The Shore Piece
The Shore Piece is a mapped outdoor coastal artwork on Viðey island, accessible by seasonal ferry.
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.
Getting There
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
The Shore Piece is a mapped outdoor coastal artwork on Viðey island, accessible by seasonal ferry.
Combine outdoor art with a quiet walk on Viðey.
Tours Near The Shore Piece
Private Walking tour Reykjavik - CityWalk
CityWalk Reykjavik · 2 hours 30 minutes
Private Reykjavík Sightseeing Tour 4hrs
Your Transfer ehf · 4 hours
Private Reykjavík Sightseeing Tour 6hrs
Your Transfer ehf · 6 hours
Private Reykjavik Driving Tour
BT Travel · 2 hours
Visit The Shore Piece by car
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Photos
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 recorded as an outdoor artwork on Viðey island. The island is reached by **ferry**, not by bridge or rental car, and the walking route may be exposed to weather. Richard Serra's Áfangar is a separate, documented six-part environmental artwork across Vesturey; do not assign that work's authorship to this pin until its identity has been verified. Follow the island's marked paths and any nesting-season restrictions.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Viðey is home to several outdoor artworks that use the landscape and horizon as part of the experience. This map entry marks a coastal artwork on the island; ferry schedules, weather, land access and nesting-bird protection determine whether a visit is possible.
Did You Know?
The Shore Piece is a mapped outdoor coastal artwork on Viðey island, accessible by seasonal ferry
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
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.
Höfði House – Reykjavík's Haunted Mansion
Höfði House: Reykjavík's historic mansion with a chilling paranormal past.
Location
Location
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