Canyons & Glaciers near Vík, South Coast
Overview
From Vik, a great first stop is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, whose rock formations look like they're from another world! A short trail from the parking lot takes you along the canyon ridge, where you'll find some amazing viewpoints as the river curves around the cliffs.
Next, stop to admire the dramatic wilderness of Skaftafell, where you'll find a hiking trail leading to Svartifoss, a particularly scenic waterfall surrounded by columns of basalt. The hike is around 3 miles (5 km) long, offering great views alongside the river and out toward the ocean.
Your next stop can be the quaint town of Hof to view the country's famous Hof Turf church. Covering roofs with turf was a Medieval tactic practiced throughout Europe to protect structures from harsh weather.
Lastly, visit either the Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoons, depending on how much time you have. Fjallsárlón is just a 10-minute walk from its parking lot, and you can get up close with the glacier's cracks and crevices. Although Jokulsarlon requires a slightly longer trek, it's famous for Diamond Beach, where you can see icebergs floating out to sea. You'll also see many pieces of ice scattered along the black sand—when the sunlight hits, the ice sparkles like diamonds!
For the best view of the area, you can climb up to the top of the nearby hill. And if you're lucky, you may even spot seals, porpoises, or smaller whale species!
Discover other unique experiences along the Ring Road and more glacier experiences in Iceland.
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedLike what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedItineraries with Canyons & Glaciers near Vík
8-Day Ring Road Itinerary: Explore Iceland’s Top Places Along Its Most Famous Road
This itinerary packs a lot into 8 days, but if you have limited time and have your heart set on driving the entire Ring Road, then this guide will be your best friend for the...
Egilsstaðir to Vik: Top Sights and Stops from East to West
The Drive from Egilsstaðir (east) to Vik (south) offers some incredible scenery past calm fjords, thundering waterfalls, beaches with interesting formations, cool cliffs, and...
Iceland Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula - 11 Days
On this spectacular self-drive itinerary, you'll hit the four cardinal points of Iceland as you loop clockwise around the famous Ring Road. Stop to explore volcanoes,...
Iceland: Winter Waterfalls & Glacier Tours - 7 Days
Enjoy the snowier side of Iceland on this seven-day winter adventure. On arrival, head "Into the Glacier" at Langjökull, on the way to discover the Snaefellsnes Peninsula,...
Skaftafell Experiences
Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike
Combine two of the most popular excursions in Iceland: glacier hiking and exploring the electric-blue ice caves. Skaftafell Nature Reserve sits within Vatnajökull National Park,...
Jokulsarlon Glacier Kayaking Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable adventure kayaking in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, considered one of Iceland's natural wonders. Throughout this small group tour, you'll have the...
Skaftafell National Park
On the southern edge of Vatnajökull National Park, which hosts Europe's largest glacier, is Skaftafell National Park. It's one of the most popular sites along Iceland's famed...
Vatnajökull Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike
If you've ever wanted to scale a glacier, this is your chance! This ice climbing adventure takes you up a glacial wall on Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Set just north...
Hof Experiences
Jokulsarlon Glacier Kayaking Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable adventure kayaking in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, considered one of Iceland's natural wonders. Throughout this small group tour, you'll have the...
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
Not far from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on Iceland's South Coast is another idyllic lagoon filled with massive icebergs: Fjallsárlón. Just northeast of Hof, the coastal hub of...
Vatnajökull Glacier Hike
Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier, set in southern Iceland above the town of Hof along the country's famed Ring Road. Along with its numerous outlet glaciers, Vatnajökull...
Jökulsárlón Experiences
Blue Ice Cave Tour
Walking through the electric-blue ice cave of the Vatnajökull glacier is an experience you won't soon forget! The tour begins after meeting your expert and friendly guides at...
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
Bordering Iceland's vast Vatnajökull National Park is the famed Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, known for its incredible scenery, floating icebergs, and wildlife. The lagoon...
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
You'll find the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon between the towns of Hof and Höfn on the country's famed South Coast. Here you'll have the chance to see one of the unique sights in...
Jokulsarlon Glacier Kayaking Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable adventure kayaking in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, considered one of Iceland's natural wonders. Throughout this small group tour, you'll have the...
South Coast Experiences
Show more South Coast experiencesSeljalandsfoss Waterfall
Standing at 200 feet (60 m) is the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous and visited cascades. Just off the Ring Road, you can see Seljalandsfoss in less than...
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
Bordering Iceland's vast Vatnajökull National Park is the famed Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, known for its incredible scenery, floating icebergs, and wildlife. The lagoon...
Sólheimajökulll Glacier Hike
Iceland is home to many glaciers that offer hiking opportunities, but Sólheimajökulll is a favorite, thanks to its accessibility and varying colors. Set just northwest of Vík on...
South Coast Waterfalls & Beaches
Iceland's scenic South Coast is home to many of the country's most famous attractions—and some offbeat ones! Enjoy a drive cruising along the Ring Road (Route 1) and stopping to...
Puffin Watching at Ingólfshöfði Cape
Set just south of Hof—a small town along Iceland's South Coast via the famed Ring Road—is Ingólfshöfði Cape. The area is the perfect environment for nesting, attracting...
Vík Experiences
Show more Vík experiencesSólheimajökulll Glacier Hike
Iceland is home to many glaciers that offer hiking opportunities, but Sólheimajökulll is a favorite, thanks to its accessibility and varying colors. Set just northwest of Vík on...
Jokulsarlon Glacier Kayaking Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable adventure kayaking in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, considered one of Iceland's natural wonders. Throughout this small group tour, you'll have the...
Kayaking Sólheimajökulll Glacier Lagoon
Iceland is the land of fire and ice, so exploring the country's glaciers is a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike. Set just north of the town of Vik on the country's...
Seljavallalaug Outdoor Pool
If you want a geothermal pool experience in Iceland but also want a bit of adventure, Seljavallalaug is the one for you! Set on the South Coast between Seljalandsfoss and...
Mýrdalsjökull Glacier Snowmobiling
Set just north of Vik along Iceland's South Coast is the country's fourth-largest glacier, Mýrdalsjökull. Reaching about 5000 feet (1500 m), this giant ice cap covers the Katla...
Iceland Experiences
Show more Iceland experiencesHike Geldingadalir Volcano
Hiking on an active volcano is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that attract many travelers to Iceland's Geldingadalir Volcano. Set just south of the capital on the...
Puffin Tour Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Just off the coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula near the town of Grundarfjörður is the small island of Melrakkaey, complete with towering sea cliffs of basalt columns. These...
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Standing at 200 feet (60 m) is the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous and visited cascades. Just off the Ring Road, you can see Seljalandsfoss in less than...
Hiking Kaldbakur Mountain in the Westfjords
In terms of hiking the mountains of Iceland, the locals may consider the route up Mt. Kaldbakur, the highest point in the Westfjords, as relatively easy. This declaration is...
Ytri-Tunga Beach Seal Colony
Set on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the scenic Ytri-Tunga, a golden sand beach famous for its very accessible seal colony. A 2-hour drive north from Reykjavik via Iceland's...
Best of the South Coast
Best of the South CoastUltimate Guide to Iceland’s South Coast
Iceland's most visited region attracts more than a million visitors a year with its dramatic landscape. Get inspired to plan your own trip with these itinerary-planning tips and...
Vik to Selfoss: Top Sights and Stops
The South Shore between Vik and Selfoss is full of many popular sights and destinations, quickly becoming one of the most popular areas of Iceland. Below are many of the...
Egilsstaðir to Vik: Top Sights and Stops from East to West
The Drive from Egilsstaðir (east) to Vik (south) offers some incredible scenery past calm fjords, thundering waterfalls, beaches with interesting formations, cool cliffs, and...
The Best Hot Springs Experiences in Iceland
Iceland's hot springs are world-famous, as many travelers flock to the country to soak in the hot and healing geothermal pools. You'll find hot springs in every corner of the...
Top Winter Experiences in Iceland
Winter in Iceland offers many unique activities that you can't always experience in other seasons. Make the most out of the limited daylight with wintry adventures, such as...
Trip Planning Essentials
How Kimkim Trips Works in Iceland
Travelers love Iceland for its wild landscapes, Reykjavik's cultural charms, and the seasonal magic of the Northern Lights. Work with a kimkim travel specialist to experience it...
Ultimate Iceland Itineraries: 5, 7, 10 & 14 Days
When it comes to planning the perfect Iceland itinerary, we have you covered. Our researchers scouted the island, our Iceland experts chipped in, and then we asked travelers...
Iceland Travel Agents
Kimkim has selected the best Iceland travel agents so you'll have a worry-free trip