Akranes, Iceland 🇮🇸
#1546
,
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Akranes is a coastal town located in western Iceland, known for its scenic landscapes and maritime activities. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 7,600 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Icelandic Króna (ISK), where 1 EUR ≈ 150 ISK. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, sourced from the surrounding nature. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Siminn and Vodafone are the main mobile providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Kaupthing, Íslandsbanki, and Arion Bank are popular among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options including Airbnb, guesthouses, and local rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals can be found, with prices ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 ISK per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Akranes offers dormitory beds starting at around 6,000 ISK per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area is popular for its views and accessibility to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Residential neighborhoods near the town center, providing quiet and access to amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Akranes, offering flexible desks and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Dreyra, known for its strong Wi-Fi and relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local entrepreneurs at the Cultural Center. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Akranes Expat Community on Facebook connects newcomers with local events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi Akranes, local taxi service available for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental options available at Akranes Bike Shop, with rates around 3,000 ISK per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Grey Sand Beach, a relaxation spot just 10 minutes from the town center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Iceland Connect offers regional flights to other parts of Iceland. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Icelandair, with connections to several international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route 1 (Ring Road) connects Akranes to the rest of the country. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Akranes does not have a train station; buses connect it to Reykjavik. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single fare is around 1,500 ISK; monthly passes available for regular travelers. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services operated by Strætó connect Akranes to larger cities like Reykjavik. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Akranes Health Center provides primary healthcare and emergency services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Reykjavik Wellness offers online classes catering to residents in Akranes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Landsbókasafn Akranes has fitness facilities available to members. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromat Þvottahúsið is available in the town center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Gottbiti delivers a variety of local dining options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Plokkfiskur, a traditional fish stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Pizzan offers excellent vegetarian choices including vegan pizzas. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Skyrfabrikkan specializes in Icelandic skyr desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Akranes Food Market offers local products at competitive prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Keep an eye on local e-commerce platforms like Elko for electronics. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Krónan offers grocery delivery services throughout Akranes. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars like Kjarni offer a relaxed atmosphere for locals and expats alike. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Akranes Microbrewery produces a range of local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vínberið offers a selection of international wines in a cozy setting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food can be found at various pop-up events during the summer. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Dine at Bistró Akranes for a mix of international and local dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Akranes Lighthouse and the local museum showcasing the town's history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Akraneskirkja church features impressive architecture and community events. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Harbour area offers a glimpse into the town's fishing history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Akraneskirkja is the main church and a significant landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Akranes Culture Festival held annually in July features arts and crafts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town center preserves historical architecture and local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural Center Akranes hosts theater performances and exhibitions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Farmers' market during summer showcases local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local musicians perform regularly at venues like Café Dreyra. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out the murals along the harbor area reflecting local history. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes focusing on traditional Icelandic cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Landsbókasafn Akranes displays local art and photography. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old whaling station is a notable historic site worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The annual Akranes Knattleikur (paddle game) reenacts historical traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Akrafjall offers hiking trails and stunning panoramic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Snæfellsjökull National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths provide scenic views perfect for walking or cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Akranes Lighthouse area offers breathtaking views of the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby wetlands are a haven for various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at nearby beaches allow for bonfires during summer. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Posturinn is the main postal service providing parcel delivery in Akranes. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops such as GSM Akranes cater to tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community Gym has a multipurpose area for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local cultural institutes offer Icelandic language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Akranes Library is a quiet space for study with free Wi-Fi. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Félagsheimilið is a cultural center hosting various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes occasionally host gaming nights for enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos present in Akranes; however, Reykjavik has several options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 350,000 ISK per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 14,000,000 ISK) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 300,000 ISK per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 12,000,000 ISK) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 330,000 ISK per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 19,800,000 ISK) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 280,000 ISK per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 16,800,000 ISK) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 310,000 ISK per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 24,800,000 ISK) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 260,000 ISK per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 20,800,000 ISK) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 46.24% maximum income tax rate for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 24%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Iceland has regulations governing foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% tax on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives, but reasonable tax rates for businesses. |