Viðey Island and the Imagine Peace Tower

Viðey is a small island in Kollafjörður, just off Reykjavik, Iceland, reached by a short ferry crossing from the Skarfabakki pier at Sundahöfn, about ten minutes each way. The island is protected and largely car-free, with grassy paths, shoreline walks and wide views of Mount Esja and the city skyline. It is a favourite for a half-day escape from the capital, and it holds both historic buildings and modern landmark artworks.

The oldest building is Viðeyjarstofa, a stone house completed in 1755 and one of the oldest in Iceland, beside a small stone church. Other points of interest include the remains of a former fishing village, birdlife along the coast, and Richard Serra's sculpture installation 'Milestones', a set of basalt-column-like pairs placed around the island. The island's best-known feature is the Imagine Peace Tower by Yoko Ono, a column of light dedicated to John Lennon, which is lit annually from 9 October to 8 December and on other set dates.

The ferry from Skarfabakki runs daily in summer, while from 1 September to 14 May it runs on weekends only, so visitors should check the Elding timetable at elding.is/videy-ferry before planning a trip. The return fare is about ISK 2,500 for adults, ISK 1,250 for ages 7-17, and free for under 7. Most visitors spend two to four hours on the island, enough to walk the main loop paths and, in season, stop at the café at Viðeyjarstofa.

Summer is the best time for walking and birdwatching, with long daylight hours. Evenings during the Imagine Peace Tower season offer the most striking views, when the beam of light rises from the island into the dark sky, though the weather and timetable need to be checked in advance. Visitors should wear windproof layers and sturdy shoes, since the island is exposed and paths can be muddy. Crowds are modest even in peak season because ferry capacity is limited.