Hostel Akranes
The Akranes Hostel is situated in an old and respectable house which used to be the town’s pharmacy. It is located downtown, close to the town square. The rooms are comfortable and nicely furnished, with or without en-suite facilities. Our guests have access to two fully equipped kitchens and a spacious lounge.
The history of Akranes goes all the way back to the Age of Settlement when Irish people of Norwegian descent settled here around 880. For the last few hundred years, the main industry in Akranes has been fishing, but for the few last decades trade and service has grown considerably. In Akranes you will find a thriving sports– and cultural life as well as interesting museums, such as the most comprehensive collection of Icelandic rocks, minerals and interesting fossils, the Icelandic sport museum and Akranes folk museum to name a few.
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers should find numerous things of interest. The westernmost part of Akranes, called Breiðin, with things reminiscent of the history of fishing in the area, reveals huge breaker waves in windy weather. The closeness to the sea attracts a lot of different kinds of birds. Mt Akrafjall may be accessed by car and offers interesting climbs, and Langisandur beach is close at hand. Magnificent views may be enjoyed over Faxaflói bay, the adjacent mountains and the surrounding areas. North of Akrafjall is Grunnafjordur. Grunnafjordur is one of three wetland habitats in Iceland that are a part of the international Ramsar agreement. The agreement was originally made in an effort to protect and utilize exceptional ecosystems particularly with stocks of ducks, geese and other wetland species in mind.
Akranes has a diverse and friendly community, thriving sports life, and is close to both the capital area and the historically rich areas of West Iceland.
Nearest hostels: Borgarnes 37 km, Reykjavík 50 km
The history of Akranes goes all the way back to the Age of Settlement when Irish people of Norwegian descent settled here around 880. For the last few hundred years, the main industry in Akranes has been fishing, but for the few last decades trade and service has grown considerably. In Akranes you will find a thriving sports– and cultural life as well as interesting museums, such as the most comprehensive collection of Icelandic rocks, minerals and interesting fossils, the Icelandic sport museum and Akranes folk museum to name a few.
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers should find numerous things of interest. The westernmost part of Akranes, called Breiðin, with things reminiscent of the history of fishing in the area, reveals huge breaker waves in windy weather. The closeness to the sea attracts a lot of different kinds of birds. Mt Akrafjall may be accessed by car and offers interesting climbs, and Langisandur beach is close at hand. Magnificent views may be enjoyed over Faxaflói bay, the adjacent mountains and the surrounding areas. North of Akrafjall is Grunnafjordur. Grunnafjordur is one of three wetland habitats in Iceland that are a part of the international Ramsar agreement. The agreement was originally made in an effort to protect and utilize exceptional ecosystems particularly with stocks of ducks, geese and other wetland species in mind.
Akranes has a diverse and friendly community, thriving sports life, and is close to both the capital area and the historically rich areas of West Iceland.
Nearest hostels: Borgarnes 37 km, Reykjavík 50 km
Hostel bed capacity
| Beds per room: | Total beds |
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| Number of rooms: | 4 | 3 | 2 | 25 |
Opening times
| Opening times (daily/weekly): | Reception open 8:00-10:00 and 17:00-22:00. |
| Opening times (over the year): | Open all year round |
Street Map and Route Planning
Directions
| Bus: | Several buses run daily between Akranes and the center of Reykjavík, with a stop-over in Mosfellsbær town. There are also buses between Akranes and Borgarnes. |
| Parking: | Free parking at the hostel |
| Location: | The hostel is situated in 3 minutes walking distance from the old center of Akranes town, called Akratorg, and the shopping street. 5 minutes walk to the harbour. |
Attractions
![]() | Cultural centre nearby | ![]() | Museums/art galleries nearby |
![]() | City centre location | ![]() | Historical sites nearby |
![]() | River/harbour/lake nearby | ![]() | Hiking area |
![]() | Main attractions nearby | ![]() | Swimming pool at or near hostel |
![]() | Nightlife nearby | ![]() | Restaurants nearby |
![]() | Shopping centre/market nearby | ![]() | Leisure facilities nearby |
![]() | Beach at or near hostel | ![]() | Mountainous/hilly area |
![]() | Meet other travellers! Read their tips for things to do in Akranes |
Facilities
| Family rooms available | Sheets for hire | ||
| TV room | Self-catering kitchen | ||
| Groups welcome | Common room(s) | ||
| Internet access | Credit card accepted | ||
| Male only | Female only | ||
| Individual traveller welcome | Luggage Store | ||
| Non smoking room/area | Basic store available at or near the hostel | ||
| Garden | Rates include local tax | ||
| Cycle store at Hostel | BBQ |
Customer Reviews Akranes
| 09 Jun 2013 Ameigh, USA | 100% | |
| Linda was very sweet and enthusiastic! I only stayed for a night on my way back from doing the entire ring road but it was a spacious, clean hostel. Beautiful photographs on the wall and huge common areas and 2 great kitchens. I didn't see much of the town but I feel like it's more a passing thru kind of place. FAB bakery a block down and an amazing restaurant ? Gailiac? The hostel recommended! | ||
| 31 Mar 2013 Meagan, USA | 100% | |
| Magnus, the owner, is very friendly and the hostel is absolutely beautiful. One of our favorite hostels that we stayed in throughout our whole 9 days in Iceland. Akranes is quiet and charming. Highly recommended!! | ||
| 31 Oct 2012 Graham, England & Wales | 93% | |
| Excellent welcome and check in from the staff. Good recommendations for local area too. Rooms comfortable and hostel warm. Well equipped kitchen too. | ||
| 05 Sep 2012 Jonas, Sweden | 100% | |
| Great plase to stay and is close to Reykjavik. Friendly staff and the help if you have questions, thanks! | ||
| 03 Sep 2012 Yibin, Canada | 100% | |
| one of the best hostels i have ever been in Iceland. | ||
| 02 Sep 2012 Christian, Canada | 100% | |
| Very friendly staff. | ||
| 18 Aug 2012 William, England & Wales | 100% | |
| very well run hostel, room was exceptionally clean and comfortable. last night after a memorable trip to iceland | ||
| 12 Aug 2012 Marianne, Germany | 97% | |
| a very beautiful hostel with very friendly staff and a wonderful living-room!!!! | ||
| 11 Aug 2012 Craig, Scotland | 90% | |
| Provision of waste bins in rooms would be a useful addition | ||
| 27 Jul 2012 Jon, Spain | 93% | |
| Very nice hostel. Clean and new. | ||
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