Vík í Mýrdal
Landscape photographers wanting volcanic drama and ice caves alongside aurora opportunities
About Vík í Mýrdal
Vík í Mýrdal is a tiny coastal village under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, known for Iceland's most dramatic black sand beach, Reynisfjara, where basalt sea stacks rise from crashing Atlantic waves. At 63.4°N, it's the southernmost point on our polar destinations list, offering lower aurora probability than northern Iceland — but its dramatic volcanic landscapes lit by the aurora create images found nowhere else on Earth. The ice caves beneath Vatnajökull glacier (accessed from nearby Jökulsárlón) are the primary draw for many winter visitors. The combination of black beach, volcanic cliffs, waterfalls (Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are nearby), and potential aurora makes Vík the most scenically dramatic winter base in Iceland.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | +1°C | 17h | Med |
| Feb★ Best | +1°C | 13h | Med |
| Mar | +2°C | 8h | Low |
| Apr | +5°C | 3h | Low |
| May | +8°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +11°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +9°C | 3h | Low |
| Oct | +5°C | 9h | Med |
| Nov★ Best | +2°C | 14h | Med |
| Dec★ Best | +1°C | 17h | Med |
Activities
Getting There
2.5h drive from Reykjavik on the Ring Road (Route 1). On the popular South Coast tour route. No airport — car required or day trip from Reykjavik.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Guesthouses
- ✓Boutique Hotels
- ✓Farmhouses
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $140/day in Vík í Mýrdal. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
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See how Vík í Mýrdal stacks up against other top aurora destinations.
Compare Now →🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Black Beach Suites
Norðurfoss, 871, Iceland
hotel
Volcano Hotel
871 Vik, Iceland
hotel
Sólheimahjáleiga Guesthouse
Sólheimahjáleiguvegur, 871, Iceland
hotel
The Barn
Norðurfoss, 871, Iceland
hostel
Guesthouse Carina
Mýrarbraut 13, 870 Vík, Iceland
hotelHótel Kría
Sléttuvegur, 870 Vík, Iceland
hotelHvoll Cottages
Suður-Hvoli, 871, Iceland
guest houseHótel Vík
870 Vik, Iceland
hotelFarmhouse Lodge
871 Vik, Iceland
hotelHótel Dyrhólaey
1, 871 Vík, Iceland
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Smiðjan Brugghús
Sunnubraut 15, 870 Vík, Iceland
restaurant
Black Crust Pizzeria
Austurvegur 16, 870 Vík, Iceland
pizza restaurant
The Soup Company
Víkurbraut 5 870, 870 Vík, Iceland
soup restaurant
Restaurant Suður-Vík
Suðurvíkurvegur 1, 870 Vík, Iceland
restaurant
Drangar Restaurant
Sléttuvegur, 870 Vík, Iceland
restaurantStröndin • Pub
Austurvegur 18, 870 Vík, Iceland
restaurantWok In Vík
Austurvegur 18, 870 Vík, Iceland
asian restaurantHalldórskaffi
Víkurbraut 28, 870 Vík, Iceland
restaurantBerg Restaurant
Klettsvegi 1-5, 870 Vík, Iceland
restaurantHótel Vík
870 Vik, Iceland
hotel🎯Things to Do(10)
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Zipline Iceland
Víkurbraut 15b, 870 Vík, Iceland
point of interest
Vivid Iceland - Private Glacier Tours
Sólheimajökull glacier parking lot, 871 Vik, Iceland
point of interest
Katla Ice Cave Tours Vik - Troll.is meeting point
Víkurbraut 26 870, 870 Vík, Iceland
adventure sports center
Lava Show in Vík
Víkurbraut 5 870, 870 Vík, Iceland
tourist attraction
Katlatrack
Austurvegur 16 870, 870 Vík, Iceland
tour agencyTrue Adventure Iceland
Víkurbraut 15b, 870 Vík, Iceland
adventure sports centerKatla Ice Cave
Austurvegur 20, 870 Vík, Iceland
point of interestVík Horse Adventure
Smiðjuvegur 6, 870 Vík, Iceland
sports activity locationIcelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia - Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp
Icelandic Mountain Guides ATV&Snowmobile Tours, 871 Vík, Iceland
point of interestKötlusetur - Katla visitor centre
Víkurbraut 28, 870 Vík, Iceland
tourist information centerNearby Destinations
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Mývatn
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Reykjavik
First-time arctic travellers who want to combine northern lights with Iceland's unique landscapes
Húsavík
Wildlife lovers wanting whale watching in combination with excellent aurora viewing
Related Destinations
Akureyri
Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik
Húsavík
Wildlife lovers wanting whale watching in combination with excellent aurora viewing
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Independent travellers exploring the Ring Road who want authentic Iceland beyond the tourist trail