Island of Light: Exploring Viðey — Reykjavík’s Quiet Wild
A short ferry ride from Reykjavík, a microcosm of Icelandic nature and memory—puffins, peace, and coastal walks.
The ferry nudges away from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour and the city peels back like a photograph: colored rooftops, the modern slant of Harpa, the distant silhouette of Esja. Within minutes the noise falls away and Viðey appears—an island that looks small on a map but feels expansive under open Icelandic sky. Salt air sharpens your breath; the grass is low and wind-stiff, and the Imagine Peace Tower—Yoko Ono’s column of light—stands like a lighthouse of memory, slicing upward into the long summer dusk. On Viðey you trade the city’s pulse for the deliberate rhythm of seabirds, the hush of small waves, and a handful of paths that invite slow, curious walking.
Trail Wisdom
Layer for wind and spray
Bring a waterproof outer layer and mid-layer—conditions change quickly and wind off the bay is persistent.
Bring binoculars and a tele lens
Puffins and seabirds are best enjoyed at a distance; a 300mm-equivalent lens or compact binoculars make the experience richer.
Watch nesting closures
Respect taped-off areas around cliffs and follow guide instructions during puffin season to avoid disturbing breeding birds.
Time your marine tours
Book morning or late-afternoon whale/puffin tours for calmer seas and better light—check cancellation policies for bad weather.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The 18th-century Viðeyjarstofa and its small interpretive exhibits
- •Northern shore basalt outcrops where you can quietly watch approaching boats and flocks
Wildlife
Atlantic puffin, Arctic tern
Conservation Note
Stay on marked trails to protect nesting seabirds and fragile vegetation; avoid feeding wildlife and carry out all waste.
Viðey has been used since Iceland’s settlement era and features the 18th-century manor house Viðeyjarstofa; more recently it hosts art installations including the Imagine Peace Tower.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: bird arrivals, wildflower edges, calmer early-season seas
Challenges: changeable weather, late spring storms
Spring is a time of arrivals—seabirds and early blooms—though wind and sudden showers are common and require layers.
summer
Best for: puffin colonies, extended daylight walks, frequent whale-watch departures
Challenges: crowds on weekends, strong midday sun on exposed shores
Summer offers the richest wildlife viewing and long days—ideal for combining island walks with Puffin Watching Speedboat Express or whale trips.
fall
Best for: moody coastal light, first aurora chances, quieter trails
Challenges: shortening daylight, colder sea temperatures
Autumn brings crisp light and solitude; good for photographers and those chasing early Northern Lights.
winter
Best for: Imagine Peace Tower views, aurora cruises, dramatic low-light landscapes
Challenges: reduced ferry schedules, cold, icy paths
Winter is intimate and stark—the island is quieter, the Imagine Peace Tower may be lit, and aurora-focused boat trips operate from Reykjavík.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof, windproof jacketEssential
Protects against persistent bay winds and spray.
Sturdy trail shoesEssential
Provides grip on gravel, grass, and beaches around the island.
Binoculars or telephoto lensEssential
Essential for observing puffins, terns, and distant whales without disturbing wildlife.
Warm hat and gloves
Useful in cooler months or on windy days when temperature drops on exposed headlands.
Common Questions
How do I get to Viðey?
Regular ferries depart Reykjavík’s Old Harbour; tickets can be bought at the terminal or included with the Reykjavík City Card (check seasonal schedules).
Can I see puffins from the island?
Yes—puffins nest on cliffs and grassy edges visible from safe viewpoints, though the best approach for colony viewing is a boat tour like the Puffin Watching Speedboat Express.
Are there facilities on Viðey?
A small visitor house and seasonal café operate at Viðeyjarstofa, but services are limited—bring water and snacks in peak season.
Is the island wheelchair accessible?
Some paths are flat and accessible, but certain cliffside viewpoints and rougher trails are not; confirm ferry accessibility in advance.
What should I do if I want to go whale watching?
Book a dedicated tour—options include Reykjavík Bay Arctic Rose Whale Watching Excursion or Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik—departing from Reykjavík’s harbor; check weather policies and age/height limits on RIB tours.
When is the Imagine Peace Tower lit?
Yoko Ono schedules the tower to be lit on specific dates such as John Lennon’s birthday and during parts of winter—confirm dates before planning an evening visit.
What to Pack
Waterproof jacket, binoculars, sturdy shoes, water/snacks — for protection, observation, footing, and energy on the island.
Did You Know
The Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey was created by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon and is lit on his birthday and other significant dates; it projects a column of light high into the sky.
Quick Travel Tips
Book ferries or marine tours in advance in summer; check Reykjavík City Card for included ferry rides; bring layers for wind; respect seabird nesting areas.
Local Flavor
Combine your visit with Reykjavík’s seafood cafés and lamb-based dishes—bring a picnic or sample local snacks at Viðeyjarstofa to connect the island’s pastoral history with Icelandic culinary tradition.
Logistics Snapshot
Ferry from Reykjavík Old Harbour; main loop 1–2 hours; best wildlife May–Aug; Reykjavík City Card includes ferry; wear windproof layers.
Sustainability Note
Use public ferry service, stick to paths to protect nesting birds, avoid single-use plastics, and choose small-group wildlife tours that follow responsible wildlife-viewing codes.