Imagine Peace Tower Tour on Viðey island | John Lennon tribute

The Imagine Peace Tower is most powerful after dark, when its white beam rises from Viðey island toward the Icelandic sky. You reach it by boat from Reykjavík, then walk across a quiet island where the city lights sit across the water. On a lucky night, the Northern Lights may appear above the memorial, but the tour is worthwhile without them.

I like two things right away: the short sea crossing makes this feel like a real outing rather than a city attraction, and the guide adds context about Viðey, its church, marine surroundings, and the tower. Guides such as Knut, Rob, Megan, Emily, and Sila have been singled out for making the evening more interesting. The hot chocolate, coffee, or tea at the end is a welcome touch.

The main caution is the walk. It takes place at night on an unpaved road and includes a steep climb to a viewing platform. The route can feel longer than expected, especially in wind, snow, rain, or poor light. Good boots and warm clothing are not optional extras here.

Key points to know before you book

• The tower is best seen after sunset: The beam is designed for darkness, giving the memorial a quiet, striking presence.
• Viðey adds more than the light: You also hear about the island, visit its small church, and enjoy views back toward Reykjavík.
• Northern Lights are a possible bonus: Several departures have combined the tower with an unforgettable aurora display, but no natural light show can be promised.
• The walk is uneven and exposed: Flashlights and crampons are supplied if conditions require them, but you still need sturdy footwear.
• Small groups improve the evening: The maximum is 20 people, and some departures have had only four to eight participants.
• The $120 price buys atmosphere and access: You are paying for the boat, guide, equipment, and a focused night visit, not a long sightseeing program.

Why the Imagine Peace Tower feels different at night

John Lennon’s Imagine Peace Tower was created by Yoko Ono as a tribute to peace. Its light beam rises from Viðey island during the annual lighting period, and this tour is built around seeing it in its proper setting: dark, open, and separated from the city by water.

You do not simply walk up to a monument in central Reykjavík. You leave the harbor, cross to an island, and follow a guide into a quieter place. That change of pace matters. The absence of traffic and city noise gives the memorial room to work on you.

The tower itself is a simple art installation, but the setting does much of the emotional work. The light reaches upward while Reykjavík glows in the distance. In snow or light rain, the beam can look especially atmospheric. The experience is less about a long museum-style explanation and more about being present in a remote place with a strong idea at its center.

You do not need to be a major Beatles or John Lennon fan. The peace message is the focus, and the island visit has enough scenery, history, and night-time atmosphere to appeal to people who come for Iceland rather than music.

Leaving Reykjavík Old Harbour for Viðey

The meeting point is Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way there. The activity finishes back at the same meeting point.

The boat ride is part of the attraction. It gives you a clear break from the city and lets you see the tower’s beam from the water as you approach, when conditions allow. Some people have watched the Northern Lights from the upper deck during the crossing, turning the ferry ride into an unexpected second show.

Keep your jacket on for this part. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and the cold feels sharper on the water. The tour lasts about two hours overall, so the crossing does not take over the evening, but it is still wise to arrive dressed for outdoor conditions from the start.

The boat is not the main event, yet it sets the tone. A calm crossing can feel reflective. Wind and spray can make it feel adventurous. You should choose this outing with both possibilities in mind.

Walking across the island in the dark

Once on Viðey, you follow your guide along an unpaved road toward the tower. Flashlights are included, and crampons are provided when icy conditions call for them. Still, equipment does not remove the need for care.

The route includes a steep climb to a viewing platform. One person found the walk longer than expected, while another had difficulty because walking was not easy for them. The description does identify the route as unsuitable for people with limited mobility, but anyone with weak balance or trouble on uneven ground should take that warning seriously.

The darkness is part of the charm, but it also hides rough patches. Wear boots with a firm sole, not smooth city shoes. Thermals, a warm jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves are recommended. Pack as if you will stand outdoors for a while, because you will.

This is not a paved viewpoint reached in a few minutes. It is a short island walk with exposed weather and low light. For many people, that makes the memorial more memorable. For anyone expecting an easy stroll, it can be an unpleasant surprise.

The tower, the church, and the story of Viðey

At the tower, the guide explains the memorial and its connection to world peace. The guide also covers the history of Viðey island, giving the visit a wider frame than the light alone.

The island’s small church is another pleasant part of the route. Several departures have included a quiet look inside, and the church helps you understand that Viðey is not just a platform for a modern artwork. It has its own identity and past.

Guides are important here because the installation is visually simple. A good explanation gives meaning to what you are seeing. Knut, for example, has added information about marine biology and the waters around the island. Rob has been praised for making the subject interesting and for helping people enjoy the moment when the tower and Northern Lights appeared together. Megan, Emily, and Sila have also been noted for friendly, clear guiding.

The tour is offered in English. If you prefer a guide who keeps the pace relaxed and explains the setting rather than rushing straight to photographs, this format should suit you.

A brief Yoko Ono narration, with one detail to confirm

The experience includes a video narration by Yoko Ono about the tower and world peace. That gives you a direct link to the project’s purpose rather than leaving the memorial as a silent beam with no explanation.

One departure did not include the video or an opportunity to leave a message of peace, despite those elements being expected. Since that detail appears to vary, I would confirm the current presentation with Elding if the narration is a major reason for booking. The tower visit itself remains the central part of the outing.

Music has also been part of the atmosphere on some visits, with Imagine playing near the light. Do not treat every reported extra as guaranteed, but the combination of music, darkness, and the beam can make the stop deeply moving.

Northern Lights: wonderful luck, not part of the deal

The aurora has appeared during several departures, sometimes while the group approached the island and sometimes on the return boat. Seeing green light in the sky with the tower beam below is the kind of coincidence people remember for years.

But this is an Imagine Peace Tower tour, not a Northern Lights hunt. The tour requires suitable weather, yet clear enough conditions for the boat do not guarantee aurora activity. Clouds, timing, solar conditions, and simple luck all matter.

Book it because you want the memorial and the island. Treat the aurora as a bonus. If the Northern Lights are your main goal, you may be disappointed even on a perfectly run departure.

What the $120 price really covers

At $120 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price includes the professional guide, boat transport to and from Viðey, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, plus flashlights and crampons when needed. It does not include other food or drinks.

I see the value in the complete evening setting. You are not only paying to look at a light. You are paying for a small-group boat trip, a guided walk on an island after dark, interpretation of the artwork and island, and the practical support needed in winter conditions.

The value is strongest if you want something calm, unusual, and tied to Reykjavík’s surroundings. It is weaker if you only want a quick photo of the tower or if you dislike cold walks. A standard city attraction would cost less, but it would not provide the crossing, isolation, or night-time setting.

The group limit of 20 helps. Departures with four or eight people can feel personal, and even a full group remains manageable. The experience depends heavily on the guide, so a warm and engaged leader can make the price feel fair. The overall rating is 4.5 from 36 ratings, with 92 percent recommending it, which points to a strong experience with a few practical reservations.

Clothing, mobility, and weather advice

I would prepare for the worst reasonable weather, not the conditions you see from your hotel window. Wear:

• Warm layers or thermals
• A windproof, warm jacket
• Sturdy waterproof footwear
• Hat, scarf, and gloves
• Clothing that stays comfortable in rain or snow

Crampons are supplied if the route is icy, and flashlights are included. You should still bring patience on slippery ground and keep both hands free when possible.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can take part, but the unpaved road and steep climb make the tour unsuitable for anyone with limited mobility. If you are unsure about the walk, ask before booking rather than hoping the route will be easier than described.

The tour can be canceled for poor weather or if the minimum number of people is not reached. In either case, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this two-hour outing

I would choose this tour if you like art with a clear message, small-group outings, and places that feel removed from the city without requiring a full day. It is also a good choice for Beatles fans who want a personal connection to Lennon’s legacy.

You may enjoy it even more if you are happy to trade comfort for atmosphere. The creaking dock, cold wind, dark road, church, beam, and sea crossing all form part of the experience. This is not polished entertainment. It has a slightly raw Icelandic feel.

I would think twice if you want an easy, accessible evening, a guaranteed aurora, or a long list of sights. The tour concentrates on one memorial and the island around it. Its strength is focus, not variety.

Should you book the Imagine Peace Tower Tour?

Book it if the idea of standing on a quiet island at night, looking at a beam created for peace, appeals to you. The boat ride, island setting, thoughtful guides, and chance of Northern Lights make this more than a simple monument visit.

Skip it if the $120 price feels high for a two-hour activity or if uneven walking in cold weather would spoil your night. For the right person, the setting gives the tour real value. For everyone else, Reykjavík has easier attractions.

My practical advice is simple: wear serious outdoor clothing, expect a walk, and regard the Northern Lights as luck. If you do that, the Imagine Peace Tower can become one of your most unusual evenings in Iceland.

FAQ

Where does the Imagine Peace Tower tour begin?

It begins at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, in the Old Harbour.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the starting meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $120 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a professional guide, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. Flashlights and crampons are provided when needed.

Do I need special clothing?

Warm outdoor clothing is recommended, including thermals, a warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Weather can change quickly.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

It is not recommended for people with limited mobility because the route includes an unpaved road and a steep climb to a viewing platform.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather or insufficient numbers cause the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.