Vik
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What people say
mirka gasperova
"4. Stop
- we went all over Iceland and the cutest, most beautiful town we found is Vík with a photogenic church, an incredibly beautiful majestic cliff (Reynisfjall) where many birds live, surrounded by mountains and the Atlantic Ocean with a black beach overlooking the pointed cliffs ( Reynisdrangar), created, as usual, by volcanic activity
- only 318 citizens live in Vík, but there are many tourists here all year round. Overall, the South of Iceland is more touristic than the North
-be sure to walk along Vikurfjara Black sand Beach, walk up to the church
- if you like beer, don't forget to stop at Smidjan, where they also make excellent hamburgers. You can enjoy black pizza at Black Crust pizzeria and delicious soups at Lava Soup Company, which also hosts the Lava Show, which if you have time is definitely worth to see
- if you have any energy left, you can go to observe Puffins on the Reynisfjall cliff
- the journey from Vík to the Observation Deck (hidden gem) takes approx. 40 minutes to an hour
- the puffins return to the reef around 11pm and can be observed in the close distance (do not touch)
- there is also a view of Vík itself, its cliffs, Dyrhólaey and the famous Reynisfjara Beach"
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Nally Preseault
"Black-sand beaches. An hillside church. A threatening volcano. Adventure activities galore. Welcome to Vík! This is the southernmost village on the mainland of Iceland. It's known as being the warmest spot--and one of the wettest--in the country. Plus it's a great stop for trips along the south coast due to its numerous hotels and restaurants.
Vík í Mýrdal (its official name) lies 110 miles southeast of Reykjavík. It also sits right below Katla, an active volcano that could easily destroy (by lava flow or flash flooding) the seaside village. Since it doesn't have a port (the sea is too strong here), Vík wasn't settled until 1890. It quickly became a vital trading post for farmers, though.
Less than 800 people now live in Vík. It certainly feels bigger as you drive through town. Visitors use it as both a quick stopover on the Ring Road and a home base to explore the south coast. You can find ATV rides, birdwatching, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, ice cave tours, lagoon kayaking, paragliding, snowmobiling, and zip lining within a short distance. Just keep one eye on the sea and the other on that pesky volcano while you're here."
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Kristen Mackiewicz
" About: the biggest small village in South Iceland POI: Reynisfjara black sand beach, Vik church Amenities: fuel, restaurants/cafes, grocery store, liquor store, accommodation, camping, visitor center, souvenirs Pro-tip: common place to spend the night after the first half of the south coast"
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