The fjord of “Fáskrúðsfjörður” gets its name from a nearby island called Skrúður. This island is home to of the world’s largest puffin cave, with an abundance of puffins and other bird life.
Fáskrúðsfjörður is in the centre of the East Fjords. The fjord is in between the Vattarnes and Hafnarnes peninsulas, and at the bottom of the fjord is a beautiful valley with scenic, birch-filled Artic woodlands.
Bird life and the ‘puffin cave’
A drive from Reyðarfjörður fjord along the coast will give you some great views and panoramic landscapes with Skrúður as the centrepiece. Many different species of birds live on the island. A unique cave shelters thousands of puffins, and a great colony of gannets often plunges like arrows into the water.
French heritage
The inner end of Fáskrúðsfjörður cradles Búðir village. It was the main station for French fishermen in the East of Iceland during the 19th and early 20th century. Moreover, the community had a French consul, a French hospital and a French chapel. Búðir is famous for its French heritage and has a strong connection with its sister town, Gravelines in France. Local historians also believe that France had influence in the decision to locate the District Doctor’s office in Búðir. Today the French Hospital building houses both a hotel and the French Museum. If you’re a history buff we recommend a visit to the French Museum to learn more about the area’s historical connections with France.
