Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/peninsulas/akranes Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- West Iceland # Akranes: Lighthouse Town Across the Bay from Reykjavík A West Iceland town on a peninsula across Faxaflói bay from Reykjavík, with lighthouse walks, a folk museum, and views of Snæfellsjökull glacier on clear days. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Location West Iceland ~45 min from Reykjavík via tunnel. ## Quick Answer Akranes is a West Iceland town 40-45 minutes from Reykjavík via the Hvalfjörður tunnel. Lighthouse walk, Langisandur beach, folk museum, Snæfellsjökull views. Akranes sits on a low-lying peninsula at the northern edge of Faxaflói bay, directly across the water from Reykjavík. With a population of around 7,400, it is one of the larger towns in West Iceland and has a proud industrial and sporting heritage. The town was originally settled by Irish monks before the Norse arrival, a history celebrated at the annual Irish Days festival. Today, Akranes is known for the lighthouse walk along the peninsula's tip, its folk museum, and the golden sand of Langisandur beach. On clear days you can see Snæfellsjökull glacier across the bay. It is an easy excursion from the capital. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Road status]() - [Akranes Folk Museum]() - [Weather (IMO)]() - [SafeTravel]() - [Environment Agency of Iceland]() Population ~7,400 One of the larger towns in West Iceland, with sports clubs and full local services. Access Tunnel Connected to Reykjavík via the Hvalfjörður tunnel, cutting the drive to about 45 minutes. Views Snæfellsjökull On clear days, the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano is visible across Faxaflói bay from the peninsula tip. ## What to Expect ### Lighthouse Walk A walk along the peninsula's tip leads to two lighthouses, one old and one newer. The path has views of Faxaflói bay, Mount Esja, and on clear days, Snæfellsjökull glacier to the west. ### Akranes Folk Museum The museum covers the town's maritime and industrial history, with historic boats, fishing equipment, a reconstructed turf house, and exhibits on local life. ### Langisandur Beach A long golden sand beach on the western edge of town. Popular with locals for walks and even swimming in summer. It faces the sunset, and sports facilities sit just behind the sand. ### Hvalfjörður Scenic Drive Instead of the tunnel, drive the old route around Hvalfjörður, a quiet fjord with the trailhead for Glymur, Iceland's second-tallest waterfall (198 m). The fjord road adds about an hour. ### Irish Days Festival An annual summer festival celebrating Akranes' Celtic origins, with Irish music, dance, food, and cultural events. The town was founded by Irish monks who settled here before the Norse colonisation. ### Local Sports Culture Akranes has a strong football culture, and its team, ÍA Akranes, is one of Iceland's most successful clubs. The town also has a good swimming pool with hot tubs, a staple of Icelandic life. ## Getting There Akranes is located about 50 km north of Reykjavík. The fastest route is via Route 1 through the Hvalfjörður tunnel (the Hvalfjörður tunnel), which takes approximately 40-45 minutes. Alternatively, take the old road around Hvalfjörður fjord (Route 47), which adds about 45 minutes but passes the Glymur waterfall trailhead and follows the fjord shore. Akranes is well connected by bus services from Reykjavík. All roads to and within Akranes are paved and accessible year-round by any vehicle. ## Best Time to Visit Akranes is a year-round destination. Summer (June to August) brings the best weather, the longest daylight, the Irish Days festival, and locals out on Langisandur beach. Spring and autumn are quieter, with good chances of clear views to Snæfellsjökull. In winter you can watch for northern lights from the lighthouse point. The swimming pool and folk museum are open year-round. ## Two lighthouses, different histories The [municipality’s lighthouse history]() distinguishes the old 1918 tower from the larger tower built in 1943–44 and commissioned in 1947. The latter first opened to public visits in March 2012 and also hosts art and music. A coastal walk and an interior visit are separate plans: confirm the tower’s opening before making the climb the purpose of your trip. The municipality describes stairs between its floors. Planning help ## Akranes Peninsula FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **How do I get to Akranes from Reykjavík?** The fastest route is via the Hvalfjörður tunnel on Route 1, with the journey time depending on your starting point and conditions. Alternatively, you can take the scenic route around Hvalfjörður fjord (about 1.5 hours), which passes the Glymur waterfall trailhead. **What is there to do in Akranes?** Akranes offers the Akranes Folk Museum, a walk out to the twin lighthouses on the Akranes point, Langisandur beach, views of Snæfellsjökull glacier across the bay, and a strong sports culture. The town also hosts the annual Irish Days festival, which celebrates its Celtic heritage. **Can I see Snæfellsjökull from Akranes?** Yes, on clear days Snæfellsjökull glacier is clearly visible across Faxaflói bay from Akranes. The lighthouse walk at the tip of the peninsula is one of the best vantage points for this view, especially during golden hour. **Is Akranes worth visiting as a day trip?** Yes, Akranes makes an easy half-day or full-day trip from Reykjavík. Combine it with the drive around Hvalfjörður and a hike to Glymur waterfall for a full day out. Allow time for the specific sites you want to enter, not just the coastal walk. [Back to Peninsulas]() Country reference: [Iceland statistics]().