Discover Skagaströnd: trails, history and harbor

Skagaströnd offers several ways to shape your stay: walking trails at Spákonufellshöfði, the historic house Árnes, an exhibition about Þórdís, and the harbor and its fishing industry. If you’re looking for a hotel in Skagaströnd, first consider what interests you most locally: nature and activity, local history, art, or life at the harbor.

Marked Trails and Nature

Spákonufellshöfði lies at the seaward edge of Skagaströnd’s built-up area. There are several marked walking trails there; most are short and easy to walk. Signs along the marked trails provide information about birds and plants. This combines exercise with nature topics that you can learn about along the way through the signage.

The mountain Spákonufell is 646 meters high and is a prominent, clearly visible landmark from Skagaströnd. Marked hiking trails lead up the mountain from above the town. This distinguishes these routes from the walking trails at Spákonufellshöfði: here, the focus is on short, mostly easy walking trails, while there are marked routes up the mountain there.

Another option is Jónsstígur, which is about one kilometer long. It leads from the campsite in Skagaströnd through a wooded area. The trails can therefore be distinguished by their described character: walking trails at the seaward edge of town, marked hiking trails on Spákonufell, and a roughly one-kilometer trail through the woods.

Local History and Art

Árnes is the oldest house in Skagaströnd and a vivid example of living conditions in the first half of the 20th century. Its historical significance is therefore tangible: the house represents a particular period and the living conditions of the time.

Spákonuhof has an exhibition about Þórdís, the seeress and the first known resident of Skagaströnd by name. She lived in the second half of the 10th century. Visitors can also have their future told or receive a palm reading there; these offerings may be seasonal. If you’re interested, check in advance whether the option you want is available during your visit.

A monument to Jón Árnason, one of Europe’s most important collectors of folktales, stands at Spákonufellshöfði. It adds to the themes of history and storytelling, which also feature when visiting Árnes and the exhibition about Þórdís.

Those interested in contemporary art can stop by Nes Artist Residency (Nes Listamiðstöð) and see what the artists living there are working on. A visit may depend on current studio activity.

Harbor and Recreation

Fishermen often land their catch from colorful boats in the harbor at Skagaströnd. This regular activity gives the harbor a distinct connection to local working life. Sundlaugin Skagaströnd is a small outdoor swimming pool heated with geothermal energy. If a swim is part of your plans, check the current opening days in advance.

Golf is another local option: Háagerðisvöllur in Skagaströnd is a beautiful 9-hole golf course. Together with the outdoor pool, walking and hiking trails, and cultural sites, it offers a range of options for different interests to consider when planning your trip.

Skagaströnd offers these specific points of interest without requiring you to limit your stay to just one of these themes.

Discover more destinations: Miklibær, Hofsós, Ríp, Hvammstangi, Húnavatn, Svínavatn, Blönduós, Laugarbakki

For the regional travel overview: Northwest Iceland.