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Iceland is renowned for its picturesque and historic little villages and towns, many found nestled against fjords and majestic mountains. But Fáskrúðsfjörður definitely stands out from the crowd.
If you’d like to take a few snapshots of a beautiful town while immersing yourself in its unique heritage, Fáskrúðsfjörður is the place to go. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about this incredible town and why it deserves a spot on your trip itinerary.
Fáskrúðsfjörður: A Brief Introduction
Fáskrúðsfjörður (formely known as Búðir or Búðakauptún) is one of these little towns in Iceland that can be found nestled between a mountain range and a breathtaking fjord. The town is located in East Iceland, was founded in 1880, and has a population of about 700 permanent residents today (we weren’t kidding when we said it’s small).
But because of its incredible beauty and interesting history, it sees thousands of visitors from all over the world walking its streets each year. Its unique history is also why the town is sometimes referred to as “the French town in Iceland”, and you’ll find that all the street signs are in both French and Icelandic.
The History of Fáskrúðsfjörður
The history of Fáskrúðsfjörður is unlike any other you’d find here in Iceland. The town was established by French fishermen (mostly from Brittany and Normandy) who used the little fishing village as the hub of their cod fishing operations. As time passed, this little town with its rich cod waters became vital to those in France, especially towns like Dunkerque. And before you knew it, Fáskrúðsfjörður had become a full-fledged prominent trading post.
The town slowly started to expand to support the French sailors. This included an infirmary and chapel (built in 1896), a French hospital and mortuary (built in 1904), and the doctor’s house (built in 1907). But the beautiful Fáskrúðsfjörður and the thriving cod industry came at an extreme cost – it’s estimated that about 400 ships and 5000 sailors perished and lost their lives throughout this time.
However, the settlement still proved invaluable, not just because of the fishing but also because of the cultural exchanges and relationships built between the French and the Icelanders. Unfortunately, the First World War marked the thriving little French Town’s demise. As men were called back to defend their country, Fáskrúðsfjörður started to fall into disrepair, and eventually, some parts, such as the hospital, were literally left to decay for almost 60 years.
By 1935, the Fáskrúðsfjörður, as it was first established, was no more. Although Icelanders slowly started to move in and rebuild and repair the town over time, they still acknowledged the town’s French heritage and many remnants can still be found in and around the town today.
These remnants include the French street names, the graveyard, Le Cimetiere Francais, found just outside of town where 46 French sailors lie buried, memorials, and the revamped hospital in 2014 that’s received a new lease on life in the form of the Fosshotel Eastfjords (with a French-inspired restaurant) and the French Museum. During the renovation process, meticulous care was taken to preserve the building's original features: The timber frame, the original window and door frames and the building's exterior facade, with its distinctive wooden cladding, was restored to its original appearance.
The latter apparently also has a few remaining French guests in the form of French sailors who have drowned and are now simply too content to move on (well, who would if you could live in such newly refurbished luxury?!). Another way Icelanders show homage to the town’s French heritage is with a celebration along with the town “next door” of Fáskrúðsfjörður, Gravelines in France. This celebration of these twinned towns, occurs on the last weekend of July each year and is characterized by street parties and events consisting of all things French (including delicious French cuisine!)
Things to See and Do in Fáskrúðsfjörður
There are quite a few interesting things to see and do in Fáskrúðsfjörður. These include:
- Visiting the French Museum and learning everything there is to know about the town’s French connection.
- Let your children loose at Fjöskyldugardurinn a Fáskrúðsfjirdi, a playground so fun with its different slides, swings, rides, and bouncy castles that even you will be tempted to give it a go.
- Play a game of basketball on the Fáskrúðsfjörður basketball courts with such spectacular views that you might forget to focus on the ball.
- Have a swim at Sundlaugar, Fáskrúðsfjörður’s indoor swimming complex with a 12.5-meter long pool as well as a hot tub.
- Check out the Monument of Dr. Jean Charcot. This memorial of the famous scientist and polar explorer can be found next to the Doctor’s house in Fáskrúðsfjörður.
- Visit Le Cimetiere Francais, the French sailor cemetery. This historic site might just leave you envious of the dead. The cemetery is located in the most tranquil and peaceful setting with views to die for.
- Check out the Memorial Stand of Bergur Hallgrimsson, a prominent businessman in the community and one of Iceland’s most famous fisheries operators and Herring processors.
- Visit the quaint vicarage of Kolfreyjustadur. This is a beautiful building dating back to 1878 with incredible artifacts inside. This is truly a must for any architectural enthusiast or history buff.
- Northern Lights Viewing: The Eastfjords, with spots like Fáskrúðsfjörður, offer spectacular Northern Lights displays, especially during winter’s longer nights. This remote region, with minimal light pollution and vast, open skies, creates an ideal setting for catching the magical colors of the aurora dancing overhead.
- Enjoy views of Skrudur Island (an island off Fáskrúðsfjörður). The island, with its bright green vegetation and high cliffs, is a place of legend, about a troll that stole the priest at Kolfreyjustadur’s daughter and made her his wife.
- Spot a Puffin. During the Puffin breeding season (May to August), you’ll be able to spot Puffins on Skrudur Island as well as along the shore and in the waters of the fjord. You can also spot guillemots and fulmars in the area.
Where to Stay in Fáskrúðsfjörður
You will find accommodation to suit every preference and budget here in Fáskrúðsfjörður. This includes a more luxurious stay at Fosshotel Eastfjords located in historic buildings formerly made for French fishermen while keeping some French vintage interiors, a comfortable yet affordable stay at Guesthouse Elinar Helgu, or the most cost-effective option – camping at Fáskrúðsfjörður Campsite.
Where to Eat in Fáskrúðsfjörður
When it comes to dining in Fáskrúðsfjörður, we recommend three local spots:
- Söluskalinn Loppa - an affordable option with classic favorites such as pizzas and hot dogs.
- Café Sumarlina – this establishment might be slightly more pricey than Söluskalinn, but the menu gives you a bit more variety – everything from fish soups and burgers to lamb and cake.
- L’abri – the famous French-infused restaurant of Fáskrúðsfjörður. This is the most expensive option of our three recommendations, but is an absolute must because of the history surrounding the place, the views, and their seafood and meats make for the perfect special dinner.
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When is the Best Time to Visit Fáskrúðsfjörður?
Fáskrúðsfjörður is open to the public all year round. That being said, many prefer the warmer months, especially summer, to explore Fáskrúðsfjörður. This is simply because the weather is nice and mild for strolling along the picturesque streets and the bay, and the abundance of birdlife is any avid birdwatcher’s dream.
Another thing to consider is whether you would like to experience the French Day festival. Because if that’s the case, you’ll need to ensure that you’re there during the last weekend of July.
How to Get to Fáskrúðsfjörður in Iceland
Since Fáskrúðsfjörður is 655 kilometers from the capital city of Reykjavik (that’s roughly an 8.5-hour drive), we highly recommend that you make it a stop along a Ring Road road trip.
To do so, you just need to head on out on Road 1 (the Ring Road) from Reykjavik in the direction of East Iceland. We recommend driving counter-clockwise via Selfoss and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, as the clockwise route will take slightly longer.
Other Things to See and Do Near Fáskrúðsfjörður
There are a few other interesting things to see and do near Fáskrúðsfjörður that you can also add to your trip itinerary:
- Hike Sandfell Mountain. This beautiful trail starts near Stora-Sandfell Farm, leads you up the mountain, 1157 meters high, and provides breathtaking views over the landscape.
- Gilsarfoss Waterfall is only 7 meters tall, which is very small compared to some of our other famous waterfalls. But you can get quite close to the waterfall, and it’s in such a picturesque setting that it looks like it jumped right out of a fairy tale.
- Vattarnesviti Lighthouse. This orange lighthouse between Reydarfjördur and Fáskrúðsfjörður was built in 1957 and looks like a giant version of a Rook chess piece. Definitely a must-visit for lighthouse enthusiasts and those who can appreciate architecture.
Villages Near Fáskrúðsfjörður
Would you like to explore a few more Eastfjords villages and towns while in the area? Then these should be on your radar:
- Reyðarfjörður – a slightly larger town with a population of over 1300, situated along the longest fjords in East Iceland.
- Eskifjörður – a port and town of just over 1000 permanent residents, with quaint little buildings and breathtaking surroundings.
- Borgarfjörður Eystri – this little town takes the term “little” to the next level and boasts a mere 100 permanent residents where it sits along a short, yet wide fjord of the same name.
Road Trip to Fáskrúðsfjörður
You have more than enough info in this article to plan out a killer couple of days in Fáskrúðsfjörður and its surroundings. And with it so easily reachable via the Ring Road, a road trip is just what the doctor ordered. So, use this article as a guide, plan your trip itinerary, rent a car in Iceland, and head out on the ultimate little French adventure here in Iceland.
