Dubbed the “Land of Fire and Ice”, Iceland is slowly emerging as a sought-after destination for intrepid surfers. Its waves were first beamed to the international community in 1970 when “Surfer Magazine” published a letter from a U.S. serviceman who had tackled some of the local breaks. Despite its icy reputation (and the frigid temperature of its waters), this island nation now boasts a thriving surf scene, backed by some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world.
The coastline of Iceland is extremely exposed, allowing swells to roll in from any direction and create an abundance of set-ups. However, scoring the perfect conditions requires a great deal of dedication and a keen understanding of the ever-changing forecasts. Conditions can shift here in an instant. That being said, the rewards are plentiful - riding waves against a backdrop of glaciers and volcanoes being just one.
The surf community in Iceland may be small, but it is tight-knit and passionate. A new generation of Icelandic surfers is emerging, pushing the boundaries of the sport and showcasing the immense potential of this untapped frontier. Surf schools and equipment rentals (check out Arctic Surfers or Adventure Vikings) make it easier for visitors to get in on the action, providing guidance and the necessary gear to navigate these alien waters.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about surfing in Iceland, from the best breaks and logistical challenges to eco-friendly places to stay.
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The challenges of surfing in Iceland
Surfing in Iceland is not for the fainthearted and solo missions should be avoided at all costs. The harsh, unforgiving conditions of these Arctic waters demand a thorough understanding and respect for the elements at play and the unpredictable weather patterns can create an immense challenge even for seasoned surfers. Carefully studying the forecasts is essential for scoring quality waves as things can shift here in an instant.
Not only do you need to don a thick (7mm+), insulating wetsuit (booties, hoodies and gloves are also a “must”) but you need to be careful navigating the rocky coastlines that characterise many of Iceland's premier surf spots. These reef and point breaks, often situated close to cliffs and jagged shores, require a laser-sharp focus to avoid serious injury. That being said, it’s a humbling experience surfing amidst the raw, untamed power of nature in the world’s northernmost reaches.
Sustainable guide to surfing in Iceland
Best surf spots in Iceland
Most of Iceland’s best surf spots are scattered around the Reykjanes Peninsula, a small headland extending southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. Its name translates as “smoking point” and its landscape is dominated by ancient lava flows that have hardened into sharp volcanic reefs. When combined with powerful swells, these create the ideal conditions for adrenaline-fuelled breaks.
One notable exception is the black sand beach at Sandvik, which provides a more forgiving environment for beginners to hone their skills. In addition to the breaks listed below, there are plenty more out there waiting to be discovered by those willing to embark on a journey of surf exploration around Iceland.
Thorli
Arguably Iceland’s most famous wave, Thorli lies to the southeast of Reykjavik and is a great place to meet locals in the lineup. It’s easy to get out to this right-hand reef break thanks to the deep paddling channel and it can hold plenty of swell without closing out.
Grindavik
Perched on the southwest coast of Iceland, Grindavik is famed for its right-hand reef break that works on a variety of swells and offers the occasional barrel. It’s only for intermediate-to-advanced surfers due to its submerged rocks (and urchins), plus a takeoff that can be steep.
Ollie's Shipwreck
Best at high tide, Ollie’s is located just south of Grindavik (near the Hópsnes Lighthouse) and generally needs a fair bit of swell to work. When the conditions align, it produces a long left and some shorter rights.
Sandvik
Directly south of Keflavik International Airport, Sandvik is a popular spot for beginners looking to test the waters of Icelandic surfing. This black sand beach picks up a lot of wind and swells, making it one of the most consistent surf spots in Iceland.
Hafnir Harbour
Just north of Sandvik is Hafnir, which can produce towering waves in the winter season. That being said, this exposed reef break does work throughout the year and offers beginner-friendly rides in the warmer months.
Grótta
At the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula (which extends northwest of Reykjavik), Grótta is a tidal island that’s famed for its lighthouse and nature reserve. When the swell is coming from the west and the winds are offshore, you can find a long right-hander, with the whitewashed tower of the lighthouse as your backdrop.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
A short drive north of Reykjavik will take you to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which offers a handful of surf spots, most of which are only accessible by 4WD trails. With a bit of exploration, you’ll find everything from gentle beach breaks and peeling waves for longboarders, as well as heavy peaks catering to advanced surfers.
Sustainable guide to surfing in Iceland
Eco-friendly hotels in Reykjavik
Located in the heart of Reykjavik, this eco hostel receives rave reviews for its friendly staff, tidy dorms and sun-dappled rooftop terrace. It regularly hosts live music events, pub quizzes and themed food nights, as well as having a kitchen where you can cook your own meals. Aside from holding the SWAN (a Nordic sustainability eco-label), Loft carbon offsets all stays.
"Great hostel, value for money!” - Poornima (read more reviews here)
Situated just off Laugavegur (Reykjavik’s main shopping street), this sustainably run hotel is all about keeping its environmental footprint as minimal as possible. All of the stylishly decorated rooms feature four-poster canopy beds and incredibly comfortable mattresses so you’ll sleep well at night and some cater specifically to solo travellers. A hearty buffet breakfast is served each morning, fuelling you up for a day out in the water.
“Eyja is a beautiful hotel. We had a gorgeous view of the mountains too. It was super clean, staff were really friendly and we were always nice and warm.” - Rachael (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly hotel in Grindavik
Heated and powered by geothermal-generated electricity, this sustainable hotel in Grindavik is an ideal base if you’re surfing the south coast of Iceland. Not only is it family-run run but it’s just a stone’s throw from the Blue Lagoon where you can enjoy a long soak after your surf session. The rooms include spacious twins, triples and family rooms and you’ll have a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights dancing overhead if you’re staying between September and April.
"Amazing location to see the lights, perfect for the Blue Lagoon.” - Mark (read more reviews here)
Sustainable guide to surfing in Iceland
How to get around Iceland
Keflavík International Airport is the main gateway to Iceland and receives international flights from destinations across Europe and North America.
If you’re planning a surf trip to Iceland, renting a car and embarking on the famous Route 1 (also known as the Ring Road) is an absolute must. This national highway circles the entire island and takes in some of the most awe-inspiring and otherworldly landscapes on the planet - we’re talking desolate lava fields, towering volcanoes (some still active) and steaming geysers.
If you’re sticking to the main roads, then a 2WD will do the job. But if you’re seeking out some of Iceland’s off-the-beaten-path surf breaks, then you’ll need a 4WD. Discover Cars is a great place to head if you want to compare deals from multiple rental companies and find the best prices for your dates. Aside from a good choice of 4WD vehicles, they also offer free cancellation and 24/7 support in multiple languages.
Sustainable guide to surfing in Iceland
Best time to surf in Iceland
When it comes to surfing in Iceland, the winter months (December to April) are undoubtedly the best time of year. During this season, the North Atlantic storm systems churn up massive, towering swells that pound the coastlines of the Reykjanes Peninsula from all directions. It's a surf paradise for the hardcore - but also a treacherous challenge, as the elements conspire to make conditions incredibly difficult. Bitterly cold air temperatures, howling gales and even heavy snowstorms can make paddling out an ordeal and the daylight hours are painfully short.
The shoulder seasons of September through November can offer a slightly more forgiving yet still rewarding surf experience. The air and water are still cool, but not quite as frigid as midwinter. Low pressure systems continue to roll in with regularity, churning up waves that, while not quite as massive, are still powerful and rideable. This can be an excellent time for intermediate and advanced surfers to tackle Iceland's world-class breaks without having to contend with the harshest winter conditions.
In contrast, the summer months of May through August tend to see a relatively flat spell across the southwest coast, as the storm track shifts further north. However, this is an ideal time for beginners wanting a taste of Icelandic surfing, without contending with its harshest challenges. It's also a good opportunity for exploratory missions to Iceland's more remote and rugged northern and eastern shorelines. Here, the Arctic winds can still kick up impressive wind swells, providing opportunities to discover uncrowded waves in some of the island's most dramatic and pristine natural settings.
About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we've created this resource highlighting sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.