CityBuddy
Viðey Island (Imagine Peace Tower)
Best time to visit
Early evening during the official lighting season, October 9 to December 8, for the Imagine Peace Tower beam; late afternoon in summer for golden light and active seabirds.
Budget tips
Ferry to Viðey is paid, expect around 1,200-1,500 ISK roundtrip; check the Reykjavík City Card and seasonal ferry passes, they sometimes include the island and save money if visiting museums too.
Recommended for
Art lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Nature lovers, Couples
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: A narrow column of intense white light reaches into the sky, powered by 15 xenon lamps that pierce low clouds and can be seen from miles away. Expect a short ferry ride of about 20 minutes that leaves you on a windswept shore where seabirds wheel and basalt crunches beneath your feet.
Highlights: Yoko Ono arranged for the light to shine annually between October 9 and December 8, honoring John Lennon’s life, and the beam is also lit on New Year’s Eve and several other meaningful dates. From the shore you can hear a low electrical hum, feel a slight vibration underfoot, and watch the light beam slice through clouds in silver ribbons, a quiet spectacle that often draws small, hushed gatherings.
Insider tips
- Dress in windproof layers and waterproof shoes, weather changes quickly on the exposed shore.
- Bring a tripod or steady surface for night photos of the Imagine Peace Tower and the Reykjavík skyline.
- Check the official lighting schedule before planning a night visit, the beam is only lit on specific dates.
- Arrive on the first or last ferry of the day to avoid midday tour groups and enjoy quieter walking trails.
Where to Stay in Reykjavík
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