Bessastaðir Presidential Residence
About Bessastaðir Presidential Residence
Bessastaðir is the official residence of the President of Iceland, a cluster of white, red-roofed buildings on the Álftanes peninsula in Garðabær. It's about 20 minutes' drive from downtown Reykjavík, and across the water you get a clear view back to the city and Mount Esja.
The estate has a long history. In the 13th century it belonged to the poet and chieftain Snorri Sturluson, and later it housed the Danish crown's top officials in Iceland. The main house, Bessastaðastofa, was built of stone in 1761–1766 and is one of the oldest stone buildings in the country.
From 1805 to 1846 Bessastaðir was home to Iceland's leading school. In 1941 the businessman Sigurður Jónasson gave the estate to the state as a residence for the regent, and it has housed Iceland's presidents since the republic was founded in 1944.
You can't go inside the president's house on a normal day, but you can drive up, walk the outside of the grounds and look at Bessastaðakirkja, the stone church beside the residence. The president's office holds open houses in February and August, which are the only regular chances to see the rooms and the art lent by the National Gallery.
A visit to Bessastaðir takes 30 minutes or so, and it combines easily with a walk along the flat Álftanes shore. Keep to the paths, respect any closed areas and remember that this is a working state residence.
Good to know
Can you visit Bessastaðir?
Yes, from the outside. You can walk around the grounds and see the church, but the president's house is only open to the public on open house days in February and August.
Where is Bessastaðir?
Bessastaðir is on the Álftanes peninsula in Garðabær, south of Reykjavík across Skerjafjörður. It's about a 20-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík.
Who lives at Bessastaðir?
The President of Iceland. Bessastaðir has been the head of state's official residence since the republic was founded in 1944.
How old is Bessastaðir?
The estate has records going back to the 13th century, when Snorri Sturluson owned it. The main house, Bessastaðastofa, was built in 1761–1766.
Is there a church at Bessastaðir?
Yes. Bessastaðakirkja, a stone church, stands next to the presidential residence and is the most visible building on the estate.
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