Akranes sits at the tip of a peninsula on the north shore of Faxaflói Bay, 50km as the crow flies from Reykjavík, but separated from the capital by Hvalfjörður fjord. It is the largest town in the West Iceland region with a population of around 7,500, and it punches above its size in practical terms - good swimming pool, a handful of solid restaurants, a harbour, and two lighthouses that have become one of the more photographed spots in western Iceland.
Most travellers encounter Akranes as a day trip from Reykjavík or a quick detour on the Snæfellsnes circuit. Staying overnight makes sense in a few specific situations: as an airport base on arrival or departure (the tunnel to Keflavík takes about 55 minutes), as a cheaper alternative to Reykjavík for the first night, or as the southern anchor of a west Iceland loop that continues north to Borgarnes and beyond.
Getting There
The Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel under Hvalfjörður fjord charges approximately ISK 1,300 one way and cuts the drive from Reykjavík to around 40 minutes. Without the tunnel, the scenic coastal route around the fjord adds 40 minutes but passes the Glymur waterfall trailhead and the old whaling station at Hvalfjörður - both worth knowing about.
From Keflavík Airport (KEF), the drive is approximately 55km via the tunnel and takes around 45–50 minutes. This makes Akranes one of the more convenient first-night options for Ring Road travellers who land in the evening and want to avoid driving the extra hour into Reykjavík. A private airport transfer from Keflavík is also available for a fixed door-to-door fare.
Strætó bus 57 runs between Reykjavík BSÍ terminal and Akranes, taking around 1 hour 15 minutes. Services run several times daily but not hourly - confirm the timetable at straeto.is before relying on public transport.
Where to Stay in Akranes
Around the Town Centre
Akranes has a compact centre around Stillholt and the main commercial street. Most of the accommodation sits within a 10-minute walk of the harbour and lighthouse.
Akra Guesthouse sits five minutes’ walk from Langisandur Beach in central Akranes, offering private rooms at approximately ISK 18,000–26,000 per night in summer. Rooms are small and family-run with shared bathroom facilities and a breakfast served on a wooden terrace. It is rated 9/10 by recent guests and represents solid value compared to Reykjavík prices.
Teigur Guesthouse is the other central Akranes option, positioned at the harbourside near the Folk Museum and Sports Museum. En-suite rooms start from approximately ISK 25,000–40,000 in peak summer. Parking is free and the location makes it easy to walk to the lighthouse in the evening.
Self-Catering Apartments
A growing number of self-catering apartments have appeared in Akranes since 2020, largely driven by ring-road travellers who prefer cooking over restaurant costs. These typically run ISK 22,000–35,000 per night for a full apartment sleeping two to four people. For couples planning to cook most meals, the cost per head often undercuts a guesthouse room when you factor in the kitchen access.
The Lighthouse Area
The twin lighthouses at the northern tip of the Akranes peninsula - the old 1918 stone tower and the newer 1944 operational lighthouse - are the visual centrepiece of the town. Some accommodation specifically advertises lighthouse views. If this matters to you, specify it when searching - the peninsula tip is about 1.5km from the town centre.
Camping
Akranes Camping operates near the sports centre and is open late May through early September. Prices run approximately ISK 1,800–2,200 per person per night. The facilities are basic but adequate - toilets, showers, and an outdoor cooking area. For motorhome and campervan travellers, the campsite is easy to access and has hook-up points. The lighthouse walk from the campsite is around 20 minutes on foot.
Budget Accommodation in Akranes (Under ISK 22,000)
At the budget end, Akranes is primarily served by guesthouses and private room rentals rather than a dedicated hostel. Expect ISK 16,000–22,000 for a private room with shared bathroom facilities, typically including a basic breakfast of bread, cheese, and coffee.
The absence of a proper hostel is the main gap in Akranes accommodation. Solo travellers on a tight budget typically find better value either in Reykjavík (where hostel dorms are available) or in Borgarnes (60km north) where the guesthouse scene is slightly more developed.
Mid-Range in Akranes (ISK 25,000–45,000)
Teigur Guesthouse covers this bracket well for travellers who want a reliable, centrally located guesthouse. The harbourside location makes it easy to walk the evening circuit to the lighthouse. Popular with Icelandic domestic travellers and Scandinavian visitors rather than backpackers - it has a quieter, more independent atmosphere than a hostel.
Apartment rentals in the ISK 28,000–38,000 range give you more space than a hotel room at a similar or lower price, and Akranes is set up well for self-catering given the Krónan supermarket and Bónus discount store both in town.
Day Trips from Akranes
Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the main reason most travellers stop in Akranes. The drive to Snæfellsjökull glacier at the western tip takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Akranes - shorter than from Reykjavík. Kirkjufell mountain and the Grundarfjörður area are about 1 hour 20 minutes north. For those who prefer a guided experience, Snæfellsnes peninsula tours cover the key sights including Kirkjufell, the glacier, and the coastal lava formations.
Hvalfjörður Fjord wraps around to the east of the Akranes peninsula. The 30km scenic drive into the fjord passes the Glymur waterfall trailhead - Iceland’s second-highest waterfall at 198m, accessible via a 90-minute return walk from the car park at Hvalvatn. The old whaling station at Hvaleyri operated until 1989 and is visible from the road.
Borgarnes is 60km north and has one of Iceland’s best settlement museums - the Borgarnes Settlement Centre covers the sagas of Egill Skallagrímsson with audio guides in twelve languages. From Akranes, it is a 45-minute drive without stopping.
What to Know Before You Stay
- The Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel toll is cashless - pay by card at the booth or use the app
- Akranes has a very good outdoor swimming pool, heated geothermally, with a waterslide and hot pots - entry approximately ISK 1,100 for adults
- Parking throughout town is free and unrestricted, which is a relief after Reykjavík
- The nearest large supermarket is Krónan on the main ring road through town - open daily until 9pm
- Mobile coverage is excellent in town but patchy on the Hvalfjörður coastal road
- Explore things to do in Akranes for the full local activity guide