Faxafloi Bay

Snuggled between the peninsulas of Snæfellsnes and Reykjanes in Southwest Iceland, Faxafloi Bay has always held economic and culinary importance to Icelanders thanks to its enviable location on the shore. Back in the day, fishermen used to catch rations that would feed entire villages.
Now Faxafloi Bay isn’t exactly the fishing hub it once was, with bigger boats needing to venture further out at sea, but it still holds historical significance in the country’s history. One of the main attractions in the entire bay is Viðey Island, the largest island of the small Kollfjörður Bay around Reykjavik. It is where the famous Image Peace Tower “Friðarsúlan” is located, which was commissioned by none other than John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, and which bears the words “imagine peace” in 24 different languages. Additionally, Viðey Island is also home to the country’s oldest church, with some settlements dating back to the 10th century. It is also a very popular whale-watching cruise departure point.
Visible from just about everywhere in Reykjavik and beyond (up to 75 miles away on clear days), Faxafloi Bay is reachable by car in about 45 minutes via route 1, Iceland’s Ring Road (journey length depends on how far up north Faxafloi Bay visitors are going). It is also possible to reach the region by public transit with buses 6 and 57 from Reykjavik. 

Practical Info

Viðey is accessible via ferry from Reykjavik’s old harbor every day at 11:50 a.m. and 2:50 p.m. during the summer, and at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. from Skarfabakki Quay in the winter. One ride costs ISK 1100 per adult, ISK 550 per children aged 7-15 and ISK 1000 for students.