Hofdi House

The Basics

Beautiful Hofdi House was built in 1909 and originally housed the French consul; there are still signs of this on the building, including the initials R.F. for the Republic of France. In the 1940s and ’50s, it was home to the British Embassy. The house has also hosted several celebrities and heads of state, including Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, and Marlene Dietrich. Höfði is now owned by the City of Reykjavík and is currently used for official receptions and meetings. Although the house is unfortunately not open to the public, visitors are welcome to explore the house from the outside.

Many city sightseeing tours of Reykjavik include a stop at Höfði, offering the opportunity to see the exterior and read the various plaques that tell of its role in international politics.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Hofdi House is a must-see for history enthusiasts.

• There is no charge to look around the exterior.

• The sculpture in front depicts pillars from the chieftain's seat of the first Norwegian settler in Reykjavik.

• The grounds are also home to a 4-ton slab of the Berlin Wall, a gift from the New West Berlin Art Gallery to commemorate the 25th anniversary of German reunification.

How to Get There

Hofdi House is located on the waterfront, on Saebraut Road. It’s about 25 minutes’ walk east of downtown Reykjavik and can be reached using bus routes 4, 12, or 16. It is also a stop on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour bus.

When to Get There

There are no restrictions on when you can visit the Hofdi House grounds. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds of tourists, aim to visit in the evening. The glow of dusk lighting up the water in front makes for an attractive sight.

Haunted House

Some people believe that Hofdi House is occupied by the “White Lady,” thought to be the ghost of a young woman who drowned. A British Ambassador who once occupied the house was so unnerved by the ghost’s presence that he persuaded the British Foreign Office to sell the house back to the Icelandic government.

Ways to explore

While the Hofdi House is not open to the public, it belongs to the City of Reykjavik and is still used for official receptions and meetings. Many sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours of Reykjavik pass by the famous spot, often in combination with other landmarks such as the Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrimskirkja church, or the Perlan museum.

Visiting with a guide means you can learn about other famous visitors to the Hofdi House, such as Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II, as well as pose for photos just like Reagan and Gorbachev.

Accessibility

The exterior of the house is accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility

Age limits

None

What to pack

Your camera, an umbrella in case of inclement weather

What to wear

Weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Visitors are not permitted inside the house

Amenities

The closest public toilet is on Laugavegur, about a 10-minute walk away; several cafes and restaurants are within walking distance

Address

Hofdi House is located along the waterfront about 1 mile (2 kilometers) east of Reykjavik city center. It’s a scenic 30-minute stroll along the seafront Sculpture and Shore Walk to the house, or you can arrive by car or public transit.

Driving

From central Reykjavik, head east along the waterfront Road 41; the Hofdi House on the right opposite the Hofdi Lighthouse. It’s about a 5-minute drive and there are paid parking lots nearby.

Public transportation

Bus routes 4, 12, or 16 stop on Borgartún just behind the Hofdi House. Alternatively, hop-on hop-off buses will drop you right outside.

Best times to visit

The best light for photos—and views along the coast—is usually in the early morning or in the golden hour around sunset.

Best days to visit

Crowds sometimes gather on weekends, especially if you’re taking the hop-on hop-off bus in peak season. Come on a weekday if you’d like to avoid them.

Best months to visit

Summer is the best time for open-air sightseeing in Reykjavik, and June is usually far less crowded than July and August.