Þórðarhöfði

North, Iceland
Photos
Video

Þórðarhöfði Cape is found on the northernmost part of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. The cape extends outward into the Atlantic Ocean like an outstreched arm, and locks in a beautiful lagoon nestled between the embrace of the sea and the tranquil stillness of the cape. Þórðarhöfði, a dramatic natural formation, is bound to the mainland by a remarkable 2.7-kilometer-long beach strip, which is unique as it is not a sandy beach but a great expanse, covered in a mosaic of large, sharp stones. From the beach you see an island just off the horizon, called Málmey. The cape and the island are known for their dramatic and picturesque landscapes. The coastline features steep cliffs that plunge into the ocean, providing breathtaking views of the arctic waters and the surrounding area.

Climate

The North Atlantic Ocean has a big impact on the weather in north Iceland, which is usually cold and uncertain. The winters are hard, with temperatures below zero and snow, and the summers are cool, with average temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Rainstorms happen often in the area, and in some coastal places, there may be strong winds.
Data source
Temperature averages

Lighting

The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).
Data source

Accessibility

There is a 450-meter-long gravel road that leads to the beach. With a permission from the owner, you can drive a 4x4 along the lagoon site, all the way to the cape, but be vary of the tides.
Public transportation unavailable
There is no public transportation available in this area
Car recommended
Unchallenging terrain accessible by car
Excellent phone coverage
Great phone coverage without interruptions
Not needed
Guide is not needed

Permits

Want to film hassle-free? Partner up with the local production studio through Massif and let them handle all the paperwork. Learn more
You need a two-way permit.
Shooting requires both the permission from the property owner and the local government permit
The beach is privately owned and part of the cape.
Ask the property owner for shooting permission

Basecamp and facilities

At the start of the beach that leads to the cape, there is a small parking area. Within 3 kilometers lies a farm with fields better suited for larger basecamps. There are no facilities at this location. Phone coverage is excellent.

Risk factors

The waves can be treacherous. The rocks on the beach are large stones, making it difficult to walk in. The cape itself has high cliffs in places, where rockfalls occur and the edges are unstable.

Visitors

The area is a low tourist attraction but more popular with the locals for short hikes.

Where does our information come from?

In collaboration with a team of experienced producers, we scoured through every location on massif.network to bring you the most relevant and up-to-date information. We provide photos and videos and all other location information.

Know something we don’t?

Noticed wrong information about permits? Is there a restaurant closer nearby? Tell us anything that may be wrong or missing.