Imagine Peace Tower — Attraction in Reykjavik

One of the reasons I went to Iceland in October was to visit the switch-on of the John Lennon Peace Tower on 9th October his birthday. Ferries were provided to take people over to the island. I arrived at 7:30 in the evening and the switch on took place at 9pm. There are places to buy hot drinks etc. But it was very busy. Apparently 2018 saw the highest number of people attending with over 2000 people on the island. Unfortunately Yoko Ono was not able to attend but joined by a video link. The Major of Reykjavik switched on the tower accompanied by an amazing choir who did a wonderful version of “Imagine”. The ferry trip back was a bit of a nightmare as I waited nearly 2 hours due to the high number of people and it was raining and very cold. However I did get to see the northern lights again, which appeared spookily just before the Mayor’s speech when the torrential rain suddenly stopped and the clouds dispersed. The Mayor looked up to the sky and said “Thank you John”. On Viðey island, which is a small island just a 7 minute's boat ride away from the mainland of Iceland's capital city Reykjavík, stands the Imagine Peace Tower. It was erected by Yoko Ono in remembrance of John Lennon's birthday. The Imagine Peace Tower was first lit in 2007 by Yoko Ono on John Lennon's birthday on the 9th of October, and it is lit until the day John was killed on the 8th of December. It serves as a beacon to world peace, which I think is ever so lovely. Yoko invites everybody wishing for peace to join her on the 9th of October on Viðey island. And she offers free ferry rides to the island (and from it) on the night she lights the tower. The lighting takes places at 8 pm and the free ferry rides run from 5 pm until 7:30 pm. The first ferry departs from Viðey island at 9 pm. Reykjavík city offers free transport from Hlemmur bus terminal to Skarfabakki harbour, from where the Viðey ferry departs. I have noticed that more and more foreign guests are joining in now. You just have to show up, no booking needed, but be prepared to...

We visited the Peace Tower on 9th October 2018 (the first year that Yoko couldn't make it due to ill health) where Yoko had recorded a nessage for us on a giant screen evplaining why she wasn't there. It was a strange experience this year the organisers were expecting crowds of around 400 where nearly 4000 turned up. We were stood in front of the stage in torrential rain, the Icelandic Choir had just given a beautiful rendition of 'Imagine' but as soon as the mayor of Reykjavic touched the microfone to give his speech the rain suddenly stopped as if someone had clicked a switch. The clouds parted and the Aurora Borealis appeared like magic. The Mayor lokked up to the sky and said "Thank you John". Spooky !?! We had to queue for a ferry back to the mainland because of the unexpected crowds. By this time a light rain had started. However it was worth the visit for a very moving ceromany. Would recommend but make sure you dress appropriately for the weather. The organisers might take note to cover the stage for the performers and also the exterior eating area too. The wooden building that is there cannot cope...

The trip to Videy Island was windy and you need to be very careful on picking a ferry schedule to Videy Island because it could be dangerous if you planning to go there in midnight. The water level was quite high and our boat almost sunk. Videy Island could be beautiful at daylight, but it's quite awful on night to midnight. Glad the Imagine Peace Tower was lit by the management because it was Ono-Lennon's wedding...