Top Things to do in Akranes
Top Restaurants in Akranes
The 10 Best Things to Do in Akranes, Iceland
Discover the best top things to do in Akranes, Iceland including Glymur, Akranes Lighthouse, War and Peace Museum, Brilliant ATV Tour, Akranes Folk Museum, Akranesviti, Dularfulla Budin, Wild West Tours, AT Iceland, Western Voyage Tours.
Restaurants in Akranes
1. Glymur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By Leah G - Columbus, Ohio
This hike is not for the faint of heart. When in Iceland, I was using the blog/website "Guide to Iceland" as a reference for all of our hikes, and I quickly realized that she and I did not share the same opinion of what was an easy or difficult hike. This hike was definitely difficult. Obviously it is all uphill (I'm in no way complaining about that!), but aside from that, it is a scary/dangerous uphill trail. The "path's" are extremely narrow, right off the side of a cliff, and a lot of times you are using ropes on pegs that are staked into the mountainside to help yourself climb up slippery wet rocks. I am thankful for whoever put these there as it would be nearly impossible to do the hike without these. I also recommend water shoes or extremely waterproof boots for the many river crossings you will make. TENNIS SHOES ARE NOT ENOUGH! It is also worth noting that there are no restrooms near by. I think the round trip hike took us just under 3 hours.
2. Akranes Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By RB_travels_a_lot - New England
In regards to some of the reviewers concern, As with most things in Iceland, being prepared and informed tends to save the day more often than not. I would suggest following them on Facebook, or at the very least calling before you head out in the event they are closed for any reason.
There are multiple levels in the lighthouse, each level holds exhibits from local artists, visiting children's drawings, and they even have Concerts there. And as the lighthouse keeper excitedly told us about the Concerts they have had, and the many Concerts they plan to have in the future you could tell this place is his passion.
Due to the scraggly rock breaks in the sea surrounding the lighthouse the action is incredible to witness. The waves actually come in from two different sides crashing together over the broken rocks just beneath the water creating an active and wild sea.
Make sure to check out the rocks painted in dedication to David Bowie on the sea wall, and ask about the David Bowie mural located on the main drag in town.
3. War and Peace Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
War and Peace Museum are open from May 15 to Sep 15. Hvalfjördur has an important occupational history that tells the story from 1940 to 1945. At the War and Peace Museum you will find an exciting exhibition of items connected to the war and the history and culture of Hvalfjördur during that time.
Reviewed By Alessio B
I camped in this incredibly quiet place and It was great to have a typical icelandic shower outside. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to swim in their hot water pool (they were working), but I didn't miss the chance to try some waffles from the cafe...very tasty! When I was there, there was a polish girl who was working as a guide in the museum and she was the triumph of kindness!
4. Brilliant ATV Tour
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
Activity centre in Whale-fjord (Hvalfjordur) at Thorisstadir (THorisstadir), only 50 min drive from Reykjavik and 5 minutes drive from the famous and spectacular Hotel Glymur, Hvalfjord (Whale Fjord). GOLF-ATV/QUAD-BOAT-LASER TAG- SEA ANGLING- ANIMALS-HIKING
Reviewed By mb1Chicago - Chicago
My wife and I went on an almost 3 hour guided tour with Elvar. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience. He's an no-nonsense, upstanding, pleasant guy who takes pride in his business. The ATVs worked flawlessly and the warm one piece suits (provided) are a must.
The ATV place is about an hour drive from Reykjavik. We had a hard time finding it, but it was more my fault than his. Google maps brought me to the wrong location. Highly recommend using Elvar's simple written directions rather than relying on GPS maps.
The ride itself was long and through varying terrain. It's by no means easy, and it's not for those who aren't committed to spending time navigating gravel roads, dodging boulders, crossing small streams and tolerating the elements if it's cold or rainy. Remarkable scenery and very remote.
Highly recommended if you're looking to absorb the vibe of rural Iceland on a motorized vehicle.
5. Akranes Folk Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
The Akranes Folk Museum is the best place in Akranes to get familiar with history. The main exhibition highlights the history of fishing, farming, housekeeping and social conditions in and around Akranes in past times. In the area are also fully furnished old houses which can be visited, old boats. Iceland's Sport Museum, various temporary exhibits and a nice coffee house are also in the area. The latest addition to the area is a lively viking style forge, which is sometimes in operation for guests. Children should find interesting things to see and fee. The museum is open from May 13 - September 15 2016. Even though the museum is closed during winter it offers guided tours all weekdays and welcomes groups that book in advance.
Reviewed By Robsski - Stamford, United Kingdom
This delightful place doesn't get the credit it deserves on the tourist trail. It's a brilliantly curated museum and the exhibits in the folk section building are beautifully put together. You'll get a real insight into what all aspects of life would have been like in Iceland from the early 1900s. In the grounds there are three typical Icelandic houses furnished in the style of three different eras too.
The Icelandic Sports Museum was the most enjoyable for us. All notable Icelandic athletes and most sports are covered - from golf to track&field to football - inc Eidur Gudjohnsen's FA Cup Final Chelsea shirt!
Worth an hour or two although no English descriptions. But you'll get a good feel for things nonetheless.
Áfram Ísland!!!
6. Akranesviti
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Onerary - Telluride, Colorado
The time of my life in Akranes.... Installed a full painting installation in Akranesviti thanks to the magical Hilmar~ What Hilmar is doing for his communtiy is inspiring~ The people in this small town have the warmest hearts, and are family to me now after spending a lot of time there. Please go to the lighthouse! Share stories and friendship with Hilmar, the true light of Akranesviti >>><><<<
I forever love ------- I C E L A N D ------- and ------- A K R A N E S V I T I -------
7. Dularfulla Budin
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Dularfulla Búðin or The mysterious shop is a market, tavern and a museum. Decorated in Steampunk style with references to the 19th century science fiction. Coffee, tea and light meals at the bar or clothing and accessories in the store. Entertainment and shows at weekends.
Reviewed By Seamere - Kissimmee, Florida
Ingimar Oddsson is the absolute host on Sunday at his Afternoon Tea with a full bar, sandwiches, pastries and tea.
Local musical artists, parlor games and if course, Steampunk theme through out the entire shop and cafe.
A great place to come for a drink or just to relax!
There is nothing like it anywhere in Iceland!
8. Wild West Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Welcome to Wild West Tours, where we bring your dream adventure to life. We specialize in tailor-made adventures to Iceland, from the west to the south. Flexibility is a key factor in our operation. Our broad spectrum of organizing tours ranges from a quiet private tour in the summertime to an extreme winter super-jeep tour with ATV quad biking and ice-climbing near an amazing waterfall. Feel free to contact us or check out our website where you can take a look at our toots and book an adventurous trip with the Wild West Tours Family.
Reviewed By ScotlivingintheUS - Midlothian va
We did a private off road tour with snow mobiling and loved it all. The weather wasn't as kind as we would have hoped, but it didn't spoil our day and added some excitement to it! Alf was very informative, had lots of tales to...MoreHi and thank you for your review. Alf is very kind and knowledgeable person and we are glad to hear that you experienced that. If its anything just contact us :) On behalf of Wild West Tours. Guðmundur Böðvar Owner, son and project manager.
9. AT Iceland
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
AT Iceland specialists in Day tours, group travel, incentive groups, and individual guests. We also make tailor made tours that fit your needs at all time. Our coaches are well equipped with all the modern amenities to make sure you travel in comfort while visiting the Land of Ice fire and water. We provide wide range coach sizes for a small party to larger groups. Our main objectives is to enjoy what we do and do what we enjoy
Reviewed By erna268 - Reykjavik, Iceland
Last October, I had an occasion to need a bus for a group of friends travelling from Akranes to Reykjavik after, shall we say, a happy evenings entertainment.
What this entailed was transporting a group of people in different stages of jolly in ghoulish costumes with patience and care and AT Iceland not only gave me a great deal, but showed professionalism and everything was as perfect as I could hope for.
I highly recommend them, both for fully fulfilling their end of the deal, but also for doing it with a smile and graciousness .
10. Western Voyage Tours
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