History
French Heritage
A long connection to French sailors; note the bilingual signs.
East Iceland
Fáskrúðsfjörður: East Iceland's French Town
East Iceland's French Town, where bilingual street signs recall centuries of French fishing heritage. Visit the restored French Hospital museum and hotel, and hike the trail to Gilsarfoss waterfall.
Theme
French History
Don't miss the French Museum (Franski spítalinn).
Quick Answer
A fjord with a French accent. Fáskrúðsfjörður honors its heritage as a base for the French sailors who fished these waters centuries ago. The bilingual street signs and restored hospital set it apart, against classic Eastfjords scenery.
A museum stop or a walk up the Gilsá?
For French maritime history, start in the village: the museum occupies the Doctor’s House and French Hospital buildings. Visit Austurland traces the connection to Gravelines and the fishing fleets that used Fáskrúðsfjörður as a base until 1935. Check opening hours before making the museum the reason for your detour.
For an outdoor stop, the regional guide locates the Gilsárfoss path on Vattarnesvegur, east of the built-up area, following the Gilsá past several waterfalls. Sandfell is a separate mountain outing approached from the south side of the fjord; do not fold a summit hike into the time allowed for a village stroll.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Access is easy year-round thanks to the tunnel from Reyðarfjörður and the coastal road from Breiðdalsvík.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Museum
Must Visit
The French Hospital museum is the town's centerpiece.
Drive
Scenic Loop
Part of a great ring drive through the Eastfjords.
Nature
Gilsárfoss
Waterfall reached by a short hike from the village outskirts.
Culture
Bilingual Signs
Street signs in both French and Icelandic honor the town's Franco-Icelandic heritage.
Stay
Hotel & Museum
The restored French Hospital doubles as a boutique hotel with museum exhibits.
What to Expect
- Bilingual French-Icelandic street signs that recall centuries of French fishing heritage
- Restored French Hospital and Doctor’s House, part of the town’s French heritage
- Gilsárfoss waterfall accessible via a short hike from the village outskirts
- Tunnel connection to neighboring Reyðarfjörður and the rest of the Eastfjords
- Quiet harbor atmosphere with colorful fishing boats and mountain reflections
- Annual French Days festival in honor of the Franco-Icelandic connection
How to Get to Fáskrúðsfjörður
Driving from Egilsstaðir
Fáskrúðsfjörður is 75km (1 hour) from Egilsstaðir. The easiest route is via Route 92 through Reyðarfjörður, then through the Fáskrúðsfjarðargöng tunnel. You can also approach via the scenic coastal Route 96 from Breiðdalsvík.
Road Conditions
Access is excellent year-round thanks to the modern tunnel from Reyðarfjörður. The coastal road from Breiðdalsvík is scenic but includes some gravel sections. Winter driving is generally manageable. Check road.is for current conditions.
Best Time to Visit Fáskrúðsfjörður
Summer (June-August)
Summer gives more daylight for combining the museum with a walk. Check the museum’s opening hours and any festival dates before arranging your stop.
Shoulder Season (May, Sept)
For an autumn visit, confirm museum hours first and choose an outdoor walk according to the weather. Do not assume summer timetables continue.
Winter (Oct-April)
Town accessible year-round via tunnel. Museum may have limited winter hours. Only 4-5 hours daylight in December. Excellent for northern lights. Low light pollution across the fjord.
Nearby Attractions
French Hospital Museum
French maritime history presented in the restored historic buildings.
Reyðarfjörður
Neighboring fjord town accessible by tunnel, with an excellent WWII museum and regional services.
Stöðvarfjörður & Petra's Stones
Nearby village with a private mineral collection of thousands of colorful rocks and crystals.
Breiðdalsvík
Scenic coastal town to the south, gateway to Breiðdalur valley and outdoor activities.
Egilsstaðir
East Iceland's main hub, 75km away, with shops, the Wilderness Center, and Lagarfljót lake.
Planning help
Fáskrúðsfjörður FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How do you pronounce Fáskrúðsfjörður?
It's pronounced 'FOWS-krooths-fyur-thur.' It's one of Iceland's longer place names and takes practice!
What does Fáskrúðsfjörður mean in English?
Visit Austurland identifies the town as Búðir, commonly called Fáskrúðsfjörður after the fjord. Its French nickname refers to the fishing community’s history, rather than being a literal translation of the Icelandic name.
Is Fáskrúðsfjörður worth visiting?
Yes, especially for the cultural history. The bilingual French-Icelandic street signs, restored French Hospital museum, and the town's Franco-Icelandic heritage set it apart from every other Icelandic town.
How long should I spend at Fáskrúðsfjörður?
2-4 hours is enough for most visitors. This allows time to visit the French Hospital museum, walk the streets with bilingual signs, and perhaps hike to Gilsárfoss waterfall.
Can you drive around Fáskrúðsfjörður?
The village sits at the head of the fjord. You can drive along the coast road or connect via tunnel to Reyðarfjörður. It's part of a great Eastfjords loop drive from Egilsstaðir.
What is Fáskrúðsfjörður famous for?
It's famous for its French heritage from centuries of French fishermen, bilingual French-Icelandic street signs, and the restored French Hospital (now a museum and hotel). Icelanders call it 'the French Town.'
Why is Fáskrúðsfjörður called the French Town?
From the late 19th century until 1935, Fáskrúðsfjörður was a hub for French fishermen off Iceland’s east coast. Visit Austurland connects the town with Gravelines in northern France. The bilingual signs and museum explain this working maritime relationship.
Can you visit the French Hospital at Fáskrúðsfjörður?
Yes, the French Hospital (Franski spítalinn) has been carefully restored and operates as both a museum and boutique hotel. The museum tells the story of French fishermen in Iceland.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.