Camping Beneath Vik’s Iconic Red-Roofed Church
Our first stop on Iceland’s Ring Road brought us to a massive campsite right at the base of Vik’s iconic red-roofed church. Camping in Vik, you’re treated to breathtaking views of the Black Sand Beach and its dramatic sea stacks—a photographer’s dream and a perfect way to start the trip!
A Popular Stop in Vik
Vik is one of the busiest stops along the Ring Road, and arriving on a Saturday meant it was particularly lively. Fortunately, this campsite is enormous and well-equipped to handle the crowds. Its public kitchen, the largest we encountered during our trip, was a lifesaver. Equipped with 8-12 stovetops, electric kettles, and microwaves, it had everything we needed to cook and clean up after our meals.
However, note that the kitchen isn’t open 24/7—it operates from 7:00 AM to about 10:30 PM. So, plan your meals accordingly!
Hot Showers: A Hit and Miss
Showers here are coin-operated, costing 300 ISK for a 5-minute session. There are four showerheads, but no individual stalls for privacy, which might be a downside for some. Since we didn’t have cash, we had to get tokens from the reception using our card. Also, the showers shut down at 10:30 PM, so don’t wait until the last minute to freshen up after a long day of drive!
Compared to the other campsites we stayed at later on, camping in Vik fell short in terms of convenience. Many other campsites offered 24-hour access to facilities, including hot showers, which made late arrivals much easier to manage.
Fees Camping in Vik
The camping fees include 24-hour access to hot showers at many other campsites, which is incredibly handy during the midnight sun. People tend to explore late into the evening, so unrestricted access to facilities is a huge plus.
We stayed here on June 8, just before the peak tourist season. During busier months, the campsite can get crowded, making the already less-than-ideal shower situation even more of a challenge.
Wi-Fi Woes
Like many campsites in Iceland, free Wi-Fi is available but only near the reception area. If staying connected is important, be sure to park or pitch your tent close by.
Key Highlights
- Spectacular Location: Stunning views of the sea stacks and Black Sand Beach.
- Well-Equipped Kitchen: Perfect for preparing meals, though limited hours could be inconvenient.
- Convenient Amenities: Ample stovetops, kettles, and microwaves make it beginner-friendly.
Pro Tips for Camping in Vik
- Bring coins for the showers or plan a quick stop at reception to get tokens.
- Arrive early if you want to grab a spot closer to reception for better Wi-Fi access.
- Consider prepping meals during the kitchen’s operating hours to avoid last-minute stress.
Stay tuned for Day 2, where we’ll explore another incredible campsite and share more insights from our Icelandic Ring Road adventure!
