Region
South Iceland
65 km from Reykjavik
Þorlákshöfn: A South Coast Harbor Town
A working harbor in Ölfus, with South Coast walks and town services.
Population
~1,800
South Iceland • Harbor town
Quick Answer
Þorlákshöfn is a harbor town in Ölfus. If your plan is a Westman Islands ferry trip, check Herjólfur’s departure notice first: the operator lists Landeyjahöfn as its route.
Þorlákshöfn is the main town in Ölfus and has a working harbor. Plan a stop for the town and coast, rather than using an old ferry description as directions to a booked sailing.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Use Herjólfur’s current departure-port notice for your sailing; a general town guide is not a ferry operating notice.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~1,800
Working harbor town
Known for
Working harbor
South Coast town in Ölfus
Top Attractions in Thorlakshofn
Fishing Harbor
Active port with fresh catch
Strandarkirkja
A church in nearby Selvogur, identified by Visit South Iceland as a place associated with vows
Thorlakshofn Beach
Black sand coastline views
Swimming Pool
Geothermal pool with hot tubs
Church
Modern Icelandic architecture
Coastal Walks
Scenic paths along the shore
Check the departure port before setting your route
Herjólfur lists its ferry route from Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar. Þorlákshöfn and Landeyjahöfn are different destinations: the practical decision is which harbor your booked sailing actually uses. Read the departure notice before leaving, then navigate to that port. An old guide calling Þorlákshöfn the main ferry gateway is not enough to plan the drive.
For a visit to Þorlákshöfn itself, Visit South Iceland places the town in Ölfus and points to Strandarkirkja in Selvogur as a nearby cultural stop. Keep those town-and-coast plans separate from the ferry connection so a port change does not determine your entire sightseeing day.
How to Get to Thorlakshofn
From Reykjavik: Route 1 south and Route 38 lead toward the town. Set your destination to the town or facility you intend to visit.
Ferry connection: Herjólfur lists Landeyjahöfn–Vestmannaeyjar as its route. Follow the port shown for your actual sailing, including any operator updates.
Public transport: Check a public-transport journey to Þorlákshöfn separately from transport to your ferry’s departure port.
Best Time to Visit Thorlakshofn
Summer: Longer daylight leaves more room for a coastal stop alongside other South Iceland plans.
Year-round: A town visit and a ferry crossing have different weather and operating constraints. Follow the ferry operator’s notice for any sailing you have booked.
Planning help
Thorlakshofn FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Thorlakshofn?
Thorlakshofn has approximately 1,800 residents and is one of the larger towns on Iceland's South Coast.
Can I take a ferry from Thorlakshofn?
Do not assume your ferry leaves from Þorlákshöfn. Herjólfur lists its route from Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar. Check your booking and the operator’s current departure notice before driving to a harbor.
How far is Thorlakshofn from Reykjavik?
Thorlakshofn is about 65 km from Reykjavik, approximately 50 minutes by car via Route 38.
What is Thorlakshofn known for?
Þorlákshöfn is a South Coast fishing and harbor town in Ölfus. It is a place to visit in its own right; a ferry booking needs its own departure-port check.
What services are available in Thorlakshofn?
The town has a grocery store, gas station, restaurants, swimming pool, and accommodation options for visitors to the town.
Is fishing important in Thorlakshofn?
Yes, fishing is the economic backbone of Thorlakshofn. The harbor is busy with fishing vessels, and you can often buy fresh catch from local fishermen.
Does Thorlakshofn have a swimming pool?
Yes, Thorlakshofn has a geothermal swimming pool with hot tubs, a good stop during a visit to the town.
How is the weather in Thorlakshofn?
Thorlakshofn gets typical South Iceland weather: mild summers, cool winters, and occasional strong winds from the ocean.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.