Akranes between shell-sand beaches, bathing culture and lighthouse art

In Akranes, beaches, a variety of bathing options and lighthouse-related culture come together. Langisandur is a shell-sand beach just over one kilometre long, and there are also baths, each with its own character. The view from Akranesviti lighthouse and the town’s local history add further highlights to a trip. When choosing a holiday apartment in Akranes, you can consider which of these aspects of the town appeals most to you.

A beach and baths with different characters

With its shell sand, Langisandur offers a distinctive option for anyone who wants to include a beach in their time in Akranes. The beach is just over one kilometre long. Guðlaug, a natural or recreational bathing complex, is located in the Langisandur area. The three-storey complex includes a viewing platform, a warm sitting pool and a shallow paddling pool. At Guðlaug, the various pools and the platform are separate elements of the bathing facilities.

Jaðarsbakkalaug offers something different: this 25-metre outdoor pool has two hot tubs, a steam bath and a water slide. If you compare bathing options by their specific features, you can distinguish this outdoor pool from Guðlaug: here, the 25-metre pool and the additional facilities listed above are the defining features, while Guðlaug is characterised by its three levels, platform and two differently designed pools. Together, the beach, recreational bathing complex and outdoor pool offer different ways to enjoy the water during your stay.

Akranesviti: views, art and concerts

Akranesviti lighthouse combines cultural events with a striking viewpoint. It is used for art exhibitions and concerts. From the top, the view stretches from Reykjanesskagi to Snæfellsjökull. Visitors are often invited to climb the lighthouse to the top. The invitation and the view make the tower a destination in its own right, while the exhibitions and concerts add a cultural dimension. A concrete lighthouse was built in 1918 at the far end of Suðurflös on Akranes, based on plans by engineer Thorvalds Krabbe.

Local history and Celtic heritage

The red house Neðri-Sýrupartur was built in 1875 and is considered the oldest wooden house in the town of Akranes. Its history offers a tangible connection to the town’s architectural past. Another cultural experience is Írskir dagar: this family festival takes place in Akranes every year in early July and celebrates the local community’s Celtic heritage. If you plan your trip around this annual event, you can make the festival a special reason for your visit. The house, festival and lighthouse reveal different aspects of local history and culture.

Getting there and other places

Akranes is connected to the Strætó bs. bus network. Buses run between Akranes and Reykjavík several times a day in both directions. This is a useful point of reference when planning your journey or onward travel between the two towns. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can first decide whether Akranes, with its beaches, bathing options and cultural attractions, suits your trip.

Discover more places here: Snóksdalur, Borgarnes, Hellissandur, Budhir, Ólafsvík, Búdardalur, Stykkishólmur and Hellnar.

View the broader travel overview: Vesturland.