The island of Viðey is located near Reykjavik and is considered one of the most interesting places for a short trip from the capital of Iceland. You can get here in just a few minutes by ferry, but after disembarking, the urban atmosphere quickly disappears. Instead of streets and cars, there are green meadows, the seaside, walking paths, historical buildings and views of Reykjavik.
The museum is interesting because several completely different attractions are connected in a relatively small area. There are traces of a medieval monastery here, one of Iceland's oldest stone buildings is located, and the island's modern fame was brought by the Imagine Peace Tower light installation created by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon.
On the island, you can also see works of modern art, watch birds, walk along the coast and enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik and Mount Esja. Therefore, the View is suitable for a short walk for several hours, as well as for a more relaxed exploration of the nature and history of Iceland.
Why you should visit the island of Videy
The main advantage of Videy is its proximity to Reykjavik. You don't have to drive several hours out of town to find yourself in a completely different environment. A short ferry ride takes the traveler from the capital to the island, where there is practically no habitual urban traffic.
The video is especially suitable for those who want to take a break between visiting the museums and streets of Reykjavik. Here you can just walk along the trail, look at the sea and mountains, take pictures of the coast or stop for a while near historical buildings.
At the same time, the island cannot be called only a natural landmark. Its history dates back several centuries, and today the Museum is also a kind of open-air venue for contemporary art.
One of the reasons to come here is the Imagine Peace Tower. This unusual light installation is associated with the names of Yoko Ono and John Lennon and has become one of the most recognizable objects on the island.
History of the island of Videy
The history of the Vidy began long before the appearance of modern Reykjavik. Archaeological evidence points to the presence of humans on the island in the early period of settlement of Iceland.
In the 13th century, the monastery of the Augustinian Order gained special importance. The monastery settlement was founded in 1226 and has been an important religious and cultural center for several centuries. After the Reformation, monastic life on the island ended, but traces of this period have been preserved in the history and archeology of the Vidy.
Later, the island's meaning changed. Videy became associated with economic activities, agriculture and the lives of the people who permanently resided here. For centuries, the island has remained an important part of the surrounding region, although today it is difficult to imagine how intense life could be in this place.
The historical past of Videy is especially well felt near the old buildings. Among them stands out Viðey House, an 18th-century stone house that is one of the island's main architectural attractions.
Viðey House - historical house of the XVIII century
Viðey House, also known as Viðeyjarstofa, was built in 1755. This is one of the oldest stone buildings in Iceland, so visiting it allows you to see a completely different side of the country's history.
The house was built for Skuli Magnusson, one of Iceland's most famous statesmen of the 18th century. He played a significant role in the development of Reykjavik and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the city.
The white stone building looks especially expressive against the background of the surrounding landscape. There are open green spaces around it, and beyond them you can see the sea, Reykjavik and the mountains. Today, Viðey House is part of the island's historical heritage.
There is a small Videy church not far from the house. The modern church building dates back to the 18th century and is also of historical interest. Together, Viðey House and the church create one of the most expressive historical corners of the island.
Imagine Peace Tower on the island of Videy
The most famous modern landmark of Videy is the Imagine Peace Tower. This is a light installation created by artist Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon.
Unlike a traditional tower, the structure practically does not have the usual architectural volume. The main element of the work is a powerful column of light directed upward from the base of the installation. In the dark, it creates an unusual visual effect and can be seen from a great distance. Based on Imagine Peace Tower, the words "Imagine Peace" are written in 24 languages. The title of the work refers to John Lennon's song "Imagine" and is related to the idea of peace that Yoko Ono wanted to express through this installation.
The installation location was not chosen by chance. The museum is located near Reykjavik, but at the same time it allows you to create a feeling of an open space, where the light column is especially noticeable against the background of the dark sky and the sea.
Traditionally, Imagine Peace Tower lights up on October 9th, John Lennon's birthday, and runs until December 8th, the anniversary of his death. Depending on the year and special events, additional installation periods are possible.
If the trip to Videy falls in autumn or early winter, it is worth considering the time of nightfall. It is at this time that the light installation can be seen most effectively.
Nature and wildlife of Videy
Nature is another reason to go to Videy. The island is covered with meadows and open spaces, and walking routes run along the coast. It offers views of Reykjavik, the sea and Mount Esja.
Videy is also known for its large number of birds. There are about 30 species nesting on the island, so it is of interest to birdwatchers and photographers. A large number of plants can be found in meadows and other natural areas. According to Visit Reykjavik, there are more than 150 species of wildflowers on the island. In spring and summer, the landscape of the Views changes especially dramatically: green spaces and flowering plants create a completely different appearance compared to the autumn and winter months.
When walking, it is important to keep in mind that some parts of the island are used by birds for nesting. It is not necessary to approach the nesting sites or leave the designated routes unnecessarily.
How to get to the island of Videy
You can get to Videy by ferry from Reykjavik. One of the main options is departure from Skarfabakki pier. Departures from the Old Harbor area are also available during the summer.
The duration of the trip depends on the place of departure. The ferry takes about five minutes from Skarfabakki, while the trip from Old Harbour takes about 20 minutes. Therefore, Videy can be considered one of the most accessible island attractions in the vicinity of Reykjavik.
Ferry schedules depend on the season and weather conditions. Before traveling, it is recommended to check the current schedule, especially if visiting the island is part of a busy itinerary in Iceland.
The owners of the Reykjavik City Card can also take advantage of the card when traveling to Videy.
When is the best time to visit a video
The choice of time depends on what exactly you want to see on the island.
Summer is suitable for long walks. At this time, the daylight is very long, nature looks the greenest, and birds are especially active. Good weather also allows you to stay outdoors longer and explore the island in peace.
Autumn is interesting because it is at this time that the traditional period of the Imagine Peace Tower begins. It gets dark much earlier in October, so the light installation becomes clearly visible in the evening.
In winter, the View looks completely different. The weather can be harsh, and strong winds are especially noticeable on an open island. At the same time, the short daylight hours create interesting conditions for those who want to see Imagine Peace Tower in the dark.
Regardless of the time of year, the peculiarities of the Icelandic weather should be taken into account. Rain, wind and temperature changes are possible even during one day, so it is better to choose clothes and shoes suitable for changeable conditions for a walk.
How long does it take to visit the video
It takes only a few hours to explore the main attractions of the island. During this time, you can visit the historical part of Vidøy, see the Viðey House, the church and the Imagine Peace Tower, as well as take a short walk. If you want to walk more routes, see the works of Richard Serra, take photos and spend time off the coast, it is better to set aside most of the day on the island.
You should not perceive Videy as a place that needs to be quickly bypassed and left. Rather, it is an opportunity to briefly change the rhythm of travel and take a break from the urban part of Reykjavik.
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