Viðey


Viðey is the largest island of the Kollafjörður Bay in Iceland, near the capital of Reykjavík.

Overview

The island covers ; its highest point is above sea level. The island is divided by a narrow piece of land creating the West Island, East Island and the largest Home Island. The island has a rich bird life with about 30 species breeding here. The well-vegetated island has areas of bog, grey basalt on the West Island and eastern shore and at least 156 species of plant.
Visitors can reach the island by ferry. In the summer ferries leave daily from Skarfabakki, Harpa, and Aegisgarour pier. In the winter, ferry service is from Skarfabakki on weekends only. The Reykjavík City Card includes free ferry transfer to and from the island.

History

The island has archaeological remains dating back to the early 10th century and was the site where the "father of Reykjavík" Skuli Magnusson constructed his home and a church in the 12th century. From 1225 to 1539 an Augustine Monastery was established on the island. There is a deserted village on the island, as the island's last inhabitants left in 1943.
On the Western Island is the Videyjarstofa House. Viðeyjarstofa House was constructed in 1753-1755 by the Danish government. The Danish architect Nicolai Eigtved designed the House. The House now houses a restaurant. Two hike trails start from behind the restaurant and in the summer there is horse rental and a riding school.
The Imagine Peace Tower is located on the island. It is a "Tower of Light" envisioned and built by Yoko Ono, widow of The Beatles co-founder John Lennon. According to the Associated Press: "The tower is a beam of light, radiating from a wishing well bearing the words "imagine peace" in 24 languages. The plan is for it to be lit each year between his birthday, October 9, and his death December 8."
Charles Lindbergh visited the island when he was planning his flight across the Atlantic. In Philip Roth's novel The Plot Against America, Lindbergh visits Reykjavík again in 1941, then as President of the United States, and signs a peace treaty with Adolf Hitler.