Reykjavik: 2-Hour Imagine Peace Tower Tour

The Imagine Peace Tower is a simple work of light with a powerful setting. You cross Reykjavik’s dark harbor by ferry, walk across Viðey island, and arrive at a white column of light rising into the night. If the sky cooperates, the Northern Lights may appear above it.

I like the way this tour joins art and Icelandic history in one short outing. I also like the small-group feel and the chance to see Viðey’s church and historic house, not just the tower. The catch is the weather: wind, ice, mist, and cold can make the outdoor walk tough, so this is not a casual evening cruise.

Key points to know before you go

• The tower is seasonal: It usually shines from October 9 through December 8, around the dates of John Lennon’s birth and death, plus selected periods around the winter and spring equinoxes.
• The ferry takes about 20 minutes: You leave from Reykjavik’s old harbor and arrive on Viðey island for a guided walk.
• The tour lasts two hours: That includes the ferry ride, walking time, stops, and the return crossing.
• Viðey offers more than the tower: You may visit Viðeyjarkirkja, one of Iceland’s oldest churches, and Viðey House.
• Northern Lights sightings are possible, not promised: The dark island and boat ride give you a good chance when aurora activity and weather line up.
• Prepare for a real outdoor outing: Wear warm layers and comfortable shoes. Flashlights and crampons are supplied if needed.

Why the Imagine Peace Tower matters

Yoko Ono created the Imagine Peace Tower as a memorial to John Lennon and as a continuing call for world peace. The light rises from a stone monument on Viðey island, linking Lennon’s message with the broad, open surroundings of Iceland.

The design is spare. There is no grand building to enter and no elaborate show. Instead, you face a column of light reaching into the sky. Its brightness and shape can change with the weather, especially in mist or blowing snow.

That simplicity is part of the appeal. You are not being rushed from one famous object to another. You have time to stand near the tower, listen to the guide, and take in the setting. On a quiet night, with few people around, the experience can feel surprisingly personal.

The tower is lit each year from October 9, Lennon’s birthday, through December 8, the date of his death. It also appears around the winter solstice and New Year, for one week around the spring equinox, and on a few other selected dates. Check the operating dates before booking, since a visit to Viðey outside the lighting period will not offer the full Imagine Peace experience.

Starting at Reykjavik’s old harbor

Your evening begins at the Elding ticket office at Ægisgarður 5, in the old harbor area. It is within about 300 meters, or roughly a five-minute walk, of Reykjavik’s downtown Tourist Information Centre.

You need to exchange your ticket at the office before going to the boat. There is no hotel pickup, so allow time to reach the harbor on foot. The meeting point is central and easy to fit into an evening in Reykjavik, but you should not arrive at the boat without first checking in at the ticket office.

The crossing to Viðey takes about 20 minutes. That is enough time to watch Reykjavik recede across the water, listen to your English-speaking guide, and scan the sky. The ferry ride can be part of the experience rather than mere transport, especially if the Northern Lights appear over the city or water.

Do not count on a smooth, warm cruise. This is a short island ferry, and Icelandic wind can make the crossing feel much colder than the temperature suggests. Keep your warmest layer handy instead of burying it in a bag.

Walking across Viðey island to the tower

After arriving on Viðey, you set off on foot with your guide. The route includes interesting stops on the way to the tower, and the walk gives you a better sense of the island than a quick photo stop from the boat would.

At night, the island is quiet and dark. That is ideal for the tower and helpful for aurora watching, but it also means you need to pay attention to your footing. Flashlights and crampons are available if conditions call for them. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and warm clothing is essential.

The guide explains how the tower was created and why Yoko Ono chose this form. You also hear about the natural surroundings, which matter here because the wind, mist, snow, and cloud can change how the light looks. A damp night may soften the beam. Clear air can make it appear sharper and more direct.

The walk is not a demanding expedition, but the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Ice, uneven ground, and darkness can make the route difficult. If you have limited mobility, ask the operator for current route details before paying.

The tower at night

The main stop is the Imagine Peace Tower itself. From a distance, it can look almost like a bright vertical line floating above the island. Up close, the monument feels more grounded, yet the light still draws your eyes upward.

One especially memorable effect can happen in mist. Moisture in the air may catch the beam and create soft bands or rainbow-like waves. That kind of moment is impossible to schedule, which is part of the charm and part of the risk.

Your guide may play John Lennon’s music while the group gathers around the tower. The music, darkness, and light give the stop a quiet ceremonial quality without turning it into a formal performance.

You should allow yourself to pause here. The tour is only two hours, but this is not a place to rush through for a single photograph. Look up, look back toward Reykjavik, and notice how the light changes as the weather moves through.

Viðey church and historic house

The tower is the headline attraction, but Viðey island gives the outing more substance. The route can include Viðeyjarkirkja, a small church with a long history and a strong link to the island’s past. It is one of Iceland’s oldest churches, making it a worthwhile stop even if you came mainly for Lennon and Ono.

Viðey House is another possible stop. The building adds a human and historical layer to the island, and some tours have included hot chocolate and klenät, an Icelandic doughnut, at the house before the ferry back. Refreshments are not included in the tour price, so treat this as an optional purchase rather than part of the package.

These stops help the tour avoid feeling like a single-purpose memorial visit. You see modern art, older Icelandic culture, and open nature in one compact trip. In winter darkness, you will not see the island as clearly as you would by day, but that is the tradeoff for seeing the illuminated tower and having a better setting for aurora watching.

If you want to explore Viðey’s birdlife and scenery in detail, consider returning during daylight. One visitor specifically wished for a daytime visit to see the nesting birds. The evening tour offers atmosphere; a daytime visit offers more detail.

The Northern Lights factor

The chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis is a major reason many people choose this departure. Viðey island is away from Reykjavik’s brightest city lights, and the ferry gives you two different viewing opportunities: across the water and from the island.

Still, the Northern Lights are never guaranteed. You need suitable solar activity, clear or partly clear skies, and good timing. A glowing tower does not mean an aurora will appear, and a cloudy night can hide both.

Think of the aurora as a bonus, not the main product. If the lights show, the combination can be extraordinary: a white beam below and green or other shifting colors overhead. If they do not, you still have the tower, the island walk, the church, and the harbor crossing.

The weather can work for or against you. Mist may make the tower look more dramatic, while heavy cloud can block the sky. Strong wind can make the night uncomfortable, so wear wool or insulated layers, a hat, gloves, and shoes with a firm sole.

What $134 means in practical terms

At $134 per person, this is not a cheap way to see a light installation. You are paying for a two-hour guided outing, ferry transport to Viðey, the guide’s interpretation, and the chance to see the tower during its limited lighting dates.

The value depends on your interests. If you already plan to visit Viðey by ferry and only want a quick look, the price may feel high. If you want the tower explained, prefer a small group, and like the idea of an evening island visit with a possible aurora, the cost is easier to justify.

The setting does much of the work. You are not simply standing in a Reykjavik park beside a sculpture. You are crossing dark water, walking through an island setting, and seeing a work connected to Lennon and Ono in a place chosen for its peace and openness.

The tour has earned a 4.3 rating from 44 reviews, with especially strong praise for the guides and the atmosphere. Guides such as Lucas have been singled out for making the outing enjoyable, while Captain Mike has been praised for handling the boat well. The most useful pattern is clear: good guiding matters here because weather can be rough and the subject deserves more than a quick explanation.

Group size, guide style, and comfort

The tour is designed for a small group, and groups of six or nine have been reported. That size suits the experience. You can hear the guide, ask questions, and stay together on a dark path without the outing feeling like a large coach excursion.

A warm, capable guide is especially important on this tour. Strong wind and ice have made some departures challenging, yet the guide’s help and calm attitude have made a large difference. That is worth considering when you compare this with simply taking a ferry independently.

The tour is in English. Your guide covers the story of Yoko Ono and John Lennon’s peace campaign, the tower itself, and aspects of Viðey’s nature and history. The best parts are likely to come from the connections between those subjects: modern peace art, an old Icelandic church, and a remote-feeling island just off the capital.

There are no refreshments included. You may be able to buy hot chocolate and klenät at Viðey House, but bring water or a small snack if you need one. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly.

How to dress for the island

Treat this as an outdoor winter tour, even if the forecast looks mild. The ferry deck and island paths expose you to wind, and the cold can feel sharper after sunset.

Bring:

• Warm, layered clothing
• A hat and gloves
• Comfortable shoes with good traction
• A small bag only, with no large luggage
• A camera or phone with enough battery for the cold

Flashlights and crampons are provided if needed. You should still choose footwear carefully. Crampons help with ice, but they do not replace warm, supportive shoes.

If you dislike cold weather or have trouble walking on icy ground, this may not be the right evening activity. The tour has a short duration, but two hours outside can feel long in bad conditions.

Who should book this experience

I would choose this tour if you want something quieter and more meaningful than another city sightseeing loop. It suits people interested in John Lennon, Yoko Ono, public art, Icelandic history, photography, and the Northern Lights.

It is also a good fit for a final evening in Reykjavik. The crossing, tower, church, and dark island create a clear change of pace from the city. The outing can feel special even without an aurora.

Families with older children may enjoy it, provided everyone can handle cold and walking. Couples and solo visitors who like reflective experiences should find plenty to appreciate. A small group also makes it easier to share the moment without losing the quiet mood.

I would skip it if you want guaranteed Northern Lights, indoor comfort, hotel pickup, or a fully accessible route. I would also check the tower’s lighting dates carefully. The tour’s central attraction is seasonal, and the timing matters.

Final verdict: a memorable winter outing with real weather risk

Book the Imagine Peace Tower tour if you want to connect a famous peace message with Iceland’s dark skies, sea, and island setting. The tower is the reason to go, but the ferry, Viðeyjarkirkja, Viðey House, and the chance of an aurora make the outing feel complete.

The strongest reasons to book are the small-group guide service, the unusual location, and the possibility of seeing the tower and Northern Lights together. The main caution is simple: you must be ready for cold, wind, ice, and a walk outdoors.

For $134, I see this as a specialty experience rather than a standard sightseeing bargain. If the lighting dates match your visit and the idea speaks to you, it can be one of the most memorable two hours you spend in Reykjavik. Bring serious winter clothing, keep your expectations flexible, and let the weather add its own effects.

FAQ

Where does the Imagine Peace Tower tour meet?

Meet at the Elding ticket office at Ægisgarður 5 in Reykjavik’s old harbor. The office is about 300 meters, or a five-minute walk, from the downtown Tourist Information Centre.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including the ferry ride to Viðey island, the guided walk, stops at the tower and other island sights, and the return trip.

How long is the ferry ride to Viðey island?

The ferry ride from Reykjavik’s old harbor to Viðey takes about 20 minutes.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guided tour is conducted in English.

When is the Imagine Peace Tower illuminated?

The tower lights up each year from October 9 through December 8. It also operates around the winter solstice and New Year, for one week during the spring equinox, and on selected additional dates.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?

You might see the Northern Lights from the ferry or Viðey island if activity and weather conditions are suitable. An aurora sighting is not guaranteed.

What should I bring, and are large bags allowed?

Bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes. Flashlights and crampons are available if needed. Luggage and large bags are not allowed.