Imagine Peace Tower Tour on Viðey island | John Lennon tribute

Peace lights in the Icelandic night. This evening tour takes you from Reykjavik Old Harbour to Viðey Island to see the Imagine Peace Tower beam cutting through the dark, with a guided walk and a real chance of Northern Lights overhead.

I love the small-group feel—you’re not shoved into a crowd, and it stays calm enough to actually take in the place. I also like that you get hot chocolate/coffee/tea first, because cold wind can drain the joy fast.

One drawback: the experience involves a walk on an unpaved road and a steep climb to the viewing platform. If you’re not steady on your feet, plan ahead.

Key things to know before you go

• Evening timing: The tower’s light is the whole point, and it looks best after dark.
• Boat ride from Old Harbour: You get the cold, dramatic Reykjavik-to-island feeling right away.
• Hot drinks included: You’ll warm up before the cruise back.
• Guide-led visit to the tower area: You’ll hear the tower’s story plus island history.
• Crampons and flash lights if needed: Helpful when conditions turn slippery or snowy.
• Northern Lights are a frequent bonus: Many departures report seeing them.

Why Viðey Island at night hits differently

Viðey Island is quiet in a way that’s hard to describe until you’re there. At night, the ferry glide out of Reykjavik feels like the city is just fading into the distance, and then you’re left with wind, dark water, and one big idea: peace made visible.

The Imagine Peace Tower is designed to be seen at a distance, but being there in person adds something extra. You’re standing where the light is coming from—not just viewing it from afar. And because this is an evening tour, the beam and the surrounding sky tend to do most of the work for the wow factor.

Also, it’s not only about the tower. You’ll walk around the island at night with a guide, and you’ll get a chance to step into a small island church area too. That contrast—art, light, history, and a quiet place of reflection—helps the whole experience feel more meaningful than a quick photo stop.

Reykjavik Old Harbour to the island: the boat part

The tour begins at Elding Whale Watching on Ægisgarður 5c, and from there you head to Reykjavik Old Harbour for the cruise to Viðey Island. This isn’t just transport. The boat ride is part of the emotional rhythm of the evening: you’re headed out after dark, so the island already feels like a destination, not a stop.

Expect a chilled, wind-forward experience. Even if the day started mild, the water and night air can change fast. That’s why the tour includes warm drinks—those hot cups are there to keep you from turning miserable before you ever reach the tower area.

If conditions cooperate, the boat also sets you up for the Northern Lights moment. In multiple experiences, guides have spotted the lights as the group approaches the tower area, and you can sometimes see the sky do its thing as the beam comes into view. Even when you don’t see auroras, the journey still gives you great Reykjavik coastline views and that feeling of being out on the water after sunset.

The walk to the Peace Tower and viewing platform

Here’s the practical reality: once you land, you’ll be walking. The tour includes following your guide along the island paths to the Imagine Peace Tower remote viewing area. This is where good boots matter. On many nights, the surface can be unpaved, uneven, and slippery.

One of the most repeated pieces of advice is simple: take it slow. There’s a steep climb involved to reach the viewing platform, and at night the ground can feel less predictable—especially if there’s snow, frost, or patches of ice.

The operator provides flash lights and crampons if needed, which is reassuring. Still, I’d treat this like a short hike in cold conditions, not like an easy stroll. If your idea of walking in Reykjavik means a flat sidewalk in soft winter light, this tour may feel more physical than you expect.

If you’re lucky with the weather, it can feel peaceful in a very movie-like way: deserted island, small group, the tower light on, and almost no sound except wind and footsteps. But if you’re traveling with limited mobility, the tour isn’t recommended, because of the unpaved road and steep climb.

The Imagine Peace Tower moment: light, narration, and the Yoko Ono connection

The Imagine Peace Tower is a memorial that uses light as the message. Standing near it is a different experience than seeing it in photos—your eyes keep tracking the beam and its glow, and your brain starts doing the translation from art to meaning.

During the visit, you’ll listen to a narration connected to the tower and world peace by Yoko Ono. This is one of the key parts of the tour: you’re not left guessing what you’re looking at. The story helps you connect the beam to the wider idea of peace, and it gives the group a shared focus instead of random wandering.

There’s one small heads-up. One experience noted that a Yoko Ono video was advertised, but the person felt it wasn’t shown during their tour. The response they received indicated the video is available online and that an option to write a message of peace could be explored. So if you’re specifically hoping for a video on-site, I’d ask your guide what’s shown during your departure and where you can access any additional media.

Still, the tower itself delivers. People describe it as moving, beautiful, and unforgettable—especially when the Northern Lights show up around the beam.

The quiet church stop you didn’t plan for

A fun surprise: you may also walk through a small island church area during the tour. Reviews describe it as quiet and very charming, which makes sense. The island isn’t just “tower and done.” It’s a place with atmosphere, and the church adds a human scale to all that symbolism.

What I like about this element is that it slows the pace. You’re not only chasing the light for photos. You’re also taking in the island’s atmosphere in a calmer setting, where it feels easier to absorb the theme of remembrance and peace.

If you’re the type who appreciates small, off-the-beaten-path sites, this is one of the reasons the tour feels more complete than a standard sightseeing hit. And if you’re a John Lennon fan, it helps connect the tribute not just to a famous name, but to a place and a stillness that fits the message.

Northern Lights odds: how to think about the bonus

Northern Lights sightings are reported often on this tour, and the timing seems to matter. Many accounts mention that as the boat approaches or as the group arrives near the tower light, the skies deliver auroras in real time. When that happens, the whole tower beam looks like it’s framed by moving light.

But keep expectations grounded. This is Iceland, and the sky can be stubborn. The tour requires good weather, and conditions can change quickly, which means plans can shift depending on visibility and safety.

The value of doing it anyway is that you’re not just chasing auroras. You’re getting the Imagine Peace Tower experience regardless. If the lights show up, it’s a powerful bonus. If they don’t, you still get the tower’s glow at night and the guided story that turns the visit from a snapshot into something with meaning.

What you’re actually paying for (and why $120 can make sense)

At $120 per person for roughly 2 hours, this isn’t a cheap add-on. But it’s also not just a ticket to see a landmark. You’re paying for a package that includes:

• a guided outing led to a remote island area at night
• a boat cruise from Reykjavik Old Harbour
• hot drinks
• safety gear like flash lights, and crampons if conditions call for it

That combination matters. The tower is on Viðey, so you can’t really replicate the experience the same way without transport, night guidance, and the safety support for winter conditions.

Also, this tour often sells well ahead of time. The average booking window is about 71 days in advance, so it helps to lock in your date early if you can. If you wait until the last minute, you might still find options—but you’ll have less choice.

For me, the best value angle is the small group size. Maximum is 20 travelers, and some departures run with very small groups. That intimacy makes the tour feel personal rather than like a production line.

Group size, guides, and the feel of the night

This is built for a small group night out, and it shows. Many reviews highlight the intimacy—people mention groups around 4 to 8—and that makes sense because the island walk and the tower viewing spots are better with fewer bodies crowding your space.

Guides are a major part of the quality here. Several guide names came up across experiences, including Emily, Megan, Rob, Knut, and Sila. The common theme is that the guide doesn’t just recite facts. They connect the tower to island history and often add extra layers—like marine ecosystem talk around the island—so the evening feels more than just the tower light.

One more practical thing: guides also help with pacing. On a dark unpaved island night, you need someone to point out where to step, how to move steadily, and when to pause for photos.

Gear checklist that actually helps

Weather changes quickly here, so dress like you’re planning for cold wind and possible wet or icy footing. The tour provides flash lights and crampons if needed, but you still need to bring your warmth.

Plan on:

• sturdy footwear with good grip
• warm jacket and thermals
• hat, scarf, and gloves
• layers you can breathe in when you’re moving uphill

If you can, pack a spare warm layer for the return boat ride. Even if you feel fine at first, the combination of wind and night temperatures can sneak up on you.

Also, don’t forget your eyes. Northern Lights or tower light beams can be bright and change quickly in intensity, so give yourself a minute to adjust rather than hunting for the perfect photo immediately.

Who should book this Imagine Peace Tower tour?

Book it if you want a meaningful, guided night experience that mixes art, Icelandic night air, and the possibility of Northern Lights. It’s especially compelling if you’re a John Lennon fan, since the tribute connection is the core of the experience.

You’ll also like it if you:

• prefer small-group tours
• enjoy short nature-and-history evenings instead of long bus rides
• want guided interpretation tied to what you’re actually seeing

Skip it (or think hard first) if you:

• have trouble with steep climbs or walking on uneven, unpaved ground
• can’t handle dark outdoor conditions comfortably

It’s not a “sit and admire” tour. It’s a walk-and-watching tour, with safety support provided, but it still asks your legs.

Should you book this tour?

Yes, if you can handle cold outdoor walking and you want the Imagine Peace Tower experience at night, with a guide and boat ride from Reykjavik. The value is strongest when you’re traveling for more than a photo—when you want a story, a small-group pace, and the chance of Northern Lights.

I’d say book it early, because demand can be high, and you’re going at a time of day where weather really matters. If you show up ready with proper gear and steady steps, this has the rare mix of beautiful visuals and a genuinely moving message.

FAQ

How long is the Imagine Peace Tower tour on Viðey Island?

It runs for about 2 hours (approximately).

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

You get a professional guide, hot chocolate/coffee/tea, and flash lights and crampons if needed.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included (hot drinks are included).

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is the tour suitable for limited mobility?

It’s not recommended for travelers with limited mobility because it involves walking on an unpaved road and a steep climb to a viewing platform.

What if weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.