Iceland’s tiny Vík í Mýrdal village exists in the shadows of one of the country’s most dangerous volcanoes. On this leisurely self-guided 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.