What is the population of Vik?

Vik has approximately 750 residents and is one of Iceland's smallest yet most-visited towns.

What is the full name of Vik?

The full name is Vik i Myrdal (Vik in Myrdalur), to distinguish it from other places called Vik in Iceland.

What is the black sand beach near Vik?

Reynisfjara is a black sand beach with basalt columns, sea stacks, and powerful waves. It is one of Iceland's most famous locations.

Is Reynisfjara beach dangerous?

Yes. Sneaker waves can be deadly. Never turn your back on the ocean and stay well away from the waterline. Several tourists have died here.

How far is Vik from Reykjavik?

Vik is about 180 km from Reykjavik, approximately 2.5 hours by car via Route 1.

What volcano is near Vik?

Katla volcano lies under Myrdalsjokull glacier north of town. It's one of Iceland's most powerful volcanoes. Emergency evacuation routes are marked.

Can I see puffins near Vik?

Yes, puffins nest on the cliffs at Dyrholaey and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks during summer (May-August).

What services does Vik have?

Despite its small size, Vik has hotels, restaurants, supermarket, gas station, and souvenir shops to serve the many tourists.

Vik i Myrdal: Black Sand Beaches on the South Coast

Name: Vik i Myrdal, Iceland
Address: IS

Iceland's southernmost village: home to Reynisfjara black sand beach and its sea stacks, and the gateway to the glacier-covered Katla volcano.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Population

~750

South Iceland • Black sand beach

Vik i Myrdal is a tiny village with outsized fame: the nearby Reynisfjara beach is one of Iceland's most photographed locations. The village sits beneath the Katla volcano, its church on the hill above the rooftops, on a stretch of South Coast that deserves both admiration and caution.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

SAFETY: Reynisfjara beach has deadly sneaker waves. Never turn your back on the ocean. Katla volcano evacuation routes are marked in the area.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Region

South Iceland

180 km from Reykjavik

Population

~750

Iceland's southernmost village

Known for

Reynisfjara beach

Black sand, basalt columns, sea stacks

Top Attractions near Vik

Reynisfjara Beach

Black sand, basalt columns, dangerous waves

Reynisdrangar

Sea stacks rising from the ocean

Dyrholaey

Rock arch peninsula with puffins

Vik Church

The church on the hill above the village

Katla Ice Cave

Glacier cave tours (seasonal)

Myrdalsjokull Glacier

Ice cap covering Katla volcano

How to Get to Vik

From Reykjavik: 2.5 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road), passing Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls.

South Coast day trips: Most tours from Reykjavik include Vik and Reynisfjara as key stops.

Best Time to Visit Vik

Summer: Puffins at Dyrholaey (May-August), longer days for exploration.

Winter: Rough weather, ice caves, Northern Lights. Roads usually open but check conditions.

Planning help

Vik FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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