What is the population of Faskrudsfjordur?

Faskrudsfjordur has approximately 700 residents.

Why does Faskrudsfjordur have French connections?

From 1880-1914, French fishermen used the fjord as a base for fishing Icelandic waters. Up to 5,000 French sailors visited annually, and their presence still marks the town.

Are the street signs really bilingual?

Yes, street signs in Faskrudsfjordur are in both Icelandic and French, a nod to the town's French history.

How far is Faskrudsfjordur from Reykjavik?

Faskrudsfjordur is about 660 km from Reykjavik (7.5-8 hours driving) via Route 1.

What is the French Museum?

The French Museum (Fransmenn á Íslandi) documents the French fishing era with artifacts, photographs, and accounts of the sailors who lived and died here.

Was there a French hospital here?

Yes, the French built a hospital in 1903 to treat fishermen. It's now the Fosshotel Eastfjords, and visitors can still see the French cemetery nearby.

How do you reach Faskrudsfjordur?

A 5.9 km tunnel connects Faskrudsfjordur to Reydarfjordur, so travel between the towns is fast and safe year-round.

What services does Faskrudsfjordur have?

The town has a hotel (the former French hospital), restaurant, French Museum, swimming pool, and small shops.

Faskrudsfjordur: Iceland's French Town

Name: Faskrudsfjordur, Iceland
Address: IS

Iceland's French town, with bilingual street signs, a museum, and the traces of thousands of French fishermen who once based themselves in this fjord.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Population

~700

Eastfjords • French heritage

Faskrudsfjordur is unusual in Iceland for its French connection. Bilingual street signs in Icelandic and French recall the thousands of French fishermen who used this fjord as their base from 1880-1914. The French Museum tells their story, and the former French hospital now operates as a hotel.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

The French cemetery and former hospital (now a hotel) remain from the era of the French fishermen who lived and died here.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Region

Eastfjords

660 km from Reykjavik

Population

~700

French-Icelandic heritage

Known for

Bilingual signs

Icelandic and French street names

Top Attractions in Faskrudsfjordur

French Museum

History of French fishermen in Iceland

Bilingual Street Signs

Icelandic-French signage through town

French Cemetery

Memorial to fishermen who died here

Fosshotel Eastfjords

Former French hospital, now hotel

Swimming Pool

Geothermal pool with fjord views

Coastal Hiking

Trails along the fjord

How to Get to Faskrudsfjordur

From Egilsstadir: 50 km (45 minutes) via Route 92 and the tunnel from Reydarfjordur.

From Reykjavik: Fly to Egilsstadir (1 hour), then drive. Or 7.5-8 hours by car via Route 1.

Tunnel access: The 5.9 km Faskrudsfjardargong tunnel provides year-round access from Reydarfjordur.

Best Time to Visit Faskrudsfjordur

Summer: Best weather, with the French Museum fully open and easy access to the heritage sites.

Winter: Quieter, hotel remains open. The tunnel ensures year-round access. Northern Lights visible.

Planning help

Faskrudsfjordur FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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