Thorli is Iceland's most accessible quality wave—a right-hand reef break on the Reykjanes Peninsula where North Atlantic swells meet volcanic rock in one of Europe's most dramatic settings. The wave breaks over lava reef with steam vents and geothermal activity visible nearby, and the Northern Lights can illuminate evening sessions during autumn and winter. The water is cold but surprisingly not as frigid as the latitude suggests, thanks to Gulf Stream influence. For surfers seeking waves in truly unusual places, Thorli offers quality surf with a side of Nordic otherworldliness.
Water temp
10°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: 45min from Keflavik airport. Good road access.
Peak: Sep-Nov
Secondary: Mar, Apr
Autumn best. Consistent North Atlantic swells.
Verified by Arctic Surfers guide
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions