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.
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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
- 2.8m
- 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?
Þorlákshöfn works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 2.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Þorlákshöfn?
Offshore wind at Þorlákshöfn blows from the N (0°). Anything in the 315° to 45° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Þorlákshöfn?
Þorlákshöfn wants SSW swell (170° to 250°) between 1m and 3.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into KEF, then allow about 50 minutes by road. 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.