The Imagine Peace Tower’s light shines brightly enough that you’ll be able to see the beams from Reykjavik, but for a closer view it’s better to make the journey to the island. The most convenient way to visit is by taking an island walking tour that includes a boat ride directly from Reykjavik, though you also can get a decent view of the spectacle by hopping on a cruise that gets near the island.
The Imagine Peace Tower is a must-see for fans of The Beatles and John Lennon, as well as people interested in public art or lighting design.
Make sure to bundle up for your visit, as the island can get chilly and windy.
A wheelchair-accessible path leads to the monument, and there are accessible toilets on the island, near Videy House.
The Imagine Peace Tower is located on Videy Island, about a 20-minute ferry ride from Skarfabakki Harbor near Reykjavik. The ferry runs year-round, with increased service from the middle of May through the end of September. The easiest way to get to the ferry terminal from Reykjavik is by taking a 15-minute taxi journey, but there are a few city buses, including line 12, that will drop you within walking distance of the harbor.
The Imagine Peace Tower is lit up on October 9, John Lennon’s birthday, and stays illuminated until December 8th, which marks the anniversary of his death. Its beams also light up the sky on other days of the year, including Ono’s birthday (February 8), solstices, and New Year’s Eve. The Videy House Restaurant on the island sometimes also stages special events, such as Lennon tribute concerts.
There’s plenty to see on the island beyond the Imagine Peace Tower, particularly if you come earlier in the day. Explore the network of hiking and biking trails, which provide ample opportunities for birdwatching, before grabbing a meal at the Videy House Restaurant. The restaurant is housed in an 18th-century building that’s believed to be the first stone-and-cement structure in the country.
