Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/skagastrond

Content updated: 2026-09-10

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# Skagastrond: Fishing Village and Folklore

A fishing village on Hunafloi Bay with the Museum of Prophecies and a restored timber home showing everyday life in the early twentieth century.

Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org](<https://www.iceland.org/about-us>) · [Writing & review](<https://www.iceland.org/editorial-policy#credits>)

Population

~480

Northwest Iceland • Harbor and folklore

## Quick Answer

Skagastrond is a fishing village on Hunafloi Bay. Spakonuhof explores the stories of Thordis the Prophetess, while Arnes preserves an early twentieth-century domestic setting.

Skagastrond sits on Hunafloi Bay, with an active harbor and a small cluster of historic buildings. The village also has the Museum of Prophecies, a small museum of Icelandic folklore dedicated to a medieval seeress who lived here.

Sources and page update

Updated: 2026-09-10

Confirm museum visits separately from a walk around the harbor and historic buildings.

For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.

Official sources to check

- [Museum of Prophecies](<https://www.spakona.is/>)
- [Visit Northwest](<https://www.northwest.is/>)
- [Visit Iceland](<https://www.visiticeland.com/>)
- [Road.is](<https://www.road.is/>)
- [Icelandic Meteorological Office](<https://en.vedur.is/>)

Region

Northwest Iceland

270 km from Reykjavik

Population

~480

Fishing village on Hunafloi Bay

Known for

Local heritage

Spakonuhof and Arnes

## Top Attractions in Skagastrond

### Arnes House Museum

1899 timber home with historic furnishings

### Museum of Prophecies

Icelandic folklore and seeress history

### Fishing Harbor

Active port with fresh catch

### Coastal Birdwatching

Seabirds and migratory species

### Swimming Pool

Geothermal pool for après-surf

### Arctic Coast Way

Part of the scenic coastal route

## How to Get to Skagastrond

**From Blonduos:** 30 minutes via Route 74 east along the coast.

**From Reykjavik:** 3 hours via Route 1 to Blonduos, then Route 74 to Skagastrond.

**Arctic Coast Way:** Skagastrond is a stop on this scenic route, connecting to Siglufjordur and beyond.

## Best Time to Visit Skagastrond

**Summer (June-August):** Longer daylight for the harbor and coastal walks; confirm museum openings for your date.

**Year-round:** Current year-round museum opening hours have not been confirmed. Arrange indoor visits in advance outside the main visitor season.

## Two different ways into local history

[Spakonuhof](<https://www.skagastrond.is/is/um-skagastrond/spakonuarfur>) centers on Thordis, a figure in the Icelandic sagas associated with prophecy. The municipality describes a sequence of 20 watercolor scenes with text, a recording of a play, and story puzzles for children. Treat the divination displays as part of folklore and cultural history, rather than evidence that predictions come true.

[Arnes](<https://www.skagastrond.is/is/thjonusta/arnes-safn>) offers a smaller, domestic story. Built in 1899, the timber house retains much of its original interior and is furnished to evoke an early twentieth-century home. Nearby Bjarmanes, built in 1912, was a shop and schoolhouse. These buildings give a town walk a clear focus even if an interior visit is unavailable; current museum hours and prices were not established by this source check.

Planning help

## Skagastrond FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

**What is the population of Skagastrond?**

Skagastrond has approximately 480 residents. It is a small fishing village on the eastern shore of Hunafloi Bay.

**What can I see at Arnes?**

Arnes is an 1899 timber house restored to show a home from the early twentieth century. Its largely original interior gives a different perspective from the folklore displays at Spakonuhof.

**What is the Museum of Prophecies?**

Spákonuhof (Museum of Prophecies) is dedicated to Thordis the Prophetess, a medieval seeress who lived in Skagastrond. The museum explores Icelandic folklore and divination traditions.

**How far is Skagastrond from Reykjavik?**

Skagastrond is about 270 km from Reykjavik, approximately 3 hours by car via Route 1 and Route 74.

**Is Skagastrond a fishing village?**

Yes, Skagastrond has been a fishing community for centuries. The harbor remains active, and fresh fish is available locally.

**Is Skagastrond near Arctic Henge?**

Arctic Henge is located in Raufarhofn, far to the northeast. However, Skagastrond is on the Arctic Coast Way route that leads to it.

**What services does Skagastrond have?**

Skagastrond has a small supermarket, gas station, guesthouses, the museum, and a swimming pool. More services are available in Blonduos (30 km).

**Is there birdwatching near Skagastrond?**

Yes, the coastal areas around Skagastrond are good for birdwatching, particularly for seabirds and migratory species in summer.

[Back to Cities & Towns](<https://www.iceland.org/cities>)

For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics](<https://www.iceland.org/statistics>).
