A hike with a clearly specified time frame starts in Vík at Kötlusetur: the Reynisfjall hike is a 6 km round trip with 250 metres of elevation gain and takes 2 to 4 hours. This makes it easy to plan this tour as a standalone activity. Vík is located on Route 1; hiking trails, geology and culture offer different focal points for your stay in the town.
Hiking on Reynisfjall and up Hatta
Mount Reynisfjall lies on the outskirts of Vík. Its special features include a rich birdlife, proximity to puffins and views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The Reynisfjall hike has a specified time frame; birdwatching and the landscape are also among the interests associated with the mountain.
Another option is a hiking trail behind Víkurkirkja that leads to Hatta, the highest mountain in Mýrdalshreppur. The trail starts in Vík, while its destination lies outside the settlement. From Hatta, views extend across Heiðardalur and Mýrdalsjökull. This gives you two different hiking destinations to choose from: a 6 km round trip on Reynisfjall or a trail to a named summit beyond the town. There are also numerous hiking trails on the outskirts of Vík.
Katla Geopark, Kötlusetur and Lava Show
Vík in Mýrdalshreppur lies at the centre of Katla Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Kötlusetur is housed in the historic Brydebúð building in the heart of Vík. Its exhibitions cover the geology of Katla Geopark, with a particular focus on the Katla volcano beneath Mýrdalsjökull. Works by local artist Sigrún Jónsdóttir are also on display there.
At the Kötlusetur information centre in the Brydebúð building, Víkurbraut 28, you can get maps and information about hiking trails in Mýrdalshreppur. The Katla Visitor Centre in Vík also provides maps of the surrounding area and its outdoor activities. These information points offer different starting points for your planning: hiking trails in the municipality or outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
Lava Show Vík is located at Víkurbraut 5, 870 Vík, and is the only live lava experience in the world. It is open daily, year-round; opening hours vary by season and may change. Check the current schedule before your visit.
Events throughout the year
Vor í Vík usually takes place in the third week of April, lasts a week and focuses on local nature, environmental protection, spending time outdoors and activities. Geopark Week takes place annually in the third week of April. Its programme includes, among other things, guided hikes, exhibitions, workshops and concerts. Both events offer different ways to engage with nature and Katla Geopark.
The Rainbow Festival takes place every year on the second weekend in October. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these dates, check the event dates in advance: plans may change. This allows you to consider seasonal events as a separate factor alongside hikes and year-round experiences.
Explore Vík and plan your stay
The Vík Treasure Quest and the Vík Culture Walk are two more ways to explore Vík. Together with the hiking trails, exhibitions and live lava experience, they offer a range of themes to consider when planning your trip, without needing to follow a set itinerary. When looking for accommodation, consider which of these interests matter for your stay and whether your trip coincides with an event date. Maps and information about hiking trails in Mýrdalshreppur are available at the Kötlusetur information centre; the Katla Visitor Centre provides maps of the surrounding area and its outdoor activities.
Discover more destinations: Búðarhólshverfi, Ásólfsskáli, Keldur, Laugarás, Skeiðflötur, Eyrarbakki, Úlfljótsvatn, Villingaholt.
For the overview of the wider region: South Iceland.
