View of the 2016 historic summit site in Iceland where Reagan and Gorbachev met

Höfði

Höfði House, Reykjavík: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and In-Depth Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Höfði House stands as one of Reykjavík’s most significant cultural and diplomatic landmarks. Perched along the scenic Sæbraut coastal road, this elegant early 20th-century building has been the stage for pivotal moments in Icelandic and world history—most notably, the 1986 Reykjavík Summit that marked a turning point in the Cold War. Though the house’s interior is reserved for official events, its exterior and picturesque grounds are accessible to visitors year-round, offering a unique window into Iceland’s heritage and its role on the global stage.

This comprehensive guide provides all the practical details you need to plan your visit, including hours, location, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions. You’ll also find insights into Höfði’s architectural features, cultural symbolism, and the stories that make it such a compelling site in Reykjavík.

For further reading and more detailed history, see resources such as Corvid Sketcher, Iceland Highlights, and the Official Reykjavík Tourism Website.

Höfði guesthouse in Reykjavík, site of the 1986 Reykjavík summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev

President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev shaking hands at Höfði House during the 1986 Reykjavik Summit in Iceland

Scenic coastal view of Reykjavik with ocean and city skyline

Coastal view of Reykjavik with colorful buildings and calm water

Introduction
Historical Overview and Cultural Significance
Architectural Features and Artistic Elements
Visiting Höfði: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Getting There: Directions and Transportation
Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions and Walking Tours
Visitor Etiquette and Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Media Recommendations
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected
References and Official Links

Historical Overview and Cultural Significance

A Landmark of Diplomacy and Icelandic Heritage

Built in 1909 as the French Consulate, Höfði House is a rare example of Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture in Iceland. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson and originally prefabricated in Norway, it was assembled on site and quickly became a symbol of Reykjavík’s modernization (Iceland Highlights). Over the years, the house has served as a private residence, the British Embassy, and the home of influential Icelandic poet Einar Benediktsson.

The house’s global renown was cemented in October 1986, when it hosted the Reykjavík Summit between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev (Wikipedia). This meeting, though not resulting in an immediate treaty, was instrumental in paving the way for nuclear arms reduction and ultimately contributed to ending the Cold War (HIT Iceland). Today, Höfði stands as a symbol of diplomacy, peace, and Iceland’s strategic role on the world stage.

Beyond politics, Höfði is entwined with Reykjavík’s cultural memory. Its association with local artists, poets, and dignitaries, along with enduring tales of hauntings—such as the legendary “White Lady”—add to its mystique (Travel Reykjavík).

Architectural Features and Artistic Elements

Jugendstil with Nordic Touches

Höfði’s architectural style is immediately striking: a white timber façade, steep gabled roof, and ornate decorative details encapsulate the Jugendstil influence (Perlan). The house is visually set apart from most Reykjavík buildings and is particularly photogenic throughout the year—lush green in summer, snow-dusted in winter.

Original interior features (not accessible to the public) include the “R.F.” (République Française) inscription, commemorating its first diplomatic occupant (Travel Reykjavík). Outside, the statue of Einar Benediktsson by Ásmundur Sveinsson and sculptural elements referencing Reykjavík’s Viking roots further enrich the site’s artistic and historical appeal.

Visiting Höfði: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Interior access:

The house’s interior is not open to the general public, as it is reserved for official receptions and events.

Grounds and exterior:

Hours: The gardens and exterior are open and freely accessible year-round, with no set visiting hours. Daylight visits are recommended for safety and best photos.
Tickets/Entry: There is no charge to visit or walk the grounds; no tickets are required.

Accessibility:

The grounds are mostly flat and accessible for visitors with limited mobility. Paved pathways provide easy access around the house and gardens.

Facilities:

There are no public restrooms or cafés on site; amenities are available along Sæbraut or in Reykjavík city center.

Getting There: Directions and Transportation

Address:

Höfði House, Borgartún 105, Reykjavík

By Foot/Bike:

About 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from the city center, easily reachable via the scenic Sæbraut promenade, which features public art and waterfront views (Guide to Iceland).

By Public Transport:

Reykjavík’s Strætó buses serve stops near Höfði. Bus 14 from Hlemmur station to Borgartún stop is a common route.

By Car:

Parking is available nearby; the location is less congested than central Reykjavík (Reykjavik Attractions).

By Taxi/Rideshare:

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Reykjavík.

Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips

Summer (June–August): Enjoy extended daylight, mild weather, and blooming gardens. Major city events and festivals often take place during this time (All Events in Reykjavík).
Winter (November–March): The grounds are atmospheric under snow, and the location is ideal for viewing the Northern Lights on clear nights. Dress warmly and mind icy paths.

Tips:

Visit during daylight for safety and the best photos.
Combine your visit with a walk along the Sculpture and Shore Walk, connecting Höfði to other key sites like Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager (HIT Iceland).
Bring your camera—Höfði’s architecture and views over Faxaflói Bay are especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.

Nearby Attractions and Walking Tours

Within Walking Distance:

Harpa Concert Hall: Modern architectural marvel and hub for cultural events.
Sun Voyager (Sólfar): Iconic sculpture symbolizing exploration.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur: Main shopping and dining streets, with vibrant street art and access to Hallgrímskirkja Church.
Reykjavík’s Old Harbor: Restaurants, museums, and whale-watching tours.

Walking Tours:

Höfði is a featured stop on many guided walking and cycling tours of Reykjavík, often focused on history, art, or Cold War diplomacy (Guide to Iceland).
The 6.5 km Sculpture and Shore Walk links several of the city’s most notable landmarks (HIT Iceland).

Visitor Etiquette and Practical Tips

Respect the site: Do not climb on the house, touch memorials, or tamper with flags and plaques.
Official events: Grounds may occasionally be closed for city functions; check official tourism channels for updates.
Sustainability: Stay on paths, take litter with you, and help preserve this historic site for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I tour the interior of Höfði House?
No, the interior is not open to the public; only the grounds and exterior are accessible.

Is there an admission fee?
No, visiting the exterior and gardens is free of charge.

What are the visiting hours?
The grounds are open year-round, with no set hours. Daylight visits are recommended.

How do I get there by public transport?
Take Bus 14 from Hlemmur station to Borgartún stop; the house is a short walk from there.

Are guided tours available?
Many city walking and cycling tours include Höfði as a stop.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?
The exterior grounds are mostly flat and wheelchair accessible.

Are there restrooms or cafés on site?
No. The nearest facilities are along Sæbraut or in the city center.

Is Höfði House haunted?
Local legends tell of hauntings, such as the “White Lady,” adding to the site’s mystique (Guide to Iceland).

Visuals and Media Recommendations

Include high-quality images of Höfði House’s exterior, gardens, and views over the bay.
Use descriptive alt text such as “Höfði House white timber façade in Reykjavík” and “View of Faxaflói Bay from Höfði House grounds.”
Embed an interactive map or suggest walking routes from downtown Reykjavík.
For enhanced user experience, consider linking to virtual tours or short videos if available.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Höfði House is a must-visit for anyone interested in Iceland’s history, diplomacy, or architecture. Its tranquil setting, poignant history, and proximity to Reykjavík’s other cultural sites make it an essential part of any trip to the city. Download the Audiala app for self-guided audio tours and travel updates, and follow official tourism channels for the latest news and events.