Þorlákshöfn
Iceland's most famous wave: a powerful right by the harbour breakwater.
Þorlákshöfn is a fishing town on the south coast with a powerful right that breaks over rock next to the harbour breakwater. With a south or south-west swell and a northerly wind it gives long walls and hollow sections.
It's the benchmark spot for Iceland's small surf community.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Point break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | S, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NW, NE |
| Tide | Mid |
| Size | 1.5–4 m |
| Best season | September to April |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Medium |
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; a step-up in big swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Þorlákshöfn
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 AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonSeal a ding on the spot and keep surfing.
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
A small community that's welcoming if you respect priority.
Surfing style
Powerful rock right.
Hazards
Rocks, freezing water and currents.
Map
Other spots nearby
Seltjarnarnes (Reykjavík)
Reykjavík's reef, by Grótta lighthouse, which only works in big swell.
Reykjanes
A lava reef by Grindavík lighthouse, on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Reykjanes
A black-sand beach at the tip of Reykjanes, with powerful waves and strong currents.
Reykjanesbær (Reykjanes)
A hamlet on Reykjanes' west coast with powerful rights and nearby reefs.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.