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

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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.

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

Local Legend

Framing the Horizon

Visitors walking along the shoreline of Viðey often encounter The Shore Piece unexpectedly — two monumental steel forms standing quietly against the open horizon. Rather than telling a traditional story, the sculpture invites people to create their own experience of space, distance, and landscape. As you move around the artwork, the shapes shift visually against Faxaflói bay and the mountains beyond. The sea, weather, and changing light become part of the piece itself. Many visitors describe the moment as a pause in the journey across the island — a place where art and nature briefly merge into one scene.

Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

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.

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.