Skagaströnd

Kálfshamarsvík is a small cove in the northern part of Skagi, with unusual, beautifully formed sea cliffs of columnar rock, created about 2 million years ago. At the beginning of the 20th century, fishing boats plied the waters and there was a small community of about 100 inhabitants at Kálfshamarsvík. However, by around 1940 the village had become deserted.

Spákonufell is an impressive and dignified mountain towering above Skagaströnd and is looked upon as a kind of emblem of the village. It is frequented in all seasons by those who want to indulge in a variety of outdoor activities.

In summer, there is a choice of good walking and hiking trails, and many highly valued places of interest. And when winter lays an icy hold on the slopes, the townspeople change over to cross-country skiing - making their way round and, in some cases, up the mountain. Booklets about walks on and around Spákonufell and Spákonufellshöfði have been published in Icelandic, English and German, and these can be obtained in many places within the town itself, as well as in tourist information bureaux all over the north of Iceland. They also contain excellent photographs, detailed maps and other items of interest and information.

Árnes is the oldest house in Skagaströnd, and the only one of its kind in the area that was considered possible to preserve. It was renovated by the municipality and opened in 2009. Árnes is a unique example of living conditions in the first part of the 20^th century, and is a typical timber dwelling from that period. The house is furnished with items from those bygone days, some from the Skagaströnd Folk Museum, others which have been borrowed and even articles which belonged to the previous owner of the house. Every day, during the summer months, visitors to Árnes can have their fortunes told from cards, tea leaves, coffee cups or have their palms read.

The Skagaströnd Museum of Prophecies. The exhibition focuses on Þórdís the fortune-teller, the first named inhabitant of Skagaströnd, who lived there in the late 10th century. The exhibition features all kinds of interesting information about prophecies and fortune telling. Visitors can have their fortunes told and their palms read on request. Children can examine Þórdís's gold chest, where various interesting things are hidden.

Open: 11.00-17.00,
Closed Mondays
At other times by arrangement.

tel: 861 5089 / 452 2726

Spákonufellshöfði headland is popular among those interested in walking and other outdoor recreations, and is a short way from the harbour in Skagaströnd.

Marked footpaths have been laid out and signboards erected telling the visitor about the area's flora and fauna. On a bright, clear summer evening, one can witness the setting of the midnight sun as it dips to touch the horizon in the north. Indeed, the inhabitants of the area make use of the headland all year round and enjoy all that it has to offer.