Videy
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About Videy
Viðey is a small island just off Reykjavík, a five-minute ferry ride from Reykjavík's Skarfabakki pier. It combines a long history with walking paths and one of the city's best-known artworks, and it makes an easy half-day escape from the capital.
Archaeological work has found signs of settlement on the island as early as the 10th century. From 1225 to 1539 it was home to an Augustinian monastery that became one of the wealthiest in Iceland, owning more than 100 farms. The Danish authorities built Viðeyjarstofa, a stone house, in 1753 to 1755, and the Viðey Church, completed in 1774, is one of the oldest churches in the country. Viðeyjarstofa now houses a café serving lunch and light refreshments while the ferry is running.
The Imagine Peace Tower, created by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon and erected in 2007, is a column of light projected into the sky from a white stone base engraved with the words 'Imagine Peace' in 24 languages. It is lit every year from 9 October, Lennon's birthday, to 8 December, the anniversary of his death, and on selected peace days. Walking paths lead round the island, and it is a popular spot for picnics.
The ferry is run by Elding for the City of Reykjavík. From 15 May to 31 August it sails daily from Skarfabakki every hour from 10:15 to 17:15, with two extra daily departures from the Old Harbour (a 20-minute crossing) from 1 June. From 1 September to 14 May it runs at weekends only, at 13:15, 14:15 and 15:15. A 2026 return ticket costs ISK 2,500 for adults, ISK 1,250 for children aged 7 to 17 and ISK 2,250 for students, seniors and disabled passengers; under-7s travel free. Separate evening trips run to see the Peace Tower when it is lit.
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Good to know
How do you get to Viðey island?
A ferry run by Elding sails from Skarfabakki pier in Reykjavík, a five-minute crossing, with extra summer departures from the Old Harbour.
How much is the Viðey ferry?
In 2026 a return ticket costs ISK 2,500 for adults, ISK 1,250 for children aged 7 to 17 and ISK 2,250 for students, seniors and disabled passengers; under-7s are free.
Does the Viðey ferry run in winter?
Yes, but only at weekends from 1 September to 14 May, with departures from Skarfabakki at 13:15, 14:15 and 15:15.
When is the Imagine Peace Tower lit?
It is lit every year from 9 October to 8 December and on selected peace days.
Is there food on Viðey?
Yes, the café in Viðeyjarstofa serves lunch and light refreshments while the ferry is operating.
What is there to see on Viðey?
The island has Viðeyjarstofa from the 1750s, a church completed in 1774, the Imagine Peace Tower and walking paths around the coast.
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