Just a stone's throw away from Reykjavík, Akranes is an ideal destination for tourists. Only 50 kilometers and a 45 minute drive from the capital, Akranes is a town of fishermen, sports enthusiasts, cafés, history, culture and beautiful sights to see. Whether interested in photography, history or hiking, the town has a lot to offer for all ages. First of all, we have the Akranes Folk Museum, the c
ultural centre of the town and a must for those interested in history and folklore. Located in the Irish settlement area of Garðar, the museum provides its visitors a window to the past and houses a variety of artefacts from Akranes and its neighbourhood. Whilst there, you can also visit a few renovated, fully furnished 19th century houses, as well as an exhibition of Icelandic sports memorabilia. If you're lucky, you might even get a guided tour around the area. For more information, visit the museum's page (Byggðasafnið í Görðum Akranesi - The Akranes Folk Museum). Second, there are the ever popular Akranes lighthouses. Located all the way across town, the two lighthouses stand as a reminder of two of Akranes' main characteristics, sailing and fishing. It's also a must for visitors interested in photography. The older one was built in 1918 and is 10 meters tall. The bigger one stands approximately 19 meters tall and has been in use since 1947. It houses temporary art exhibitions and frequent concerts and is now open for tourists, every day 10-16, during June, July and August. For more information, have a look at the lighthouses' page (Akranesviti). Also recommended, are the Langisandur beach, Garðalundur forest and outdoor area, Jaðarsbakki pool and Garðavöllur golf course. Akrafjall, the mountain over the town is also ideal for those interested in hiking and provides a stunning view of Akranes. We also have a variety of places to stay, eat and explore on foot. Many hostels, guesthouses and a campsite are available for those who wish to stay overnight. There's also a couple cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and a bakery, where you can find a wide array of food and drinks. We recommend sightseeing around town on foot and exploring downtown Akranes and the harbour. On a sunny day, you could even lounge on Langisandur beach and watch the ocean, the people and enjoy a view of Reykjavík skyline. For the above and a lot more, come visit Akranes. We'll be here to welcome you.
