Hofdi

In the 19th century and early in the 20th century French fishermen frequented in the Icelandic fishing grounds and Höfðis origin is traced back to that time.

Mr. Brillouin, the French consul was sent to Reykjavík to assist them, he got the house imported from Norway and it was built in 1909 at its location. A lot of houses where imported and built in Iceland in the wooden catalog style in these days but Höfði is without a doubt one of the most beautiful one. Till this day there are still many signs of its original purpose to be found in the house, such as the letters RF (French Republic) above an inside door.

Höfði house has had many famous visitors throughout the years and the most famous visitor is probably Sir. Winston Churchill when he visited Iceland in 1941. Among other guests who have visited Höfði are Marlene Dietrich in the 2nd World War. In 1986 the meeting of President Ronald Regan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov in Höfði house is thought to have marked the end of the Cold War.
During the meeting of the two presidents Höfði became famous and world known, a Japanese millionaire had an exact replica of the house built in his country.

Höfði is currently used for official receptions and meetings of the municipality. The house is owned by the city of Reykjavík and not open to casual visitors.