Skagaströnd, once a trading post run by the Danes with a history dating back into the 16th century and, until the 19th century. It served a huge region stretching west and east. A village started to grow there in the late 19th century, focusing on the fishing industry. Catches by the freezer trawler Arnar are among the highest in Iceland, but numerous smaller boats are also based here and there is a lively fish market. On the other hand, the past few years have seen considerable changes in the business sector. At the biotechnology science hotel BioPol, researchers study marine life in Húnaflói bay, seeking innovative options for utilising ocean resources.
Each year, over a hundred artists spend a residency at Nes, staying there for a month at a time and exercising their creativity in what used to be a fish freezing plant. The Icelandic Directorate of Labour operates a payment office in Skagaströnd for national unemployment benefits. The picturesque campground offers plenty of room for camping vehicles, caravans and tent trailers. The swimming pool is small but enjoyable, and has developed a tradition of offering coffee to people in the hot tub. Built in 1899 and recently restored, Árnes is the village’s oldest building and houses a museum depicting domestic conditions and customs early in the 20th century. The headland Spákonufellshöfði is a popular place for walking, with marked trails and information signs about the birds and plants, while on clear spring and summer evenings the midnight sun can be seen setting over the sea to the north. Towering majestically above the village, Spákonufell mountain also offers a number of marked trails. Brochures on the trails at both Spákonufellshöfði and Spákonufell can be obtained at many places in the village. The Museum of Prophecies holds a historical exhibition about a local fortune–teller, cf. Spákonufell. About four kilometres from Skagaströnd, the local golf club’s nine–hole course is considered scenic and challenging. The main employment is provided by the fisheries, light industry, trade and services, and there is a compulsory school, church, restaurant, coffee house, community centre, health clinic, sports hall and swimming pool.