A historic hospital in remote East Fjords renovated as a hotel

The  so-called "French" hospital in Fáskrúðsfjörður in the East Fjords of Iceland has been renovated as a hotel and a museum in conjunction with the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland. The Cultural Heritage Agency has now received the prestigious Europa Nostra European cultural award for this effort. 

This is the first time that this cultural heritage award goes to Iceland. The building which houses Fosshótel Austfirðir has been rebuilt with careful attention to detail, using original building materials as much as possible. 

A new building west of the old hospital building was also constructed in conjunction with the Cultural Heritage Agency, with an additional 50 rooms.  The hotel offers stunning ocean views of the picturesque fjord and a first-class restaurant, L'Abri. 

The French hospital in Fáskrúðsfjörður was built in 1903, one of three hospitals built in Iceland by the French government for the numerous French fishermen fishing in Icelandic waters. When fishing by French vessels came to a halt in 1939 the building was used as a school and for apartments. From 1964 onwards it was abandoned and stood deserted for over 50 years. 

For further information on the hotel and bookings click HERE. 

The award-winning renovations. The hotel offers stunning ocean views.