Discover Akranes: Beach, Pools and Lighthouse

When choosing a hotel in Akranes, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: the beach and pools, architectural history, the lighthouse, or a visit timed around the annual family festival. Langisandur, Guðlaug and Jaðarsbakkalaug offer different ways to plan your visit. Akranesviti adds art exhibitions, concerts and a weather-dependent view. The bus connection to Reykjavík may also factor into your plans. The following topics can help you decide how Akranes fits your plans.

Beach and pools

Langisandur is a shell-sand beach just over one kilometre long. Guðlaug is located in the Langisandur area and is a three-level complex with a viewing platform, a warm sitting pool and a shallow paddling pool. This gives you two distinct options: a beach with a specific length and type of sand, and a bathing facility with named amenities. Jaðarsbakkalaug is a 25-metre outdoor pool with two hot tubs, a steam bath and a waterslide. Unlike Guðlaug, its main feature is the outdoor pool and its additional facilities. If you are choosing between the pools, these different profiles can help guide your decision. Check the latest operating details before your visit.

Lighthouse and views

Akranesviti lighthouse is used for art exhibitions and concerts. From the top, the view extends from Reykjanesskagi to Snæfellsjökull; visibility depends on the weather. Visitors are often invited to climb the lighthouse to the top. If you are planning to climb it, check the latest access information and opening hours before your trip. Exhibitions and concerts are also tied to specific dates, so if you are interested, check them against your travel dates. This lets you plan your visit around the views, cultural events or both.

A glimpse of local history

The red house Neðri-Sýrupartur was built in 1875 and is considered the oldest wooden house in the town of Akranes. Its construction date provides a clear historical reference point for the town. If you are interested in historic architecture, the house offers a distinct point of interest alongside the beach and bathing options that also define Akranes. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to include architecture and history or focus on the landscape and bathing facilities.

Festival dates and getting there

The family festival Írskir dagar takes place in Akranes every year in early July and celebrates the local community’s Celtic heritage. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates and schedule, as individual arrangements may change. Its annual recurrence and timing in early July offer a general guide; plan around the confirmed festival dates.

Akranes is connected to the Strætó bs. bus network. Buses run several times a day in both directions between Akranes and Reykjavík. If you want to include both places in your trip, check the latest departure times before travelling. If you are staying in Akranes and planning trips to Reykjavík, the connection is a practical planning factor; the actual departure times will determine how they fit into your daily schedule.

Discover more destinations

Ólafsvík, Stykkishólmur, Miklholt, Hvanneyri, Hvammur, Hellnar, Brimilsvellir, Snóksdalur

For the overview of the wider region: Vesturland.