A new vision for Viðey, the city's jewel

A steering group focused on the main opportunities and challenges related to Viðey has delivered its report on developing a new vision for the island, as the last policy was established in 2001 and is now outdated. The steering group was appointed in August 2024 to evaluate the key opportunities and challenges concerning Viðey.

The steering group included city councilors Skúli Helgason (chair), Sabine Leskopf, Kjartan Magnússon, and Stefán Pálsson. The group's staff members were Guðbrandur Benediktsson, director of the Reykjavík City Museum; Þórólfur Jónsson, head of division for nature and parks at the Department of Environment & Planning; Hrönn Valdimarsdóttir, project manager at the Department of Environment & Planning; and Inga María Leifsdóttir, project manager at the Department of Culture & Sports.

Viðey is a precious gem on Reykjavík's municipal land, where nature, culture, and history intertwine. It is one of the most important historic sites in Reykjavík and one of the city's main landmarks. The environment on Viðey is largely untouched and is just as fragile. In recent decades, the city has grown significantly, and development now extends around the island as new neighborhoods are being built in close proximity, such as in Gufunes and Ártúnshöfði. Planning for the future is therefore essential to identify Viðey's value and its opportunities for coming generations of Reykjavík residents.

The steering group's work reviewed buildings and structures on the island, accessibility, the natural environment, history and cultural heritage, planning, services, and promotion.

The report states that increasing awareness among city residents and visitors about Viðey and the opportunities it offers is crucial. Key opportunities include strengthening general promotional efforts for Viðey, for example, through information on websites, social media, and other promotional activities, for both residents and tourists.

The steering group's conclusions show that Viðey's role as an urban oasis for outdoor recreation, nature observation, education, and cultural experiences can offer a significant improvement in quality of life.

Companion piece to the Imagine Peace Tower

The group's report concludes that preparations should begin on a companion piece to the Imagine Peace Tower, based on a concept by artist Yoko Ono. The idea behind the work, "Friðarósk" (Peace House), is a stopping point for visitors to Viðey where the public's wishes for world peace are preserved. Since 1996, Yoko Ono has invited people to record their wishes on specially made trees around the world; it is an ongoing project. The new work in Viðey will make these wishes

accessible, located at a beautiful viewpoint ideal for

reflection and contemplation. The planned work will be modest in appearance and design, blending into the landscape

while further enhancing Viðey's value as a place of peace. The group also recommends increasing collaboration with the Höfði Peace Center on events related to peace issues in Viðey.

Other conclusions:

• The report calls for strengthening Viðey's educational role for children and young people, with the goal that the city's youngest generation connects with Viðey in a positive and constructive way through educational activities and courses. A goal will be set to ensure that all elementary school children visit Viðey at least once during their schooling and participate in project work related to the island.
• Proposals include improving access on Viðey, including to its main structures and cultural heritage. The group places special emphasis on accessibility to and from Viðey and calls for a policy to ensure access for all to Viðey House and Viðey Church.
• The report recommends clarifying the role and value of Viðey House and Church and working to ensure their preservation as Reykjavík's oldest stone buildings and unique historic structures.
• The report calls for the increased use of Viðey's structures, with an emphasis on Viðey House, Viðey Church, the School, the Sheriff's House, the Boat House, and the Water Tank.
• The group also recommends strengthening research into the island's natural environment.
• A City Survey is proposed to determine residents' attitudes toward Viðey and gather ideas about increasing access. The survey would also stimulate the promotion of Viðey as a historic and peaceful stopping point on municipal land for domestic and foreign tourists.
• The report also notes the need to review and improve the range and level of services, including concessions during the summer and winter months.
   

Policy for Viðey - steering group report 2025

Viðey - steering group presentation at Department of Culture & Sports council meeting