Viðey Island
Historic island just offshore from Reykjavík combining walking trails, birdlife, historic buildings and internationally significant public art.
About Viðey Island
Viðey feels remarkably removed from Reykjavík despite lying only a short ferry ride offshore. Traffic-free walking paths cross open coastal landscapes containing archaeological remains, historic Viðey House and Viðey Church, rich birdlife and major artworks by Yoko Ono and Richard Serra. It is one of the easiest ways to add an island walk and a sense of rural Iceland to a Reykjavík stay.
Our practical tips
✓Check the return ferry timetable before setting off around the island.
✓Allow at least a few hours rather than treating Viðey as a quick photo stop.
✓There are no cars, so walking is the main way to explore.
✓Bring extra layers because the island is exposed to wind.
✓The Reykjavík City Card includes the Viðey ferry.
Getting there and visiting
Access
Reached by passenger ferry. Service frequency varies substantially by season.
Visit notes
From Skarfabakki, the ferry takes approximately 5 minutes. Service is daily in summer and more limited in winter.