Thorlakshöfn: Coast, Waves and Local History

Thorlakshöfn offers several specific highlights to help you plan your trip: black sand and coastal waves, sports facilities in town, and local history and public art. Which of these shape your trip depends on whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors, learn more about the town’s history or enjoy its leisure activities.

Coast, Walks and Waves

A black sand beach stretches from Thorlakshöfn to the Ölfusá River. It invites you to take long walks between the black sand and marram grass. Hafnarnes lies south of the built-up area and is a recreation area where many surfers ride the waves. When assessing the surfing on offer, it helps to distinguish between the beach and the lighthouse: the waves at the black sand beach are suitable for people learning to surf; those at the Thorlakshöfn lighthouse are especially suitable for advanced surfers. Actual conditions depend on the weather.

Near the Hafnarnes lighthouse, a viewing platform offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, including Ingólfsfjall, Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. On a clear day, you can also look out toward the Westman Islands. This stretch of coast offers different ways to enjoy it: walking between the sand and marram grass, surfing in varied conditions, or taking in the view from the lookout point.

History and Art in Town

Numerous historical signs in Thorlakshöfn provide information about the history and culture of the town’s early settlement. Some stand in a protected quarter where remnants of the former fishing station are still visible. You can walk among the signs from Þorlákskirkja. The former Þorlákskirkja was demolished around 1770, after standing for at least 250 years.

Outdoor art is also part of the town’s character: Thorlakshöfn has numerous works of art, including elaborate sculptures in many locations. Together with the historical signs, these offer different ways to engage with the town’s history and its public spaces today—through its early settlement and fishing station on the one hand, and its visible works of art on the other.

Sports and Swimming Pool

Thorlakshöfn’s sports center has a nine-hole disc golf course and two beach volleyball courts. The 3.8-kilometer health trail, which has 15 exercise stations, also starts at the sports center. Its length and stations give the trail a different focus from the two sports courts.

The swimming pool has a 25-meter pool and two hot tubs. There are also three water slides: Fossinn, Slangan and Drekinn. The indoor pool is 45 centimeters deep and especially suitable for children. The swimming complex thus includes a lap pool as well as slides, hot tubs and a shallow indoor pool that is specifically highlighted as child-friendly.

Family Festival on Seafarers’ Day Weekend

Every year, a family festival takes place in Thorlakshöfn on Seafarers’ Day weekend. The festival offers entertainment for all ages, including family activities at Herjólfsbryggja, pirate fun in the sports hall and a dip in the sea. Individual activities may change from year to year. If you plan to travel for the festival or a particular activity, check the dates and program in advance.

Discover more destinations: Skaftafell, Flatey, Geysir, Reykholt.

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