Gröndal's House - City of Literature

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Residency Flat in Gröndal‘s House

Gröndalshús, nestled in the heart of Reykjavík’s old town, is the lovingly restored former residence of the renowned Icelandic writer, illustrator, and scholar Benedikt Gröndal (1826-1907). Established in 2017 as a cultural house and residency, it is operated by Reykjavík UNESCO  City of Literature.

Located in Vesturgata 5b in Grjótaþorp at the junction of Fischersund and Mjóstræti, the house features a residency flat on the ground floor. This flat caters to visiting writers, artists, scholars, and translators of Icelandic literature, offering them a unique space to focus on their work in Reykjavik.

The residency is available for rental periods ranging from 2 to 8 weeks, with a standard weekly fee of 80,000 ISK. For those interested in staying for a week or a shorter period, this option is available for an additional cleaning fee of 35,000 ISK. An extra charge of 5,000 ISK per week is also applicable for each additional person staying.

The flat is thoughtfully furnished, providing amenities like free WiFi, a bedroom with a king-size bed, a living room with a double sleeper sofa, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a dining area that can also serve as a workspace, a bathroom with a shower, and a washing machine. Bed linens and towels are included for guests’ convenience.

For bookings and further information, inquiries can be directed via email at grondalshus@reykjavik.is or through a form available here below.

Cancellation Policy:

An invoice will be sent to tenants a month in advance of their arrival. However,

we understand that plans can change, and we aim to be as flexible as possible. Our cancellation policy is as follows:

  • More than 21 days before arrival: Full refund of any payments made.
  • 15-21 days before arrival: 50% discount on the total amount due.
  • Less than 15 days before arrival: No refund available.

This policy is designed to be fair to both our guests and the management, considering the preparations and potential impact on other interested parties.

Booking and further information

 

Gröndal's Literary House

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.