The Shore Piece
A large-scale coastal sculpture by Richard Serra on Viðey island that frames the horizon and landscape near Reykjavík.
At a Glance
Visit time
45–90 minutes total visit (including walk from ferry pier)
Best season
May–September (best ferry frequency and walking conditions on Viðey) Accessible year-round depending on ferry schedule.
Access
Reachable by ferry from Reykjavík (Skarfabakki or seasonal Old Harbour departures). From the Viðey pier, follow marked walking paths along the shoreline (~20–30 minute walk).
GPS
64.1586, -21.8737
About
About The Shore Piece
A large-scale coastal sculpture by Richard Serra on Viðey island that frames the horizon and landscape near Reykjavík.
Combine outdoor art with a quiet walk on Viðey.
Tours Near The Shore Piece
Private City Tour
TripZig ehf. · 4 hours
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Eimverk Distillery · 1 hour 15 minutes
Reykjavík All In One Food Tour - Eat, Drink & Explore with Locals
Nordic Nonsense · 4 hours
Icelandic New Year's Eve Walking Tour
Your Friend in Reykjavik · 3 hours
Photos
Photo Gallery
Background
History & Background
The Shore Piece was created by internationally renowned sculptor Richard Serra and installed on Viðey as part of Reykjavík’s effort to bring major contemporary artworks into the natural landscape around the capital. The sculpture reflects Serra’s long-standing interest in how large-scale steel forms interact with terrain, movement, and perception. Today, the work forms part of Viðey’s outdoor cultural landscape alongside walking paths, historical sites, and nearby artworks such as Imagine Peace Tower, making the island one of the most distinctive open-air art destinations near Reykjavík.
The Shore Piece is an outdoor artwork on Viðey island, where the open shoreline, sea and horizon are integral to how the work is encountered. It is best visited as part of a wider walk around the island rather than as an isolated city attraction.
Did You Know?
A large-scale coastal sculpture by Richard Serra on Viðey island that frames the horizon and landscape near Reykjavík
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Engey
Engey is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Njáls saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
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.
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.
Skuggabaldur – The Shadow Creature
Skuggabaldur: A phantom dog guarding forgotten paths.
Location
Location
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