Viðey Island
A tranquil island escape near Reykjavik, offering easy hikes, historical ruins, and iconic outdoor art installations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Longer daylight, milder weather
Viðey Island
Best Time
Longer daylight, milder weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil island escape near Reykjavik, offering easy hikes, historical ruins, and iconic outdoor art installations.
"An amazing 'little' island just 10 minutes by boat outside of Reykjavik, offering a big beautiful place to walk."
🚢 Ferry Included with City Card
Your Reykjavik City Card covers the ferry! Save money and enjoy the short, scenic ride.
🚶♀️ Easy Hiking Trails
Enjoy pleasant walks with beautiful views of Reykjavik. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon. [^review]
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 59 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Settlement Remains
South end of the island
Explore centuries-old ruins and learn about island history at the interpretive center. A hidden gem!
Imagine Peace Pavilion
Near the ferry dock
Yoko Ono's iconic monument offers a serene spot for reflection and stunning views of Reykjavik.
Richard Serra's Milestones
Various locations
Discover these striking outdoor art installations scattered across the island's tranquil plains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reykjavik City Card Perks
Weather-Ready Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is Viðey Island worth checking out?
Is Viðey Island worth checking out? I'll be going all around the country, so I guess I'm wondering if it's really awesome or is it skippable (given that I'll be checking out the rest of the country).
🚢 Ferry Included with City Card
Your Reykjavik City Card covers the ferry! Save money and enjoy the short, scenic ride.
🚶♀️ Easy Hiking Trails
Enjoy pleasant walks with beautiful views of Reykjavik. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon. [^review]
Are there any views or sights within an hour or so walk from Reykjavik?
I'm planning a trip for May. We have lots of stuff planned out, but for some of the quieter days, we were thinking about doing some walking or hiking. We're under 21 so we can't rent a car, so I was curious if there's any nice spots within a 1-2h walk of Reykjavik.
Help with the Itinerary
hey guys .. I need some suggestion for my itinerary.. we are visiting Iceland in few weeks for 8 days. I booked blue lagoon on the arrival date, 2 days south coast tour , 1 day Sneafellness tour, 1 day golden circle, 1 day glacier hike , 1 day Reykjavik town. I have 2 more days…
🧥 Dress in Layers
Icelandic weather changes fast. Be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures, even in summer. [^review]
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning landscapes, art installations, and Reykjavik's skyline. [^review]
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry Included with City Card
Your Reykjavik City Card covers the ferry! Save money and enjoy the short, scenic ride.
🚶♀️ Easy Hiking Trails
Enjoy pleasant walks with beautiful views of Reykjavik. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon. [^review]
🧥 Dress in Layers
Icelandic weather changes fast. Be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures, even in summer. [^review]
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning landscapes, art installations, and Reykjavik's skyline. [^review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Viðey Island is praised as a peaceful, accessible escape from Reykjavik, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical exploration, and striking outdoor art. Visitors appreciate the easy hikes, scenic views, and the unique cultural insights provided by the settlement remains and art installations. The inclusion of the ferry with the Reykjavik City Card is a major plus for budget travelers.
"A great place to visit and take an easy hike. The ferry is a nice short trip. Beautiful views of Reykjavik. Be sure to check out the settlement remains on the south end of the island. There is an open community building there with photos and some interpretive information. If the weather turns cold, it's a nice place to move your picnic lunch."
Dan Haug
"[September 2021] A stunning trip readily accessible from Reykjavík via a few minute boat ride, the island made for an excellent respite for those looking for a pleasant stroll around a largely uninhabited island save for the restaurant near the dock and/or those looking for something more historically enriching. From seeing the first 1st stone building created in Iceland to being able to walk up to the pillars which make up Richard Sierra’s “Milestones” Artpiece, these were great Easter eggs while walking through the incredibly tranquil plains. I was blessed that the weather cleared up beautifully for a calm, uninterrupted hike.
What I did not expect, as it was not explicitly marked on Google Maps, was the remnants of Sundbakki Village. A relatively unassuming ruins on the southeastern portion of the island, one can only catch a glimpse of the schoolhouse from Reykjavík. Arriving to the area itself also revealed numerous ruins, black pebble beaches and surprisingly detailed and maintained panels of information. It felt incredible to be walking through what felt to be a precious piece of history, especially in a location that is not well-frequented by tourists. The schoolhouse itself housed much of the history of the village, which was great to read through. I found it particularly beautiful to see how nature was slowly reclaiming the land, with the ruins covered in moss and flora, and the long plains of grass flowing against the wind. There was even a swing set in the area, which I happily used and regained a bit of that childhood spirit and innocence for a moment."
행복하자
"Amazing "little" island just 10 minutes by boat outside of Reykjavik. It's free if you have a City Card, and easily you have a big beautiful place to take a walk, find little places to take pictures of, and take a look at the Yoko Ono monument."
Gabriele Drago
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Viðey Island is by taking a short ferry ride from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik. The ferry journey is quick, usually around 5-10 minutes. If you have the Reykjavik City Card, the ferry fare is included, making it a very convenient and cost-effective option. [^review]
Ferry schedules can vary depending on the season. It's best to check the official Viðey ferry website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date timings before your visit. [^review]
No, Viðey Island is primarily accessible by ferry. There are no roads for private vehicles to reach the island, which contributes to its peaceful, car-free atmosphere. [^review]
Viðey Island is a short distance from Reykjavik, but it is not connected by a bridge. Therefore, walking or biking directly to the island is not possible. The ferry is the designated mode of transport. [^review]
The ferry ride itself is very short, typically taking only about 5 to 10 minutes from Reykjavik's Old Harbour to the island's dock. [^review]
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While entry to the island itself is free, you will need to purchase a ticket for the ferry service unless you have the Reykjavik City Card, which includes the ferry fare. [^review]
The cost of the ferry can vary, but it's often included with the Reykjavik City Card. If you don't have the card, check the official ferry operator's website for current pricing. [^review]
The island's natural beauty and outdoor art installations are free to explore. The main cost associated with visiting is the ferry ticket. [^review]
Viðey Island is accessible year-round, but the ferry operates on a seasonal schedule. The outdoor attractions are always available, but facilities like the restaurant may have specific hours. [^review]
It's generally recommended to check the ferry schedule and potentially book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure your spot. [^review]
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Viðey Island offers a peaceful escape with opportunities for easy hiking, exploring historical settlement remains, viewing outdoor art installations like Yoko Ono's 'Imagine Peace Pavilion' and Richard Serra's 'Milestones,' and enjoying scenic views of Reykjavik. [^review]
Yes, Viðey Island is perfect for easy, scenic hikes. The trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful coastal views and access to historical sites. It's a great place for a relaxed stroll rather than strenuous trekking. [^review]
Absolutely! Viðey Island is home to the remnants of the Sundbakki Village, including a schoolhouse, and is the site of Iceland's first stone building. These offer a fascinating glimpse into the island's past. [^review]
Key art installations include Yoko Ono's 'Imagine Peace Pavilion' and Richard Serra's 'Milestones.' These are significant outdoor sculptures that enhance the island's unique appeal. [^review]
Yes, Viðey Island is a great destination for families. The easy trails are safe for children, and the historical sites and art installations can be educational and engaging. It's a peaceful environment for a family outing. [^review]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant located near the ferry dock on Viðey Island, offering meals and refreshments. It's a convenient spot to refuel after exploring. [^review]
Picnicking is a popular activity on Viðey Island. There are many scenic spots where you can enjoy your own food, especially if the weather is pleasant. [^review]
The restaurant typically serves Icelandic cuisine, often featuring fresh, local ingredients. It's advisable to check their menu and opening hours in advance. [^review]
Dining in Iceland can be pricey, and the restaurant on Viðey Island is no exception. Bringing your own picnic can be a more budget-friendly option. [^review]
Besides the main restaurant, options for snacks might be limited. It's a good idea to bring some snacks and water with you, especially if you plan a longer visit. [^review]
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities include the 'Imagine Peace Pavilion,' the 'Milestones' art installation, the historical settlement ruins, panoramic views of Reykjavik across the water, and the island's natural landscapes. [^review]
Yes, Viðey Island offers diverse landscapes perfect for photography, from rugged coastlines and pebble beaches to vast grassy plains and the distant Reykjavik skyline. [^review]
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. However, even on a cloudy day, the moody atmosphere can be very photogenic. [^review]
If conditions are right and it's dark enough, Viðey Island can offer a unique vantage point for photographing the Northern Lights, with fewer light pollution sources than in the city center. [^review]
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive views, and a tripod can be helpful for low-light photography or capturing smooth water. [^review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit