The village of Vík (or Vík í Mýrdal in full) is the southernmost village in Iceland, located on the main ring road and about 180 km from Reykjavík. Despite its small size (only 300 inhabitants) is the largest settlement in the area. Vik is well known for its impressive black beach, the massive cliffs and the stormy weather. It is one of the wettest places in Iceland.
Vík lies directly beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which itself is on top of the Katla volcano. It is speculated that a Katla eruption will occur soon. This eruption could melt enough ice to trigger an enormous flash flood, potentially large enough to obliterate the entire town. The town's church, located high on a hill, is believed to be the only building that would survive such a flood. Thus, the people of Vík practice periodic drills and are trained to rush to the church at the first sign of an eruption.
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