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Bessastaðir

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

palace

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Bessastaðir serves as the official residence of the President of Iceland, boasting a history that spans nearly a millennium. Located on the Álftanes peninsula, the site was settled during the Age of Settlement and was once the property of Snorri Sturluson before passing to the Norwegian Crown after his death. For several centuries, Bessastaðir functioned as the primary residence for high-ranking officials and governors representing the Danish monarchy, establishing it as Iceland's political administrative center. In the late 18th century, it housed Iceland's only secondary school, Bessastaðaskóli, where many key figures of the independence movement received their education. Since the establishment of the Republic in 1944, it has been the permanent seat of the head of state. The contemporary stone church, one of the oldest in the nation, and the stately manor buildings reflect the continuity and prestige of Icelandic history.

Location: Iceland
Top sights: Álftaneslaug · Bessastaðakirkja · Kasthúsatjörn
Nearby: Garðabær (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	0	0	1	3	6	9	11	11	8	4	2	0
Rain mm	169	152	154	119	93	83	99	121	181	147	149	172

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Bessastaðir is the official residence of the President of Iceland and a historic manor. The grounds are open to the public, but the house itself is only accessible during special guided tours.

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Typical hours

The grounds are typically open during daylight hours, but the visitor center has seasonal hours. House tours usually occur in summer, often by appointment only.

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Photography

Photography is allowed on the grounds but likely not inside the house. Respect the president's privacy and avoid photographing security areas.

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Time needed

Plan about 30 to 45 minutes for a walk around the grounds and to enjoy the views. If you join a guided tour, allow one hour.

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Combine with

Combine with the nearby town of Hafnarfjörður or Elliðavatn lake. The area around Bessastaðir also has lovely coastal walking paths.

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Getting there

Bessastaðir is about a 15-minute drive from Reykjavík, near Hafnarfjörður. Parking is available on site, and the estate is accessible by car or bike.

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Insider tip

Check in advance for public tour dates, as they are infrequent. Enjoy a walk along the coastline and the view over Faxaflói Bay.

Geography

Coordinates

64.10610, -22.01080

Facts

Snorri Sturluson owned the Bessastaðir estate in the early 13th century.
The present stone church at Bessastaðir was consecrated in 1796.
Sigurður Jónasson donated the property to the Icelandic state in 1941.
Bessastaðir is located approximately 15 minutes by car from central Reykjavík.
The church features stained glass windows depicting scenes from Icelandic history.
Every President of Iceland since 1944 has officially resided at this estate.