Höfdi

Höfdi

Höfdi House, built in 1909, is one of the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in the Reykjavík area.

It’s best known as the location for the 1986 summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov, a historical event that effectively marked the end of the Cold War. During this meeting images of the house were broadcast all over the world. A Japanese millionaire even had an exact replica of the house built in his country. The sculpture in front of the house depicts pillar from the chieftain’s seat of the first Norwegian settler in Reykjavík.

Höfdi was initially the house of the French consul in Iceland and still bears many signs of its original purpose, such as letter R.F. (the abbreviation of the French Republic), the name of the consel and the year of its construction above an inside door.

Among renowned guests of Höfdi House are celebrities and heads of state, amongst them the Queen of England, Winston Churchill and Marlene Dietrich. In addition, the house is believed to be occupied by a ghost, « The White Lady », witnessed by a former British Ambassador who once occupied the house. She caused so much distress that he persuaded the British Foreign Office to sell the house.

Höfdy is owned by the City of Reykjavík and is currently used for official receptions and meetings. Although the house is not open to the public, visitors are welcome to explore the house from the outside. Höfdi House is located on Borgartun in the 105 area of Reykjavík overlooking the waterfront. We recommend taking a walk along the coast from the Harpa concert hall, admiring the ocean view along the way.

Icelandic Landscape. Photo by Olga