WELCOME TO AKRANES
Akranes is an established town where the old and the new blend together in a unique way. The history of Akranes goes back to the settlement days when two Irish brothers, Þormóður and Ketill Bresason settled the land at Akranes south and west of Mt. Akrafell. The western part of the headland is called ‘Skagi’ or ‘Skípaskagi’ from which the name ‘Skagamaður’ is derived – a nickname for the people of Akranes.
The Bishop of Skálholt, Brynjólfur Sveinsson, began fishing from Akranes in 1650 and it has been a fishing town ever since. Akranes was officially declared a trading post in 1864. There is long tradition of trading amongst the people of Akranes. Today the town has developed into an industrial, commercial and fishing centre, providing a good source of employment for the area with the new heavy metal industry at Grundartangi boosting employment opportunities immensely.
The people of Akranes are renowned sports enthusiasts, outdoor activists and vibrantly social. Akranes is home to many a well-known football, golf, swimming and athletic star for this very reason . The town was officially given its commercial town status in 1942 and today it is the 9th biggest parish in the country with a population of 5400.
Akranes is an established town where the old and the new blend together in a unique way. The history of Akranes goes back to the settlement days when two Irish brothers, Þormóður and Ketill Bresason settled the land at Akranes south and west of Mt. Akrafell. The western part of the headland is called ‘Skagi’ or ‘Skípaskagi’ from which the name ‘Skagamaður’ is derived – a nickname for the people of Akranes.
The Bishop of Skálholt, Brynjólfur Sveinsson, began fishing from Akranes in 1650 and it has been a fishing town ever since. Akranes was officially declared a trading post in 1864. There is long tradition of trading amongst the people of Akranes. Today the town has developed into an industrial, commercial and fishing centre, providing a good source of employment for the area with the new heavy metal industry at Grundartangi boosting employment opportunities immensely.
The people of Akranes are renowned sports enthusiasts, outdoor activists and vibrantly social. Akranes is home to many a well-known football, golf, swimming and athletic star for this very reason . The town was officially given its commercial town status in 1942 and today it is the 9th biggest parish in the country with a population of 5400.
Headline
xxx