Thorlakshöfn: Black Sand, Surfing and Local History

Black sand, waves and traces of early settlement give Thorlakshöfn its distinctive character. The town offers plenty of reasons to stay: long beach walks, surfing waves suited to different experience levels, outdoor activities and insights into local history. When choosing a holiday rental, you can consider whether you want to focus your trip mainly on the coast and Hafnarnes or on leisure activities and exploring the town.

Black Sand and Waves

The black sand beach stretches from Þorlákshöfn to the Ölfusá River. Between the sand and the sea lyme grass, it invites you to take long walks. Its vast expanse makes the coast a defining feature of a stay where spending time outdoors matters more than visiting a single attraction.

There are also different options for surfing enthusiasts: the waves at the black sand beach are suitable for people learning to surf. By contrast, the waves by the Þorlákshöfn lighthouse are especially suited to advanced surfers. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can factor in this difference and consider what kind of coastal experience you want to shape your stay.

Hafnarnes, a local recreation area popular with surfers, lies south of the built-up area. Near the Hafnarnes lighthouse, an observation dial offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. These include Ingólfsfjall, Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull; on a clear day, the Westman Islands can also be seen. Together, the coast and the views offer different perspectives on the landscape around Thorlakshöfn.

Exercise, Swimming and Leisure

If you would like to include some exercise in your stay, there is a 3.8-kilometre fitness trail that starts at the sports centre. There are 15 exercise stations along the route. The sports centre also has a nine-hole disc golf course and two beach volleyball courts. Alongside walking, these provide other specific options for spending active time outdoors.

The swimming pool adds to these facilities with a 25-metre pool and two hot tubs. The three water slides are called Fossinn, Slangan and Drekinn. There is also an indoor pool with a depth of 45 centimetres, which is particularly child-friendly. For families, this is a clearly described option where the shallow water and the slides are different features of the pool.

Every year, on Seafarers’ Day weekend, Thorlakshöfn hosts a family festival with entertainment for all age groups. The programme includes family entertainment at Herjólfsbryggja, pirate fun in the sports hall and a dip in the sea. The festival adds something distinct to the places and activities described as available year-round; it takes place on Seafarers’ Day weekend.

History and Art in Town

Numerous historical signs provide information about the history and culture of Þorlákshöfn’s early settlement. Some are located in a protected neighbourhood where remains of the former fishing station are still visible. You can walk between the historical signs from Þorlákskirkja. The earlier Þorlákskirkja stood for at least 250 years and was demolished around 1770. The town therefore brings together accounts of early settlement and visible remains of the fishing station with a long history of church building.

Art is also part of the townscape: Þorlákshöfn has numerous outdoor artworks, including elaborate sculptures in many parts of town. Together with the historical signs, they offer another way to discover the town’s culture.

If you would like to discover more places, you can also find Reykholt, Flatey, Geysir and Skaftafell here.

For the broader travel overview: Iceland.