Vik is a small, striking village on Iceland’s south coast, famous for its dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, black sand beaches, and expansive glaciers. While it’s a charming place to relax and take in the scenery, it’s also a prime spot for hiking and trekking. What makes Vik particularly appealing is the variety of tours available — from family-friendly glacier walks to challenging mountain hikes. We’re especially fond of the Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike Adventure because it offers close-up glacier exploration with expert guides, and it’s perfect for travelers eager to get their feet on real ice without technical climbing skills. For those craving a full-day immersion into Iceland’s wild side, the Private South Coast Tour with Glacier Hike combines the best of waterfalls, black sand beaches, and a private glacier walk, offering personalized service and flexibility.
If you’re considering a trip to Vik, this guide will help you choose among the top-rated hiking and trekking tours. Whether you’re after a quick adventure or a comprehensive multi-day experience, we’ve got options covered with practical insights and honest appraisals.
Quick Overview
The list below features six of the best hiking and trekking tours in Vik, each catering to different interests and fitness levels. For a family-friendly ice adventure, the Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike Adventure is a top choice. If you want to combine scenic mountain exploration with waterfalls and glaciers, the Thorsmork Hike Day Tour offers a full-day adventure into Iceland’s rugged terrain. For a personalized experience, the Private Iceland South Coast with Glacier Hike takes you from Reykjavik to iconic sights with a private guide. Budget travelers will appreciate the Glacier Hike at Sólheimajökull Shared Experience, offering a 3-hour glacier walk at a reasonable price. For those seeking a multi-day exploration, the 3-Day Golden Circle & South Coast Tour combines highlights with an unforgettable glacier hike. Finally, the South Coast of Iceland Tour with Glacier Hike and Waterfalls offers a comprehensive day trip packed with waterfalls, black sands, and icy adventures.
1. Sólheimajökull: Glacier Hike Adventure
At number 1 on our list is the Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike Adventure, which consistently earns a high 4.7/5 rating from over 1,100 reviews. This tour offers a family-friendly way to experience Iceland’s shimmering ice formations. Led by a certified glacier guide, you’ll hike across the ice and witness crevasses, glacier mills, and ice caves — all while enjoying magnificent views that feel otherworldly. The tour’s duration varies from 3 to 12 hours, making it adaptable to your schedule. What stands out is the detailed explanations about glacier formations, making it both fun and educational. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a safe yet exhilarating glacier experience without technical climbing.
Reviewers love the intimate size of the group and the enthusiasm of guides like Sarah, who share in-depth knowledge and make the experience accessible. The highlight for many is discovering ice cave tunnels and visiting a stunning glacier lagoon. The relatively short walk and family-friendly approach make it suitable for most fitness levels, though some walking on uneven ice is required. The value for the price is excellent considering the scenery and expert guidance.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a memorable glacier expedition that balances education with adventure, this tour hits the mark.
2. Thorsmork Hike Day Tour
Coming in at number 2, the Thorsmork Hike Day Tour takes you deep into the rugged mountain reserve just outside Vik. Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from 59 reviews, this tour immerses you in Iceland’s wild beauty. The journey begins with a drive into the valley, passing waterfalls and crossing glacier rivers—adventure in itself. Your guide will tailor the trek based on current conditions, but typically includes stops at the stunning Stakkholtsgjá canyon and Nauthúsagil, famous for their narrow gorges and waterfalls. The hike to Valahnukur peak rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
This tour is ideal for active travelers with a sense of adventure who want more than just sightseeing. It suits those who enjoy exploring waterfalls and can handle moderate terrain. The guide’s local expertise is a key feature, offering insights into the geology and ecology of this less-visited part of Iceland. Due to variable conditions, some sections may be muddy, and the tour can be customized on the fly.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a full-day mountain experience that combines hiking, waterfalls, and glacier river crossings, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Iceland’s wild landscape.
3. Private Iceland South Coast with Glacier Hike Tour
Number 3 on our list is the Private Iceland South Coast with Glacier Hike, a 12-hour tour that offers a personalized exploration of Iceland’s most iconic sights. Starting from Reykjavik, your private guide whisks you to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Then, you’ll visit the Vikurfjara Black Sand Beach, where the powerful Atlantic waves crash against striking volcanic sands.
The highlight is a 3-hour private hike on the Solheimajokull Glacier, which is non-technical but offers an up-close look at a vast ice cap. The guide will tailor the experience to your interests and fitness level, making it ideal for travelers seeking a customized trip. The tour concludes with a visit to Dyrholaey for spectacular bird’s-eye views of the coast.
This tour’s strength lies in its flexibility and exclusive access, making it suitable for families, small groups, or travelers wanting a more intimate experience. The price reflects the private nature, but the convenience and personalized attention make it a good value.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive, customizable day that combines waterfalls, beaches, and glaciers, this private tour offers an unbeatable Icelandic experience.
For budget-conscious travelers, the Glacier Hike at Sólheimajökull Shared Experience provides a 3-hour glacier walk rated 4.5/5 by 16 reviews. This tour offers a chance to see crevasses, ice formations, and ice caves in a group setting, meeting directly at the parking lot for gear-up and safety instructions. Led by knowledgeable guides like Magdelana and Rick, this experience is perfect for those wanting a taste of Iceland’s icy wilderness without committing to a full-day journey.
The highlight is navigating around various crevasses, with guides providing safety tips and insights into glacier dynamics. While it’s moderately challenging, most reasonably fit travelers can enjoy it, making it suitable for families and solo adventurers alike. The reviews note the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, which enhances the experience.
The main advantage is the affordability and straightforward access to glacier terrain, making it a great introduction for first-time visitors. As one reviewer says, “It’s a truly wonderful hike, and the guides make the experience even better.”
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value for a half-day glacier experience, especially for travelers on a budget or short on time.
5. 3-Day Golden Circle & South Coast Tour with Glacier Hike
Number 5 brings a comprehensive three-day exploration of Iceland’s highlights, combining the Golden Circle, South Coast, and glacier hikes. This tour is rated 4.3/5 and is perfect for travelers who want an in-depth experience without stress. It includes visits to Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Jokulsarlon, alongside hiking on Solheimajokull Glacier.
Over three days, you’ll see waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the impressive Fjadrargljufur Canyon, with ample time for photos and relaxation. The Glacier Hike portion is a key feature, providing a hands-on experience that’s manageable for most.
This multi-day tour is especially suited for travelers with a flexible schedule who want to maximize their Iceland experience in a structured itinerary. The value lies in its all-in-one approach, eliminating the need to piece together separate excursions.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a broad, well-organized introduction to Iceland’s most famous sights combined with glacier adventure, this tour offers great convenience.
6. South Coast of Iceland Tour with Glacier Hike and Waterfalls
Finally, the South Coast of Iceland Tour with Glacier Hike and Waterfalls is a full-day trip rated for its scenic stops and icy adventures. It includes visits to Urriðafoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls, and Kvernufoss, a lesser-known gem in a quiet gorge. The highlight remains the glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, where you’ll explore icy crevasses and ridges.
The tour also features walking along Vík’s black sands and observing the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, renowned for their striking appearance. It’s ideal for travelers wanting variety in one day, combining waterfalls, volcanic sands, and glacier ice.
While reviews aren’t available, the itinerary demonstrates a balanced mix of natural wonders. The tour’s length and diversity make it suitable for active travelers prepared for a full day on their feet.
Bottom Line: If you want a day packed with waterfalls, glaciers, and scenic beaches, this tour is a dependable choice.
How to Choose Your Icelandic Trekking Experience
When selecting among these tours, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. For a family-friendly glacier walk, the Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike Adventure offers a safe, memorable experience. If your goal is to explore Iceland’s mountains and waterfalls in a flexible, private setting, the Private South Coast Tour is ideal.
Active travelers who want a shorter, affordable outing should look at the Shared Glacier Hike. For those with multiple days to spend, the 3-Day Golden Circle & South Coast delivers a broad, well-rounded experience. The South Coast Waterfalls and Glacier Tour provides variety in a single day, perfect for active explorers.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season (summer months), as these tours tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Vik offers a fantastic launching point for exploring Iceland’s icy and volcanic landscapes through a variety of hiking and trekking tours. Whether you’re after a quick glacier walk or a multi-day mountain adventure, there’s a tour suited to your interests and fitness level. The key is choosing a trip that matches your expectations — from family-friendly ice explorations to challenging mountain hikes.
For most travelers, balancing price, duration, and the type of scenery you wish to see will help narrow your options. For example, the Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike Adventure is perfect for a shorter, awe-inspiring ice experience, while the 3-Day Tour is better suited for those wanting a comprehensive Icelandic adventure.
Whatever you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences. Happy trekking!