Viðey is an island just off the coast of Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital city. It is a popular destination due to its natural beauty, the artworks that have been erected here, and its accessibility and affordability.
The island was once inhabited, even having a monastery, but has long since been deserted. Very few buildings remain here.
Getting to Viðey Island
Boats to Viðey Island throughout the year, leaving from Skarfabakki pier at Sundahöfn harbour. This is just about five kilometres (three miles) from the centre of Reyjavík. The journey takes approximately twenty minutes.
Tickets to Viðey can be bought in isolation, but are included for free on a Reykjavík City Card. These cards provide you with either free access or heavily discounted access to a wealth of the capital’s cultural sites, museums, pools and galleries.
Artwork and Culture at Viðey Island
Viðey is best known internationally as the location for the Imagine Peace Tower. Envisioned and designed by Yoko Ono, it was intended as a tribute both to her late husband John Lennon, from the Beatles, and to their shared vision of a world free of war and united in love.
The tower is only lit at certain times of the year, such as over Lennon’s birthday and other significant events. Yoko Ono regularly comes to Iceland, and often attends the lighting of the tower.
One of the few buildings on the island was the home of ‘the father of Reykjavík, Skuli Magnusson. This house, Videyjarstofa, now displays paintings of renowned Icelandic artists.
The island’s last great artwork was constructed by one of the world's most renowned sculptors, Richard Sierra. It can be found on the west side of the island, and is called Milestones.
Videy also has a graveyard, the final resting place of many known Icelanders. Gunnar Gunnarson, for example, is buried here, a renowned author who wrote novels such as Fjallkirkjan ('The Church on the Mountain'), Svartfugl (The Black Cliffs) and Adventa (The Good Shepherd).
Reykjavík Harbour refers to the Old Harbour, and is located close to the centre of the city. It is the main port of departure for whale and puffin watching tours, as well as Northern Lights cruises.
The original purpose of the old harbour was for fisheries and trade; the consequences of the latter is why Reykjavík has such a disproportionately high population when compared to the rest of the country, and why it became the capital. These industries, while still important have given way to tourism in recent years.
Tours from Reykjavík Harbour
Many tours leave from Reykjavík Harbour, some going on throughout the year. The most notable of these are the whale-watching tours. Leaving multiple times a day, the vessels cruise into Faxaflói Bay, where an abundance of creatures dwell. Year-round, harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins reside, with the occasional Minke Whale that forgot to follow its migration route. In summer, these are much more abundant, alongside Humpback Whales.
It is also possible, if not common, to see Blue, Fin, Sei and Beaked Whales on these tours, as well as the magnificent Orca (which, unlike the others, prefers to visit in winter).
In summer, puffin watching tours are also available. These go to the isles of Lundy and Akuyri, just offshore, where they nest in the thousands. These tours come with binoculars for a close-up view, and can be added onto whale-watching excursions.
In winter, Northern Lights Cruises can offer some of the best opportunities to see the aurora borealis in complete peace and darkness. If visiting over New Year, it is also possible to take a boat out to see the incredible fireworks over Reykjavík.
Sea anglers can also take tours from the Old Harbour, and there are rod rentals on the pier for those who would rather stay routed on lands. Some of the nearby fish restaurants will be happy to cook up your catch for you.
Museums around Reykjavík Harbour
Not only do many tours leave from the Old Harbour, but it is close to many of the city’s most popular museums. The Viking Maritime Museum, for example, is a perfect place to learn about Iceland’s seafaring history and the brave and brutal men and women who populated the island. The Whales of Iceland exhibition, meanwhile, allows guests to better understand the two dozen species of cetacean that call the waters here home.
These museums are all perfect for children, and many are discounted or free with a Reykjavík city card.
Views from Reykjavík Harbour
The views the Old Harbour are some of the best in Reykjavík. Across Faxalói Bay, passed the docked sailing boats, are a wealth of natural landscapes across. To the north is the flat-topped Mount Esja, the most popular hiking spot in the country, and in very clear weather, you’ll be able to see the stunning the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and its crowning glacier.
Looking southward, you will also see the volcanic peaks of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Of course, within view are many of the landmarks of the capital, such as the Harpa Concert Hall.
Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by Milan Nykodym.
Whales of Iceland is an exhibit in Reykjavík, and the biggest whale exhibition in the world.
The museum has 23 life sized models of the species of whale, dolphin and porpoise that frequent Iceland’s waters, as well as many interactive stands and videos where you can learn about their biology, behaviour and conservation.
The Whales of Iceland can be found at Fiskilóð 23-25, near Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. Entrance is 2,900 ISK for adults, 1,500 ISK for children aged 7-15, and free for those under 7. A Reykjavík City Card will take 30% off of your admission.
