VIDEY ISLAND - Boat trip, bird watching, history and John Lennon
Viðey island is a natural treasure close to the city centre, the sailing just takes 7 minutes from Sundahofn harbour. Viðey is also an important historic site. Archaeological excavations have disclosed that the island was inhabited already in the 10th century. It was the location of an Augustine monastery from 1225 to 1539 and a centre for pilgrimage in the middle ages. The Videyjarstofa house, where there is now a restaurant, was built in 1755 and is the first construction made of stone and cement in the country. The church was consecrated in 1774 and is the second oldest one still standing. The island became the seat of the first Icelandic treasurer and later the first Icelandic sub-governor, Mr Skuli Magnusson. In the beginning of the 20th century the country's first harbour for ocean going vessels was built on the eastern part of the island and a hamlet developed there. The last inhabitant left it in 1943, when the harbour of Reykjavik had taken over.
Furthermore the island is a very enjoyable place for outdoor recreation. It abounds with bird life, grasses and soft hollows combined with tranquility and the spirit of bygone centuries. At least 30 species of breeding birds have been counted on the island. There are hiking paths all around the island, free bicycles to rent and a children's playground. The beach is a treasure for learning, experiencing and creating. Videy also inhabits intriguing sculpural art work, most notably Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower, a work of art in the form of a wishing well from which a very strong and tall tower of light emerges at certain times of year (more information below). The Reykjavik Whale Watching company offers a daily ferry to Videy island in the summer time.
Imagine Peace Tower - Fridarsula
The inauguration of the Imagine Peace Tower took place during a private ceremony on 9th October 2007 on Videy island, Reykjavík, Iceland. The Imagine Peace Tower is lit every year from October 9th through to December 8th, from sunset to midnight. It is also lit on New Year's Eve and in spring the tower is lit from sunset to midnight during Easter week.
The Imagine Peace Tower is a work of art conceived by the legendary artist, musician and peace advocate Yoko Ono as a beacon to world peace. The work is in the form of a wishing well from which a strong and tall tower of light emerges. The words ‘Imagine Peace’ are inscribed on the well in 24 world languages. The light tower is composed of a number of individual lights that join together to form a single beam. Six of the lights travel through corridors across a platform that surrounds the well and are reflected upwards to the sky with mirrors. The strength, intensity and brilliance of the light tower continually changes as the particles in the air fluctuate with the prevailing weather and atmospheric conditions unique to Iceland. The artwork has been dedicated to the memory of John Lennon on what would have been his 67th birthday. Every year the Imagine Peace Tower will emerge between 9th October (Lennon's birthday) and 8th December (the day of his death). In addition the Imagine Peace Tower will emanate on New Year's Eve, during the first week of spring and on some rare special occasions agreed on by the artist and the City of Reykjavík. The electricity for the light comes entirely from Reykjavik Energy, which produces the electricity from geothermal power. The construction and installation of the Imagine Peace Tower is done in collaboration between Yoko Ono, the City of Reykjavik, Reykjavik Art Museum and Reykjavik Energy.
“I hope the Imagine Peace Tower will give light to the strong wishes of World Peace from all corners of the planet and give encouragement, inspiration and a sense of solidarity in a world now filled with fear and confusion. Let us come together to realise a peaceful world.” Yoko Ono