Gröndal‘s House, the Reykjavík UNESCO City of Literature‘s Writers‘ Residence

Reykjavík, a UNESCO City of Literature, runs a cultural center located in the center of Reykjavík named after the poet Benedikt Gröndal (1826-1907) who once lived there. The house is at the corner of Fishersund and Mjóstræti, having been relocated from its original location at Vesturgata 16a, where it initially stood at the water’s edge.

Benedikt Gröndal was a an ambitious figure of his time, an impressive representative of the 19th century. He was a poet, naturalist, visual artist, and educator. His interest in shaping the city and advancement of Reykjavík as the capital of Iceland is evident from his article "Reykjavík at the Turn of the 20th Century," now published as a book. Beyond his poetry and prose, his writings about city life suggest reforms for the capital, mirroring practices common in major international cities. Gröndal's legacy faded in the mid-20th century, but his significance in Icelandic literature and cultural history has been reaffirmed in recent years by publishing works like ‘Íslenskir fuglar’ (Icelandic Birds) and reissuing his autobiography ‘Dægradvöl,’ (Pastime) one of the most celebrated in Icelandic literature.

The restored Gröndal's House officially reopened in June 2017. It offers workspace for literary artists on the main floor and loft, and the basement houses a guest apartment for foreign authors, translators, and scholars.