Viðey
Island Icelandic island near Reykjavík with sculpture park
A short ferry from Reykjavík, Viðey island offers coastal walks, birdwatching, the Imagine Peace Tower memorial and 18th-century buildings, making it a common half-day outing from the capital.
Viðey is a small island in Faxa Bay immediately off the coast of Reykjavík in Iceland’s Capital Region. It is known for a mix of historic buildings, outdoor artworks and easy access from the city by ferry.
Highlights on the island include the Yoko Ono-installed Imagine Peace Tower, a memorial light installation, historic structures including an old church and farmhouses, and a network of walking trails used for birdwatching and coastal views. The island’s compact size makes it suitable for short visits and guided walks.
The island has a long local history as a farming and ecclesiastical site and today combines cultural programming with conservation of buildings and landscape features. It lies a short ferry crossing from central Reykjavík and is used for seasonal events and public visits.
- Imagine Peace Tower (date): The Imagine Peace Tower was installed in 2007 as a memorial by Yoko Ono and stands as a seasonal light installation on the island.
- Access from Reykjavík: The island is a short ferry ride from Reykjavík, making it a common day-trip destination for walking, birdwatching and outdoor sculpture installations.
What to See #
- Imagine Peace Tower: The Imagine Peace Tower is an outdoor light memorial installed by Yoko Ono that projects a vertical beam of light into the sky and is a focal landmark on the island.
- Historic church and houses: Historic buildings on the island include an 18th-century church and traditional farmhouses, many preserved as cultural sites and seasonal visitor facilities.
How to Get to Viðey #
Ferries depart from Skarfabakki ferry pier in Reykjavík; the crossing is approximately 10-15 minutes. Check seasonal schedules with local ferry operators.
Tips for Visiting Viðey #
- Take the short ferry from Skarfabakki harbour (Reykjavík) - ferries run multiple times daily in summer and less often in winter.
- Walk the short loop around the island and visit the Viðey House and the Imagine Peace Tower (lit seasonally) - the island's art installations are small but striking.
- Bring windproof layers - the island is exposed and conditions change rapidly even on warm days.
Best Time to Visit Viðey #
Accessible year-round by short ferry from Reykjavík; summer offers most frequent service and comfortable walking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Viðey #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 14°C. Moderate rainfall (924 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with 96 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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