Arnarnes is the headland between Skutulsfiord and Alftafjordur, which are among the southern extensions of the large Isafiord Bay.  The Arnardalur Valley splits the headland toward south and one of the largest family houses of the country is named after it.

According the Foster Brother Saga, the saga hero and poet, Thormodur Bersason, visited the farm Lower-Arnardalur and became amorous with the daughter of the house, Kolbrun.  He composed a poem for her and consequently received the nickname “The Kolbrun Poet”.

The first road tunnel of the country was built on the headland in 1949.  It is only 30 m long.