routes and highlights of South Iceland. Riders exploring the region with Hestar og Fjöll often pass through the landscapes that define Vík — black sand beaches, glacial rivers, and views toward Mýrdalsjökull.
By combining cultural history with dramatic nature, Hestar og Fjöll ensures that horseback tours around Vík are not just about riding but about experiencing the spirit of Iceland. Guests discover how people have lived with the challenges and beauty of this coastline for generations, while also enjoying the companionship of Icelandic horses.
Why Visit Vík í Mýrdal
Southernmost village in Iceland, rich with history and charm
Gateway to Reynisfjara, Reynisdrangar, and Dyrhólaey
Stunning views of Mýrdalsjökull glacier and Katla volcano
Birdwatching paradise in summer, especially for puffins
Perfect base for exploring South Coast highlights, including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
For those seeking to combine sightseeing with activity, horseback riding near Vík provides a way to step beyond the crowds and connect with nature at a slower pace.
FAQs about Vík í Mýrdal
Where is Vík í Mýrdal located?
Vík lies on Iceland’s South Coast, about 180 km (2.5 hours) from Reykjavík along the Ring Road.
What is Vík famous for?
Vík is known for its black sand beaches, Reynisdrangar sea stacks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and its proximity to Mýrdalsjökull glacier and Katla volcano.
Can you ride horses near Vík?
Yes, the area around Vík is well-suited for horse riding, with sandy plains and open coastal views. Hestar og Fjöll includes the landscapes of Vík in several day and multi-day tours.
Is Vík safe from Katla eruptions?
The village lies close to Katla volcano, but residents have safety measures in place. The local church on the hill serves as an emergency gathering point.
Other Unforgettable Riding Destinations in Iceland
If you enjoyed exploring Vík í Mýrdal, you may also want to discover these other breathtaking places on horseback:
Eyjafjallajökull – ride beneath the mighty glacier volcano with sweeping South Coast views.
Landmannalaugar – explore colorful rhyolite mountains, geothermal valleys, and lava fields.
Black Sand Beach – experience the thrill of galloping across Iceland’s world-famous volcanic shoreline.
Þórsmörk – ride through lush valleys, birch forests, and glacier-fed rivers between mountains.
Holtsós – a peaceful lagoon with reflections of glaciers, mountains, and open skies.
Seljalandsfoss – the famous waterfall you can walk behind, even more magical on horseback.
Skógafoss – one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, cascading powerfully into a green valley.
Mýrdalsjökull – a vast glacier that hides the mighty Katla volcano beneath its ice.