Viðey Ferry - from Skarfabakki | Reykjavik Attractions

Viðey Ferry – from Skarfabakki

Only a few minutes away from the busy city life is Viðey island, a special place that combines history, art and nature in a unique way. Daily ferry departures from 15 May - 31 Aug and on weekends from 1 Sept - 14 May.

Ferry departure at Skarfabakki pier, about 5-10 min. drive from the city centre. Buses on route 16 and 12 go directly from Hlemmur Square to the ferry terminal.

During the summer there are daily ferry departures from Skarfabakki pier and the Old Harbour by Ægisgarður pier. In winter, the ferry runs only on Saturdays and Sundays from Skarfabakki to Viðey.

1 September – 14 May
Winter departures: Saturdays and Sundays 13:15, 14:15 and 15:15
Winter return ferry: Saturdays and Sundays 14:30, 15:30 and 16:30

15 May – 31 August
Summer departures: Everyday at 10:15, 11:15, 12:15, 13:15, 14:15, 15:15, 16:15, 17:15
Summer return ferry: Everyday at 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30

Viðey island is a unique place that combines history, art and nature. It is only a few minutes away from the city by boat and is well known for its tranquillity and the spirit of bygone centuries. On Viðey you can enjoy all the unspoiled nature reigns which has a unique place in Icelandic history. Birdlife abounds on the island, while outstanding works of modern art also make their mark.

The island is home to the Imagine Peace Tower, designed by Yoko Ono as a tribute to her late husband John Lennon. The pillar of light symbolises their continuing campaign for world peace. Other noteworthy attention points are Viðey Church, Viðeyjarnaust Cabin, Viðeyjarstofa Café, the Old School House and the Water Reservoir.

The island is about 32 m above sea level, 1,6 km2 inn size and consists of Heimaey (Home island) and Vesturey (West island). Along the coastline you can see beautiful rock formations look out for the trap rock at Virkisöfði and Eiðisbjarg. There are 156 types of vascular plants, which is the equivalent of one third of Iceland's flora.

Þórsnes peninsula is protected during breeding season, from 1st May – 1st July. The most common bird to lay eggs on the island is the eider duck, but about 30 species travel from all over to raise their young there each year.

During the summertime, Reykjavik City Museum organises several events on the island. Check the itinerary for updates and information on the upcoming events this year.

Viðey is a national treasure that we need to take care of together. We ask all visitors to be careful around high cliffs, always walk along the paths and leave nests alone. Please respect the wildlife and nature on the island and make sure to recycle your waste.

Return tickets
Ferry from Skarfabakki to Viðey
Return ferry can be to either harbour in summer

JUNE:

Saturday 10th June at 1:15 PM – Family Yoga and Relaxation with Arnbjörg Kristín Konráðsdóttir
Wednesday 21st June at 8 PM – Summer Solstice Walk
Tuesday 27th June at 7:15 PM – Story walk with Stefán Pálsson historian

JULY:

Saturday 1st July at 1:15 PM – Folklore and Plant Viewing for Families with Björk Bjarnadóttir environmental and ethnologist
Tuesday 4th July at 7:15 – Yoga Walk and Gong Relaxation with Arnbjörg Kristín Konráðsdóttir
Saturday 8th July at 1:15 PM – Family Art Workshop with Ása Helga Ragnarsdóttir (bookings need to be made here)
Saturday 29th July at 1:15 PM – Beach Fun for Families with Allt Er Hægt

AUGUST:

Tuesday 8th August at 7:15 PM – Story Walk with Sólveig Ólafsdóttir historian
Tuesday 15th August at 7:15 PM – Historical Bike Ride around Viðey island with Gunnar Marel historian
Tuesday 22nd August at 6 PM – Guided Caraway Seed Walk with Björk Bjarnadóttir environmental and ethnologist

Keep in mind that the events are all held in Icelandic. They are free to attend, however participants need to book onto the ferry by choosing the appropriate time and date in the booking calendar.