Reykjavik: 2-Hour Imagine Peace Tower Tour

Peace has a lighthouse in Iceland.

This Imagine Peace Tower tour turns a simple night trip into a moving story about Yoko Ono and John Lennon, and I especially like how it mixes art with the island’s own mood. You also get the comfort of a small group, which makes it easier to hear the guide over the wind. The only real drawback is that you are outside most of the time, and Reykjavik winter weather can be seriously cold.

In about two hours, you’ll sail from Reykjavík’s old harbor to Viðey island, walk over to the tower, and come back with better context than you would from a quick photo stop. It’s timed to the tower’s light display season, so if you’re there in the right months, the whole experience feels built for that glow in the sky.

Key Things You Should Expect on This Viðey Island Peace Tower Tour

• A 20-minute ferry to Viðey that sets the tone, with big Reykjavik views from the water
• The Imagine Peace Tower visit during its seasonal light display window
• Guided stops on the walk that help you connect the tower to the island around it
• Northern Lights odds that can improve when aurora activity is happening
• A warm-up pause on the island (like hot chocolate and klenät, depending on the stop)
• Time for extra context when your group is waiting, including a short video about whaling

How the 2-Hour Format Works in Your Favor

This is not a long, exhausting day. It’s a tight, focused 2-hour outing that fits neatly into an evening when you want something meaningful, not another museum line. You’re moving, but you’re not stuck on a schedule that eats your whole night.

That short duration matters for value. You are paying for a guided ferry-and-island experience, not a half-day bus tour with long transfers. The payoff is that you get the key moments, then back in Reykjavík while you still have energy to keep exploring.

Meeting at Elding and Getting Out to Viðey

You meet at the Elding ticket office right in central Reykjavík, at Ægisgarður 5. From there, you’ll exchange your ticket before heading to the boats, so plan a little buffer for standing around in winter air.

Once you board, the captain and guide take over. The ferry ride is short, roughly 20 minutes each way, which keeps the night feeling snappy. I like that, because cold weather feels more manageable when you’re not trapped on the water for an hour.

If your departure is windy, you’ll still likely find the ferry ride part of the fun. Some guides also help with atmosphere, including getting music going while people gather for the tower moment.

The Guided Walk to the Tower: Where You’ll Feel the Island

After the ferry docks, the tour shifts to walking. The guide takes you along a route with stops en route, which I think is the smart way to handle a night visit. You’re not just walking in the dark and hoping you catch the highlight. You get context as you go.

You’ll also be moving uphill at points, including a viewing view area before the tower itself. That matters because the tower is simple by design, so the location and sightlines are part of the impact. A higher viewpoint helps you orient yourself, then the up-close sight feels almost sudden.

If it’s icy, don’t tough it out in normal shoes. The tour provides crampons if needed, and that’s one of the reasons I’d take this with a guide instead of trying to replicate it solo. Flashlights are also provided, which is helpful when footing and visibility are both issues.

Imagine Peace Tower: What You’re Actually Seeing

The tower on Viðey island is not a monument meant for a crowd. It’s a work of light and symbolism, and it’s tied tightly to dates connected to John Lennon.

Here’s what you’re aiming for: the tower lights up from 9 October (Lennon’s birthday) through 8 December (the day of his death), and it also appears from the Winter Solstice to New Year, plus a one-week period during the Spring Equinox and some other selected dates. If you’re in Reykjavík during those windows, the tour feels like it has a heartbeat.

I also like the way the guide frames the tower. Yoko Ono’s message is about encouragement, inspiration, and solidarity, especially in a world that can feel full of fear and confusion. Weather changes how the scene looks, too. Mist, wind, and clear nights can all affect the way the tower comes across, so the experience can feel different even on similar evenings.

Viðey Island Beyond the Tower: Church, House, and Little Details

This tour isn’t only about the tower. On the island, you may also visit Viðeyjarkirkja Church and stop near Viðey house as part of the guided time there. That gives you a fuller sense of why people have been drawn to Viðey for centuries, not just for modern pop-culture symbolism.

On colder nights, you might get a warm break. One of the best parts people talk about is having hot chocolate and klenät as a comfort stop before heading back to Reykjavík. Even when you don’t care about snacks, a warm pause makes the whole night feel less like survival and more like a planned experience.

Also, when your group is waiting before boarding, there can be a short video about whaling. I wouldn’t call it the main event, but it gives you context for the island setting, so the time doesn’t feel blank.

Northern Lights Chances: How to Increase Your Odds

The tour specifically includes Northern Lights watch potential, and I like that because you’re not only watching from one tiny spot. You’ll be on the ferry at night, and you’re also out on Viðey for the tower moment.

From the water, you may get clearer sky views than you’d expect, and the tower itself can act like a focus point for people who are scanning the sky. If aurora activity is happening, you may see it shimmering above the scene.

A practical tip from this kind of experience: if it’s very windy and your attention is divided, ask your guide where the best viewing area is for that weather. On a guided trip, you want to use their local sense of what’s worth staring at, not just hope you catch something while you’re shivering.

And if you’re in Reykjavík during daylight instead of a night window, you might enjoy a daytime visit to see the nesting birds on the island. This tour is built for evenings, but it helps to know there’s a second, calmer kind of beauty at different hours.

Price and Value: Is $134 Worth It?

At $134 per person for a 2-hour outing, you’re paying for more than a boat ride. You’re paying for a guided experience with seasonal timing, special island access, and support for cold-weather conditions like flashlights and possible crampons.

The best value part is the mix of elements you get in one block:

• a short ferry that keeps logistics easy
• guided storytelling tied to real dates and a real message
• a structured island route, including time for the tower and other stops

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys the “why” behind what you see, this tour fits. If you only want photos and don’t care about context, it might feel pricey for two hours. But for most first-time visitors, the combination of symbolism, night lighting, and the chance of aurora makes the price easier to justify.

What to Wear and Bring for a Cold-Wind Evening

This tour is outdoors, mostly at night. Warm clothing is non-negotiable. Bring layers you can actually move in, not just bulky coats that make your arms useless.

Comfortable shoes are important, because you’ll do walking, including uneven ground on the island. If conditions are icy, the provided crampons can make the difference between enjoying the view and worrying about your footing.

Also note the rules: no luggage or large bags. Pack light. If you need to bring a bag, keep it small and manageable for a guided night outing.

Who This Tour Suits Best

I think this tour is a great match for:

• anyone visiting Reykjavík in the tower’s seasonal lighting window
• people who like art, stories, and meaning, not only sightseeing
• cold-weather travelers who are comfortable outdoors with the right layers
• couples and solo travelers who appreciate a small group format

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, based on the tour’s info. If accessibility is a priority for you, you’ll want a different plan.

Should You Book This Imagine Peace Tower Tour?

Book it if you want a night activity that feels purposeful. The seasonal lighting dates give the tour real structure, and the guided stops help you understand what you’re looking at beyond the photo.

Skip it only if you’re not comfortable outdoors in wind and cold, or if you hate any walking on uneven terrain. This is Iceland, so weather is part of the deal. The good news is that the tour supports you with gear when it matters, and the island stops give you moments to warm up and reset.

If you’re there during the 9 October to 8 December lighting season or around the Winter Solstice to New Year, I’d treat this as one of your must-do evening plans in Reykjavík.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Imagine Peace Tower tour?

Meet at the Elding ticket office in the heart of Reykjavík, at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík. It is no more than a 300 meter walk from the downtown Tourist Information Centre.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Is pick-up included?

No, pick-up is not included.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide speaks English.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, and wear comfortable shoes for walking outdoors.

Are large bags allowed?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Does the tour include Northern Lights viewing time?

The tour includes a chance to see the Northern Lights, though visibility depends on conditions. You may be able to look for them during the experience.

When is the Imagine Peace Tower lit?

The tower lights from 9 October to 8 December each year, and it also appears from the Winter Solstice to New Year. It can also be lit for one week during the Spring Equinox, plus a few other selected dates.

What gear is included for cold or icy conditions?

Flashlights and crampons are provided if needed.

Is the tour refundable if plans change?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.