The poet and entrepreneur Einar Benediktsson (1864-1940), lived in Höfði House from 1914 to 1917. Einar was a visionary and travelled the world. He travelled widely and advocated social reform with original ideas that have kept his name alive, even though not all of his ambitions were realized. His main legacy lies in his poetry, however: Einar is one of Iceland's most beloved poets. His poetry is powerful and passionate like the man himself. The style is neo-romantic, with strong imagery, focusing on the individual and his inner life, as well as the magnificent Icelandic nature.
Mighty heartbeat of the ocean's cold depths,
my strength and peace I drink from your sound.
From "Surf"
The sculpture by Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982) shows the poet in front of a harp, symbolizing his poetry. The sculptor wanted to show Einar in his grandeur, as a man incapable of small thinking. The memorial was originally displayed at Klambratún Park in 1964. It was moved to Höfði in 2015, with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and the companies Eimskip, Hvalur hf., Landsvirkjun, Mjólkursamsalan, Síminn, as well as a group of admirers.
Einar Benediktsson is buried at Þingvellir National Park.
Source: local signage