Akranes (Icelandic pronunciation:[ˈaːkraˌnɛːs]ⓘ) is a port town and municipality on the west coast ofIceland, around 50 km (31 mi) north of the capitalReykjavík.
The area where Akranes is located was settled in the 9th century; however, it did not receive a municipal charter until 1942.
Akranes was settled in the 9th century by the brothers Þormóður and Ketill, sons of Bresi, who came fromIreland. The town started to form in the mid-17th century as a fishing village. In 1942, it was formally chartered, and in the following years it had the biggest surge in population in its history.
Industry has been a big and growing employer: a cement plant has been operated in the town since the 1950s, and analuminium smelting plant has been in operation near the town since 1998.
The fishing industry remains the town's most important source of employment. Akranes also acts as a service center for the large rural region surrounding it.
The town is expected to grow in the coming years because of an increase in industrial activity and improvements in transportation to theReykjavík area. The 5.77 km-long (3.59 mi)Hvalfjörður Tunnel, opened in 1998, is one of the world's longest underwater roadtunnels.
