Things to Do in Akranes: Lighthouse, Shipwreck and More

Akranes (population around 7,000) sits at the tip of a peninsula on the north shore of Faxaflói bay, 45 minutes from Reykjavík via the tunnel. It’s the kind of Icelandic town that international visitors rarely notice on the itinerary — close enough to the capital that it tends to be overlooked in favour of more dramatic destinations. That gap between its proximity and its lack of tourist crowds is exactly what makes it useful.

The lighthouse and the shipwreck beside it are genuinely photogenic. The view back toward Reykjavík and Esja from the tip of the Akranes peninsula is one of the better angles on the capital. A half-day here costs almost nothing and can be combined with Borgarnes (30 min north) for a full day circuit out of Reykjavík.

Akranesviti Lighthouse

The lighthouse at the tip of the Akranes peninsula dates from the late 19th century. The walk out to it from the car park takes 10–15 minutes along a flat coastal path. From the point, the views across Faxaflói bay take in Reykjavík, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and — on clear days — Snæfellsjökull glacier 100km to the northwest. The lighthouse itself is not open to climb. Free to visit; accessible year-round.

Garðar BA 64 Shipwreck

The most distinctive attraction in Akranes. The Garðar BA 64 was an Icelandic whaling vessel, later repurposed as a salt carrier, and was run aground on the beach near the lighthouse in 1981 after it became uneconomical to maintain. The rusting hull sits in the black sand at the water’s edge, accessible on foot at low tide. At roughly 80 metres in length, it’s a substantial wreck — much larger than it appears in photographs until you’re standing next to it.

The wreck is on private land adjacent to the lighthouse, but access to the beach is not restricted. No entry fee. The wreck faces west, which makes afternoon and evening light the better time for photography.

Akranes Museum Centre (Byggðasafnið)

A well-organised folk museum covering Akranes’s history, with a particular focus on the town’s fishing and sporting heritage. Iceland has produced an unusual number of successful athletes relative to its population, and Akranes has a strong local track record — the museum documents this with more care than you might expect. The maritime collection includes fishing boats and equipment from the early 20th century.

Entry approximately ISK 1,500 adult as of 2026. Allow 1–1.5 hours. Located near the harbour, a short drive from the lighthouse.

Akranes Swimming Pool

The outdoor geothermal pool is the town’s main social facility. Entry approximately ISK 1,100 adult as of 2026. Heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, waterslide. Typical opening hours in summer are 6:30am–10pm weekdays, 9am–6pm weekends — confirm current hours at visit.akranes.is or by phoning ahead. A useful end to a beach walk in colder weather.

Galleri Akranes

A small gallery space in the town centre with rotating exhibitions of Icelandic and local art. Entry is free. Shows change throughout the year — worth a look if you’re passing through the town centre.

Akranes Beach

The beach running north from the lighthouse toward the town is a long flat stretch of dark volcanic sand. Good for walking and virtually empty compared to the South Coast beaches. The flat terrain and consistent wind make it popular with locals for early-morning runs. Free; no facilities.

Getting There

From Reykjavík, take Route 1 north and then Route 47 through the Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel. The tunnel toll is approximately ISK 2,100 each way as of 2026 — you can pay by card. The toll-free alternative via the bridge (Route 1 north, then east around the fjord) adds around 15–20 minutes.

Akranes works well as a first or last stop on a Borgarnes/West Iceland day. The drive from Akranes to Borgarnes takes 30 minutes via Route 1 north. For the full West Iceland day itinerary extending to Reykholt and Hraunfossar, see our Borgarnes things to do guide.