capital-region · Iceland
Viðey Island — Reykjavík's Island Escape
Viðey Island lies 700 metres offshore from Reykjavík — a peaceful 1.6 km² island reached by 5-minute ferry, offering walking paths, bird cliffs, 18th-century stone house (Iceland's oldest), and Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower memorial to John Lennon. The island is car-free and largely uninhabited, making it Reykjavík's easiest escape into nature. Arctic terns nest in summer (dive-bombing visitors), and on clear days views stretch across Faxaflói bay to Mount Esja and distant glaciers.
About Viðey Island — Reykjavík's Island Escape
Viðey Island lies 700 metres offshore from Reykjavík — a peaceful 1.6 km² island reached by 5-minute ferry, offering walking paths, bird cliffs, 18th-century stone house (Iceland's oldest), and Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower memorial to John Lennon. The island is car-free and largely uninhabited, making it Reykjavík's easiest escape into nature. Arctic terns nest in summer (dive-bombing visitors), and on clear days views stretch across Faxaflói bay to Mount Esja and distant glaciers.
History & Background
Viðey settled c. 900s. Augustinian monastery founded 1225 (dissolved at Reformation 1539). Viðeyjarstofa built 1755 as merchant/sheriff residence — Iceland's first stone building. Island farmed until 1940s, then abandoned. Imagine Peace Tower unveiled 2007 on what would have been John Lennon's 67th birthday. Island now protected nature reserve.
Did You Know?
- ✔5 min ferry from Reykjavík (Skarfabakki)
- ✔Iceland's oldest stone building: Viðeyjarstofa (1755)
- ✔Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower (light beam Oct 9–Dec 8)
- ✔Car-free island — 7 km walking paths
- ✔Arctic terns nest in summer (aggressive!)
Tours Near Viðey Island — Reykjavík's Island Escape
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Book NowAbout Viðey Island — Reykjavík's Island Escape
Viðey Island is 1.6 km² (about 1.5 km long, 1 km wide), located 700m offshore from Skarfabakki harbour northeast of Reykjavík. The island is uninhabited except for summer café staff and conservation workers. **Ferry:** Elding operates ferry from Skarfabakki (near Harpa) May–September, approximately hourly 10:15–17:00. Journey 5 minutes. Winter service reduced (weekends only). Round-trip included in Reykjavík City Card. **Viðeyjarstofa House:** Built 1755–1763, Iceland's first stone building. Originally merchant's house. Now small museum and summer café (June–August). **Imagine Peace Tower:** Yoko Ono memorial to John Lennon, unveiled 2007. Wishing well with 'Imagine Peace' in 24 languages. Light beam illuminates October 9–December 8 each year (visible from Reykjavík). **Nature:** Car-free, mostly grassland and low shrubs. Arctic terns nest May–August (aggressive toward visitors — bring a hat). Eider ducks, gulls, ravens common. Views across Faxaflói bay. **Walking:** 7 km of paths circling island. Allow 2–3 hours for full circuit. Flat terrain, easy walking.
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Book NowHistory & Background
Viðey settled c. 900s. Augustinian monastery founded 1225 (dissolved at Reformation 1539). Viðeyjarstofa built 1755 as merchant/sheriff residence — Iceland's first stone building. Island farmed until 1940s, then abandoned. Imagine Peace Tower unveiled 2007 on what would have been John Lennon's 67th birthday. Island now protected nature reserve.
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Book NowStory & Folklore
Viðey Island lies 700 metres offshore from Reykjavík — a peaceful 1.6 km² island reached by 5-minute ferry, offering walking paths, bird cliffs, 18th-century stone house (Iceland's oldest), and Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower memorial to John Lennon. The island is car-free and largely uninhabited, making it Reykjavík's easiest escape into nature. Arctic terns nest in summer (dive-bombing visitors), and on clear days views stretch across Faxaflói bay to Mount Esja and distant glaciers.
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Book NowVisitor Information
Best Time
Summer for frequent ferries; Oct–Dec evenings for Peace Tower light
Duration
Half day
Access
Ferry from Skarfabakki (May–Sep hourly, Oct–Apr weekends)
Why Visit
Arctic terns nest in summer (dive-bombing visitors), and on clear days views stretch across Faxaflói bay to Mount Esja and distant glaciers.
Did You Know?
The Imagine Peace Tower's light beam is powered by geothermal energy — the wishing well sits atop a shaft drilled into bedrock where geothermal water generates electricity for the lights.
The Island John Lennon Never Saw
Yoko Ono chose Viðey for the Imagine Peace Tower because John loved Iceland — though he never visited. The light that shines from the island each winter is visible across Reykjavík, a beam of peace over the city.
Hidden Gems Nearby
The East Coast Bird Cliffs
The far eastern shore has low cliffs where guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes nest — less famous than Arctic terns but more interesting to watch.
The 360° Summit View
Viðey's highest point (32 metres) offers a complete panorama: Reykjavík spreading south, Esja to the north, Reykjanes peninsula west, and on clear days Snæfellsjökull glacier 120 km away.
Practical Information
Best Time
Summer for frequent ferries; Oct–Dec evenings for Peace Tower light
Duration
Half day
Access
Ferry from Skarfabakki (May–Sep hourly, Oct–Apr weekends)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Arctic terns attack me?▾
Probably yes if you visit May–August. They nest on the island and dive-bomb anyone who comes near. Bring a hat or stick to hold above your head — they'll attack the highest point.
Can I see the Peace Tower light year-round?▾
No — it illuminates only October 9 (John Lennon's birthday) through December 8 (anniversary of his death). Winter nights only.