Höfði House is a historic timber reception house at Borgartún 1, 105 Reykjavík, in the Borgartún waterfront district east of the city center. Imported from Norway and erected in 1909 for French consul Jean-Paul Brillouin, it later became the home of poet Einar Benediktsson. Travelers come for its distinctive white exterior and its role in the October 1986 Reykjavík Summit, when Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev discussed nuclear disarmament. This is primarily an outdoor landmark: the house is not a regularly open museum.
What to Expect at Höfði House
The white-painted wooden house stands apart from Borgartún’s modern office buildings, with a steep roof, projecting bays, decorative timberwork, and an irregular silhouette characteristic of early twentieth-century Norwegian prefabricated houses. Walk around the exterior rather than stopping at the first photograph: changing angles reveal the building’s architectural details and its relationship to the open waterfront. Reykjavík municipality purchased Höfði in 1958 and restored it for official receptions. Its continued ceremonial use explains why ordinary sightseeing does not include the rooms.
On October 11–12, 1986, Reagan and Gorbachev met here for talks that brought sweeping nuclear reductions within reach. They left without an agreement, but the discussions helped prepare the way for the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Outside, a fragment of the Berlin Wall gives that Cold War history a tangible counterpart. The grounds also commemorate Einar Benediktsson, who lived here from 1914 to 1917. There are no permanent public galleries, routine audio-guide service, museum café, or visitor shop; the experience is the building, its setting, and its historical associations.
- Norwegian timber architecture: White cladding, ornamental woodwork, and projecting bays distinguish this imported 1909 house.
- Reykjavík Summit setting: The exterior marks the location of Reagan and Gorbachev’s two-day nuclear negotiations.
- Berlin Wall fragment: An outdoor section of the wall links the site to Europe’s Cold War division.
- Einar Benediktsson monument: Ásmundur Sveinsson’s sculpture commemorates the Icelandic poet and former resident.
- Waterfront outlook: The nearby shore path opens views across Faxaflói toward Mount Esja in clear weather.
Höfði House at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Borgartún 1, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland |
| Neighborhood / Area | Borgartún waterfront, east of central Reykjavík |
| Operating Hours | Interior closed to routine public visits Monday–Sunday; exterior viewing has no ticketed opening schedule. |
| Admission / Price Range | Free exterior and grounds visit; $ |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 20 to 40 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Hlemmur interchange, approximately 10–15 minutes on foot; paid street parking around Borgartún and Þórunnartún. |
| Official Website & Phone | Reykjavík municipality’s Höfði information; +354 552 5375 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Visit in daylight to appreciate the timber details, monuments, and mountain backdrop. Morning generally gives you more room for exterior photographs before sightseeing groups arrive. No reservation is needed for an ordinary outdoor visit, but official functions can restrict access close to the building. Wear a windproof layer: this exposed stretch of waterfront can feel considerably colder than sheltered shopping streets. Keep photography outside and respect barriers rather than approaching windows or trying doors.
Hlemmur is a useful bus interchange, served by routes including 1 and 6; check current departures with Strætó. Drivers should use signed public parking and check local payment hours rather than assume reception-house spaces are available. Paved approaches allow wheelchair and stroller users to view the exterior, while grass, snow, and ice can complicate movement around the monuments; do not plan on indoor toilets or a public rest area. Continue west along the waterfront to the Sun Voyager sculpture, roughly 12–15 minutes away, or walk toward Hlemmur’s food hall and the eastern end of Laugavegur in about 10–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Höfði House open, and when should I visit?
The interior has no regular public opening hours. Visit the exterior during daylight, preferably in the morning for photography; winter daylight is brief, and icy conditions warrant extra care.
Does Höfði House require tickets or reservations?
Viewing the exterior and outdoor monuments is free, with no standard sightseeing ticket. There is no routine interior tour to reserve; consult the municipality’s website for any special public openings.
How long should I allow for Höfði House?
Allow 20–40 minutes for the exterior, Berlin Wall fragment, and poet’s monument. Budget about an hour if you also walk along the shore to the Sun Voyager.
Is Höfði House suitable for wheelchair users and families?
The paved outdoor approaches make an exterior visit practical for many wheelchair users and families with strollers. Grass and winter ice present additional obstacles, and the closed interior means there are no dependable visitor toilets or indoor shelter.
When planning your Reykjavik travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Reykjavik, pair this stop with standout local spots including Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels, Elliðaárdalur, Gufunesflatir, and Tower Suites Reykjavík (0.2 km away).
