Akranes: West Iceland's Lighthouse Town

Akranes (population approximately 7,500) is a coastal town at the tip of the Akranes peninsula, jutting into Faxaflói bay west of Reykjavík. It’s connected to the capital by the Hvalfjörður undersea tunnel, making it surprisingly accessible for a town that feels genuinely separate from the capital region. Most travellers bypass it on the way to Snæfellsnes, but the lighthouse, the Folk Museum, and the beach make it a worthwhile stop or overnight base.

Getting There

By car: 50km north of Reykjavík via Route 1 and the Hvalfjörður tunnel. Allow 40 minutes. Tunnel toll approximately ISK 1,500 per car.

By bus: Strætó route 57 connects Reykjavík and Akranes in approximately 50 minutes via the tunnel. Check straeto.is for timetables.

Akranes Lighthouse (Gamli Viti)

Two lighthouses stand at the western tip of the Akranes peninsula — the old one (Gamli Viti, 1918) and a newer automated structure. The old lighthouse is open for climbing in summer. Entry approximately ISK 1,000 adult as of 2026.

The views from the top cover Faxaflói bay in three directions — Snæfellsjökull glacier is visible to the northwest on clear days, Reykjavík’s skyline is to the south, and the Esja mountain dominates the view across the bay. A good 20-minute walk from the town centre along the headland path.

Akranes Folk Museum (Byggðasafnið)

A well-organised regional museum covering Akranes’s history from Viking settlement through the fishing industry era. Two main parts: a cultural history museum and a sports museum (Akranes has a disproportionately successful football history relative to its size — four Icelandic championship titles). Entry approximately ISK 1,500 adult.

Akranes Beach

A dark sand beach on the south side of the peninsula, approximately 1.5km from the town centre. Swimming is not the draw — the water temperature is typically 8–14°C — but the beach is pleasant for walking and has views of the mountains across Faxaflói bay. Free.

Hvalfjörður

The fjord that the tunnel bypasses is worth a detour if time permits. Route 47 runs the full length of the fjord (approximately 32km each side). At the fjord head:

• Glymur waterfall — Iceland’s second-highest waterfall (198m). A hiking trail (approximately 2–3 hours return) leads to the top of the falls via a rope crossing of the river at the base. Requires reasonable fitness. Free.
• Háafell whale processing station — The last whale processing station in Iceland, closed in 1987, is visible at the fjord head. Iceland resumed limited whaling in 2006; this remains a politically contentious topic.

Where to Stay

Gará Guesthouse — Small, central guesthouse. Doubles from approximately ISK 18,000–26,000.

Hótel Akranes — Mid-range hotel in the town centre. Doubles from approximately ISK 24,000–36,000.

The proximity to Reykjavík (40 minutes) means many visitors stay in the capital and visit Akranes as a day trip.

Where to Eat

Galito — A well-regarded restaurant in Akranes. Lamb, fish, and burgers. Mains approximately ISK 2,800–4,500.

Suðurbakki — Café in the harbour area. Coffee and light meals. Good for a quick stop.

Lesbókakaffið — A café-bookshop combination near the town centre. Coffee, cakes, and light lunches in a relaxed setting. A useful stop while exploring the town. Coffee and cake from approximately ISK 1,200.

Bæjarveitingar — Basic restaurant serving Icelandic staples: fish and chips, soup, and burgers. Mains approximately ISK 2,200–3,500. Reliable rather than exceptional.

Swimming Pool

Jaðarsbakkar Swimming Pool — Akranes has one of the better municipal swimming pools in West Iceland. Outdoor pool, waterslide, and several hot tubs from 38°C to 44°C. Entry approximately ISK 1,100 adult as of 2026. Open year-round. The pool is a genuine social hub for Akranes residents — early morning and late afternoon are the busiest.

Practical Information

Tunnel toll: The Hvalfjörður tunnel (5.7km long, built 1998) charges approximately ISK 1,500 per car as of 2026. Payment is electronic — the toll is linked to your licence plate and charged to your rental car. The tunnel eliminated the 60km detour around the fjord that previously isolated Akranes from Reykjavík.

Akranes as a day trip: Most visitors combine Akranes with either Glymur (the waterfall at the head of Hvalfjörður) or as a stop on the way to Borgarnes and Snæfellsnes. A half-day is enough for the lighthouse, Folk Museum, and lunch. Staying overnight makes sense only if continuing to the Westfjords the next morning.

Akranes Irish Days (Írskir Dagar): A local festival celebrating the historical connections between Iceland and Ireland (many early settlers were Irish or brought Irish slaves). Held annually in July. The festival includes music, food, and cultural events. Check the Akranes municipality website for current dates.

Mount Akrafjall: The 643m mountain rising behind Akranes is a popular local hike. A marked trail from the town edge (behind the sports fields) reaches the summit in approximately 2–3 hours. The views from the top cover Faxaflói bay, the Snæfellsnes peninsula, and on clear days the Westfjords in the distance. Free. Moderate difficulty — the upper section is steep and can be windy.

Petrol and services: N1 station on the main road into town. Small Bonus supermarket for supplies. Akranes has a pharmacy and medical centre — the nearest hospital is in Reykjavík (40 minutes via the tunnel).

Browse Iceland tours — day trips, activity bookings, and multi-day packages across the country in one place.

Pre-book Keflavík airport transfers — Flybus and private options for the 45-minute route to Reykjavík.

Compare car hire in Iceland — a 4WD or campervan gives the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Explore Akranes Further

• Things to Do in Akranes — Lighthouse, Folk Museum, Glymur waterfall hike, and Akrafjall mountain
• Glymur waterfall hike — Iceland’s second-highest waterfall at the head of Hvalfjörður — easy combination with an Akranes day trip
• Borgarnes travel guide — 40km north: the Settlement Centre and gateway to Snæfellsnes
• Snæfellsnes road trip — Akranes is a natural first stop on the way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Reykjavík city guide — 40 minutes south via the Hvalfjörður tunnel