Vik, Iceland, is a small but mighty hub for exciting tours and unique experiences. Its proximity to glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes makes it a prime spot for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking to walk on ice, paddle among icebergs, or explore rugged highlands, Vik offers unforgettable ways to truly experience Iceland’s wild beauty. We especially love the Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike Adventure for its family-friendly approach and expert-guided insights, and the Kayaking on the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon for a peaceful yet exhilarating water experience. Plus, the Thorsmork Super Jeep tour combines comfort with rugged exploration, giving you a taste of Iceland’s dramatic scenery.
Quick Overview
Vik’s tours cover a broad spectrum—from glacier hikes and kayaking to highland jeep safaris and geological exhibitions. Some tours focus on immersing you in Iceland’s natural wonders, like the Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike, while others like the Lava Centre offer educational insights. For those seeking a personalized experience, private tours such as the Private Iceland South Coast with Glacier Hike provide tailored adventures, often combining multiple highlights in one day.
Below, we break down each of these top-rated experiences to help you decide which best suits your interests, fitness level, and travel style.
1. Sólheimajökull: Glacier Hike Adventure
At number 1, the Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike Adventure offers a family-friendly way to explore Iceland’s icy heart. This tour includes a guided walk across the glacier, with detailed explanations from a certified glacier guide about the glaciers’ crevasses, glacier mills, and ice formations. The experience is intimate and small-group, making it ideal for travelers who want to learn and witness the glacier’s beauty up close. Visitors rave about guides like Sarah, who bring glaciers alive through engaging stories and expert knowledge. The highlight is discovering ice cave tunnels and the glacier lagoon, which are truly awe-inspiring.
Bottom line: If you want a safe, educational introduction to glaciers with stunning views, this tour is perfect.
2. Kayaking on the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon
Number 2 on our list is the Kayaking on the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon. For just $145 per person, you’ll paddle past floating icebergs in a serene environment. This tour includes dry suits, instruction, and all equipment, making it accessible even to beginners. It’s a fantastic way to see Iceland’s glacial landscape from a peaceful perspective, away from crowds. The small-group experience means more personal attention, and guides like Fernanda make the trip informative and fun. Guests describe it as “an amazing time touching icebergs and capturing photos,” emphasizing how unique this water adventure is.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a calm, immersive experience with spectacular views of floating glaciers and icebergs.
3. Thorsmork Super Jeep
Number 3 is the Thorsmork Super Jeep tour, which takes you into Iceland’s highlands. Traveling in a specially designed off-road vehicle, you’ll cross glacial rivers and stop at highlights like Gígjökull, the ice tongue of Eyjafjallajökull. The 7-hour trip includes some short hikes and photo stops, providing an active but comfortable way to see the rugged terrain. Guides like Edwin are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, sharing stories about volcanic eruptions and glacier landscapes. The small-group setup ensures a personalized experience while avoiding the hassle of driving yourself on tricky roads.
Bottom line: If you’re after a scenic, off-road adventure that combines comfort with rugged exploration, this is a top choice.
4. Thorsmork Hike Day Tour
Number 4 is the Thorsmork Hike Day Tour, perfect for active travelers craving a full day immersed in Iceland’s natural beauty. This guided hike typically involves exploring waterfalls, crossing glacier rivers, and visiting canyons like Stakkholtsgjá and Nauthúsagil. The itinerary is flexible, depending on conditions, but always includes breathtaking scenery. Guests note that their guides are highly knowledgeable and adapt to safety concerns, which is key when hiking in such rugged terrain. The 7-hour tour offers a balance of adventure and education, and is best suited for those comfortable with moderate activity levels.
Bottom line: For active travelers eager to hike and explore remote valleys, this is a memorable way to experience Iceland’s wilderness.
5. Lava Centre Interactive Volcano Exhibition
Number 5 features Iceland’s Lava Centre, an interactive exhibit that’s a hit for families and geology buffs alike. It offers hands-on displays about Iceland’s volcanic activity, earthquake simulations, and a movie showing recent eruptions. This experience takes about 1 to 1.5 hours but is packed with interesting facts about how Iceland’s landscape was formed. Perfect as a break from outdoor sightseeing, it provides an educational boost and a chance to see the latest eruption stories. Visitors appreciate the engaging exhibits and the rooftop observatory for panoramic views.
Bottom line: A fun, educational stop that deepens understanding of Iceland’s volcanic forces—great for kids and adults.
6. Private Iceland South Coast with Glacier Hike Tour
Number 6 is an entirely private, 12-hour tour designed for a fully customized experience. Starting from Reykjavik, you’ll visit iconic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, walk on black sand beaches at Vik, and hike on the Solheimajokull Glacier—all in one day. The private vehicle and guide give you flexibility, and you can tailor the stops to your interests. The glacier hike is non-technical but immersive, and the guide’s local knowledge makes all the difference. Reviews highlight the seamless logistics and personalized attention. This tour is ideal for travelers who want an in-depth, flexible day with no compromises.
Bottom line: If personalized service and a full-day Iceland experience appeal, this private tour is unmatched.
At number 7, the Glacier Hike at Sólheimajökull provides a 3-hour moderate adventure. You’ll meet your guide in the parking lot for safety gear and a briefing, then trek around crevasses and ice formations. This tour is perfect for those seeking an active, up-close glacier experience without the private price tag. Guides like Kamila ensure a tailored experience, and guests praise the “breathtaking views” and “informative guides.” While somewhat challenging, it’s accessible with a reasonable fitness level.
Bottom line: A solid choice for travelers wanting a hands-on glacier walk that balances scenery and activity.
8. 3-Day Golden Circle & South Coast Tour with Glacier Hike
Number 8 offers a comprehensive 3-day trip combining Iceland’s highlights. You’ll see the Golden Circle, visit Þingvellir and Geysir, hike on the glacier, and explore waterfalls, black sand beaches, and Igloo-like ice lagoons. Ideal for travelers with multiple days, it balances sightseeing, adventure, and some downtime. The itinerary covers everything from scenic drives to behind-the-scenes glacier hikes, making it great for first-timers wanting an overview. Reviewers appreciate the well-organized logistics and multiple highlights.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a full immersion in Iceland’s natural wonders over several days.
9. From Vik: Katla Glacier Mapping Expedition
Number 9 is a trailblazing Citizen Science tour. Over 8 hours, you’ll map the edges of the Katla Glacier, contributing to real scientific research. Guides offer insights into the glacier’s dynamics and climate change’s impact. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in environmental science or those wanting a meaningful, hands-on experience. Reviews mention the opportunity to leave a “positive legacy” and learn about glacier recession firsthand. The expedition is physically demanding but rewarding for those wanting to combine adventure with science.
Bottom line: A rare chance for science-minded travelers eager to help document climate change directly.
10. From Vik: Krossárjökull Glacier Mapping Adventure
Number 10 offers an 10-hour mapping expedition to Krossárjökull Glacier, including drives through Thorsmork and a trek into a scenic canyon. This experience emphasizes scientific contribution, as you participate in glacier recession monitoring. The journey through highland landscapes and the opportunity to learn about glacier history make it a unique, eco-conscious choice. Reviews highlight the stunning scenery and the chance to actively contribute to understanding Iceland’s glaciers.
Bottom line: For those interested in environmental science, this is a deeply engaging, educational outing.
11. Iceland South Coast: Private Photography and Guided Day Tour
Number 11 caters to photography enthusiasts. With a professional photographer guiding, you’ll visit waterfalls, beaches, and glaciers at your pace. The flexible schedule and luxury 4×4 vehicle ensure you can take your time capturing Iceland’s most photogenic sites like Reynisfjara Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Guests love the personalized attention and the chance to get professional shots. This tour is perfect for travelers who want stunning photos and a customized experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for photographers wanting a tailored, high-quality day with expert guidance.
12. Sandfellsjökull: Glacier Mapping Expedition
Number 12 features another Citizen Scientist opportunity, this time focusing on Sandfellsjökull Glacier. The 10-hour expedition offers not only glacier mapping but also stunning scenery and immersive learning about climate change’s impact. Guides help you contribute to vital research while exploring Iceland’s highlands. Reviews highlight the rare chance for scientific contribution and spectacular landscapes. This experience suits adventurous, environmentally conscious travelers with a good fitness level.
Bottom line: A unique, meaningful experience combining adventure, science, and stunning views.
13. South Coast with Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Private Tour
Finally, at number 13, this private 14-hour tour covers Iceland’s most iconic sights. You’ll visit Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with Diamond Beach. The small group and flexible itinerary allow ample time at each stop for photos and exploration. Guests enjoy the personalized service and the chance to experience Iceland’s diverse landscapes in one day. It’s best suited for travelers who want to see it all without rushing.
Bottom line: For those seeking a comprehensive, private day of South Coast highlights, this tour delivers.
How to Choose Your Ideal Vik Experience
Choosing among these tours depends heavily on your interests and fitness level. If glacier walking and ice caves excite you, the Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike or the Shared Glacier Hike are excellent options. For a peaceful but equally impressive experience, kayaking offers a quieter way to enjoy the glacier lagoon. For a rugged adventure, the Thorsmork Super Jeep or Hiking tours are perfect. Science-minded travelers will appreciate the Citizen Science glacier mapping expeditions, which allow you to contribute to real research.
Booking early is wise, especially for private tours or popular activities like glacier hikes and kayaking. Consider your time constraints—multi-day tours like the 3-Day Golden Circle & South Coast provide a deep dive, while single-day adventures suit shorter stays.
In summary, Vik’s diverse landscape makes it a hub for adventure, education, and photography. With options fitting every interest, you’ll find plenty of ways to make your Iceland trip memorable. Whether you choose a guided glacier hike or a scenic jeep tour, booking well in advance will ensure you secure your preferred experience.