Þorlákshöfn
Þorlákshöfn (Thorlakshofn) is Iceland's most accessible surf spot—a black volcanic sand beach on the south coast that receives consistent North Atlantic swells. The water is brutally cold (6mm wetsuit minimum), and the weather can be brutal, but the waves are real and the setting is otherworldly: glaciers in the background, volcanic sand underfoot, and the possibility of Northern Lights while you surf. Arctic surfing at its most extreme and beautiful.
Þorlákshöfn surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 250°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2.5m
Water temp
9°C
Wetsuit
6/5mm + boots, gloves, hood
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Drive from Reykjavik. Beach access near harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Þorlákshöfn?
The Þorlákshöfn profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.5m and 2.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Þorlákshöfn?
The Þorlákshöfn profile uses wind from N (0°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 315° to 45°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Þorlákshöfn?
The Þorlákshöfn scoring profile favors swell from SSW (170° to 250°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3.5m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Þorlákshöfn?
The main season at Þorlákshöfn is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Apr, Aug. Autumn-winter has most swell. Summer has midnight sun but less waves.
How do I get to Þorlákshöfn?
The spot profile lists KEF as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 50 minutes. Drive from Reykjavik. Beach access near harbor.
What kind of wave is Þorlákshöfn?
Þorlákshöfn is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Aug
Autumn-winter has most swell. Summer has midnight sun but less waves.
Getting There
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