Fáskrúðsfjörður Village – Former French Town Of Iceland

Basic Information

Fáskrúðsfjörður village may leave you surprised with all the street signs that are written in French. Located in the middle of the Eastfjords of Iceland, Fáskrúðsfjörður has a strong historical connection to France. This village became a trading post in 1880 and later in the 19^th century, it became the main hub for French fishermen working at Iceland’s East Coast. Known for its French heritage, Fáskrúðsfjörður has also a connection to its counterpart, Gravelines, the place from where most seafarers sailed. You will find a graveyard outside this town which is a burial place of French and Belgian sailors. Formerly known as Búðir, Fáskrúðsfjörður gets its name from an island near the fjord called Skrúður. Fáskrúðsfjörður fjord is in between the Vattarnes and Hafnarnes peninsula. At the bottom of the fjord, you will find a valley with scenic artistic woodlands, commonly birch.

History and Culture of Fáskrúðsfjörður

Fáskrúðsfjörður town’s hub is the former French hospital that was built in 1903. This town hub is now a beautifully restored hotel and restaurant at present. This hotel has an award-winning museum that portrays the French seafaring life in East Iceland. There is also a tunnel that connects Fáskrúðsfjörður and Reyðarfjörður towns though the longer coastal route that goes through Road 955 provides scenic views that are highly recommended. You will get a view of the island of Skrúður that is home to puffins and gannets in summer. The island is surrounded by tall cliffs that are not easily accessible. This island is home to a sizeable cave that was seldom used by sailors seeking shelter. The French developed a consul and a chapel during the town’s glory days. French games like Pétanque are still played during the French Days summer festival. To commemorate the historical and cultural connections with France, the French Independence Day on July 14 is celebrated as a Flag Day in Fáskrúðsfjörður.

Around Fáskrúðsfjörður, you can find beautiful walking trails that go in between the avalanche defense structures that provide a stunning view of the fjord and the mountains. You must check out the path that leads to Gilsá waterfall where you can enjoy walking on black sand or go fishing in the Dalsá river. You can get to view many beautiful attractions near this village. Don’t forget to visit the other beautiful villages along the Eastfjords of Iceland. Reyðarfjörður, Eskifjörður, Seyðisfjörður and Borgarfjörður Eystri are few of the most beatufiul villages to visit. Borgarfjörður Eystri, known as a hidden treasure of East Iceland, is located at a distance of 118.2 kilometers from this town. Borgarfjörður Eystri includes the most populated elfin settlements in Iceland and a numerous variety of hiking routes. This hamlet is located at a splendid location that is surrounded by rugged rhyolite peaks on one side and the Dyrfjöll Mountains on the other.

How to Reach Fáskrúðsfjörður Village?

Situated at a distance of 655 kilometers from Reykjavík, the capital city of Iceland, Fáskrúðsfjörður can be accessed easily. You can reach this town by renting a car and self driving around the whole country. Head on to the Ring Road (Road 1) and drive towards East Iceland. It doesn’t matter if you choose to drive up north first, or along the south coast first. If you chose to drive counter clockwise, you will reach the town of Fáskrúðsfjörður after crossing Stöðvarfjörður. If you chose the outher route, you will reach Fáskrúðsfjörður after crossing Reyðarfjörður.