Akranes is a picturesque port town located in the west of Iceland, approximately 42 km (26 miles) from Reykjavík. Just a 40-minute drive from the capital, this town frequently welcomes visitors who stop by before heading to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Situated at the tip of the peninsula that separates the fjords of Hvalfjörður and Borgarfjörður, Akranes is a delightful small town and a popular detour for those exploring the west coast. With a population of 7.600, Akranes is a classic fishing port known for its peaceful atmosphere, friendly residents, a wonderful folk museum, and a lighthouse that is regularly open to tourists.

At the heart of Akranes is Akratorg Square. Here, you’ll find a cozy coffee house, several nearby restaurants, and a variety of shops. Akranes offers a range of interesting attractions and activities. The town is notable for its numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, both within and around the town.

One of the highlights is Akrafjall Mountain, which attracts many visitors daily. Langisandur Beach, another popular attraction, has been awarded the Blue Flag environmental certificate. People enjoy sea swimming at Langisandur beach year-round, and on sunny days, it’s often bustling with sunbathers. Akranes also boasts numerous other outdoor and leisure activities. Garðalundur Park is an excellent spot for relaxation, barbecues, and sports like volleyball, frisbee golf, and football. Garðavöllur Golf Course features 18 holes and well-equipped practice facilities.

At the Akranes Folk Museum, visitors can travel back in time to explore the town’s history, with a special emphasis on the fishing industry. The Akranes lighthouse is another must-visit; locals often picnic outside, and guests can climb to the top for a spectacular view.

With its rich history, friendly community, and abundance of outdoor activities, Akranes is a perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the charm of Iceland’s west coast.

Akranes Lighthouse
The Akranes lighthouse is a delightful place to visit, any time of year.
Away from bright lights, tourists and residents flock to the site in winter to catch a glimpse of the northern lights dancing and flickering in the sky.
In the summer, you can see locals having a picnic outside the lighthouse, and guests are often invited in where they can climb to the top.
Built in 1947, the larger of the two lighthouses has been used in recent years to host concerts and art exhibitions.
Akranes lighthouse is the only lighthouse in Iceland that is regularly open to tourists, and thousands of travellers have visited over the last few years.
The lighthouse has become so popular that the tourist information centre is now based there.
The lighthouse keeper welcomes guests and gives an overview of the history of the building.
The smaller lighthouse, built in 1918, is one of the oldest concrete lighthouses in Iceland.
It served the fishing town until it was deactivated in 1947, in favour of a larger structure.

Akranes Folk Museum
At the Akranes Folk Museum, visitors can ‘travel back in time’ and explore the history of the town and the surroundings, with special emphasis on the fishing industry.
Outdoors, there is a collection of houses and boats that are key to the history of the town.
There is also a café inside the main museum building that serves coffee, soft drinks and cakes.

Snæfellsnes peninsula
At Snæfellsnes peninsula you can visit many small fishing villages.
The peninsula has many attractions like Snæfellsjökull glacier, which is said to be one of the seven great energy centres of the earth and has been attributed various mysterious powers.
Arnarstapi is also a place you need to visit.
Arnarstapi used to be a vibrant fishing village, but nowadays it is one of the most popular sites to visit because of the extraordinary columnar basalt and cliff formations, which are breathtaking in beauty.

Húsafell
A unique natural pearl which is located between lava and glaciers.
This is one of Iceland’s most popular summer locations.
From Húsafell you can experience something different by going into the glacier at Langjökull.
This is a unique experience.

Glymur
Glymur is the second highest waterfall in Iceland (198 m) which hikers can view from marked paths.

Hraunfossar og Barnafossar
Hraunfoss is a series of waterfalls streaming over a lava field which flowed from an eruption of one of Iceland’s glaciers Langjökull.
This waterfall is close by Húsafell.
Barnafoss is also a waterfall which burst out of great lava plain.

Hvammsvík Hot Springs
Hvammsvík offers eight natural hot springs of various sizes and temperatures located at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in Whalefjord.
Enjoy the hot springs for as long as you wish with full access to our private showers and changing rooms, our swim-up bar, steam room, and the ocean itself.
Hvammsvík also have fun activities such as paddle boarding, ocean swimming, introductory sessions to Wim Hof techniques, and so much more included with your admission ticket! Your ultimate relaxation and exploration experience awaits at Hvammsvík serene oasis.