Fáskrúðsfjörður: French heritage and trails

Fáskrúðsfjörður was the main base for French schooner fishermen in Iceland. The sailors’ history is a central focus for a stay: the French Museum and bilingual street names reflect the French-Icelandic heritage. There are also hiking destinations in the town and nearby. If you are looking for a hotel in Fáskrúðsfjörður, these themes can help you understand the character of the destination; the excursion options differ in how they can be accessed.

French fishing history on site

The Frakkar á Íslandsmiðum Museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 from May 15 to September 30. From October 1 to May 14, visits are possible by appointment. Check the dates before your trip, especially if you would like to include a museum visit in your plans.

The French Museum is located in the Doctor’s House and the French Hospital. Its main exhibition is in a tunnel connecting the two buildings. French fishermen built the houses around 1900. The exhibition explores the history and heritage of French sailors in Iceland, using multimedia technology in its presentation. A visit therefore brings together the history of fishing and the museum’s distinctive architecture.

The street names also reflect two languages: every street in Fáskrúðsfjörður has both an Icelandic and a French name. This is a tangible local feature that brings the town’s French history into the streetscape alongside a visit to the museum. For those interested in cultural history, there is more than a single exhibition to explore: the fishing history, the museum buildings, and the signage offer different ways to engage with the subject.

The harbor and trails in the surrounding area

At the harbor, beside the Fransmenn á Íslandi Museum, there is a small wooden pier with an 8-meter berth for recreational boats. In good weather, the spot can also be used for fishing and outdoor activities. As operations may change, it is a good idea to check the current conditions if you plan to make use of this option.

East of the settlement, a pleasant hiking trail climbs along the Gilsá from Vattarnesvegur. Hafnarnesviti Lighthouse can be reached on foot; check trail conditions locally. For planning purposes, these are two different details: the Gilsá route is described as following the river, while the lighthouse is described as accessible by foot. No hike duration or difficulty is specified.

Sandfell is also nearby, a striking rhyolite mountain between Stöðvarfjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður. It is 743 meters high; the best approach to the mountain is from the south side of Fáskrúðsfjörður. The island of Skrúður offers a different kind of landscape: it is surrounded by high cliffs and has a large cave that sailors occasionally used as a shelter. Access is considered difficult. These differences are important when choosing an excursion: Sandfell is characterized by its height and southern approach, while Skrúður’s difficult accessibility should be taken into account. Do not plan these destinations as equivalent hikes.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Höfn Í Hornafirði, Brekka, Laugarfell, Vopnafjörður, Hámundarstaðir, Disastaðir, Svartiskogur, Neskaupstadur.

For the broader travel overview: Austurland.