Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GREATER REYKJAVÍK
Viðey
On fine-weather days, the tiny uninhabited island of Viðey makes a wonderful day trip.
Just 1km north of Reykjavík's Sundahöfn Harbour, it feels a world away. Surprising mod-
ern artworks, an abandoned village and great birdwatching add to its remote spell. The
only sounds are the wind, the waves and the golden bumblebees buzzing among the tufted
vetch and hawkweed.
Little Viðey was settled around 900 and was farmed until the 1950s. It was home to a
powerful monastery from 1225, but in 1539 it was wiped out by Danish soldiers during the
Reformation.
Sights & Activities
Just above the harbour, you'll find one of Iceland's oldest stone houses,
Viðeyarstofa
,
mid-May-Sep, 1.30-4pm Sat & Sun Oct-mid-May)
, an 18th-century wooden
church
with some
original decor, and a small
monument
to Skúli Magnússon. Excavations of the old
mon-
astery foundations
unearthed 15th-century wax tablets and a runic love letter, now in the
National Museum; other finds are displayed in the Viðeyarstofa.
Higher above the harbour is Ólafur Eliasson's interesting panelled art installation, the
Blind Pavilion
(2003). Nearby is Yoko Ono's
Imagine Peace Tower
(2007), a 'wishing
well' that blasts a dazzling column of light into the sky every night between 9 October
(John Lennon's birthday) and 8 December (the anniversary of his death). See Viðey's web-
site for Peace Tower tours from Reykjavík. Further along,
Viðeyjarnaust cabin
has a
BBQ, if you bring all your own supplies.
In summer there are Tuesday evening
cultural tours
with varying themes. Check online
Island Paths
WALKING, BIKING
