Vik

Iceland is dotted with little towns, but Vik is hands down one of the most beautiful villages on the island. The southernmost municipality in Iceland, Vik is perched right in the middle of Myrdal Valley, where the high peaks of the Reynisfjall and Myrdalur Mountains shelter the town from harsh Arctic winds.

Because of its mild climate, Vik is home to many different species of birds and marine wildlife. Dyrholaey Peninsula is a nesting site for adorable puffins. To the east, not far from Reynisfjall Mountain, you can spot an abundance of arctic terns. Sometimes you can even see seals sunbathing on the black sand beach or dolphins and whales visiting the shore. Vik is truly a paradise for all nature lovers.

Standing tall atop a hill, Vik’s church in Iceland has become the main symbol of the village. You’ll be hard pressed to find a picture of the town that doesn’t feature the majestic church. Víkurkirkja was built in 1934 (even though a priest lived in town since 1911). The church is a sight for sore eyes with its arched windows and cross on top of a bell tower. It seats around 200 people. In the case of a Katla eruption or a flood, Víkurkirkja is the safest hiding place in town.