Viðey is a small flat island in Kollafjörður bay a short ferry ride from Skarfabakki harbour (10 minutes) that combines the Viðey Stofa (the oldest stone building in Iceland, completed in 1755), Iceland's first church (from 1774), and Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower — a luminous beacon switched on each year from 9 October (John Lennon's birthday) to 8 December (the anniversary of his death), projecting light for up to 4 kilometres into the sky. Ono chose Viðey for its symbolism — a small peaceful island between continents.
The island has walking trails, nesting seabird colonies, sheep, and a remarkable Richard Serra sculpture installation ('Áfangar'), nine pairs of basalt columns arranged around the island's highest point. Viðey is easy to combine with whale watching or a visit to Grandi, and the ferry schedule requires planning — check in advance.
Verified Facts
Viðey Stofa was completed in 1755
Iceland's first church on Viðey dates to 1774
The Imagine Peace Tower is lit from 9 October to 8 December
Richard Serra's 'Áfangar' sculpture comprises nine pairs of basalt columns
Get walking directions
Viðey Island, Kollafjörður
