Viðey island situated just few minuets from Reykjavik city by ferry.

Unspoiled nature reigns on island of Viðey, which has a unique place in Icelandic history. Birdlife abounds on the island, while out­stand­ing works of modern art also make their mark.

Viðey was inhabited from soon after the sett­lement ofIce­land around 900 AD. In 1225 a mona­stery was founded on the island by Þorvaldur Gissurarson, with the ass­ist­ance of scholar/chieftain Snorri Sturluson. The first mona­stery in the sout­hern quarter, it soon grew wealthy. At its zenith it was the second richest mona­stery in Iceland, own­ing up to 116 estates.

Two million years ago Viðey was an active volcano, which is known as the Viðey volcano, and the rock of Viðey island is the oldest in the Reykjavík area. At the end of the last Ice Age, 12–13,000 years ago, the sea level rose due to the melt­ing of the glacial ice, and the island was inunda­ted. When the sea level dropped, the island rose once more from the sea 9–10,000 years ago. Viðey island is about 1.6 km in total area, compris­ing Heimaey (HomeIsland) and Vesturey (WestIsland), which are lin­ked by a narrow neck of land or ist­hmus, Eiðið. The eastern­most part of Heimaey is known as Austurey (EastIsland). Spectacular rock formati­ons can be seen along the shore of the island, as well as on Virkishöfði (Battlement Headland) and Eiðisbjarg. The island is const­antly being eroded by the forces of the sea, and this is especially cle­arly seen at Kríusandur and Þórsnes.

Yoko Ono's Peace Tower is lit each year on John Lennon’s birthday, October 9, the tower, a beacon of world peace, lights up the evening sky in Reykjavik through December 8, the day Lennon died. The tower is also lit from winter solstice to New Year and for one week from spring equinox as well as other select dates. The ever-changing weather conditions impact the strength, intensity and brilliance of the tower of light.  Yoko Ono chose Iceland for her Peace tower monument because the country is considered one of the most peaceful in the world and does not have an army, as well as Iceland’s use of geothermal energy, which also lights the tower. 

Viðey offers possibly the most intimate and remote Northern Lights hunt in Iceland! The darkness and serenity of the island will greet you. The island itself is absent from artificial light (apart from a few lamp posts) and as it has been uninhabited since the 1950´s it is mysterious and quite an interesting place to visit. You can enjoy the scenery, nature, history and culture of the island on our evening stroll  in search of the Northern Lights. Ideal for photographing with tripods. On the island  you have access to our excellent guidance, warm cottage with a cosy seating area and  toilet facilities You can enjoy the scenery, nature, history and culture of the island on your evening stroll in search of the Northern Lights. Photographing the art work or buildings of the island with the city lights in the background adds that something special to your pictures - it could be anything from the stunning blue light of the Imagine Peace Tower, the oldest stone building in Iceland or even yourself! The island also provides an incredible 360° panoramic view of the capital city, Imagine Peace Tower, the island itself, mountain ranges and some of the oldest buildings in Iceland.

The ferry