When is the Imagine Peace Tower illuminated?

The tower is illuminated annually from October 9th (John Lennon's birthday) to December 8th (the anniversary of his death). It is also lit on New Year's Eve, the first week of spring, and other select dates.

How do I get to Viðey Island?

You can take a ferry from Skarfabakki pier in Reykjavík. The ferry schedule varies by season, so check ahead, especially during illumination periods.

Is there an entry fee for the tower or island?

There is no entry fee for the Imagine Peace Tower itself, but there is a charge for the ferry service to Viðey Island.

What facilities are available on Viðey Island?

Viðey Island has walking paths, historical buildings like Viðey House (which often has a café/restaurant during opening hours), and public restrooms. Dress warmly as it can be windy.

Can I see the Northern Lights from Viðey Island?

Viðey Island offers excellent dark sky conditions away from city light pollution, making it a good spot to potentially see the Northern Lights if conditions are right, especially during the tower's illumination period in autumn/early winter.

Iceland/Things to Do/Imagine Peace Tower

Imagine Peace Tower

Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey is a beam of white light illuminated on selected dates in tribute to John Lennon.

At a Glance

Visit time

2-3 hours (including ferry).

Best Season

October 9 – December 8 (for illumination), just before dark.

Getting There

Ferry from Skarfabakki pier in Reykjavík. The island itself is easily walkable.

GPS

64.1633, -21.8591

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About

About Imagine Peace Tower

Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey is a beam of white light illuminated on selected dates in tribute to John Lennon.

See Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island, illuminated on specific dates rather than every night.

Tours Near Imagine Peace Tower

Private Walking tour Reykjavik - CityWalk

CityWalk Reykjavik · 2 hours 30 minutes

From 48,000 ISK

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Private Reykjavík Sightseeing Tour 4hrs

Your Transfer ehf · 4 hours

From 75,650 ISK

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Private Reykjavík Sightseeing Tour 6hrs

Your Transfer ehf · 6 hours

From 113,544 ISK

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Private Reykjavik Driving Tour

BT Travel · 2 hours

From 94,900 ISK

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Photos

Gallery

Background

History & Background

Created by Yoko Ono and unveiled on 9 October 2007, the Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey commemorates John Lennon and the couple's message of peace. The artwork uses a powerful white beam of light and is illuminated on published dates, not continuously.

The Imagine Peace Tower (Friðarsúlan) is an outdoor artwork by Yoko Ono on Viðey island near Reykjavík. Dedicated to John Lennon, it was unveiled on 9 October 2007. When switched on, its beam is white, not blue. The installation represents an ongoing wish for global peace. The tower operates on announced dates, including an extended autumn lighting season. Check the official website for the particular evening and current lighting schedule. The island is reached by boat, so ferry service and safe seasonal access should be verified independently. Do not assume a light-up event means a public ferry will be running late enough for your return.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

On dark evenings a column of light can sometimes be seen rising above Viðey across the bay from Reykjavík. Imagine Peace Tower is an artwork by Yoko Ono dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, with peace messages in multiple languages at its base. It is not permanently illuminated: the annual lighting period runs from 9 October, Lennon's birthday, to 8 December, the anniversary of his death, as well as selected special occasions. The artwork is on Viðey, reached by ferry rather than by car or bridge. Ferry schedules change with the seasons and weather, and special lighting events are sometimes cancelled due to unsafe crossings. Many travellers enjoy the light from Reykjavík's waterfront without visiting the island.

Did You Know?

The Imagine Peace Tower is illuminated annually from October 9 (John Lennon's birthday) to December 8 (the anniversary of his death), and on select other dates.

Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

Gufunes

Gufunes is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Egils saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

icelandic saga

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.