The Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island will be lit on 9 October — John Lennon’s birthday — and will remain illuminated through 8 December. The annual lighting ceremony is one of Iceland’s more distinctive autumn events, sending a beam of white light into the night sky that is visible from Reykjavík’s harbour on clear evenings.
About the Tower
The artwork was designed by Yoko Ono and unveiled on 9 October 2007, what would have been Lennon’s 67th birthday. It consists of a wishing well monument surrounded by the inscription “Imagine Peace” in 24 languages, with high-intensity beams that project upward using 15 searchlights. The piece is powered entirely by geothermal energy supplied through Iceland’s national grid.
The tower is lit every year from 9 October through 8 December (the anniversary of Lennon’s death), with additional lighting periods on 21 December (winter solstice), 31 December–1 January, and 18–19 March (Yoko Ono’s birthday).
Getting to Viðey Island
Viðey is a small island in Kollfjörður Bay, roughly a 5-minute ferry ride from Skarfabakki pier in the Sundahöfn area east of central Reykjavík, or from the Old Harbour (Ægisgarður pier) in summer. From October, the Old Harbour ferry service reduces frequency; check the current schedule at the Reykjavík ferry booking site before travelling. A combined ferry-and-entry ticket is required; the island itself has no admission charge beyond the ferry fare.
The evening lighting ceremony on 9 October draws a crowd and ferry capacity is limited — earlier sailings on the day are advisable if you want to be on the island for the activation. Those unable to attend can see the beam from Faxaflói bay or from the elevated streets of the city centre on clear nights.
Combining with Other Reykjavík Visits
October is one of the better months for northern lights in Iceland — the nights are dark but the weather has not yet hit the harshest winter conditions. The Reykjavík guide covers the city’s museums, restaurants, and day-trip options. Our Iceland tours page includes northern lights tour operators that run from the city. The geothermal pools guide covers the hot springs that are reliably open during the autumn and winter months.