REVIEW · VIK
From Vík: Zipline and Hiking Adventure Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Zipline Iceland · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Three ziplines and a canyon hike sound wild. I like how the team runs a clear safety briefing and fits you with the right gear, then layers in local legends and storytelling as you go. One thing to consider up front: you’ll be hiking over uneven, sometimes slippery ground, so shoes matter.
You get a very Iceland mix in just two hours: quick transport from Vík, then a trail-to-zip rhythm that takes you from river canyon views to the dramatic Grafargil rock area. I especially love that the course is built around big viewpoints like Hundafoss, not just a few short rides.
Finally, this is rain or shine, so plan for wet weather and cold air. If you’re not comfortable on a roughly 3 km hike (with ups and downs), this may not feel like the right fit.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan for
- Why this Vik zipline route makes sense in two hours
- Getting kitted up at the meeting point near the ocean
- Big Rush: the easy hike to the first zip over the canyon
- The Gentle Giant: the longest ride and the best “hang in the air” moment
- Grafargil (Grave Canyon) hike: cave formations up close
- Little Rush: waterfall views and crossing two canyons
- Terrain, weather, and the gear rules that matter
- Guides make or break the day (and this team gets it)
- Price and value: is $100 fair for this Diamond Circle combo?
- Should you book the Zipline and Hiking Adventure from Vík?
- FAQ
- How long is the Zipline and Hiking Adventure from Vík?
- How much does it cost?
- Where do I meet for the tour?
- What’s included in the price?
- Do I need my own hiking boots?
- How much hiking is involved and what terrain should I expect?
- Is the tour offered year-round and in bad weather?
Key things I’d plan for

- Big Rush over the river canyon with Hundafoss in your view
- The Gentle Giant longest ride, stretched over the canyon for real adrenaline
- Grafargil (Grave Canyon) cave-lined rock hike up close
- Leap of Faith over the river, a signature moment in the route
- Little Rush zip over waterfall and across two canyons
- Optional extra thrill sometimes at the end, like a bonus bungee jump
Why this Vik zipline route makes sense in two hours

This tour is priced at $100 per person, and you’re basically paying for three guided experiences bundled into one: gear + safety setup, multiple zip runs, and a hiking route that connects the rides. For Iceland, that’s good value because you’re not just buying an activity—you’re buying someone else handling the timing, the harness checks, and the route logic.
What makes it especially workable is the total time. You start in Vík, do a short drive, hike to the first zip, then keep moving through the day’s highlights: Hundafoss views, Grafargil rocks, and river crossings. When your schedule is tight and you’re bouncing around South Iceland, this “do it now” format helps.
You should still think of it as an active outing, not a casual stroll. Even though parts feel manageable, the day includes hiking around 3 km on ground that’s uneven and can get muddy fast.
Getting kitted up at the meeting point near the ocean

You’ll meet at the white building by the water area, with the entrance facing the ocean. The directions are straightforward: park across from the Information Center, then walk diagonally toward Smiðjan. Your stop is the white building on your left.
From there, the pace is efficient. You get outfitted with a harness, zip pulley, and helmet, then you’ll do a safety briefing before the fun starts. Most people like this part because it removes the guesswork—when harness checks and instructions are done by trained guides, you can focus on the views and the adrenaline.
Transport is quick and simple: there’s a short coach ride (about 5 minutes) before you start hiking down toward the first zip. You end back near the same starting area, with a short walk back to the base.
Big Rush: the easy hike to the first zip over the canyon

The day kicks off with a short, easy hike from near Vík to the first launch point for Big Rush. This is the part where you get your bearings. You’re walking through a ravine/canyon setting with a river and waterfall nearby, and the trail gets you in the right mood before you even touch the ziplines.
Then comes the first ride. You’ll zoom over the river canyon with standout views of Hundafoss, which is a big deal because waterfall views are often one of the hardest things to time on a self-guided day. Here, you’re seeing it from above, from angles you can’t easily replicate just by standing on the road.
A practical consideration: the paths can be slick. Even if the hike is labeled easy, Iceland weather can turn everything into mud or slick rock. If you have hiking shoes or boots with traction, you’ll feel much more confident before the first harness click.
The Gentle Giant: the longest ride and the best “hang in the air” moment
After Big Rush, you head to the second line: The Gentle Giant. This is the longest ride of the day, and that detail matters because longer lines change the feel. It’s not just a quick thrill—you actually get time to look around, track the canyon below, and take in the way water and rock shape the area.
From this zip, your view focuses on the canyon and river system, with the kind of scale that’s hard to judge when you’re down on the ground. When I look at tours like this, I like the ones that give you both motion and time—short zips are fun, but longer ones give you a real sense of place.
One drawback is that “longest ride” also means you’ll want to follow instructions closely. If you’re nervous about heights, you’ll still be secured throughout, but you should expect a bit of nerves during the ride build-up. The good news is the guides are safety-oriented and very hands-on.
Grafargil (Grave Canyon) hike: cave formations up close

Between the ziplines, you transition into the hiking centerpiece: Grafargil (Grave Canyon). This is where you trade the overhead views for something more tactile—caves and natural rock formations you can see up close along the walking route.
What’s great here is contrast. Ziplining gives you speed and width. Grafargil gives you texture and detail: the way the rocks form, the cave-like openings, and the natural shapes created by wind and water over time. For a lot of people, this is the part that makes the day feel like more than just a thrill park setup.
You’ll also do the signature Leap of Faith moment over a river as you move toward the final zip. The name alone is memorable, but what makes it work is the way it’s woven into the route, not bolted on. It feels like a story beat: hike, cross, ride, hike again.
Little Rush: waterfall views and crossing two canyons

You’ll finish at the third zipline, Little Rush, which runs over a waterfall area and crosses two canyons. Even though it’s called “Little,” it’s still part of the same action-packed flow—by this point you’ve already warmed up, so you can enjoy it instead of bracing for the first big moment.
This is the payoff section: once you’ve walked Grafargil and done the Leap of Faith, Little Rush feels like the way to cap the adventure with speed and wide views again. Waterfalls are also a strong theme in this route, and you get them from angles that make them look dramatic and layered.
If you’re hoping for extra thrills, keep your expectations flexible. Some groups report a bonus bungee jump at the end that’s offered by the guides. Since it’s not stated as part of the standard core description, treat it like a possible add-on rather than a guaranteed item.
Terrain, weather, and the gear rules that matter
This tour includes a hike of around 3 km across raised and uneven terrain, and it runs rain or shine. That’s why you’ll get more enjoyment when you dress for wet, windy Iceland weather instead of comfort-only layers.
What to bring:
- Hiking shoes (traction helps a lot)
- Rain gear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Hair tie
What you shouldn’t wear:
- Open-toed shoes are not allowed
Good to know: long hair should be tied back. Also, you’ll be wearing a harness and helmet during ziplines, so you’ll want clothing that fits well under straps and stays put when you move.
And a reality check: this isn’t designed for everyone. It’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people under 66 lbs (30 kg). If any of those apply, you’ll save yourself stress by choosing a different type of Vik outing.
Guides make or break the day (and this team gets it)

The biggest repeat praise is the guides. People consistently mention guides who are upbeat, safety-minded, and good at storytelling. Several names show up in a way that feels like a pattern: Alex and Alex (a common pairing), plus Barbara, Sam/Sammy, Barbora, Katla, Sami, and At i.
What I like about this setup is that the guiding isn’t just procedural. The guides connect what you’re seeing to local history and legends, so the Grafargil section feels more meaningful than a random canyon walk. One review-style detail that really sticks: at least some groups get encouraged for nervous riders, with guides keeping people calm and secure.
You also hear a lot about humor and morale. That matters on a rainy day when everyone’s wet and a bit chilled—someone with the right tone can turn a gloomy forecast into a memorable group vibe.
Price and value: is $100 fair for this Diamond Circle combo?

At $100 per person for about two hours, the value depends on what you want from Iceland: are you chasing views, or are you chasing variety and adrenaline? This tour aims at both.
Here’s what you’re getting for the money:
- Guided route plus safety briefing
- Harness, zip pulley, and helmet
- Multiple zip experiences with canyon and waterfall views
- A Grafargil hike that adds meaning beyond the rides
The main thing that could affect value is your gear. Hiking boots are not included, so if you don’t already have solid footwear, factor in the cost of renting or buying. If you come prepared with traction shoes, you’ll feel the value instantly because you can move confidently between rides.
Also, the transportation is short and simple. The quick coach transfer keeps the day from dragging and helps you stay focused on the action.
Should you book the Zipline and Hiking Adventure from Vík?
Book this if you want a high-impact, guided day with real Iceland scenery, and you’re okay with a short hike over uneven ground. It’s a strong choice for active couples and friends who want the thrills of multiple ziplines plus the grounded experience of Grafargil caves.
Skip it if you:
- Need a fully flat, low-effort walking experience
- Have mobility limitations or fall into the listed unsuitability categories
- Don’t handle wet, slippery conditions well (because the tour runs rain or shine)
If you’re deciding between doing just one “view stop” versus a structured adventure, this one wins for momentum. You’ll leave with motion, views, and a memorable Grafargil connection—plus a team that focuses on safety and keeps the energy up.
FAQ
How long is the Zipline and Hiking Adventure from Vík?
The tour duration is about 2 hours.
How much does it cost?
The price is $100 per person.
Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet across from the Information Center, then walk diagonally toward Smiðjan. The location is the white building on your left, with the entrance facing the ocean (Víkurbraut 15).
What’s included in the price?
It includes tour guides, guided hiking and ziplining route, a safety briefing, a harness, a zip pulley, and a helmet.
Do I need my own hiking boots?
Yes. Hiking boots/shoes are not included. You should bring hiking shoes with traction and avoid open-toed shoes.
How much hiking is involved and what terrain should I expect?
You’ll hike around 3 km over elevated, uneven terrain that can be slippery or muddy.
Is the tour offered year-round and in bad weather?
The tour operates rain or shine. Guides are available in English and Icelandic.
If you tell me your travel dates and whether you have hiking boots already, I can help you sanity-check how this fits your day in South Iceland.





