Hofdi House

About

Höfði, literally meaning "the house", is an iconic historic building perched on a hill in downtown Reykjavík, Iceland. Built in 1909 for the French consul Jean‑Paul Brillouin, the house showcases the graceful Jugendstil architecture that was prefabricated in Norway and shipped to Iceland. Over the years it has served as a private residence, the British Embassy, and a venue for formal receptions, cementing its place in the city’s cultural tapestry. The house gained worldwide attention in September 1986 as the site of the Reykjavik Summit, where U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev met to accelerate the end of the Cold War. Flags of the United States and the Soviet Union still hang inside, a quiet reminder of the historic negotiations that unfolded within these walls. Today, visitors can wander through Höfði’s well‑preserved rooms, enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavík from the surrounding gardens, and learn about the house’s rich diplomatic history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply curious about a landmark that once witnessed world‑changing diplomacy, a visit to Höfði offers a unique glimpse into Iceland’s past and its role in global affairs.