Stokksnes
Black-sand dunes below Vestrahorn mountain, in south-east Iceland.
Stokksnes is a spit of black-sand dunes below Vestrahorn mountain, one of Iceland's most photographed landscapes, near Höfn. It works with south-east or east swells and a westerly wind.
It's a very isolated spot, with strong currents.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | SE, E, S |
| Best wind (offshore) | W, NW, N |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 0.8–2 m |
| Best season | September to April |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or funboard. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Stokksnes
The water is around 5 °C in winter and 11 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For water below 7 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
Hardly anyone in the water.
Surfing style
Beach break.
Hazards
Currents and isolation.
Map
Other spots nearby
Vík í Mýrdal (Suðurland)
A rock right next to Iceland's southernmost village, among black-sand beaches.
Tjörnes (Norðurland)
A small beach on the Tjörnes peninsula, near Húsavík, with clean waves both ways.
Ölfus (Suðurland)
Iceland's most famous wave: a powerful right by the harbour breakwater.
Seltjarnarnes (Reykjavík)
Reykjavík's reef, by Grótta lighthouse, which only works in big swell.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.