Hannesarholt
A cafe and cultural house in the beautifully restored 1915 home of Iceland's first prime minister, serving brunch and lunch in one of Reykjavik's most historic settings.
Some of the best places in Reykjavik are the ones you have to look for. Hannesarholt, tucked away on Grundarstígur just a few minutes' walk from the city centre, is exactly that kind of place: a beautifully restored historic house with a ground-floor cafe that serves some of the most thoughtful food in the neighbourhood, in surroundings that feel a world away from the tourist crowds.
The Building
The house was built in 1915 for Hannes Hafstein, Iceland's first Minister of State, poet, and politician. It remained a family home until 2007, when it was carefully restored and opened to the public. The renovation preserved the building's original character -- wooden floors, period details, high ceilings -- while creating a warm, welcoming space for the cafe and upstairs event rooms.
Walking in feels less like entering a restaurant and more like visiting a well-kept home. Which, of course, is precisely what it was.
The Food
The cafe operates on the ground floor, and the kitchen takes the same careful approach to its food as the restorers took to the building. Breakfast and brunch are the highlights: fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, homemade bread with Icelandic butter, and the kind of pastries that suggest a baker who genuinely loves their craft. The coffee is excellent.
Lunch offerings change regularly, driven by what is available and in season. Portions are not enormous -- this is not the place for a mountaineer's refuelling stop -- but everything is prepared with genuine skill and presented beautifully. The prices are fair for the quality, sitting in that pleasant middle ground between cheap cafe food and fine-dining excess.
The Atmosphere
Quiet. Civilised. Unhurried. Hannesarholt attracts a mix of locals who work in the area, cultural types attending events upstairs, and the occasional visitor who has done their research. There are no queues, no Instagram influencers, and no background music fighting for attention. On a sunny day, the small outdoor seating area is one of the loveliest spots in the city.
Cultural Programme
Beyond the cafe, Hannesarholt hosts a regular programme of art exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and literary evenings. These events are often free or low-cost, and they add another dimension to what is already a worthwhile destination. Check the website before your visit -- you might time your coffee with something interesting happening upstairs.
Who Should Visit
Anyone who values good food in a beautiful, historically significant setting. Hannesarholt is particularly well-suited to travellers who are looking for a more refined, quieter alternative to the busier cafes on Laugavegur. Come for brunch, stay for the atmosphere, and leave feeling like you have discovered something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Hannesarholt?
- Hannesarholt is a cultural house and cafe in the historic 1915 home of Hannes Hafstein, Iceland's first Minister of State. The building was a family home until 2007, then restored and opened to the public with a cafe on the ground floor and event spaces above.
- What food does Hannesarholt serve?
- The cafe serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Expect dishes like fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, homemade bread, and excellent coffee and cakes.
- Is Hannesarholt open on weekends?
- Hannesarholt is open on Saturdays from 10:00-16:00 but closed on Sundays. Weekday hours run from 08:00 to 17:00.
- Where is Hannesarholt located?
- Hannesarholt is at Grundarstígur 10, a few blocks from the city centre, near Hallgrimskirkja church. It is slightly off the main tourist path, which adds to its charm.
- Does Hannesarholt host events?
- Yes. The house regularly hosts cultural events including art exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and literary evenings. Check their website for the current programme.
- Is Hannesarholt suitable for a quiet coffee?
- Absolutely. The cafe is one of the most peaceful spots in central Reykjavik, with a refined atmosphere that makes it perfect for a leisurely coffee or brunch away from the bustle of Laugavegur.
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