Akranes is just a stone's throw away from the capital largest town in West Iceland with the population 7.421. Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord),only 50 km from Reykjavik, gives an excellent opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty of Icelandic fjords,with its sloops, shores, canyons and waterfalls and its somewhat controversial history of whaling. The area is especially quiet and tranquil with few people around. Glymur, the highest waterfall of Iceland (198 m) is in Hvalfjordur.
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Activities
Akranes Folk Museum
At the Akranes Folk Museum, you can learn about the history of Akranes and its surroundings. The museum was founded and opened in the year 1959 and can be found at Garðaholt 3.
Opening hours:
Summer: …
Hoppland
We offer one of the most exciting activities in Iceland. Come and try to jump 10 meters into the Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for families, groups of friends, workplaces or just anyone who wants to challen…
Hvammsvík Hot Springs
Hvammsvík Hot Springs offers eight natural hot springs of varying temperatures, situated along the shoreline and merging with the tides for an ever changing experience. You are immersed in a perfect f…
Akranes Swimming Pool
The swimming pool at Jaðarsbakka is a 5 lane, 25-meter outdoor pool. There is a sauna and a water slide. The hot tub area was renovated in 2017 and there is now a small children's pool and two hot tub…
Bjarteyjarsandur Farm
The Bjarteyjarsandur farm is owned and operated by three different families, all specializing in their different fields; i.e. farming, tourism, education, food processing, and machine work. The farm i…
Guðlaug Baths
At Langisandur Beach, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea and then unwind in Guðlaug Baths – a beautifully designed set of hot pools nestled in the rock garden by the shore. From here, you…
Horse Centre Borgartún
Hestamiðstöðin Borgartún offers 1-2 hour riding tours in a beautiful nature on the outskirts of Akranes.
Our tours are a wonderful experience for all those who want to try riding the Icelandic horse. …
Leynir Golf Club
Garðavöllur, the Akranes Golf Course, is an 18-hole course in West Iceland. Renowned for its beautiful surroundings, good upkeep and excellent putting greens, the course is quite challenging. It has m…
Thor Photography
Thor Photography specializes in photography tours and workshops. It is our goal to get you to unique locations at the right time for the best photographic results. Thorarinn Jonsson (Thor for short) …
War and Peace Museum
The unique and remarkable history of the occupation period in Iceland 1940-45 unfolds at the War and Peace Museum. Our exhibition tells the story of how a peaceful countryside was transformed, in the …
Interesting places
Akranesviti, Light house in Akranes
If you are into photography or just interested in exploring new things in Iceland you need to look at Akranes lighthouses. Down by the harbour you will notice two lighthouses. The bigger one that is c…
Akrafjall Mountain
Akrafjall is a picturesque mountain close to Akranes. The mountain offers one of the best views in West Iceland across Faxafloi Bay and a panoramic view from Reykjanes to Snaefellsjokull Glacier.
The …
Blautós
Blautós og Innstavogsnes
At the north western rim of the town Akranes is the estuary nature reserve Blautós and Innsatvogsnes. The river Berjadalsá runs out of the western part of mount Akrafjall and …
Botnsdalur
Botnsdalur is a picturesque valley in Hvalfjörður, known for its dramatic mountains, lush landscapes, and outdoor attractions. It is the starting point for the hike to Glymur Waterfall, Iceland’s seco…
Breið
Breið is the southernmost part of Akranes and the location of the fishing history of the town. There are two lighthouses open to the public as well as a view point.
For more information contact Akra…
Glymur, waterfall in Hvalfjord
Attention - During winter the hiking path can be dangerous! Proper equipment and hiking experience is essential!
Iceland’s tallest waterfall, is located in Botnsdalur valley, Hvalfjörður. Leading up …
Garðalundur park Akranesi
Garðarlundur country park, protected for recreational use and the preservation of the typical landscape of the area. The areas’ main characteristics are its rocky islands or bluffs that rise from the …
Þórufoss Waterfall in Kjós
Þórufoss waterfall is in the river Laxá in Kjós which is renowned for its healthy population of Atlantic salmon. Þórufoss is known to freeze over in the wintertime. It´s easy to walk to the waterfall …
Geirshólmi
During the Sturlung Age 1220 - 1264, a company of men led by Svarthofdi Dufguson, a follower of Sturla Sighvatsson used the island Geirsholmi as a base for raiding the surrounding countryside.
The to…
Hallgrim's Church in Hvalfjordur
Church built in 1957 as a tribute to the 17th-century hymn writer Hallgrimur Petursson, one of Iceland's best-loved poets.
Hallgrimur Petursson served at Saurbaer 1651-1669, a poor leprous pastor who…
Langisandur, sandy beach in Akranes
The coastline around Akranes is rich with bird life and there are many different types of beaches along the coast. One of these is Langisandur, a sandy beach and one of the most popular outdoor areas …
Meðalfellsvatn lake in Kjós
Meðalfellsvatn Lake is a good place for bird watching. The Great Northern Diver nests by the lake, while Harlequin Ducks are attracted in great numbers by gnats and by the larvae at the bottom of the …
Staupasteinn in Hvalfjörð
A goblet-shaped rock and popular resting place for tourists. Close to Hvammsvik on the old national road around Whale Fjord.
An elf by the name of Staupa-Steinn has his home in this rock. Not everyon…
Hvalfjörður
Hvalfjörður – The Scenic Route Through Whale Fjord
Hvalfjörður, or Whale Fjord, is one of Iceland’s hidden gems — a tranquil detour offering travelers breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and a peac…
