A peace tower with real pull. This 2-hour Reykjavik trip takes you by ferry to Viðey Island to see Yoko Ono and John Lennon’s Imagine Peace Tower, lit on select dates, with guided stops and wide views back toward the city. It’s part art story, part island nature, and part winter-night atmosphere that feels more personal than a big sightseeing bus.

What I like most is the viewpoint from the water. From the ferry you get a Reykjavik panorama that looks different than from land, and when the sky cooperates you can watch for the Northern Lights without racing to another spot.

One heads-up: this is an outdoor, wind-exposed night outing. If weather turns nasty, you’ll still be outside for the walk and viewing—so you need real warm gear, and it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Key points before you go

• A short ferry ride (about 20 minutes) to Viðey Island from Reykjavik’s old harbor
• The Imagine Peace Tower lights up on specific dates, tied to Lennon’s birthday and other key moments
• Small-group feel with time for your guide to slow down and explain what you’re seeing
• Church + viewpoints + the tower area, so you’re not just snapping photos and leaving
• Northern Lights chances from the water, not only on land
• Warm-up support if offered on your departure, plus gear like flashlights (and crampons if needed)

Entering the Reykjavik-to-Viðey Ferry World (and Why It Changes Everything)

The tour starts at the Elding ticket office right in the old harbor area, at Ægisgarður 5 (about a 5-minute walk from the downtown Tourist Information Centre). You’ll exchange your ticket there, then head to the boats.

The first shift happens immediately: once you’re on the water, the night feels calmer and the scale of Reykjavik makes more sense. You’re moving away from the city lights just enough to appreciate the island setting, but not so far that you’re lost in nowhere. And since your group is guided, you get context while the coastline slides by instead of standing around guessing what you’re looking at.

You’ll also get a sense of how the island operates. Viðey is small, but not flat. That matters because the walk portion isn’t just a casual stroll. You’ll be outside, on uneven ground, and you’ll want shoes with grip.

If your timing matches a display period for the tower, the ferry ride becomes part of the show: you’re traveling toward something designed to glow in the evening sky.

The Imagine Peace Tower: What You’ll See After Dark

The Imagine Peace Tower is the star of the trip, and it’s not a normal museum piece. It’s a light-based artwork that appears only during certain dates, which is part of the whole idea: it’s temporary, seasonal, and tied to specific meanings.

Here are the display windows you should aim for:

• From 9 October (Lennon’s birthday) through 8 December (the day of his death)
• During the winter solstice to the New Year, for one week
• For one week around the Spring Equinox
• Plus a few selected extra dates

When it lights up, it emerges in the evening sky in Reykjavík’s direction. The effect can be sharper or softer depending on the weather—mist, wind, and cloud cover can change the intensity you see. That’s not a downside; it’s part of why the tower can feel almost alive from night to night.

At Viðey, you’ll walk to the tower area with your guide and make stops along the way. Expect time to get close enough to really understand the piece, not just spot it from a distance. One of the better surprises here is that the tower looks simple at first, but up close it comes with a lot of emotional weight, partly because your guide connects the art to Yoko Ono and John Lennon’s ongoing message about peace.

The campaign theme isn’t delivered like a lecture. It’s framed as encouragement—something meant to spark solidarity in a world that can feel noisy and fearful.

The Guided Walk on Viðey Island (Church, Stops, and Island Air)

The walking portion is where the tour goes from photo stop to real experience. After your ferry ride, you’ll follow your guide on a route with interesting pauses. These stops help you understand the island beyond the artwork.

A few things you should look forward to:

• You’ll head to a viewing point where you can take in the area from above
• You’ll visit Viðeyjarkirkja Church as part of the island experience
• Depending on the departure, you may also stop at Viðey house
• If the tour includes it that night, you’ll get a warm-up such as hot chocolate and klenät (Icelandic donuts)

The church stop adds depth without being heavy. Viðeyjarkirkja is often described as one of the older churches in Iceland, and it gives the whole evening a sense of layered time: modern peace message, but with an old island setting underneath.

Also, here’s a practical point: even though the group tour is only 2 hours, the cold can feel longer. That’s why those warm-up moments (when offered) matter. They help you stay comfortable enough to enjoy the tower instead of thinking only about your toes.

One more detail: the guides sometimes use music or special touches while you’re at the tower area. If your departure includes John Lennon music during your time at the light, it adds a simple, memorable emotional cue.

Northern Lights Odds: When the Ferry Spot Helps

If you’re coming for the aurora, you’re thinking about timing and position. This tour gives you a couple of chances without turning your evening into a scramble.

You’re outside around the tower area, and you’re also on the ferry—so you may catch the aurora from the water. That’s a big deal because it can help you keep calm and focused instead of chasing one specific viewpoint.

Now, realism check: Iceland weather can flip fast. Wind and cloud cover can cut your chances. But the ferry vantage can still pay off even on partial nights—aurora can look faint and streaky, and you don’t always need a dramatic sky show to enjoy it.

Bring this mindset: treat Northern Lights as a bonus, not the whole reason for the trip. Even without aurora, the tower itself is the draw, and it’s designed to make an impression in darkness.

Price and What You Get for $134

At $134 per person for a 2-hour tour, you’re paying for more than a quick photo moment. You’re paying for:

• Access to Viðey Island for the tower experience
• A guided evening with explanation and timed stops
• The ferry ride from Reykjavik’s old harbor (about 20 minutes each way, as described)
• Winter safety support like flashlights (and crampons if needed)
• A small-group feel that keeps the experience from feeling rushed

Is it cheap? No. But value in Reykjavik isn’t always about low price—it’s about not wasting your limited night-time. This tour is efficient: you get the island, the tower, and the nature/church context inside a tight window.

If you’re the kind of person who likes your Reykjavik evenings planned with purpose—then this price starts to make sense. You’re buying a focused, guided evening that stacks art, island character, and aurora potential in one outing.

Practical Tips: Warm Clothes, Light Packing, and Footwear

This is an outdoor night tour. That part is not small print.

Here’s what to do so the cold doesn’t steal your attention:

• Wear warm clothing and layers you trust in wind
• Use comfortable shoes with grip (you’ll be walking outdoors)
• Bring a hat and gloves if you get cold easily
• If you have wind-resistant outerwear, use it. Iceland wind can turn quick.
• Keep your luggage light: luggage or large bags aren’t allowed
• Plan around the fact it’s not suitable for wheelchair users

You’ll be provided with flashlights, and crampons if needed, which is reassuring on icy nights. But those tools are for safety and traction; they don’t replace actual warmth.

Also, don’t overpack with valuables you don’t want to think about in the dark. This tour works best when you travel light and move confidently.

Who This 2-Hour Imagine Peace Tour Fits Best

This tour is a great match if you:

• Want a Reykjavik night plan that feels meaningful, not just busy
• Like art with a story tied to real people and a clear message
• Prefer small-group guidance over roaming alone in the cold
• Are visiting during the display period and want the tower experience without guesswork
• Hope to see the Northern Lights and want a smart position from both land and water

It’s less ideal if:

• You hate cold weather or won’t do outdoor walking at night
• You need wheelchair accessibility (this one isn’t built for that)
• You’re expecting a long leisurely island stay—this is focused and time-limited

If you also want a quieter Reykjavik experience, this tour hits the sweet spot. You get out of the city lights and into a place that feels more like a reflective pause than a checklist.

Should You Book the Imagine Peace Tower Tour?

Yes—if your dates match the tower’s lighting window and you’re ready for an outdoor winter evening. The tower experience is the main event, and the ferry + guided stops make it feel complete instead of scattered.

Book it if you want:

• A clear, art-and-meaning evening in a short time
• Northern Lights potential from a smart water perspective
• A small-group night that’s guided end-to-end, including warmth and safety support like flashlights and crampons if needed

Skip it only if cold weather and outdoor walking at night will ruin your mood. If you can handle wind, wear proper layers, and keep your expectations balanced, this is one of the most distinctive Reykjavik tours you can do in a couple hours.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Reykjavik?

You meet at the Elding ticket office in the old harbor area at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík. It’s no more than about 300 meters from the downtown Tourist Information Centre.

How long is the Imagine Peace Tower tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $134 per person.

Is pickup included?

No pickup is included.

What language is the tour guide?

The live tour guide speaks English.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, and wear comfortable shoes for outdoor walking.

Is it good for seeing the Northern Lights?

You look out for the Northern Lights during the tour, and the viewing can include opportunities from the ferry. You might get lucky, but weather and visibility will affect results.