höfði

Höfði is a historic house and surrounding area in Reykjavík, Iceland. The building sits on a coastal rise overlooking Faxaflói Bay and is one of the city’s notable 20th‑century structures. Over the years, Höfði has served as a private residence and as a diplomatic venue, hosting visitors and events of various kinds.

Höfði is best known worldwide for hosting the 1986 summit between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, a landmark encounter that is frequently cited as a turning point in late Cold War diplomacy. The meeting helped bring renewed momentum to international negotiations and is widely remembered as a symbol of Iceland’s role as a neutral venue for high‑level talks.

The name Höfði in Icelandic means “promontory” or “headland,” a reflection of its geographical position by the water. Today Höfði remains a prominent historic and cultural landmark in Reykjavík, associated with international diplomacy and Iceland’s architectural heritage, and it continues to be involved in public and private events as part of the city’s historical fabric.