Bessastaðir
Besides being the residence of the President of Iceland, Bessastaðir is also an important historical site that has played a prominent role in the history of the country.
The property of Bessastaðir on Álftanes, near Reykjavík, has a history that runs from the Age of Settlement. In its present form, Bessastaðir consists of a group of buildings including Bessastaðastofa, a reception room, a service wing, the President’s Residence, the manager’s and caretaker’s apartments, Bessastaðir Church, and a garage.
Since the mid‑20th century, Bessastaðir has served as the official residence of the President of Iceland and is therefore a meaningful symbol of the nation’s history, culture, and independence. The presidential residence is generally not open to visitors, but an open house is held twice a year, on Museum Night in February and Culture Night in August. Guests are then given the opportunity to explore the premises and learn about the site’s history.
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Bessastaðir Church (Bessastaðakirkja) is a farm church, meaning that it forms part of the property of Bessastaðir and is therefore under the administration of the Office of the President of Iceland.
Church services at Bessastaðir probably go back approximately one thousand years. The present church was consecrated in 1796. The church is decorated by a series of stained-glass windows and a number of important artefacts; these attract tens of thousands of tourists every year. Bessastaðir Church is also a very popular wedding venue.
Bessastaðir, 225 Garðabær 
president@president.is 
www.forseti.is 
Opening hours: