Thingvellir National Park is where history meets adventure! Have you ever wondered where the boundary between two continents
lies? In Thingvellir, you can not only witness it but also stroll in the rift valley between two tectonic plates! Explore the site of the oldest
parliament and dive into a variety of exciting activities awaiting you.
What’s Special About Þingvellir National Park: Iceland’s Continental Divide?
Thingvellir Park, or Þingvellir in Icelandic, is a must-see attraction in Iceland and the first stop on the Golden Circle route.
The national park holds a remarkable place in Iceland’s history and geology. This UNESCO World Heritage site is also the original site
of the country’s first parliament. Isn’t it special that the place associated with politics is surrounded not by thick walls of historical
buildings but by beautiful natural landscapes?
In addition to its historical importance, the oldest Icelandic parliament site is where two continental tectonic plates meet. You can see
this with your own eyes in Thingvellir Rift Valley! Fun fact: Did you know that some of the scenes in “Game of Thrones” were filmed in the
Þingvellir area?
Where Is Thingvellir National Park?
Thingvellir National Park is located in southwest Iceland, approximately 45 km (28 mi) from Reykjavík, the capital city. It is the first stop
of the world-famous Golden Circle route.
How to Get to Þingvellir National Park?
Þingvellir is easily accessible by car. Car renting in Iceland varies from $60 to $150 a day, depending on the season or the vehicle
type. If you drive from Reykjavík, you can reach it in under an hour.
You should follow Road 1 through the town of Mosfellsbær and then turn right onto road number 36. Stay on this road and follow
the road signs that will take you to Þingvellir. Another great option is to join one of the Golden Circle tours. Experienced guides will
take you to the attractions and explain their history and importance. If you feel adventurous, you might want to try glacier
snowmobiling and the Golden Circle tour, where you will see all the main Golden Circle attractions and cap your day off with an
exciting snowmobile ride on Langjökull glacier.
History of Thingvellir
The name Þingvellir originates from the old Icelandic word Þingvǫllr where “þing” means “assembly” and “vǫllr” means “field”. The
first national assembly (Alþing) took place in the Þingvellir area in the year 930. That moment is recognized as the creation of the first
Icelandic parliament and the oldest operating parliament worldwide.
The parliament meetings became annual, and the Thingvellir area became the place where many important decisions were made,
and significant laws were established. The Lögberg or Law Rock was the central point of Alþing and a natural platform for holding
speeches.
In 1930, Þingvellir became a National park. Since 2004, the park has also been included on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to its
outstanding universal value.
Geology of Thingvellir
The birthplace of the first Icelandic parliament is also the site of Iceland’s most marvelous landscapes.
The whole island of Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart.
Þingvellir is positioned in a rift valley formed by two tectonic plates moving away from each other. The park is one of the few places
worldwide where you can see the boundary between two continents on the land. The gap between the Eurasian plate and the North
American plate increases by over 2 cm (0.79 in) each year. The tectonic forces tore apart the lava fields of Þingvellir, leaving
impressive fissures, gorges, and ravines.
What to Do in Þingvellir National Park?
Þingvellir National Park offers exceptionally vivid landscapes ideal for photography, regardless of the season.
You can also try out a wide range of activities in Þingvellir National Park, from world-famous fishing spots to great hiking trails and
the best diving sites.
Fishing in the Lake Þingvallavatn
Lake Thingvallavatn is Iceland’s largest natural lake, covering an area of 83 square kilometers (32 square mi) and reaching a depth
of 115 m (377 ft).
Lake Thingvallavatn is a magnet for fishing enthusiasts globally, renowned for its unique fish species native to Iceland. The most
impressive is the brown trout. The excellent conditions in the lake allow this species to grow to enormous sizes. In Þingvallavatn,
you can find some of the largest brown trout in the world.
Hiking
One of the most popular activities in Thingvellir Park is hiking. Þingvellir National Park offers excellent hiking trails with exceptional
views.
The beautiful trails will lead you to the historical Law Rock, the gorgeous tributary Öxará River, and other great destinations.
You can also walk in the gigantic rift valley where two continental plates meet, which means you’ll be walking between two
continents!
Diving and Snorkeling
The mid-Atlantic Ridge can also be explored underwater! You can snorkel and scuba dive in the clear water of Silfra Fissure, a
crack in the earth caused by tectonic movements.
The water in the fissure is so pure that divers can see up to 100 m (328 ft) underwater.
Where to Stay Near þingvellir National Park?
Numerous accommodation options are available near Thingvellir National Park. You can choose a lovely hotel, a warm guesthouse,
or a cozy cabin, depending on your preferences. If you are interested in camping options, there are two separate camping sites at
Thingvellir that include toilets, showers, washing machines, and dryers.
Hotels
- Hotel Borealis
- ION hotel
- Hotel Grímsborgir
- Hotel Edda Laugarvatn
Guesthouses and Farmstays
- Golden Circle Apartments
- Private House Hrísholt
- Iceblue Lodge B&B
- Galleri Laugarvatn
Cabins and Cottages
- Austurey Cottages
- Thingvellir Lake Cottage
- Eyvindartunga Farm Cottage
Campsites
- Vatnskot campground
- Leirar campsite
Þingvellir Information Centre
There is a Visitor Centre at the top end of Almannagjá Gorge, where a 40-minute multimedia display is available in different
languages. The Visitor Centre is open from September 1st to May 31st from 9:00 to 18:30 and from June 1st to August 31st from 9:00
to 19:00.
Another Information Centre by the Leirar campsite provides information about the park and maps of the hiking and horseback
riding trails. Details about road conditions are also available at the Centre, but you can also check the road conditions online.
The Best Time to Visit Þingvellir
Þingvellir National Park is an incredible place with exceptional views at any time of the year. The landscape changes depending
on the season.
In the summer, Þingvellir will greet you with lots of greenery and lovely weather. You can enjoy the views longer due to warm and
long summer days. The weather is perfect for diving, hiking, and horseback riding.
The winter season offers snowy scenes, late morning sunrises, and nights potentially filled with Northern Lights. Just keep in mind
that some paths can be icy, so shoes with spikes would be helpful.
Popular Attractions Near Þingvellir
After visiting Þingvellir, don’t forget to visit two other popular Golden Circle attractions – Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir area, as well
as the precious hidden gems:
- Kerið Volcanic Crater
- The Secret Lagoon
- Brúarfoss Waterfall
- Flúðir Geothermal Village
- Friðheimar Tomato and Horse Farm
- Faxi Waterfall
- Skálholt Historical Church
Key Takeaways
Þingvellir National Park is a major attraction of the Golden Circle, known for its stunning nature and deep history. Thingvellir is where
the world’s first parliament was born. The park is also a place where you can walk in a rift valley created by the movement of two
tectonic plates. Apart from its historical and geological importance, Thingvellir offers various activities like hiking, fishing, or snorkeling.
Visit Thingvellir and make unforgettable memories!
Thingvellir National Park FAQs
How Long to Spend at Thingvellir National Park?
On average, visitors spend 2-3 hours in Þingvellir. However, the time spent might depend on the season and the amount of activities
you want to try.
Can You Walk Between Two Tectonic Plates in Iceland?
Yes! You can walk in the valley which is directly between the two continents. Moreover, you can dive and snorkel between two
continental plates in Silfra Fissure.
Can You See the Northern Lights in Thingvellir National Park?
Þingvellir is a very popular place for Northern Lights hunting as it offers some of the clearest night skies necessary for this experience.