The Surf Window

Hafnarberg

Reykjanes, Iceland

Reef breakAdvanced

On Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Hafnarberg is a dramatic lava cliff coastline where Atlantic groundswells crash into ancient volcanic rock formations and occasionally produce surfable reef break in one of Iceland's most geologically extraordinary landscapes.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–W 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

NE

Light to N under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Lava rock

Shape

Rights off the reef ledges

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Expert surfers
  • •Why: Active volcanic coastline with lava reef and cold water, for specialists only

Hazards

  • •Sharp lava rock reef, severe injury risk
  • •Active geothermal area, check for seismic activity
  • •Very cold water, drysuit required

Local Tips

  • •The razorbill and puffin colonies on the cliff face are extraordinary, binoculars recommended
  • •Iceland's famous bird cliffs are at their best May–August
  • •The nearby Hafnir village has a small café, the only services for miles

Location

Map showing the location of Hafnarberg in Reykjanes, Iceland

63.8667, -22.4167