In the years 1943-1944, a concrete lighthouse was built on Breiðinn according to the drawings of Axel Sveinsson, an engineer, and it was put into use in 1947. The lighthouse is 22.7 meters high with a cylindrical conical tower shape where there is a 3.5 meter high Swedish light house on a concrete basic. The light house had a 500 millimeter lens and initially a gas lamp for lighting, but the lighthouse was then electrified in 1956 and had gas as a backup until 1995. The light height of the lighthouse is 24 meters above sea level and the sight distance is 15 nautical miles. The lighthouse stands on a vertical plinth, octagonal on the outside but cylindrical on the inside. A retaining wall extends from each corner of the plinth. The lighthouse has four concrete mezzanine floors and stairs between floors. The Akranes lighthouse is a lighthouse owned and managed by the Icelandic Maritime Administration.
In March 2012, Akranesviti was opened to the public for the first time, but at that time only lighthouse keepers had access to the lighthouse. It was Hilmar Sigvaldason's idea to open the lighthouse and make it an interesting destination for tourists. Akranesviti has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in Akranes. The lighthouse, which is regularly open, is used for art exhibitions and concerts, as the acoustics in the lighthouse are unique. The view from the top of the lighthouse is magnificent, a mountain view from the Reykjaness Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull. From March 2012 to March 2017, more than 38 thousand people have visited Akranesvita from all over the world.
Source: akranes.is