Viðey Island Ferry Adventure: Departing from Old Harbour
Viðey Island Ferry Adventure: Departing from Old Harbour
Set sail from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, just a 5-minute walk from the city centre, and embark on an unforgettable journey to the tranquil Viðey Island. With daily departures in the summer from both Skarfabakki pier and the Old Harbour, and weekend services in the winter, adventure is never far away. Discover a place where history, art, and nature fuse into a serene retreat. Home to the Imagine Peace Tower, a beacon for peace by Yoko Ono, and enriched with diverse birdlife, modern art installations, and historic sites. Viðey Island offers a peaceful escape with stunning natural landscapes and a rich tapestry of flora. Remember to respect this national treasure, staying mindful of the local wildlife and natural beauty that makes Viðey so special.
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Departing from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, only a short 5-minute walk from the heart of the city, the ferry to the enchanting Viðey Island offers a gateway to tranquility and timeless beauty. Summertime brings daily ferries from both the Old Harbour and Skarfabakki pier, ensuring seamless access to the island. During the winter months, weekend voyages embark from Skarfabakki, connecting adventurers to Viðey's serene landscapes on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ferries are scheduled for your convenience with departures at 11:50 and 14:50 from 1st June to 31st August, ensuring you have ample opportunity to explore. Return journeys are just as flexible, with options at 11:30, 14:30, and 17:30 to suit your exploration needs.
Viðey Island is a realm where history, art, and pristine nature coalesce, offering a peaceful retreat mere minutes by boat from the bustling city. It stands as a testament to Iceland's rich cultural and natural heritage, boasting an abundance of birdlife and striking modern art installations. Notable landmarks include the Imagine Peace Tower, an emblem of peace by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon, Viðey Church, and the quaint Viðeyjarstofa Café among others, each adding to the island's unique charm.
Rising 32 meters above sea level and covering an area of 1.6 km2, Viðey presents an array of geological and botanical wonders, including impressive rock formations along its coast and a diverse range of flora. The island is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during the breeding season from 1st May to 1st July, when numerous species, including the eider duck, make Viðey their nesting ground.
As a national treasure, Viðey is cherished and protected. Visitors are invited to explore its beauty while respecting the delicate natural habitat. Walking along the designated paths, maintaining distance from cliff edges, and leaving bird nests undisturbed are small acts that contribute to the preservation of this magnificent island. Embracing sustainability, guests are encouraged to recycle and help in keeping Viðey a pristine getaway for future generations.
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Itinerary
Discover the Serene Beauty of Viðey Island
Ferry to Viðey
The journey to Viðey begins at Reykjavík's Old Harbour, just a short 5-minute walk from the city centre. Ferries depart daily from both Skarfabakki pier and the Old Harbour during summer, ensuring easy access. Winter voyages are restricted to weekends from Skarfabakki pier, enveloping the trip in a serene, chilly embrace.
Schedule & Access
Seek out adventure or serenity from 1st June to 31st August with ferries departing at 11:50 and 14:50. The return journey can be embarked upon at 11:30, 14:30, and 17:30, allowing for flexibility in exploration.
Island Highlights
Viðey Island is not only a haven for nature lovers but also a site brimming with historical and artistic significance. From the tranquility that pervades its atmosphere to the vibrant birdlife and the iconic Imagine Peace Tower, the island offers a multifaceted experience. Marvel at contemporary art installations, Viðey Church, and timeless architectural marvels dotted around the island.
Natural Wonders & Conservation
The island's diverse landscape, home to one-third of Iceland's flora and stunning rock formations along the coast, stands about 32 meters above sea level. The conservation efforts, especially during the breeding season from 1st May to 1st July, underscore the ecological importance of Viðey. Visitors are encouraged to respectfully enjoy the beauty while adhering to guidelines that protect its delicate ecosystem.
A Call to Preserve
Viðey is a national treasure that demands our collective effort for conservation. We urge all visitors to tread carefully, respect the native wildlife, and participate in preserving the pristine condition of this unique island.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Return tickets
- Ferry from the old harbour to Viðey
- Return ferry can be to either harbour
Exclusions
Details not provided.
Important Notes
Ferry departure point is Reykjavik's Old Harbour, just a 5 min walk from the city centre.During summer, daily ferry departures from Skarfabakki pier and the Old Harbour. In winter, the ferry only runs on Saturdays and Sundays from Skarfabakki to Videy.Available: 1st June - 31st August Departure times: 11:50 and 14:50; Return ferry: 11:30, 14:30 and 17:30.Videy island combines history, art, and nature, known for its tranquility and historical significance. It houses the Imagine Peace Tower, Videy Church, Videyjarnaust Cabin, Videyjarstofa Café, the Old School House, and the Water Reservoir.The island has diverse birdlife, 156 types of vascular plants, and is about 1.6 km2 in size. The Thorsnes peninsula is protected during breeding season from 1st May - 1st July.Visitors are requested to be careful around cliffs, follow paths, respect wildlife, and recycle waste.Children tickets (0-6 yrs) are free when traveling with a parent or guardian, with a discount offered for up to three children per adult, per booking. Kindergarten groups should contact sales@elding.is to book the ferry.