Skagaströnd brings together a range of themes for a stay: marked walking trails along the seaward edge of the town, paths up nearby Spákonufell, local history, art, golf and swimming. Fishing is also part of the harbour scene. If you take nature and culture into account alongside specific leisure activities when choosing a destination, the town offers a variety of points of interest.
Walking Trails and Marked Mountain Paths
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 lets you combine a walk with information about these natural features.
Nearby Spákonufell is another landmark: the 646-metre-high mountain stands out and is clearly visible from Skagaströnd. Marked hiking trails lead up the mountain at Spákonufell above the town. Another route is Jónsstígur, about one kilometre long, which runs from the campsite in Skagaströnd through a wooded area. These differences can help you choose: most trails at Spákonufellshöfði are short and easy to walk, the hiking trails at Spákonufell climb uphill, and Jónsstígur runs through woodland.
Local History, Þórdís and Contemporary Art
At Spákonuhof in Skagaströnd, there is an exhibition about Þórdís, a seeress and the first named resident of Skagaströnd. She lived in the second half of the 10th century. Visitors can also have their fortunes told or receive a palm reading there; these offerings may be seasonal.
Árnes is the oldest house in Skagaströnd and a vivid example of living conditions in the first half of the 20th century. It offers a different historical focus from the exhibition about Þórdís: here, the subject is life in a later period, while the exhibition focuses on a resident of the 10th century. There is also a monument at Spákonufellshöfði to Jón Árnason, one of Europe’s most important collectors of folktales.
Nes Artist Residency (Nes Listamiðstöð) offers a contemporary perspective. Whether you can drop in may depend on studio activity; if a visit is possible, visitors can see what the resident artists are working on. The range of themes thus extends from local history to the artists’ work at the residency.
Golf, Outdoor Pool and Harbour
Háagerðisvöllur in Skagaströnd is a lovely 9-hole golf course. Sundlaugin Skagaströnd is a small outdoor pool heated with geothermal energy. Both add more leisure options to the trails and cultural attractions. In Skagaströnd’s harbour, fishermen often bring in their catch from colourful boats. This is another local facet alongside the marked walking and hiking trails.
If you are looking for hotels in Skagaströnd, the focus of your stay can help you decide: do you mainly want to explore marked trails, learn about the historical themes, or enjoy a range of leisure activities?
Discover more destinations: Svínavatn, Varmahlíð, Hvammstangi, Undirfell, Laugarbakki, Miklibær, Vidhidalstunga, Hólar
Go to the regional travel overview: Norðurland Vestra.
