Vík: Zipline & Canyon Hike Adventure with Local Guide

Summary

Ziplining above Iceland’s rivers hiking Grafargil canyon and sharing laughs with locals

You’ll hike through Grafargil canyon near Vík, zipline twice over wild rivers (with all gear included), and take on “The Leap of Faith” with a local guide cheering you on. Expect laughter, small surprises like wild herbs underfoot, and views you might not believe until you’re dangling above them yourself.

What’s the experience like?

Hands tugging at my helmet strap, I could hear the wind whistling past before I even stepped up to the first zipline. Our guide—Björg, who grew up nearby—grinned at us and told a quick story about her cousin getting stuck mid-zip once (she swore it wouldn’t happen). The glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, was just sitting there in the distance, all silent and heavy. I kept thinking how close everything felt—the moss underfoot, that sharp river smell, someone’s nervous laughter behind me. It’s only a three-minute drive from Vík but it feels like another planet.

The hike down into Grafargil canyon isn’t hard, but you do have to watch your feet—wet rocks and uneven ground everywhere. Björg pointed out some wild thyme growing between stones; she crushed a leaf for us to smell. It was peppery and sweet at the same time. I didn’t expect that little detail to stick with me, but it did. The first zipline is long—240 meters—and when you step off, there’s this weird pause where your stomach drops and then suddenly you’re flying over a river you can barely hear because of the wind in your ears. I tried to look down but mostly squinted into the spray below.

Between ziplines there’s something called “The Leap of Faith.” Honestly? My knees shook a bit. Björg just said “You’ll regret not trying,” so I did it—kind of half-jumped, half-slid—and landed laughing harder than I have in months. The second line is shorter but somehow felt faster; maybe because by then everyone was shouting encouragement or teasing each other about their technique. There was this moment on the walk back along the old highway where we all got quiet for a minute—just boots crunching gravel and that low Icelandic light making everything look softer than it really is.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zipline and hiking adventure in Vík

• Dress in zipline harnesses
• Drive 3-5 minutes to start point
• Hike through Grafargil canyon
• Zipline over waterfalls and rivers
• Complete The Leap of Faith
• Walk back via old highway nr.1

Top questions

How long is each zipline on the Vík adventure tour?

The first zipline is 240 meters long and the second is 140 meters.

Is hotel pickup included for the Vík zipline tour?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at the starting point near Vík.

What’s included in the Vík zipline & hiking tour?

The tour includes a local guide, harnesses and safety equipment, and use of a helmet.

Is this day trip suitable for kids?

Yes, children aged 8 and up can join if accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, tours run in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.

How difficult is the hiking part of this tour?

The hike is moderate with uneven ground; suitable for most fitness levels.

Are service animals allowed on this adventure?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes all harnesses and safety equipment plus helmet use for every guest. A local guide leads you from start to finish—sharing stories as you hike through Grafargil canyon and soar over rivers on two ziplines before walking back along the old highway together.