Akranes Folk Museum opened the doors to a new and renovated exhibition in the spring of 2021 and was the exhibition nominated for the Icelandic Museum Awards 2022.

The exhibition discovers everyday life in Akranes and Hvalfjarðarsveit and the development from a farmers and fishing village in the 17th century to a modern day society in the 21st century. The exhibition has four themes that explore life at sea, life on land, life at work and life at play. Guests are introduced to people that put their mark on the society and hear stories from their adventures.

The permanent exhibition consists of a historical narrative with artifacts, photographs and an audio guide that leads the guests through the space in Icelandic and English.

Ten ideas for recreation in Akranes and nearby:

1. Relax in Guðlaug, a natural pool by Langisandur shore in Akranes.
2. Check out Akranes lighthouses and their beautiful surroundings.  They are two, built in 1918 and 1947. The more recent one is open for tourists.
3. Hike up Mt Akrafjall, you won’t be disappointed by the view up there.
4. Visit the War and Peace Museum and learn  about the Hvalfjörður fjord important role during the second World War II.
5. Take a tour to Botnsdalur in Hvalfjörður and hike up to Glymur, the highest waterfall in Iceland (198 m).
6. Visit the recent Hvammsvík Hot Springs on the south side of Hvalfjörður.
7. Visit  the Agricultural Museum of Iceland in Hvanneyri and Ullarselið  (Whool-shop) there and learn about the history of agriculture in Iceland. Lot of old tractors on display.
8. Get to know the Icelandic goat, which is a unique breed, and its products at the goat farm in Háafell in Borgarfjörður.
9. Visit the Icelandic Settlement Centre in Borgarnes and learn about the history of the settlement of Iceland as well as the warrior and poet Egill Skallagrímsson.
10. Soak in the Krauma Spa by Deildartunguhver in Borgarfjörður, the most powerful spring in Europe.

For further information and ideas go to www.west.is