From trolls to tectonic plates: a tour of Vik i Myrdal Village
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About the Tour
About the Tour
Iceland’s tiny Vík í Mýrdal village exists in the shadows of one of the country’s most dangerous volcanoes. On this leisurely walking tour, you’ll stroll through its compact village center, past modern attractions that showcase Iceland’s volcanic heritage, to the dramatic black coastline where folklore and geology collide.
Starting at the red-roofed hillside Vík í Mýrdal Church (Víkurkirkja) that doubles as an evacuation point during volcanic emergencies, you’ll head into the heart of Iceland’s southernmost village. Along the way, I’ll share both personal connections to the area and fascinating insights into how nature has shaped life here for centuries.
You’ll hear about the blood brothers who first settled in Iceland in 874 and the tragic fate of the viking settler, Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson, who made a home near present-day Vík. As you make your way to Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach where the tour ends, you’ll learn how the mighty Katla volcano, dormant since 1918 but still constantly monitored, continues to influence everything in Vík.
On this 30-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:
- Walk a section of Iceland’s Ring Road, the 1,322-kilometer highway that wasn’t completed until 1974, nearly 1,100 years after settlement
- Discover how geothermal energy from Katla heats the village’s outdoor swimming pool year-round without electricity
- Marvel at the famous Reynisdrangar rock formations and hear the folklore that surrounds them
- Find out how Iceland transformed its economy after the 2008 financial crash by developing tourism around its volcanic landscapes
- See where the Netflix series ”Katla” was filmed among the dramatic black beaches and basalt formations
- Appreciate the surprising diversity of wildlife, including summer puffin colonies that nest in the nearby cliffs
From trolls to tectonic plates, this tour reveals how Icelanders have survived alongside powerful natural forces, creating one of the world’s most unique and beautiful coastal communities.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Stormposten Lars Engerengen
In the northern reaches of Europe, amidst the crisp air and breathtaking landscapes, resides an Arctic storyteller whose words weave magic into the frozen silence. Meet Lars Engerengen, a passionate narrator of the Arctic wilderness, a voice that carries the echoes of history and the whispers of untamed nature.
Living beneath the shimmering Northern Lights and the endless glow of the Midnight Sun, Lars discovered his fascination for the Arctic’s lore in childhood. Nights spent listening to age-old tales by the fireside sparked a curiosity that would shape his life’s journey. That spark grew into a flame as he ventured across icy tundras, sailed through fjords, and trekked along snow-laden paths, collecting stories etched into the land and its people.
His storytelling is more than words—it is an immersive experience. With a voice that soothes and inspires, Lars transports listeners to remote landscapes where ancient myths meet modern realities. Through his narratives, one feels the biting wind, hears the crunch of snow underfoot, and senses the resilience of those who carved out life in this harsh yet beautiful region.
Lars doesn't tell you everything, but he tells you enough to pique your curiosity. Enough to make you want to learn more. Enough to make you want to stay a while longer.
Join Lars on a journey beyond the ordinary—a voyage into the soul of the Arctic. Each tale is an invitation to explore a world where nature reigns supreme, and history lingers in every frozen breath. Step into the story, and let the Arctic speak through him.
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 2
Víkurkirkja
As you can see, the church is located high above the center of the village, up in the hillside. And there is a reason for that. Let me tell you more about the Víkurkirkja – Vik Church – as we walk.
The characteristic church with its red roof was built in 1934... Read More
View locations and route
How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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Víkurkirkja
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Reynisfjara Beach
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Reynisdrangar
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Lava Show in Vík
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Halldórskaffi
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Zipline Iceland
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Vik
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Smiðjan Brugghús
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start location870 Vik, Iceland
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Total distance2km
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Final locationSunnubraut 31, 870 Vík, Iceland
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Distance back to start location1km
Directions to Starting Point
The tour starts at the church in Vík - and, believe me, unless there is very thick fog, you will see the starting point.
Show Directions
Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
It is possible to take a break here and there, for example by buying an entrance ticket to the Lava Show, or to stroll into a place to eat, such as Halldorskaffi or Smidjan brewery and restaurant. If the weather is warm and nice, you can also take a short break outdoors.
Best time of day
Anytime, but it is most beautyful by sunset.
Precautions
You should be prepared for the ever-changing Icelandic weather. It is recommended to dress appropriately for the weather, but bring waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear.
At Reynisfjara, be aware of the potential dangers of strong waves and unstable terrain, and follow safety guidelines.
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Questions and Reviews
Questions and Reviews
