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Imagine Peace Tower

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Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)

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The Imagine Peace Tower (Friðarsúlan) is a striking light art installation on Viðey Island, just off the coast of Reykjavík, created by Yoko Ono as a memorial to John Lennon. The monument was dedicated on October 9, 2007, on what would have been Lennon's 67th birthday, serving as a powerful symbol of the global hope for world peace. The tower consists of a white stone base engraved with the words "Imagine Peace" in 24 different languages. Inside, it houses 15 searchlights with mirrors that project a vertical pillar of light reaching up to four kilometers into the night sky. The light is illuminated annually between October 9 (Lennon's birthday) and December 8 (the anniversary of his death), as well as on other significant dates like the winter solstice. The energy for the tower is sourced entirely from Iceland's eco-friendly geothermal power, reinforcing a message of environmental sustainability. During its periods of operation, visitors can take a ferry to the island to witness the monument up close.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Imagine Peace Tower is an outdoor light installation on Viðey Island, accessible year-round. Visitors can walk around the base and view the light beam at night, with no admission fee.
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Typical hours
The light beam is typically illuminated annually from October 9 to December 8 around sunset to midnight. Exact dates vary, so check the official schedule before your visit.
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Photography
Photography is allowed and free at all times; the light beam creates great long-exposure opportunities. Best shots are taken at night with a tripod, aiming from the island's shore.
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Time needed
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to 1 hour on Viðey Island including the ferry crossing. Combine your visit with a walk around the island's other attractions.
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Combine with
Pair your visit with Viðey Church and the peace garden nearby. The island also features art installations and a café for refreshments.
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Getting there
Take a ferry from Reykjavík's old harbor to Viðey Island; ferries run seasonally. Alternatively, join a guided tour that includes boat transport.
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Insider tip
Bring warm clothing and a flashlight, as the island is very dark at night. Check the ferry schedule in advance, especially in winter when service is limited.

Geography

Coordinates
64.16480, -21.85420

Facts

  • The tower was officially inaugurated on October 9, 2007.
  • The phrase "Imagine Peace" is engraved in 24 different languages.
  • The beam of light can reach up to 4 kilometers into the sky.
  • The tower is lit annually from October 9 until December 8.
  • The energy is sourced 100% from Icelandic geothermal power.
  • Viðey Island is accessible via ferry from the capital, Reykjavík.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Viðey IslandViðey Island<1 km · SExplore →
Reykjavik Botanical GardenReykjavik Botanical Garden3 km · SExplore →
Höfði HouseHöfði House3 km · SWExplore →
Reykjavík PortReykjavík Port4 km · WExplore →
PerlanPerlan5 km · SWExplore →
Árbær Open Air MuseumÁrbær Open Air Museum5 km · SExplore →
KópavogurKópavogur6 km · SWExplore →
MosfellsbærMosfellsbær7 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Imagine Peace Tower (1)

Sandsteinsfjara🎡 recreation

Sandsteinsfjara is a natural beach stretch located near the Imagine Peace Tower near Reykjavík.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Imagine Peace Tower located?
On Viðey island, just off the coast of Reykjavík.
When is the tower lit?
From Oct 9th to Dec 8th, and on special dates like the winter solstice.
How do you get to Viðey island?
By ferry from Skarfabakki pier or the Old Harbour in Reykjavík.
Can you see the tower from a distance?
Yes, on clear nights, the beam of light is visible from all over the Reykjavík area.
What is the meaning of the monument?
It is a memorial to John Lennon and a symbol of world peace, designed by Yoko Ono.
Imagine Peace Tower: where is it located?
Imagine Peace Tower is located in Iceland.
Imagine Peace Tower: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Imagine Peace Tower: why is it worth visiting?
The Imagine Peace Tower (Friðarsúlan) is a striking light art installation on Viðey Island, just off the coast of Reykjavík, created by Yoko Ono as a memorial to John Lennon.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Reykjavík — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.
Kópavogur — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Kópavogur
Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.
Hafnarfjörður — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.
Hafnarfjörður — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Hafnarfjörður
A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.
Keflavík — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Keflavík
Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.
Mosfellsbær — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Mosfellsbær
Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.
Garðabær — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Garðabær
Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.
Selfoss — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.
Akranes — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Akranes
Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.
Seltjarnarnes — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.
Vestmannaeyjar — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík) — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)
Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.
Grindavík — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Grindavík
Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Hveragerði — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Hveragerði
Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.
Hveragerði — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Hveragerði
Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Reykjavík City Hall
Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.
Hvolsvöllur — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Hvolsvöllur
A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.
Viðey Island — Imagine Peace Tower (Iceland)
Viðey Island
Viðey Island houses historical buildings, including the oldest stone house in Iceland from 1755.