Enjoy a peaceful evening dedicated to Yoko Ono and John Lennon’s continuing campaign for world peace. The tour unites history, art and nature and is set on the beautiful Viðey island, mere minutes from Reykjavík by boat.
Tour Operator: Elding Adventure at Sea
On this 2 hour guided walking tour, you will learn all about the Imagine Peace Tower, a striking light installation created by Yoko Ono, in memory of her late husband John Lennon, and their ongoing campaign for world peace. You'll also discover the island's important trading history, artwork, and nature. The Reykjavík skyline and its surrounding area is not to be missed, and if you're lucky, you might even get a chance to see the northern lights!
What is the Imagine Peace Tower?
The Imagine Peace Tower is more than a work of art; it's a testament to human aspiration and it symbolises John Lennon and Yoko Ono's continuing campaign for world peace. Designed in the form of a tranquil wishing well, its sides are adorned with the inscription "IMAGINE PEACE" in 24 languages and stands as a powerful reminder that peace knows no borders. When darkness descends, the tower comes alive with a mesmerising display of light. The beams, stemming from several lights, are ingeniously guided through mirrored corridors. They then ascend to meet the ever‑changing Icelandic elements in a unique way!
The environmental sustainability of the Imagine Peace Tower is in perfect harmony with the principles it embodies. All the power to illuminate this radiant beacon is provided by Reykjavik Energy, harnessing geothermal energy which is a clean, renewable source of power. Collaboration was key to the tower's creation, with Yoko Ono, the City of Reykjavik, Reykjavik Art Museum, and Reykjavik Energy all playing a role in its inception. It's a testament to the power of collective action in the pursuit of a shared dream.
When is the Imagine Peace Tower lit?
The tower is illuminated from 9 October until 8 December which marks John Lennon's birthday and day of demise. From Winter Solstice the beam can be seen lighting up the night sky into the morning of the New Year, as well as on Yoko Ono's birthday and during the week of Spring Equinox. The ever-changing weather conditions on the island impact the strength, intensity and brilliance of the tower, making every experience unique.
Watch a live stream of the Imagine Peace Tower as seen from Skarfabakki pier in Reykjavík.
Feel free to contact us directly for group bookings via tel: +354 519 5000 or at sales@elding.is.
Please be sure to dress according to weather! We recommend sturdy footwear, thermal garments, as well as a hat and gloves. We will provide flashlights and crampons if needed.
Departure schedule:
10 Oct - 8 Dec (on Fri+Sun) at 20:00
21, 22, 27, 28 & 30 Dec at 18:00
31 Dec at 16:00
18 Feb at 20:00
20-26 Mar at 21:00
This is a small group tour that requires decent weather and a minimum number of participants in order to operate. In case of a cancellation, we will contact you as soon as possible, but advise you to check our website for updates.
Keep in mind that due to certain terrain challenges, the tour is not advisable for young children or individuals with limited mobility.
The wishing well can be seen (albeit unlit) during regular Viðey ferry operating hours. It is situated on a platform on Heimaey (Home Island), right behind Sjónarhóll hill. While the tower is not lit during the day, the beam can be seen lighting up the night sky from the shores of Reykjavík in the evenings.
Please arrive to our office at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík for check-in, no later than 15 minutes before scheduled departure. Show your booking confirmation to our team and receive your boarding cards.
You will find the ferry, located on the floating pier, only a few steps away from our ticket office. This is where you present your boarding card and board the ferry!
As you step onto the island, you are immediately greeted by the serene atmosphere of the tranquil landscape. Our guide will lead you on a scenic walk over the hill to the Imagine Peace Tower, where you’ll learn captivating details about this unique installation.
You also learn about the island's significant trading history, captivating artwork, historical buildings and the surrounding nature. You might even catch a glimpse of the magnificent northern lights dancing overhead, adding a magical touch to your experience!
We then make our way to the beautiful Viðey Church and Viðey House, two of Iceland's oldest stone buildings. There you will be able to warm up with a comforting hot chocolate, along with a "kleina", a traditional Icelandic twisted doughnut!
In Viðey House you have the opportunity to write down a wish and hang it on the Wish Tree, another one of Yoko Ono's creations. Various versions of the Wish Tree are displayed in locations worldwide and creates a living monument to the viewers dreams.
"Make a wish. Write it down on a piece of paper. Fold it and tie it around the branch of a Wish Tree. Ask a friend to do the same. Keep wishing until the branches are covered with wishes." - Yoko Ono
On our way back to the dock, your guide will lead you to a lookout at the top of Sjónarhóll hill, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Reykjavík's skyline and a final glimpse of the Imagine Peace Tower. Be sure to take it all in and remember to IMAGINE PEACE.
As the journey concludes, we hope this experience leaves you with cherished memories and a deeper connection to the peaceful message of the Imagine Peace Tower.