Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | The island of Viðey is just a short boat ride from Reykjavik, but feels much further away from city life. Hiking trails, birdlife, modern art and almost a thousand years of documented history await you here. We made the trip on a muggy March day and combined the boat trip with history, grey seas and a really good lunch in Iceland's oldest stone house.
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
ShareTable of contents
The island of Viðey in Iceland
Viðey is located in Kollafjörður just outside Reykjavik and is currently uninhabited. Archaeological findings show that people lived on the island as early as the 9th century, and over the centuries there have been monasteries, farming and fishing communities here.
Today, the island is primarily a destination for those who want to walk, cycle, experience nature and history or see the works of art scattered throughout the landscape.
Excursion to Viðey
We took an excursion to the island of Viðey with the whale watching company Elding. The boat ride itself took maybe 15 minutes, and while we looked out over a grey sea and a shrinking Reykjavik, a guide told us about the island we were going to. Then it was time to step ashore!
Viðeyjarstofa - Iceland's oldest stone house
Viðeyjarstofa, or Viðey House, was completed around 1755 and is considered Iceland's oldest stone building. The house was designed by Danish architect Nicolai Eigtved and built as a residence for Skúli Magnússon, one of the most influential Icelanders of the 18th century.
Today the building is used for restaurant operations and various events. When we visited Viðey we had a fantastic lunch here with cod, parsnips and chocolate cake for dessert.
Kyrkan Viðeyjarkirkja
Right next to or behind Viðeyjarstofa is Viðeyjarkirkja, one of the oldest churches in Iceland. The church was designed by Danish architect Georg David Anthon and was inaugurated in 1774.
Imagine Peace Tower
Internationally, the small island of Viðey in Iceland is best known for Imagine Peace Tower, or Friðarsúlan (Peace Column) as it is called in Icelandic. The sculpture was created by Yoko Ono, in memory of John Lennon and as a symbol of peace. The work was inaugurated on Viðey on 9 October 2007, on what would have been Lennon's 67th birthday.
The monument itself consists of a wishing well where the words Imagine Peace are written in 24 languages. When the artwork is lit, powerful beams of light shoot up into the sky, forming a pillar of light that can be seen from Reykjavik.
The tower is not lit all year round. It is lit up every year from October 9 to December 8, as well as during parts of the Christmas and New Year period, on Yoko Ono's birthday on February 18 and around the spring equinox. You can see what it looks like when it is lit up on the artwork's official website.
Hike, cycle and discover art on Viðey
Many people come to Viðey primarily for the nature and tranquility. The island has walking and cycling paths, beautiful views of Reykjavík and a rich birdlife.
There is also modern art here. One of the most famous works is Áfangar (Milestones) by the American sculptor Richard Serra, which consists of stone pillars placed in different parts of the island.
Did people live on Viðey even before the Vikings?
Norwegian Vikings settled in Iceland from 870 onwards, as they wanted to get away from the Norwegian King Harald Fairhair. But was Iceland completely deserted when they arrived? No one can answer this with certainty, but there is evidence to suggest that Irish monks (paper) found their way here even before the Vikings.
One of the reasons why this is suspected is that some islands, such as Viðey, were early on called 'Papey' (monk's island). So perhaps Irish monks once lived on this now uninhabited island? Exciting to imagine!
Almost a thousand years of history on Viðey
- In the 10th century There is evidence of settlement on the island.
- Year 1225 A monastery was founded on Viðey. The monastery became an important religious and cultural center until the Reformation in the 16th century.
- In the 18th century Viðeyjarstofa and the church were built, and Skúli Magnússon lived on the island.
- During the early 20th century Both large-scale agriculture and fishing developed, and the island had at most over a hundred inhabitants.
- During the 20th century Viðey was gradually depopulated. Today, no one lives permanently on the island, which is instead used for outdoor activities, culture and excursions.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
There is of course much more to see and experience in and around Reykjavik. Here you will find tips and reports for your trip:
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Viðey
How to get to Viðey?
You can take a ferry from Reykjavik. The crossing is short, but the timetable varies depending on the season, so check the current departures before visiting.
How long do you need to stay on Viðey?
Allow a few hours to stroll around, see the most important buildings and works of art, and enjoy the scenery. If you want to hike further or eat on the island, you can stay most of the day.
Do people live on Viðey?
No, today there are no permanent residents on the island. Historically, however, Viðey has had a monastery, agriculture, fishing and a small community.
When does the Imagine Peace Tower light up?
The tower lights up from October 9 to December 8, during parts of the Christmas and New Year period, on February 18 and around the spring equinox.
Can you cycle on Viðey?
Yes, the island is suitable for both walking and cycling and has roads and paths that make it easy to get around.
This trip was a press trip, organised by the Food and Fun Reykjavik festival and Icelandair. All texts, photos (unless otherwise stated) and opinions are, as usual, our own.
English (UK) 
Svenska
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
What lovely light and colours there were on this grey March day.
Cosy trip and the food looks absolutely wonderful!
07 March 2019 - 7:29
Helena says:
Like to get out on the sea! Even when it's a bit rough 🙂
07 March 2019 - 15:44
Ditte says:
It's great to visit a place where not many people go. I didn't even know the island existed. Thanks for the visit, info and nice Bildt. Just wondered if you got to see any sea life.
07 March 2019 - 13:30
Helena says:
Surely it is a bit exciting to discover places where not everyone goes? 🙂 Saw various seabirds, but nothing more than that 😉.
07 March 2019 - 15:45
Steve says:
How wonderful to visit a place with 0 inhabitants, yet with so much to offer. A real gem with a particularly colourful history...
The farmhouse era, in contrast to today when dairy farmers are a dying breed.
07 March 2019 - 19:17
Helena says:
We like history, so we thought this was interesting 🙂 ).
08 March 2019 - 9:18
Lena - gott för själen says:
Truly an exciting story on that island. Beautiful pictures in spite of somewhat icy weather.
Hug Lena
07 March 2019 - 20:25
Helena says:
The weather was not great, but still a nice trip! 🙂
08 March 2019 - 9:19
BP says:
Irish monks are from Ireland I guess. Oh yes, they are Catholic monks. Better place to settle with celibacy and everything is hardly possible;-)
I can imagine that a short visit to the island in the sunshine is a highlight, but otherwise, no thanks. Understand very well that the island is uninhabited since 1950...
07 March 2019 - 21:44
Helena says:
Yes exactly, they were from Ireland. And it couldn't get much more lonely (until the Vikings came along ;)).
08 March 2019 - 9:19