Top 5 Vik Car Tours: Find Your Perfect Iceland Adventure
Planning a trip to Iceland? Specifically, are you thinking of centering that trip, like your trip of a lifetime, around Vik? Then, that tiny village located on Iceland’s south coast could be the jumping-off point for, you know, like some pretty memorable explorations. But, with that much stunning scenery and so, too it’s almost countless tour options available, picking that perfect car tour can feel, actually, a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. Basically, that’s why, we’ve done that homework for you and so, that way you can easily decide. So, right here is, arguably, like your rundown of, that’s right, just the five top Vik car tours that will showcase the jaw-dropping natural beauty of Iceland.
1. The Classic South Coast Route: Waterfalls and Black Sands
This South Coast route is often, maybe even always, that starting point for most Iceland adventures. In fact, just the drive from Reykjavik to Vik alone is almost a tour in itself! Still, for sure, it’s the destination that really counts! As a matter of fact, right before you get to Vik, two must-see waterfalls make for nice pit stops.
Seljalandsfoss: Behind it, that’s the special part! So, instead of, like, just looking at this stunner from the front, that walking path lets you actually walk right behind, just right behind, this cascade. You’re almost sure to get sprayed! As a matter of fact, dress accordingly and bring some, kind of, sort of waterproof gear! The spray and the light often create rainbows! Just have your camera ready!
Skógafoss: Much more powerful than Seljalandsfoss, and so that results in the base throwing off lots of mist and that, usually, typically results in a vibrant rainbow on sunny days. Right next to this waterfall is that stairway up the cliff! So, okay if you climb those stairs you can hike above this waterfall and you know, kind of, sort of see much more of that surrounding area.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: In some respects Reynisfjara is very close to Vik, and this is no regular beach. Honestly, it has that dramatic black sand, basalt columns, and then so too it’s almost there, just offshore you can find the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Arguably, with such dramatic views it has gained fame. Nevertheless, respect, like your ocean, it can be very unpredictable and sneakily powerful with dangerous “sneaker waves.” Keep a very respectful distance from that water!
Read our full review: South Coast Iceland Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (South Coast Classic)
2. Glacier Lagoon Adventure: Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach
You see, like, past Vik, a good two hour drive, you will find Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, just one of Iceland’s most spectacular places. It is actually worth it to go that extra distance!
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Honestly, that lagoon is full of icebergs! Those icebergs, actually, they have calved off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. They, I mean the icebergs, slowly drift toward, or to, the sea. Honestly, that visual of those clear blue and sometimes even black-streaked icebergs floating in that lagoon is something you need to see in real life! Often you might, like, even catch seals lounging on the icebergs! It’s often possible to hop on a boat tour out on that lagoon.
Diamond Beach: Basically, right across from that lagoon, or very close to, is Diamond Beach. Basically, the name for the beach is just what it is! You see, or witness, small icebergs that have washed ashore there. And they just sparkle, like diamonds against the black sand. Now just be sure to watch, that’s right, that waves as you walk around and have, basically, kind of sort of, like, a great camera ready!
Read our full review: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Glacier Lagoon Day Trip)
3. Highland Exploration: Þórsmörk Valley (Thorsmork)
If, like your South Coast explorations have, that is, left you wanting much more adventure, then, okay, consider Þórsmörk Valley, too it’s almost just known as Thorsmork. As a matter of fact, that nature reserve sits snug between glaciers and so, arguably, it is famed for its stunning natural beauty and also vigorous hiking trails.
F-Road Access: Fair warning, or heads up, that trip isn’t for just any old car. Seriously, those F-roads need a 4×4 vehicle, specifically made for those rugged highland roads and river crossings. So, actually, be sure that your rental car can handle such crossings and then know when to call off, as a matter of fact, a questionable stream crossing.
Hiking Trails: Honestly, you could explore those many trails with varying difficulty, there is arguably one for everyone! Actually, the most taken include routes to the viewpoints atop mountains or to, like your, picturesque waterfalls. Nevertheless, for sure bring hiking boots, weatherproof clothes, and you know, like plenty of water.
Camping: In some respects, to experience Thorsmork at its best you can, actually, reserve a spot in the, you know, popular campsites found inside the valley. This camping is one of the best ways, arguably, to wake up amongst the Iceland wilderness.
Read our full review: Þórsmörk Valley Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Thorsmork Excursion)
4. Waterfalls and Volcanoes: The Landmannalaugar Route
Arguably, yet another fantastic highland adventure! You will find Landmannalaugar up in Iceland’s highlands. It’s often known for, you know, like it’s otherworldly landscapes and geothermal hot springs.
Colorful Mountains: Actually, the rhyolite mountains are, as a matter of fact, pretty colorful with shades of red, yellow, green, and blue. Also, in some respects that scenery is truly unforgettable, not something you’ll see just any day.
Hot Springs: Yet, still you can enjoy taking a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs in the Landmannalaugar area! As a matter of fact, that geothermal pool is super relaxing right after a pretty long day of driving or hiking! Still, for sure bring a towel and swimming suit!
Driving Considerations: Similar to Þórsmörk, getting to Landmannalaugar does almost always require a 4×4 car due to, or resulting from, river crossings and really bumpy roads. Clearly, know what your car can handle. Also be sure, as a matter of fact, that you are okay with these highland road conditions.
Read our full review: Landmannalaugar Route Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Highlands Adventure)
5. Dyrhólaey Arch and the Puffins
Right near Vik there is, actually, like your dramatic rock arch! It’s called Dyrhólaey. Now the dramatic, almost black cliffs are a fantastic stop!
Dyrhólaey Arch: Anyway, from the top, there are absolutely gorgeous panoramic views of the southern coastline. Especially in summer, as a matter of fact, you are able to sometimes witness that puffins fly and frolic, nesting on those cliffs!
Puffin Season: Now for sure those cute puffins are around during, as a matter of fact, those breeding season, usually somewhere from May to August. Regardless, Dyrhólaey is sometimes closed off during nesting season. In that case be sure to show awareness to this possibility!
Driving Up: Finally, the road to the top is gravel and rather steep, so arguably driving carefully is just super vital! Anyhow, just drive slowly to safely go up, in other words you might as well enjoy those stunning views on the way up! Just take your time! It will not only pay off but in fact, you might as well be, like, enjoying that surrounding landscape on your drive up!
Read our full review: Dyrhólaey Arch Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Puffin Watching)