Vík í Mýrdal

With its colorful buildings and red-roofed church overlooking the village, you’ll find there’s an undeniable charm about Vík í Mýrdal. Though its picturesque appearance stands in contrast with the region’s rugged landscapes and its position beneath an active volcano.

This volcano is called Katla, derived from the Icelandic word for a kettle. Appropriate, as it’s thought to erupt every 50–100 years, which is pretty frequent in geological terms. The people who live here have drills to practice what to do in case there’s an eruption. 

Aside from the volcano, you’ll notice that there are countless other sights and attractions to explore when you’re visiting Vík. 

In the village itself, you could try the local cuisine, learn about the region’s geology at the visitor center, or go horseback riding. And not far away, you could look for puffins, take a guided tour of ice caves, or walk along the iconic Reynisfjara beach.

On top of its incredible natural beauty, the area is also known for handcrafted knitwear. So why not treat yourself to a lovingly-made woolen garment from the Katla wool factory? Their Icelandic designs are made using wool from native sheep. What better way to remember your trip to Vík than with a practical keepsake?