Akranes
Akranes is an ideal destination for a day trip from Reykjavik or as a central location for trips to sights in the west and south of Iceland
Akranes is a warm and cosy town of 5,200 inhabitants located on the west coast, 50km north of Reykjavik, through the tunnel under Hvalfjördur, and offers a number of activities and services for travelers.
A walk through the town of Akranes enables you to experience the architectural history of Iceland since the turn of the century. The church, built in 1942 and the old lighthouse built in 1918 are among the most interesting buildings, in addition to many other picturesque houses.
Sight and recreational possibilities are aplenty in Akranes. The Folk Museum Garðar houses a collection of exhibits mapping the cultural and industrial development in the area. One of the museum buildings is the so-called Garðahús, which is the oldest house made of concrete in Iceland. Iceland´s only preserved fishing cutter, Sigurfari, is exhibited outside the museum. Steinaríki Íslands (The Icelandic Kingdom of Minerals/Stones) exhibits most of the numerous minerals found in Iceland, and there is also an exhibition on the construction of the new underwater tunnel under the Hvalfjörður fjord. Sea angling is one of Iceland´s richest fishing grounds is an unforgettable experience and for those who do not want to go sailing, even the piers offer opportunities for anglers.
In the cultural center Kirkjuhvoll there are regular events and exhibitions and the local artist Bjarni Þór has a standing exhibition of his work in his gallery and studio. In Akranes there are restaurants and pubs for all tastes and price ranges.
The people of Akranes are famous for their sports enthusiasm and the facilities on offer are among the best in the country. Langisandur, the forestry station Garðalundur and Innsta-Voganes are the main recreational areas in Akranes, in addition to Mount Akrafjall, where the view over the bay of Faxaflói and Western-Iceland is magnificent. Facilities for exercise and sports competitions are very good in Akranes. There are two gyms, a number of soccer grounds, a good riding track, a golf course, a shooting range and two swimming pools, in addition to fully equipped fitness centers