The town is located in a fertile region amid pleasant surroundings with the snow-capped Mt. Hekla rearing above the horizon. It is a young community whose development began in 1930 when a large cooperative store was opened there.
Main occupation is farming and related industries.
The town has good facilities for travellers in all seasons. Available services include a hotel, bus terminal, campsite, restaurants, a swimming pool, golf course and horse rental agencies. There is a regular air link to the Westman Islands by small planes, flying time approx.