Hofdi, Reykjavik

Hofdi is a historic house located in Reykjavík, originally constructed in the year 1909. This charming building offers stunning views of the surrounding seascape. Initially, it was commissioned for use by the French consul in Iceland, Jean-Paul Brillouin. Later on, it served as the exclusive residence of the renowned poet and businessman Einar Benediktsson (1864-1940) for an extended period.

Hofdi gained international recognition as the venue for the 1986 Reykjavík Summit, a pivotal meeting between President Ronald Reagan of the United States and President Mikhail Gorbachev of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. This historic event played a significant role in the eventual thawing of relations between the two superpowers, marking a crucial step toward the end of the Cold War. To this day, you can still find the flags of these two nations proudly displayed at the site.

In 1958, the city of Reykjavík acquired Hofdi and embarked on a restoration project to return the house to its former grandeur. Since then, the building has been used for formal receptions and celebratory events hosted by the city government. Throughout its history, Hofdi has welcomed numerous celebrities and dignitaries from various countries, who either visited, resided, or conducted business within its walls. Notably, a sculpture in front of the house commemorates the first Norwegian settler in Reykjavik.