Viðey Island — Reykjavík's Island Escape

Background

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.

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.