white and gray house on green grass field under white sky during daytime
white and brown house under white clouds during daytime
All attractions

Höfði House

Reykjavik, Iceland
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white and gray house on green grass field under white sky during daytime

Photo by Tom Tor

Low sunlight glints across Faxaflói Bay, turning the crisp air golden as the clean lines of Höfði House come into view. Built in 1909, this white wooden manor stands quietly on Borgartún Street—its lawn gently sloping to the water, its windows holding echoes of world-changing meetings. Notably, American President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev chose this house for their 1986 summit, a moment that nudged the Cold War closer to its end. Today, Höfði House invites thoughtful wanderers, history lovers, and anyone drawn to Reykjavik’s layered stories.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
Free

Contact Information

Location
Address
Borgartún 105, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Phone

Planning your visit

Planning an outing to Höfði House combines smooth logistics with a dash of luck. Surrounded by Reykjavik’s business district, the house is easy to find but quieter in the early morning or evening. While the exterior is always visible, indoor access is usually limited to special events or guided tours. Expect open green spaces, occasional interpretive signs, and—when events permit—a rare peek through the historic doors. Advance checks ensure no surprises.

  • Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall for mild weather; early mornings or late afternoons for soft light and fewer visitors.
  • How to get there: Short walk (about 20 minutes) from downtown Reykjavik; bus lines 12 and 16 stop nearby; bike lanes provide scenic access along the shoreline.
  • Accessibility: The site features level paths and grass lawns; benches dot the grounds. Wheelchair access is partial, with minor uneven areas.
  • Average visit duration: 30–60 minutes for the house and grounds. Guided tours, when available, extend this time.

Must see stuff

The quiet power of Höfði House comes less from its size than from the stories in its walls and sweeping views of the water. White timber frames, tall windows, and a sloping shingled roof frame a picture-perfect scene against mountain backdrops. Plaques and signage reveal the building’s diplomatic legacy, while the iconic statue of Einar Benediktsson, Iceland’s poet and leader, stands nearby. Even from the lawns, it’s easy to imagine the diplomatic tension and quiet hope inside during the 1986 summit. Photo spots abound, and curious visitors might catch sight of seabirds or even a playful seal in the shallows. Fans of lore whisper that the house has a ghost—an elegant touch of mystery to ponder as one walks the gardens.

  • Key sights or features: The Höfði House façade, summit commemoration plaque, Einar Benediktsson sculpture, sweeping bay views.
  • Unique experiences: Picnic on the seaside grass, interpretive panels explaining historic moments, possible guided tours during city festivals.
  • Photo-worthy locations: Front steps at golden hour, back lawn framed by Mount Esja, reflective windows catching the bay’s changing moods.
  • Cultural or historical facts: Site of Reykjavik’s most important diplomatic event; local legend claims the house is haunted by a lady in white.

Tips for your visit

Even at a quiet landmark, preparation makes a difference. Weather in Reykjavik shifts quickly—layers and windbreakers fend off chill breezes from the water. The house sometimes hosts diplomatic events, placing the site temporarily off-limits, so a quick online check is wise. While public toilets are not in the immediate area, downtown options lie within a short walk. Bring a thermos, a picnic, and ample camera space. Above all, leave time to wander the nearby sculpture trail or pause by the shore; Reykjavik rewards those who slow down.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Early morning or weekday afternoons; avoid cruise ship days for a quieter visit.
  • What to bring: Camera, warm clothing, picnic blanket, portable snacks.
  • Local etiquette: Respect the house’s status as a diplomatic building; stick to open areas when no tours are running.
  • Safety or comfort advice: Watch for slippery grass after rain; wind can be strong near the bay.