Fáskrúðsfjörður

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fáskrúðsfjörður was one of the main Icelandic fishing stations for the French, and few places in Iceland still display as much evidence of their presence here. Street signs appear in both Icelandic and French and traditional French games like pétanque are still played during the town's French Days summer festival, at the end of July. To commemorate the connections with France, the French Independence Day on July 14 is a Flag Day in Fáskrúðsfjörður.

The French heritage also stands out in actual buildings, which the French left behind. now restored, these play a substantial role in local culture and society, serving as an imposing hotel and a museum dedicated to the history of the French fishermen in Iceland. A number of place names are too associated with the French. Some names recall on the other hand an attack by North African pirates in 1627, the same ones that prayed on the residents in Stöðvarfjörður. 

Above the town, you can find some nice walking trails, going in between the avalanche defence structures, with a fantastic view of the fjord and the mountains. It is also a great idea to check out the path leading up to the waterfall Gilsá, get a feel of the black sand on the beach or go fishing in Dalsá river.

Situated in the middle of the East Fjords, Fáskrúðsfjörður gets its name from a magnificent island near its mouth, Skrúður. However, some theorise that the Gealic name of the island was Fasruth, the sea-current island, which would fit with the hazardous waters nearby. As is often the case, Icelandic names can be endlessly interesting! 

While the main employment is linked to fishing and fish processing, there are a number of smaller firms in trade and other sectors. The population of Fáskruðsfjörður is presently about 710.

What to do

Places of interest