Neskaupstaður has the largest population of any of the towns in the east fjords and is a busy fishing port year-round. Most people are employed in the flourishing fishing industry.
At the Museum of Natural History, one can gain many insights into the flora, fauna and geology of the surrounding area.
To the east of the town, facing the ocean, there is a nature reserve and recreational area. The lower section of it, called Hagi, is the location of the renowned Páskahellir (Easter Cave), which is essentially a rock vault over the shore. Holes left by thick, 10-12-million-year-old tree trunks may be seen inside the vault and there are various folk tales associated with the cave.
The municipality of Neskaupstaður stretches all the way from Gerpir, in the south, to Nípa, between Norðfjörður and Mjóifjörður.
Eyðibyggðir (abandoned settlements), between Eskifjörður and Neskaupstaður, is the hiker´s utopia, and those unable to take long walks can sail there on a cabin cruiser. There are innumerable walking trails through the magnificent landscape of this area, whether over mountain passes, through valleys, or along the seashore. Some of the paths are marked.
Fjarðarferðir offers a variety of tours for groups and individuals, including sightseeing, ocean angling or excursions to the coast where bonfires may be lit and food and drink enjoyed.