Guide to Akrafjall Mountain

Situated above the low-lying coast of western Iceland, Akrafjall is a sprawling table mountain near Akranes. It’s a favorite of hikers, thanks to its accessible trails, rich birdlife, and sweeping coastal panoramas. From Reykjavík, you can even see the mountain rising across Faxaflói Bay. Whether as a half-day hike or part of a longer road trip, Akrafjall can be a high point of any West Iceland journey.

What Is Akrafjall? 

A striking sight on the Akranes Peninsula, Akrafjall is a broad, steep-sided mountain shaped by Ice Age glaciers. It has a distinct shape, with the Berjadalur (Valley of Berries) cutting into its centre and two principal summits rising on either side.

The taller north summit is Geirmundartindur, Akrafjall’s highest peak at 643 metres (2,110 feet). The second, Háihnúkur, rises to 555 metres (1,820 feet). Despite being lower, this south summit is actually more frequently visited by hikers.

Additionally, Akrafjall is also an important habitat for birdlife. Seabirds such as fulmars and gulls nest in the cliffs during the spring and summer months.

Intrigued by the bird colonies found around Akrafjall? If you’re in Reykjavík, stop by Perlan’s life-sized Látrabjarg Cliff exhibit. The immersive indoor recreation offers a close-up look at some of Iceland’s native seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

The Legend of the Troll’s Mountain

As with many Icelandic attractions, Akrafjall carries a local legend that adds a layer of mystery to the experience.

Local folklore says that the mountain was actually carried to its current location by a giantess named Joka. As the story goes, she was hauling it from southern Iceland when the rising sun caught her. Hit by the first light of day, Joka was turned to stone, leaving the mountain permanently settled on the Akranes Peninsula.

Hiking Akrafjall

There are challenging excursions in Iceland, but hiking Akrafjall is generally considered an approachable option for moderately fit outdoor enthusiasts. However, weather and trail conditions can significantly affect the difficulty.

The most popular starting points are at the foot of the mountain on the Akranes side. Trail options depend on the summit you’re planning to reach: the shorter but steeper route to Háihnúkur or the longer climb to Geirmundartindur. Alternatively, a 10-kilometre (6.2-mile) loop combines both summits.

Embarking on these trails rewards hikers with panoramic views in western Iceland. On a clear day, vistas stretch south towards the Reykjanes Peninsula and west towards the distant ice cap of Snæfellsjökull.

How to Get to Mount Akrafjall

Mount Akrafjall sits approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) north of Reykjavík, so it’s an easy day trip from the capital. Drivers can just travel north via Ring Road and through the Hvalfjörður Tunnel (Hvalfjarðargöng) before continuing on to Akranes.

Instead of setting your GPS simply to “Akrafjall,” head for the Akranes Water Works area. There are two parking areas on opposite sides of the river. Make sure you check your chosen hiking route before setting off to make sure you arrive at the correct one.

What to See Near Akrafjall

There is plenty to see beyond Akrafjall, making a longer journey through western Iceland well worth considering. Several distinctive natural attractions and historic landscapes lie within easy driving distance.

• Hafnarfjall: Located just south of Borgarnes, this rugged mountain range offers another scenic hiking destination with sweeping coastal views.
• Eldborg Crater: A strikingly symmetrical volcanic crater rising from a flat lava field along Route 54.
• Berserkjahraun Lava Field: A moss-covered lava field steeped in Icelandic saga history.
• Bjarnarfoss: A powerful waterfall cascading over basalt cliffs on the southern Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
• Londrangar: Two massive volcanic rock formations rising dramatically above the coast on western Snæfellsnes.