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 kind of wave is Þorlákshöfn?
Þorlákshöfn is a beach break in South Coast, Iceland, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Þorlákshöfn?
Þorlákshöfn picks up swell from the S round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.1 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Þorlákshöfn?
A N wind is dead offshore at Þorlákshöfn, and anything from the NW round to the NE keeps it clean. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Þorlákshöfn?
Þorlákshöfn has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.5m to 2.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Þorlákshöfn?
The most reliable run of swell at Þorlákshöfn comes Sep to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Aug too. Autumn-winter has most swell. Summer has midnight sun but less waves.
How cold is the water at Þorlákshöfn?
The water at Þorlákshöfn averages around 9°C, so you'll want a 6/5mm with boots, gloves and a hood. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Þorlákshöfn good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 1/10). Extremely cold water (6-12°C). Thick wetsuit essential. Remote location.
How do I get to Þorlákshöfn?
The nearest airport on our list is KEF, then it's roughly a 50-minute drive. Drive from Reykjavik. Beach access near harbor.
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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