Akranes

Akranes sits on a peninsula between two fjords on Iceland's west coast, marked by two lighthouses with one still operating. The town spreads along a long sandy beach that slopes gently toward the sea.

Irish brothers founded the first settlement here in the 9th century, but fishing industry development from the 17th century onward shaped the town into an economic center. This connection to fishing determined the community's character and growth for generations.

The folk museum here documents how people lived and worked in this coastal area, displaying everyday objects, traditional clothing, and tools from earlier generations. Visitors can see what domestic and working life looked like in a small fishing community.

The tunnel connection makes the town easily reachable from the capital in under an hour, allowing for half-day or full-day visits. The beach and town center are simple to navigate and require no special preparations.

One of the lighthouses contains a gallery upstairs with sweeping views of the bay and a distant glacier, blending contemporary art into this historic navigation structure. This unexpected artistic presence inside a traditional lighthouse is not something most visitors anticipate.

Location: Akraneskaupstaður

Inception: 1604

Elevation above the sea: 9 m

Shares border with: Hvalfjarðarsveit

Website: http://akranes.is

GPS coordinates: 64.31667,-22.10000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:25