The 1,095-metre (3,593 ft) tall mountain Sætertinden is located northwest of the village of Sandtorg, along the border with Tjeldsund Municipality.

This location became more important in the late 18th century when pilot services were added for foreign and local ships.

The trading post continued to be a focal point of Sandtorg until 1945 when the Norwegian Army's communication services took over the facilities after the German occupation (1940–1945).

Today, the Sandtorgholmen trading post features a hotel with a harbor restaurant and meeting facilities.

During his 20 years as mayor after World War II, boat building factories at Rødskjæret were added, lighted ski tracks, and a community cultural house was built.