Vík Í Mýrdal – Volcano, Hiking Trails and Culture

Vík Í Mýrdal is located in the heart of Katla Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark. The Katla volcano beneath Mýrdalsjökull, hiking trails on the outskirts of town and cultural offerings provide different ways to experience the area. When choosing a place to stay, you can therefore consider whether nature, geology, outdoor activities or events should be the main focus of your trip. Vík is also on Route 1, providing a practical point of reference for planning your journey.

Geology, Volcano and Local Art

Exhibitions at Kötlusetur explore the geology of Katla Geopark. The main focus is the Katla volcano, which lies beneath Mýrdalsjökull. If you want to learn about the geological forces that shaped the landscape as well as experience it outdoors, this is a fitting cultural highlight. Kötlusetur is located in the historic Brydebúð building in the heart of Vík. It also displays works by local artist Sigrún Jónsdóttir.

Lava Show Vík offers a different kind of experience: it is the world’s only live lava experience. The venue is open daily year-round, although opening hours vary by season. You’ll find Lava Show Vík at Víkurbraut 5, 870 Vík. If you want to make volcanism a theme of your stay, you can consider this experience alongside the geological exhibitions at Kötlusetur.

Hiking Around Vík

Mount Reynisfjall is on the outskirts of town. Its highlights include a rich birdlife, proximity to puffins and views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The Reynisfjall hike is a 6 km out-and-back trail with 250 metres of elevation gain. It starts in Vík, by Kötlusetur, and takes 2 to 4 hours. This information gives you practical points to consider when planning your day if you want to include a hike in your stay.

Another trail starts behind Víkurkirkja and leads up Hatta, the highest mountain in Mýrdalshreppur. From there, you can enjoy views over Heiðardalur and Mýrdalsjökull. There are numerous hiking trails on the outskirts of Vík; Hatta and Reynisfjall are just two of the ways to explore the surrounding area on foot. For maps and information about hiking trails in Mýrdalshreppur, you can visit the Kötlusetur information centre in the Brydebúð building at Víkurbraut 28. The Katla Visitor Centre in Vík also provides maps of the surrounding area and its outdoor activities.

Events and Experiences in Town

Vor í Vík usually takes place during the third week of April and lasts for one week. The festival focuses on local nature, environmental protection, spending time outdoors and activities. Geopark Week is also held annually during the third week of April; its programme includes guided hikes, exhibitions, workshops and concerts, among other events. Each event offers its own thematic focus on nature and the geopark.

In autumn, the Rainbow Festival offers another date to plan around: it takes place every year on the second weekend of October. If you want to plan your trip around an event, you can take these recurring dates into account when choosing when to travel. Visitors can also explore Vík through the Vík Treasure Quest or take part in the Vík Culture Walk. These activities complement the hiking opportunities and geological and artistic insights, offering further ways to get to know the town.

Which Focus Suits Your Trip?

If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Vík, you can take your interests and planned travel dates into account when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations: Ásólfsskáli, Háfur, Hella, Sólheimar, Búðarhólshverfi, Hveragerdi, Skálholt and Selfoss.

For the broader travel overview: Sudurland.