When is the Imagine Peace Tower illuminated?

The tower lights up 1 hour after sunset until midnight daily from October 9 through December 8 (marking John Lennon's birth and death dates). It also illuminates during the Winter Solstice through New Year's morning, on Yoko Ono's birthday, and during the week of the Spring Equinox. Exact dates and lighting hours vary; check the tour schedule for your preferred departure.

Is there a chance to see the Northern Lights on this tour?

Yes, if conditions align. The tour departs during peak Northern Lights season (October–March) and Viðey Island offers dark, clear skies with minimal light pollution. Success depends entirely on weather and solar activity—clear, cloudless nights offer the best odds. The tour operates regardless of Northern Lights visibility.

How do I get to the tour meeting point?

Meet at the ticket office by the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík. The location is central and accessible by local buses or taxi. From the ticket office, it's a few steps down the pier to board the ferry to Viðey Island.

What should I wear and bring?

Dress in waterproof, windproof layers as Icelandic island weather is unpredictable and harsh. Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for uneven and potentially icy terrain. Bring a warm hat, gloves, and thermal layers. A camera is useful for landscape and tower photography.

How long is the total experience?

The tour is listed as 2 hours of guided walking on Viðey Island, plus approximately 5 minutes each way for the ferry crossing. Plan for 2.5–3 hours total from arrival at the ticket office to return to Reykjavík.

Why did Yoko Ono choose Iceland for the Imagine Peace Tower?

Iceland was chosen because it has no army and is recognized as one of the world's most peaceful nations. The country's commitment to peace and its use of renewable geothermal energy aligned with the monument's message of global peace and sustainability.

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Reykjavík Imagine Peace Tower Tour

(5)

Reykjavík, Iceland

Sightseeing ToursAttractionsCity BreaksHiking ToursEducational Tour

About this activity

Explore Yoko Ono and John Lennon's Imagine Peace Tower on Iceland's tranquil Viðey Island, a 2-hour guided tour combining peace activism, Icelandic history, and stunning natural beauty. The illuminated tower creates a contemplative experience against Reykjavík's skyline, with genuine chances to witness the Northern Lights.

Enjoy an 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 island of Viðey, mere minutes from Reykjavík by boat.

Departures:

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

Meet us at our ticket office by the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík, where you will exchange your pre-paid voucher for boarding tickets. A few steps down the pier, you will board the ferry that takes you to the serene island of Viðey. On this 2 hr. guided walking tour, you will learn all about the Imagine Peace Tower, the island's important trading history, artwork and nature. The Reykjavík skyline and its surrounding area is not to be missed and if lucky, you might even get a chance to see the northern lights appear overhead!

The tower is illuminated 1 hr. after sunset until midnight from 9 October until 8 December (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 a New Year, as well as on Yoko Ono's birthday and in the week of Spring Equinox. The ever-changing weather conditions on the island impact the strength, intensity and brilliance of the tower.

Yoko Ono chose Iceland to host the monument as it does not have an army and is considered one of the most peaceful countries in the world. The country's use of geothermal energy played a big part too as the tower is powered by sustainable resources.

Watch a live stream of the Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey island as seen from Skarfabakki pier in Reykjavík.

Highlights

✓Visit the iconic Imagine Peace Tower, lit nightly from sunset to midnight during select seasons
✓Guided walking tour of Viðey Island's rich trading history and contemporary art installations
✓Views of Reykjavík skyline and surrounding landscape from a serene offshore location
✓Potential Northern Lights sightings during autumn and winter departures
✓Short 5-minute ferry crossing from Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík
✓Learn why Iceland's peaceful status made it Yoko Ono's chosen location for the monument

Insider tips

★Book a Friday or Sunday departure October–December for guaranteed tower illumination; winter solstice to New Year and spring equinox weeks also feature the light display
★Dress in extreme layers—Icelandic island weather changes rapidly; bring windproof outer layers even on mild days
★Arrive 15 minutes early at the Old Harbour ticket office to exchange your voucher and secure boarding
★Clear, crisp nights offer the brightest tower views and best Northern Lights odds; check weather forecasts before your tour

Good to know

•Meeting point: Ticket office by Old Harbour in central Reykjavík; ferry departs from nearby pier
•Duration includes ferry crossing (5 min each way) plus 2-hour guided walk; total time ~2.5–3 hours
•Wear sturdy waterproof hiking shoes—Viðey's terrain is uneven and often wet or icy depending on season
•The tower illuminates 1 hour after sunset until midnight (Oct 9–Dec 8); exact lighting times vary seasonally
•Limited departures: Fri/Sun Oct–Dec at 20:00; select dates Dec 21–Jan 1 & Feb 18 & Mar 20–26 at varying times

Who it's for

Peace advocates and fans of Yoko Ono and John Lennon's legacyNorthern Lights hunters seeking guaranteed dark skies and minimal light pollutionHistory and art enthusiasts interested in modern monuments and Icelandic cultural landmarksPhotography lovers wanting dramatic island landscapes and illuminated night-time subjects

Best time to visit

October through early December offers the best balance of frequent departures and guaranteed tower illumination during golden autumn light and early winter darkness. Winter solstice (late December) through early January provides the longest night-time display and strongest Northern Lights potential, though departures are sporadic.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Tara J.

Dec 2025

our guide Tariq sorted everything for us and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight ... Over easter break so it wasnt too busy. Went last tuesday, and for our anniversary. Would book again no question, no joke

Ines V.

Nov 2025

loved it — guide Mei top notch, miles ahead of a similar tour we tried in Dubrovnik

Will W.

Oct 2025

our guide Joseph sorted everything for us and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight, and fine even with my dodgy knee, and 6 stops in about 3 hours.

Ruth J.

May 2025

our guide Mei was brilliant and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight, and blew our Porto one out of the water.

Ruth C.

Mar 2025

our guide Pedro had so many stories and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight ... For our anniversary so it wasnt too busy. Mid-week so it was quiet, and came away with 200+ photos. Would book again no question, def recommend

from€122.78€122.58/ person

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