Light, Sea, and Solace: Visiting the Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey
An evening pilgrimage to Yoko Ono’s beacon on Viðey — plus puffin-speed thrills on Reykjavík Bay.
The sky over Reykjavík has a habit of making you look up. On a wind-leaning evening, with the city’s low lights smeared across Faxaflói Bay, a single vertical column of white reaches for the clouds from Viðey island — not a star but an engineered shaft of light that seems to cut the night into two. Walk toward it and the city noise thins: gulls blur by, tidal ripples applaud the shore, and the tower — Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower — stands less like a monument and more like an invitation.
Trail Wisdom
Book the evening slot
The Imagine Peace Tower is most meaningful at night when lit; the standard guided excursion lasts about 1.5 hours and includes round-trip boat transport.
Layer for wind and spray
Bring a windproof outer layer and small waterproof protection — Viðey is exposed and the bay can spit spray even on calm days.
Respect bird nesting areas
If combining with a puffin trip, stay quiet and follow your guide’s distance recommendations to avoid stressing seabirds.
Charge your camera and phone
Long exposures are ideal for the tower; bring a small tripod or steady your camera against rock for night photos.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The Viðey House museum and old coastal paths for a quiet island walk
- •Sculpture trail on Viðey with works by local and international artists
Wildlife
Atlantic puffin, common eider
Conservation Note
Operators emphasize minimal-impact visits; visitors are asked to keep to paths and respect nesting seasons to protect seabird colonies.
Viðey has medieval monastic roots and later became a favored summer retreat; the Imagine Peace Tower was added in 2007 as a contemporary cultural landmark.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: shoulder-season crowds, early bird migrations
Challenges: unpredictable weather, cool temperatures
Spring brings returning birds and fewer tourists, but conditions are variable — pack warm layers and waterproofs.
summer
Best for: puffin viewing, long daylight hours
Challenges: busy weekends, windy afternoons
Summer is ideal for combining the Jetski puffin tours and a daytime island walk, with near-midnight light and calmer seas.
fall
Best for: dramatic skies, fewer crowds
Challenges: shortening daylight, cooler seas
Autumn delivers moody light and solitude; check the tower’s public lighting schedule for evening visits.
winter
Best for: aurora photography (on clear nights), intimate, reflective visits
Challenges: limited lighting schedule, harsh weather
Winter offers the starkest, most cinematic conditions, but the tower is lit only on select dates — plan around published events.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Windproof jacketEssential
Keeps you warm against constant bay winds on Viðey and during boat transfers.
Waterproof shoes or bootsEssential
Trails are grassy and can be wet; stable soles help on uneven ground.
Compact tripod or stabilizer
Enables long-exposure night shots of the tower without camera shake.
Motion-suitable clothing (for jetski)Essential
Quick-dry layers and a rash guard keep you comfortable on a windy jetski ride.
Common Questions
How do I get to the Imagine Peace Tower?
Most visitors take a guided evening boat trip from Reykjavík Old Harbour that includes round-trip transport and a short guided walk on Viðey.
Is the Imagine Peace Tower lit every night?
No — the tower is usually lit on special occasions and annually on select dates (including John Lennon’s birthday and other commemorations); check the operator or local listings for scheduled lightings.
Can I visit Viðey during the day?
Yes — Viðey is accessible by public ferry and guided tours; daytime visits offer walking trails, historic sites, and sculptures.
Are jetski puffin tours safe and eco-friendly?
Reputable operators run small-group tours with experienced guides and protocols to minimize wildlife disturbance; they also brief participants on safety and distance from birds.
What should I wear for the trip?
Layered clothing, a windproof shell, waterproof shoes, and a hat/gloves in cooler months are recommended; bring sunscreen on bright days.
Can children join the Imagine Peace Tower tour or jetski trips?
Boat-based tower tours are family-friendly but check age policies with the operator; jetski tours may have age or weight restrictions for safety.
What to Pack
Windproof jacket (for bay winds), waterproof shoes (for grassy/rocky trails), camera with tripod or stabilizer (for night exposures), reusable cup or thermos (hot drink offered but useful for warmth).
Did You Know
The Imagine Peace Tower was unveiled in 2007 by Yoko Ono as a memorial to John Lennon and is powered by geothermal energy; it is traditionally lit on John Lennon’s birthday (October 9) and other select dates.
Quick Travel Tips
Book evening tours in advance; check the tower’s lighting schedule; bring layered clothing for wind and sudden weather; combine the tower visit with a daytime island walk or a puffin-watching trip.
Local Flavor
Reykjavík’s compact cultural life means you can follow a quiet evening on Viðey with late-night seafood in the Old Harbour, a coffee at a downtown roaster, or an art show — Icelandic cuisine prioritizes lamb, seafood, and seasonal produce, and local artists often reference the sea and light in their work.
Logistics Snapshot
Departure: Reykjavík Old Harbour. Typical duration: 1.5 hours for tower tour; jetski tours 1–3 hours. Accessibility: short walks on uneven grass. Book: reserve evening slots in advance. Payment: card accepted by tour operators.
Sustainability Note
Choose operators that publish environmental policies; Våey visits and wildlife tours should follow nesting season guidelines — minimize noise, avoid leaving waste, and respect all marine and bird habitats.