About

Viðey Island is a small island in Kollafjörður bay, approximately 1 km from Reykjavík's Sundahöfn harbor. The island has rich history dating to medieval times and is now a protected nature and cultural reserve. Historical sites: - **Viðeyjarstofa**: Iceland's oldest stone building (completed 1755), originally built as residence for island's bailiff - Viðeyjarkirkja: Church built 1774 (one of Iceland's oldest churches still in use) - Monastery ruins: Medieval monastery operated here until Reformation Art installations: - **Imagine Peace Tower**: Light memorial by Yoko Ono honoring John Lennon, illuminated October 9–December 8 each year, beam visible across Reykjavík - **Milestones**: Sculpture by Richard Serra (9 pairs of basalt columns) - **Áfangar**: Environmental sound sculpture Nature: - Car-free island - Walking and cycling trails - Eider duck nesting colonies - Seabird habitat - Views of Reykjavík, Mt. Esja, Snæfellsjökull Access: - Ferry from central Reykjavík (Skarfabakki) or Harpa — 10-minute crossing - Summer: frequent departures - Winter: limited schedule - Bikes available to rent on island - Free entry (ferry ticket only cost) Viðey offers peaceful escape from city with historical, artistic, and natural attractions. Popular with locals for weekend walks and picnics. Visit duration: 2–4 hours Best visited May–September (ferry frequency, weather).

📖 Story

Viðey was once home to Iceland's wealthiest monastery, then a sheriff's residence, then mostly abandoned. Today it's a nature reserve and art destination. The oldest building is Viðeyjarstofa (1755), Iceland's first stone house — built when most Icelanders lived in turf. Yoko Ono erected the Imagine Peace Tower here in 2007 as a memorial to John Lennon — a beam of light shooting skyward each year October 9 to December 8. The island is car-free; you walk or cycle gravel paths past sculpture installations, bird colonies, and ruins. On clear days, Mt. Esja and Snæfellsjökull are visible. It's a 10-minute ferry escape from Reykjavík chaos.

Key Facts