Capital Region

Breið og Akranesviti

About Breið og Akranesviti

Breið and Akranesviti are two historic lighthouses located on the coastline of Akranes in West Iceland. Standing close together, they form one of the most recognizable coastal landmarks in the area and offer a clear visual connection between different periods in Iceland’s maritime history. The older lighthouse, Breið, was constructed in the late 19th century during a time when Iceland relied heavily on coastal navigation for fishing and transport. Its relatively simple design reflects early lighthouse construction in the country, where functionality and visibility were the primary concerns. As maritime activity increased and the need for stronger navigational aids grew, a new lighthouse was built nearby. The newer Akranesviti, completed in the early 20th century, replaced Breið as the main guiding light for ships. Larger and more modern in design, it provided improved visibility and safety for vessels navigating the surrounding waters of Faxaflói bay. Unlike many older lighthouses that were demolished after being replaced, Breið was preserved, allowing both structures to remain as part of the landscape. Today, the site is popular with visitors for its scenic coastal views, photography opportunities, and historical significance. The newer lighthouse is occasionally open to the public, offering panoramic views over the ocean and surrounding coastline. Together, Breið and Akranesviti represent the evolution of maritime safety in Iceland and the enduring importance of the sea in the country’s history and identity.

🐉 Twin lighthouses on the coast of Akranes, representing two eras of Iceland’s maritime navigation history.

On the shoreline of Akranes, the two lighthouses Breið and Akranesviti stand side by side, facing the open waters of Faxaflói. The older lighthouse, Breið, was built in the late 19th century to guide fishermen and ships safely along the coast. As maritime activity increased, a stronger and more visible beacon became necessary. In the early 20th century, Akranesviti was constructed nearby, taking over as the primary lighthouse. Rather than removing the original structure, both towers were preserved, creating a unique coastal landmark. Today, visitors can walk between the two and experience the contrast between past and present, where each lighthouse tells part of the story of Iceland’s relationship with the sea.

📖 History of Breið og Akranesviti

The lighthouse Breið was built in the late 19th century as one of Iceland’s early navigational aids. In the early 20th century, the larger Akranesviti was constructed to improve maritime safety in the region and eventually replaced Breið as the main operational lighthouse. Both structures were preserved, and today they stand together as an important historical site reflecting the development of lighthouse technology and coastal navigation in Iceland.