If you choose Thorlakshöfn for a stay, you can focus on different things, from coastal paths and water sports to the swimming pool and local history. When planning, it helps to consider whether you want to focus on the beach and waves, or on sports and historical discoveries.

Black Sand Beach and Surf Spots

The black sand beach stretches from Thorlakshöfn to the Ölfusá River. Between the black sand and the beach grass, it invites you to enjoy long walks. Surfing also offers different options: the waves at the beach are suitable for people learning to surf. The waves by the Thorlakshöfn lighthouse are especially suited to advanced surfers. Actual wave conditions depend on the weather and should be taken into account when planning.

Hafnarnes, a recreational area where many surfers catch the waves, lies south of the built-up part of town. A viewing disc near the Hafnarnes lighthouse offers wide views of the surrounding mountains, including Ingólfsfjall, Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. On a clear day, you can also look across to the Westman Islands. The area thus combines coastal activities with a viewpoint whose vistas extend as far as the islands when visibility is good.

Swimming Pool and Sports in Town

The Thorlakshöfn swimming pool has a 25-metre pool and two hot tubs. There are also three water slides: Fossinn, Slangan and Drekinn. The 45-centimetre-deep indoor pool is especially child-friendly. If you would rather swim laps than use the slides, the 25-metre pool offers an alternative to the more playful activities.

The sports centre also offers a range of activities: it has a nine-hole disc golf course and two beach volleyball courts. The health trail in Thorlakshöfn has 15 exercise stations. The facilities therefore include both water-based activities and ways to get active outdoors; which ones suit your stay depends on how you want to spend your time in town.

Discover History and Art

Numerous history signs in Thorlakshöfn provide information about the history and culture of the town’s early settlement. From Þorlákskirkja, you can take a walk between the signs. Some stand in a protected area where remnants of the former fishing station are still visible. The walk thus combines an introduction to local history with visible traces of the fishing industry.

The former Þorlákskirkja is also part of the town’s history: it was demolished around 1770 after standing for at least 250 years. Thorlakshöfn is also home to numerous outdoor artworks, including elaborate sculptures in many parts of town. Those interested in history can therefore explore not only early settlement and fishing, but also the history of the church and public art.

Seafarers’ Day Weekend

Every year, Thorlakshöfn hosts a family festival on Seafarers’ Day weekend. The weekend offers entertainment for all ages. The programme includes family entertainment at Herjólfsbryggja, pirate fun in the sports hall and a dip in the sea. The activities may vary from year to year. If you want to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates and that year’s programme in advance.

Whether you’re interested in beach walks, waves, sports or the town’s history, Thorlakshöfn offers plenty of ways to explore. Choose what suits your trip and find hotels for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Reykholt, Geysir, Flatey, Skaftafell

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