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9 Best Things To Do In Thingvellir National Park

August 15, 2021 //  by  Iceland Trippers

If you are planning your Iceland trip and are wondering what are the best things to do in Thingvellir National Park, then you’ve come to the right place. Thingvellir National Park is a very popular destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Iceland. You can easily find Thingvellir along the Golden Circle.

Planning your trip to Iceland last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Iceland in advance to ensure availability! The longer you wait, the more difficult it gets. Here are my top picks for your trip :

Top Experiences And Tours In Iceland:

• Golden Circle Full Day Tour From Reykjavik (Likely to sell out!)
• Silfra Snorkeling Tour (Includes photos + only small group)
• South Of Iceland Full Day Trip (Our pick!)
• Whale Watching In Reykjavik (On a luxury yacht)
• Northern Lights Bus Tour (Great to go with a local)
• Ice Cave Tour And Glacier Hike (Likely to sell out)

Tickets You MUST book in advance:

• Keflavik > Reykjavik Bus Airport Transfer (Skip the line!)
• Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket (Includes 7-step spa ritual)
• Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket With Drink (Likely to sell out!)

Top picks for places to stay in Iceland:

• Hotel South Coast (Great central location)
• Grandi Reykjavik (Includes free breakfast)
• Hotel Kria (Close to black sand beach)
• Hotel Skaftafell (Mid-range price)

The Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route in Iceland, and along the route, you’ll see some of the country’s most iconic sites. It starts in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, and covers approximately 190 miles. When you take the Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park is just 25 miles outside of Reykjavik. Its close proximity to Reykjavik along with its stunning landscapes is part of what makes it such a popular stop on the Golden Circle.

This guide to Thingvellir National Park is full of some of our favorite sites within the park. This is one of the biggest attractions in Iceland and there are so many cool things to do and see while you explore. It’s also a famous filming spot and shows like Game of Thrones have filmed many, many scenes within the park. So, let’s take a look at 9 things to do in Thingvellir National Park.

Best Time To Visit Thingvellir National Park

There really is no bad time to visit Thingvellir. However, the weather in the area can pretty quickly change. So make sure to pack some rain gear just in case. We always suggest wearing layers when you’re traveling through Iceland. As long as you keep those things in mind, you’ll enjoy Thingvellir all year long.

If you are hoping to experience Thingvellir National Park without a large crowd, you may want to avoid visiting in the summer months. The best times to go where the crowds aren’t too bad and the weather isn’t freezing, try going in April, May, September, or October.

Getting Around Thingvellir National Park

There are two main options for getting around Thingvellir. The first is renting a car and driving there yourself. If you plan on renting a car, make sure to check out our tips for avoiding mistakes in the process. You can easily drive the Golden Circle and take your time exploring Thingvellir and the surrounding area.

If you aren’t up for driving in a foreign country, that’s fine, you can still see the national park. There are several tour companies that take you along the Golden Circle. You can choose a tour that just goes to the park or even ones that take several days to drive the entire Golden Circle.

THIS is the best Thingvellir National Park Tour!

How Much Does It Cost To Visit Thingvellir National Park

There is no entrance fee to explore Thingvellir National Park. But it’s not completely free. If you are driving yourself, you’ll need to pay a small parking fee. The parking pass is good for the whole day and at any of the parking areas around the park. If you decide to take a guided tour of Thingvellir through another company, they will have their own fees. There are also a few specialty tours you can take in the park, like snorkeling and horseback riding, that have their own fees.

9 Best Things To Do In Thingvellir National Park

Walk between the tectonic plates at almannagja.

One of the coolest things to do in Thingvellir National Park is to walk between the tectonic plates in Iceland. The Almannagja gorge marks the end of the North American tectonic plate and on the other side of the gorge is the Eurasian tectonic plate. Depending on where you are in the gorge, you can see both tectonic plates as they stick out of the Icelandic landscape.

Through most Almannagja there is a paved path where you can walk between the continental tectonic plates. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can actually see the tectonic plates sticking out of the Earth’s crust. Walking between the tectonic plates is something everyone should do in Thingvellir and it’s one of the coolest attractions in Iceland.

The Hakid Visitor Center

If you’re wondering what to do in Thingvellir National Park first, we suggest stopping at the Hakid Visitor Center. You can find the visitor center near the main viewpoint in the park, right near the footpath for Almannagja. One thing to keep in mind is that the Hakid Visitor Center has different opening hours depending on the season. It is typically open longer during the summer as that is the most popular time of year for tourists to see the park.

At different times throughout the year, the center is host to different interactive exhibits as well. They usually have something to do with the history of Thingvellir and the people of Iceland. The center also has information about the park, a cafeteria, and a souvenir shop you peruse. You’ll also find a guide to Thingvellir National Park that you can use to explore the park.

Snorkel Or Scuba Dive Silfra Fissure

Going snorkeling or scuba diving in the Silfra Fissure is one of the most popular things to do in Thingvellir National Park. It’s definitely something that is perfect for the more adventurous travelers. The Silfra Fissure was created around 1789 after a massive earthquake along the tectonic plates. It is the clearest water on Earth and when you dive into its depths, you’ll be diving between two continental tectonic plates. So it’s definitely something you can only do in Thingvellir.

It is filled with glacial spring water, so the water is very very cold. It’s definitely not like snorkeling or scuba diving in the tropics, so make sure you are prepared for the cold water before you dive in. You can’t do this particular activity without a guide of some kind. Because it is a fissure that’s geography is constantly changing, even if only minimally, it’s best navigated with a professional who knows the area well. It’s one of the most unique attractions in Iceland.

Book Here: Silfra Fissure Snorkel or Scuba Diving Tour

Go Horseback Riding

There are two trails in Thingvellir National Park that are designated for horseback riding through the park. Thingvellir was a resting point for centuries for those traveling across Iceland on horseback, so the paths themselves are pretty old. If you want to feel like you’re a character in Game of Thrones , take a horseback riding tour through the park.

Don’t forget to check out our list of the best horse riding tours in Iceland!

You can only go horseback riding on those two trails, but they are both full of some amazing and downright epic scenery. The park itself doesn’t offer horseback riding, so if this is something you want to try, you’ll need to do it through a tour company. There are a few different options, and some of them even include a morning of horseback riding in the park followed by an afternoon exploring more spots along the Golden Circle .

Book Here: Full Day Horse Riding and Golden Circle Tour

Oxarafoss Waterfall

One of our favorite Iceland waterfalls is in Thingvellir, the Oxarafoss waterfall. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Iceland and it’s easy to see why. It’s really easy to get to from one of the car parks in the park via a fairly easy 10-minute walk. The waterfall is actually pretty small, especially compared to other waterfalls in Iceland. It’s also one that is actually man-made.

While it is small, it is very pretty and very photogenic. No matter what time of year you visit, Oxarafoss is beautiful. In the spring and summer, you can see lush green grass and moss growing on the rocks and all around the falls. In the winter it is surrounded by piles of snow and parts of it ice over. You can walk right up to it, but be careful, the rocks around it

Thingvellir Church

You may not think of seeing a church when you are wondering what to do in Thingvellir National Park. But, the Thingvellir Church is something we definitely suggest seeing while you are there. It’s one of the prettiest churches in Iceland , and it’s also one of the oldest. It was originally consecrated in the 11th century and it’s held up surprisingly well.

Typically, the church is closed for tours, however, you can contact the park ahead of time and see if it will be open at any point during your visit. Even if you can’t tour the inside, which is very small, you can at least see it from the outside. It is a charming white church with green trim and nearby there is also a historic cemetery that you can explore.

History buffs will love this stop at Thingvellir National Park. The Althing in Thingvellir is the site of the first parliament in the world, and one of the most unique attractions in Iceland. At the spot in the park where the original Althing met you’ll find stone remnants of the 50 booths that were built of stone and turf. There is also evidence of agricultural work that took place in the 18th and 19th centuries near the meeting spot.

The Althing meeting spot was originally designated in 930AD and the people representing Iceland continued to meet there until 1798. Then the Althing was moved to a permanent stone building in Reykjavic . They would form parliament over two weeks during the year and decide on laws and plans for the country. It is one of the coolest things to do in Thingvellir National Park and even Iceland as a whole.

Go For A Hike

Spend some time exploring Thingvellir by going on a hike. There are several hiking trails throughout the park and most of them are either at an easy or moderate level. So you won’t have to go on any super strenuous hikes to enjoy the scenery. The two most popular trails are the Oxarafoss Trail and the Lögberg – Drekkingarhylur Trail.

The Oxarafoss Trail takes you to the Oxarafoss Waterfall and is about 2.5 miles long. It’s a fairly easy trail that you can access all year and typically takes a little over an hour to hike completely. The Lögberg – Drekkingarhylur Trail is another easy trail that is about a mile long and takes less than an hour to hike completely. It takes you around the Law Rock and the Althing meeting spot as well as the Drekkingarhylur area where the Drowning Pool is located.

Explore Lake Thingvallavatn

Lake Thingvallavatn is actually home to a very diverse ecosystem. The combination of the young lava rock and water has created a very nutrient-rich environment for plants and invertebrates. In Lake Thingvallavatn there are over 50 different types of invertebrates and 150 different types of plants.

It’s also the largest natural lake and the second largest lake in Iceland at 32 square miles and at its deepest point measures 374 feet deep. The water is very cold, so there isn’t really any swimming. But it is a very popular destination for Angling, which is a type of fishing. The lake is full of four separate kinds of Arctic Char, which are a unique fresh-water fish species that draws in anglers from around the world.

Where To Stay Near Thingvellir

Beautiful house overlooking lake thingvallavatn.

The Beautiful House Overlooking Lake Thingvallavatn is great for a smaller group who want to spend some time around Thingvellir. There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a cozy living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a great terrace that overlooks the lake in Thingvellir National Park. It’s also very close to Thingvellir which is just a little over 3 miles away. This beautiful home is one of the best places to stay and is also one of the closest places to the park.

Check Rates Here: VRBO.com

The Borealis Hotel

There are some really charming hotel options near Thingvellir National Park as well if you prefer that style of travel. The Borealis Hotel is about a ten-minute drive from the park and a thirteen-minute drive from the town of Selfoss. They have several guest rooms and each has a private bathroom, a sitting area, and you can choose between the number of beds you need. The hotel also has an onsite restaurant and a nine-hole lakeside golf course.

Check Rates Here: Booking.com

10 Bedroom Luxury Lodge

If you are traveling around Iceland with a large group of friends or family and need a ton of space, consider staying at the 10 Bedroom Luxury Lodge . With 10 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, a living room, a game room, a fully equipped kitchen, and more, this is a luxury vacation rental in Iceland. The house also has a spa, a sauna, a gym, and outside there is a hot tub with some spectacular views. It is about 13 miles away from Thingvellir National Park and comes with a price tag that fits the large luxurious space, but it is a great option for a big group traveling together.

How Long To Spend In Thingvellir National Park

You can stay as long as you want at Thingvellir National Park. We suggest planning to be there for at least 2 to 3 hours to at least see the highlights. However, depending on how much you want to do and see, or if you want to opt-in for some guided tour experiences, you could easily plan to spend a day or two in the area. No matter what you do, we suggest taking your time and seeing everything you really want to see while you explore Thingvellir.

There’s no denying that there are so many unique things to do in Thingvellir National Park. Many of them are some of the most iconic attractions in Iceland. If you are planning your next trip to Iceland, we absolutely suggest adding Thingvellir to your Iceland itinerary .

Reader Interactions

May 5, 2022 at 2:23 pm

If we start from the west, what order of things do we see?

May 9, 2022 at 6:40 pm

Hello! The best way to figure out your itinerary would be to type each of these places into Google Maps and then make a map of everything and see which are on your route and which you want to skip 🙂

April 5, 2023 at 8:45 pm

How do i know I won’t get scammed at a VRBO?

April 8, 2023 at 8:35 pm

VRBO is a professional company the same as Airbnb! if you DO somehow get scammed, reach out directly to the company WHILE at the listing. Ive not had that experience with VRBO!

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Thingvellir National Park: The Complete Guide

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Where to camp, where to stay nearby, how to get there, accessibility, tips for your visit.

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Thingvellir National Park—written as Þingvellir in Icelandic—is probably what you're envisioning when you think of the various landscapes Iceland has to offer, even if you've never been to the country. Crystal clear lakes, continental plates, underwater caverns, and volcanic terrain are just some of what you'll find at this natural wonder. The park is located on the north shore of Lake Thingvallavatn, just 30 miles east of Iceland's capital city Reykjavik and easy to reach.

The otherwordly geography and breathtaking landscapes are unlike anywhere else, so don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind park on your trip to Iceland .

First thing's first: Thingvellir is much bigger than you'd think. Geographically, it may not cover as much space as other national parks, but the range of activities is astounding and potentially overwhelming. Thingvellir is a stop on a scenic route through Iceland called the Golden Circle , and many tourists quickly pass through the park before continuing on their drive. If you have the time, it's definitely worth staying longer. The range of activities and things to see is inspiring: scuba diving, visiting farm ruins that date back thousands of years, hiking to Europe's largest panoramic waterfall—the list goes on.

The park also has a lot of historical significance in Iceland since the first Althing—which is Iceland's parliament—first met in Thingvellir over a millennium ago in the year 930. The Althing is still the governing body in Iceland, making it the oldest surviving parliament in the world

You can find the visitor center when you first enter the park near the area's main viewpoint. It's near the path to the Almannagjá fault and it's a good place to start to get your bearings, considering the wealth of information available to visitors.

Best Hikes & Trails

The best part about Thingvellir may be the trails that are available to all levels of hikers.

• Almannagjá Fault : For an easy stroll with some worthwhile views, the Almannagjá fault is a great place to start. It's located near the visitor center and has a manmade walkway that will wind you through the two tectonic plates the area is famous for.
• Öxarárfoss Waterfall : Another easy hike is to the Öxarárfoss waterfall, which you can walk to from Almannagjá. There's a railing system and boardwalk bringing you right up to the waterfall, but you're deeper in the fault line, which is something special.
• Thingvellir : This isn't a trail but rather an area for those looking for something more rugged and less developed. Thingvellir is basically just expanses of land waiting to be explored. Your best bet is to pop by the visitor center to ask for hiking recommendations based on the amount of time you want to spend exploring Thingvellir.

Iceland's unique geology makes it one of the prime diving destinations in the world , with divers able to swim through the continental divide between North America and Eurasia. There are two places in Thingvellir where diving is allowed, but a permit is required in advance and divers must have a drysuit certification—diving with just a wetsuit is prohibited.

• Silfra : Silfra is considered one of the best places to scuba dive in the world. The water is freezing and there isn't much wildlife, but you're literally swimming between the two continental plates. Plus, the water is so clear that visibility is often over 300 feet.
• Davíðsgjá : This freshwater lake spot requires some swimming to reach the continental rift, but like Silfra, the water is exceptionally clear and you'll be able to explore caves that have formed in the rocks below.

Camping where the two continental plates meet is an experience that you can only have in Iceland, and campers can stay at one of two campgrounds at the national park. You do need to pay for a permit when you arrive from the Information Center, but advance reservations aren't necessary for either campground.

• Leirar : This is the larger campground and it's located next to the Tourist Information Center. It's further divided into four smaller campgrounds, but they're all located within walking distance of each other and easy to reach. Leirar is located directly off of the famed Golden Circle tourist route.
• Vatnskot : This campground is located on the banks of Lake Thingvallavatn on the grounds of what used to be an ancient farm site. If you want lake views, this is the spot for you.

You'll have to travel outside of the park for non-camping options and since Reykjavik is the closest city to the park, that's where most travelers stay. The park entrance is less than an hour away from the capital city, so it's easy to visit on a day trip if that's all you have time for.

• Butterfly Guesthouse : This family-owned lodging is located in the heart of Reykjavik. The rooms are simple and you can choose a shared bathroom to save money, but the Nordic charm and warm hospitality make it a favorite for tourists.
• Kruines Hotel : Located on the outer edge of Reykjavik, the biggest draw to Kruines Hotel is that you have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights away from the light pollution of the city. Since it's not in the city center, you'll have an easier time getting to Thingvellir.
• 5 Million Star Hotel : If you don't want to stay in Reykjavik, this is arguably one of the most unique hotel options in the world. Guests sleep in a transparent bubble out in the Icelandic forest, directly under the stars (or the midnight sun , if it's summertime). It's about 40 minutes east of the national park entrance.

For more recommendations of places to sleep, check out guides for the best places to stay in Reykjavik and in Iceland.

You can get to Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik in less than an hour. From the capital city, follow Route 1 north until you hit Route 36 in Mosfellsbær. The road is well-maintained all year and will take you directly to the national park.

During the summer (May through September), there is another more scenic option that visitors from Reykjavik can take as well. Grab Route 1 toward Selfoss from Reykjavik. From there, take a left on Road 431 and follow it on to Road 435 for stunning views of Thingvallavatn (the lake named after the national park). You'll cross Hengill Volcano as you approach the lake. Once you start to descend the mountain, turn left of Road 360. After about 6 miles, you'll take a right on Road 36, which will bring you straight to the visitor center.

Once inside the park, the roads are very clearly marked. There are also plenty of pull-offs where you can hop out for impromptu hiking and photo ops.

While large parts of the Thingvellir are rugged, many of the trails are wooden boardwalks built above the ground and fully accessible for visitors in wheelchairs. If you want to explore the park with a travel guide, Iceland Unlimited offers tours of Thingvellir and the surrounding Golden Circle specifically designed with accessibility in mind.

On the mobile app TravAble , users can look up and log the accessibility of a location. While the app is available worldwide, it was developed in Iceland and is especially useful for traveling around the country.

• All of the things to see at Thingvellir are outside, so keep an eye on forecasts.
• Prepare to experience every season in one day: rain, snow, wind, sun, and sleet. You won't ever be too far from your car unless you're planning a larger hike, so have rain gear on hand as well as layers to put on or take off.
• Hiking boots are a must. Depending on the weather, the ground can change consistency pretty quickly, from solid dirt to muddy puddles. Bring an extra pair of socks, too.
• In many places, there are no barriers telling you where to keep away. Remember that this land is constantly adjusting and moving and cracks can happen at any time. Practice safety and don't get too close to the ridge's edge.
• While some natural attractions in Iceland can feel swarmed with tourists—like the Blue Lagoon —one especially nice thing about Thingvellir is that there's plenty of room for crowds to disperse. If one viewing area feels crowded, just hike around and you can easily find solitude.
• Summer is by far the busiest time at the park, so consider visiting in the shoulder season of April, May, September, or October for fewer crowds and weather that isn't freezing yet.

Related Articles

More related articles.

A Guide to Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

Thingvellir National Park is a must-visit place on the Golden Circle near Reykjavik. Read our Thingvellir National Park travel guide, including the best things to see and do, top attractions, suggested itinerary, and practical information on how to get there, where to park, how much things cost, and where to stay.

Thingvellir (Þingvellir), Iceland's oldest national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of great importance.

And local people are rightfully proud of this site, which connects both natural and cultural heritage.

Thanks to the location close to  Reykjavik  and the fact Thingvellir National Park lies on the famous Golden Circle , no visitor to  Iceland  should miss this place.

The park offers several hiking trails, adventure activities, and many best things to do, so every type of traveler, either a history buff or nature enthusiast, will leave this place super-excited.

Thingvellir National Park stretches around Thingvallavatn, Iceland's biggest lake, and the whole area is geologically significant.

Add the appealing history that reveals the origin of Iceland's parliament, and you get one of the most popular travel sites in the country.

Before visiting Thingvellir, we could not get a clear picture of what the park looked like, what are the must-see attractions, how to get around, and how much time we need to enjoy this place to the fullest.

As the famous  Golden Circle  and Thingvellir National Park was the first stop on our  Iceland 2-week itinerary , we arrived in the area with increasing anxiety.

In the end, our trip to the park was delightful, and we had a great time while there.

As our goal is to provide you with a similar experience, we decided to put together this travel guide, including all the information you should know before visiting Thingvellir.

How to Get to Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir covers over ninety square kilometers, so it's a relatively large place to explore.

Our first question was how do we get there and what is the best way to get around.

When we saw the map of Thingvellir for the first time, the layout of the park looked quite confusing. Fortunately, it was not that bad.

It turned out that most of the must-see places in the park were within walking distance from each other and very close to the parking lot.

It also means that you don't need to worry that much about the parking situation.

There are only three ways to get to Thingvellir National Park.

You can travel either by car or take an organized tour.

The third option is hitchhiking, but that's only for those who travel on a super low budget. We would not recommend it unless you really know what you're doing.

As most of the visitors to Iceland get around the country by car or campervan, we consider this way of getting to Thingvellir National Park the best.

Moreover, it allows you to continue road tripping the Ring Road after the visit and see places such as East Fjords or Diamond Circle without any issues.

Car or Campervan

If you want to get the best of Iceland, then you should consider renting a car or campervan .

The entrance to Thingvellir is only 45 minutes from Reykjavik, so if you want to avoid crowds , set off early in the morning.

Thingvellir is one of the most popular day trips from Reykjavik among locals, especially on weekends, so don't expect to have this place for yourself.

From Reykjavik, follow Ring Road (Road 1) for 17 kilometers. Then turn onto Road 36 near Mosfellsbær.

Stay on this paved road for another 30 kilometers until you reach the turnoff to the main parking area, Thingvellir Parking 1.

Then turn right onto the access road that will take you to the parking lot.

If you travel the Golden Circle counterclockwise, getting to Thingvellir National Park is equally straightforward.

Before reaching the park, don't also forget to visit Geysir Geothermal Area or Bruarfoss Waterfall .

We left the car at Thingvellir Parking 1, near the Visitors Center, as there was enough space.

As we've already mentioned, the park can get super-packed, so you might need to find a parking spot elsewhere.

Luckily, there are another four parking lots within the park that are easily accessible.

More importantly, all the top attractions in Thingvellir are within walking distance from every parking lot.

Those of you who do not want to rent a car or travelers short on time who prefer tours also have a chance to visit Thingvellir National Park.

Since this place is well accessible and close to the capital city, many tours start in Reykjavik.

On top of that, most of the tours usually include the national park but also top stops along Golden Circle.

Here you can reserve a super popular Thingvellir and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik.

Entrance Fee

There is no entrance fee to Thingvellir National Park.

However, the Thingvellir is not entirely free for travelers arriving by car, as you must pay for the parking 750 ISK per day.

You can pay by credit card. Alternatively, it is even possible to buy a parking ticket online in advance.

How Much Time Do I Need for Thingvellir National Park

As your schedule is very likely packed, you might want to figure out how long does it take to see everything in Thingvellir National Park.

On average, we would say that most of the visitors spend in Thingvellir about two hours.

And that was roughly about the same time we spent in Thingvellir National Park ourselves.

During this time, you'll be able to walk most of the trails close to the Visitors Center and see all the attractions.

If you plan to take either a snorkeling or horseback riding tour, it is necessary to add an extra two to four hours, depending on the tour length.

When is the Best Time to Visit Thingvellir

Thingvellir is open year-round. Still, the best time to visit Thingvellir is between May and October as you will have the best chance of good weather.

Spring to autumn guarantees that all roads and paths within the park will be open, and even though the weather can be chilly and rainy, temperatures are still fairly pleasant.

On the other hand, with the right gear, such as a down jacket , windbreaker , or rain jacket , Thingvellir in the winter must be magical.

Roads are plowed in this area several times a week during the winter, but some of the hiking trails might be inaccessible due to snow.

We recommend you contact the Visitors Center to get up-to-date information on the current trail conditions.

The main trail leading between tectonic trails to Oxararfoss Waterfall should be usually open, though.

What to See and Do

This Thingvellir National Park itinerary aims to show you the best things you should not miss during your visit.

We put the top attractions in the same order as we visited them, but you should know that we parked our car at Thingvellir Parking 1.

In case you have to use a different parking lot, you may need to change the order a bit to make sense of it.

If you decide to follow the same loop as we did, be prepared to walk 4.2 kilometers in total.

Thingvallavatn Lake

Before entering the national park, we stopped in a small parking lot by the road overlooking Iceland's largest lake.

There's not much to do except enjoy the views, take a few photos, and stretch your legs a bit.

Honestly, we enjoyed the Hakid Viewpoint a bit more, but it was still a nice stop.

If fishing is your hobby, it is good to know that this lake and the Oxara River within the park are great spots for this activity.

After we paid for the parking at the payment machine, we headed to Hakid, a newly-built viewing platform overlooking the area.

Here you can check out the map of the Thingvellir trails and admire the park's geology.

By the way, all trails in the national park are well-marked, so it's impossible to get lost here.

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Probably the most iconic photo from Thingvellir National Park is the one of Almannagja.

Are you wondering what it is?

It is basically a gorge between continents because Almannagja is a fissure between two tectonic plates, Euroasian and Northamerican.

These plates are slowly drifting apart, and it is pretty cool to see the edges of each tectonic plate so exposed.

As a matter of fact, this phenomenon is best to be seen under the water's surface.

Thingvellir is, therefore, one of the places in the world where you can see such unique geology.

Another place close to Thingvellir that features two tectonic plates above the sea surface is a nearby Bridge Between Continents on  Reykjanes Peninsula .

The best part about Almannagja is that the walking trail goes directly through the gorge, making this experience unforgettable.

Then we walked along Oxara River to a place that is probably not that visually spectacular but is much more important because of its historical significance.

Since 930, Thingvellir, alias Assembly Plains, was a place where the world's oldest parliament was held under the open sky.

If you haven't guessed it yet, know that Althingi translates as a Parliament.

The gatherings were held here for centuries and only in the 19th century were moved to Reykjavik.

It was pretty interesting to stand at the same place where the local people made some of the most important decisions in Iceland's history.

You can read many information boards explaining the historical evolvement of this place and the importance to the nation's history.

One of the most notable sites here is Logberg, alias The Law Rock, which was used as a podium for speakers.

Oxararfoss Waterfall is another top attraction in Thingvellir National Park.

You can reach the waterfall via a 1.6 km hike from the parking area, and the trail is mostly flat.

As there were quite a few interesting places along the way, we arrived at the waterfall's base without even noticing it.

With only 20 meters, Oxarfoss is not the highest or even most impressive waterfall in Iceland.

We say 'only' because now we know what gems such as  Seljalandsfoss ,  Skogafoss , or  Gullfoss  await you further on the Golden Circle or South Coast .

But at the very beginning of our journey, we found it absolutely stunning.

Here we decided not to walk any further, and from the waterfall, we slowly returned to the parking lot.

Fortunately, you do not have to walk the same way back, but it is possible to make a loop via a very picturesque church and Silfra.

Thingvellir Church

Wooden boardwalks and a few bridges led us to the other side of the river, where we found Thingvallakirkja, a photogenic small church that dates back to 1859.

Old stories say that there was always a church in Thingvellir, probably from the 11th century.

Unfortunately, neither the structure nor the original location was preserved.

Unlike the church in  Stykkisholmur  on  Snaefellsnes Peninsula , this church is relatively small and has traditional architecture.

Next to the church is a small but notable Icelandic National Cemetery.

Silfra Diving

Have you ever wondered what snorkeling in really cold water feels like or wanted to experience it yourself? Thingvellir is one of the best places in Iceland to find out the answer to this burning question.

It was a beautiful, partly cloudy day when we arrived at the national park.

After two hours, the weather had changed, and the dark clouds rolled over the Thingvallavatn.

So when we saw a group of tourists heading in dry suits towards the dark lake, we were really glad we didn't take this tour.

However, on a clear sunny day, it will be a different story.

Moreover, snorkeling at the site where the tectonic plates of two continents are drifting apart is not something you do every day.

Yes, the water will still be extremely cold, but you will have a much better opportunity to enjoy one of the cleanest waters with fantastic visibility in the world.

They say that visibility in the lagoon is more than 100 meters in perfect conditions, which is unique.

Even from the shore, we could easily see that there is some truth to this claim.

If you are interested in this activity, you can book the Silfra Snorkeling Tour in advance.

And by the way, Silfra is sometimes referred to as the real blue lagoon of Iceland.

While we won't question this opinion, the water temperature in Blue Lagoon was much more to our taste.

Travel Insurance

We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.

Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.

SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.

Travel smarter and safer!

Where to Stay in Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is visited by locals and tourists as well, and if you know where to look, you can find some great hotels in this area.

Depending on your travel itinerary, search for accommodation in the most convenient location for you.

If traveling Ring Road counterclockwise, Hveragerdi, Laugarvatn, and Selfoss are towns with excellent locations where you can stay overnight before venturing further east.

When traveling Iceland clockwise, search for hotels in Reykjavik.

From traditional guesthouses and remote cottages to modern hotels, the area surrounding Thingvellir National Park offers a wide range of accommodation for everyone.

We've hand-selected the best hotels near Thingvellir National Park.

Ulfljotsvatn | Borealis Hotel - Situated only a 10-minute drive from Thingvellir, Borealis Hotel offers affordable rooms, scenic views, free lakeside golfing, and an on-site restaurant. Great value for money who don't want to spend a fortune on accommodation.

Selfoss | Hotel South Coast - Located in the heart of Selfoss, Hotel South Coast features stylish decor, excellent facilities, and a spa. The rooms are clean and modern. The staff is helpful, and this hotel offers everything you need for a good night's sleep. The hotel is the perfect base to explore the Thingvellir National Park and Golden Circle.

Laugarvatn | Austurey Cottages - Tired of soulless hotels? Located on a family-owned farm, Austurey Cottages offers a very different experience. These cottages have a charming style, hard-to-beat location, and herds of sheep all around you. Also, this will be an excellent spot for watching the Northern Lights if arriving in winter.

Reykjavik | Sand Hotel by Keahotels - This boutique hotel offers excellent value for the price, clean, spacious rooms, and a top location on Laugavegur Street, Reykjavik's main shopping promenade. Most of the major tourist sites are within walking distance as well.

Travel Resources

Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.

Accommodation : When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld .

Tours : Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.

We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator .

Rental Cars : When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com , a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.

Flight Tickets : When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.

Travel Insurance : World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.

Eruption Heli Sightseeing

• Places , Travel

A Guide to Þingvellir National Park

• April 12, 2024

One of the most extraordinary places in Iceland is Þingvellir National Park. Located within the Golden Circle route , Þingvellir park offers a unique geological and historical experience unlike any other. As the site of Europe’s first parliament, established in 930, Þingvellir played an important role in Iceland’s cultural heritage. Additionally its a place of very unique geological features as you can walk through a rift valley between two continents. In this Þingvellir guide, you will find information that will help you make the most of your visit to this historic Icelandic landmark. 

How to get to Þingvellir

The national park is located approximately 40 km [131 mi] northeast of Reykjavík city and is easily accessible by car via Route 36 and is usually either the first or last stop of the Golden Circle tour. Þingvellir is easily accessible by car and the journey will take about 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Exploring Þingvellir area

When you visit Þingvellir National Park the first thing to keep in mind is to take your time. The area has so much to see and given its rich history there is a lot to learn and explore. Here are some of the highlights:

Þingvellir´s Visitor Centre

At the visitor centre you can learn about the history and significance of Þingvellir through exhibits and displays. This way you have introduced yourself to the captivating history of the sights you are about to see. 

Lögberg (Law Rock)

Is one of the ancient assembly sites in the park. This is where the lawspeaker read the law of the land during the annual assembly of Alþingi parliament. The laws were proclaimed and settled and anyone attending could make their argument there. The exact location of Lögberg is unknown due to the changing geography of the area but two possible locations have been identified, one of which is marked with a flag pole.

Almannagjá gorge

This is one of Iceland’s most magnificent geological wonders. The rift valley known as Almannagjá is where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. You are able to walk between the two tectonic plates through the gorge and admire the rugged cliffs and landscapes shaped by millennia of tectonic activity. Be sure to look up and try to see the troll-faces engraved in the cliffs.

Silfra fissure

While on the topic of two tectonic plates it is worth mentioning Silfra fissure. This fissure lies at the rim of Þingvallavatn Lake and is very large and deep. Here you can have a very unique experience of diving or snorkeling between two continents in the clear blue, glacial waters of Silfra. 

Öxarárfoss waterfall

This waterfall is just as beautiful in the summer as in the winter. During the cold months the waterfall can freeze which makes for an extremely unique and beautiful sight. The waterfall is located near the parking lot of Þingvellir National Park and falls around 12 metres [39 ft] from a beautiful, square lava cliff. 

Drekkingarhylur pool

This pool of water, originating from Öxará river, is one of the places in Þingvellir with the darkest history. The name of the pool literally translates to The Drowning Pool, and that is exactly what it was. Here women were drowned as punishment for either having a child out of wedlock or when committing the crime of incest. Records show that 18 women were drowned in the pool, with the last one being executed in 1739. 

Þingvallakirkja church

The Þingvallakirkja church within the national park was built in 1859 but according to the Icelandic saga´s a church has been standing there since 1017. The church is closed to the public unless staff is present but it is possible to look through the windows or participate in free guided tours with one of the rangers, usually starting around 10 AM. 

Practical tips when visiting Þingvellir National Park

• How much time do you need at Þingvellir Make sure to have enough time as it is quite easy to spend up to two hours exploring the area. The National Park is big and there is a lot to see and read about. Enjoy the walk and learn as much as you can about this remarkable, historical site.
• Safety first Always respect warning signs and closed off areas while walking through the park. Designated walking paths are always available and restricted area´s are marked off with ropes or signs. Þingvellir is a natural reserve and both flora and fauna get to stay in peace.
• Accessibility Even though Þingvellir National Park is easily accessible by car, exploring the area has to happen on foot. Therefore it is advisable to wear good and comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately.
• Picnic areas Pack a picnic, especially during the summer months. There are designated picnic areas and benches available throughout the park and it can be a great opportunity to have a little refreshment amongst the magnificent views of the valley.

A visit to Þingvellir National Park should be on the travel itinerary for every person visiting Iceland. Its rich history and natural beauty are unparalleled and it’s the perfect place to walk through some of Iceland’s most important historic sites with your own two feet. Whether you are tracing the footsteps of the Vikings or awestruck by the geological wonders, experiencing Þingvellir will leave you with a deep appreciation for Iceland’s cultural and natural heritage. 

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Thingvellir National Park – Visitor’s Guide

Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park is a beautiful national park and historic site, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Here’s our complete guide to visiting this national park.

About Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir (Þingvellir) is a site of great historical importance for the country of Iceland. It was the site of the Althing , the annual parliament from the year 930 until 1798, when it was moved to Reykjavik. You can still see the site where the original parliament was held as well as several other historical buildings and monuments.

It is also a site of geological importance, due to its location in a rift valley which formed between two tectonic plates – the North American and Eurasion Tectonic plates. The largest natural lake in Iceland also sits to its south.

Things to See at Thingvellir

Thingvallavatn lake.

From many places within Thingvellir National Park, you can view the beautiful Thingvallavatn (Þingvallavatn) Lake. This massive lake is the second largest lake in Iceland, second only to Þórisvatn. It’s a beautiful sight!

Rift Valley

As you hike the walking path from the visitor’s center towards the Oxararfoss Waterfall, you will be walking through the rift valley formed by the separation of two tectonic plates. This unusual landscape makes for some very beautiful views, with many viewing platforms to stop along the way and appreciate the natural beauty.

Oxararfoss Waterfall

The Oxararfoss (Öxarárfoss) Waterfall is a short and easy hike from the main Hakið Visitor Center at Thingvellir National Park. Hike is probably a bit of an overstatement, as it’s a relatively flat walk on a gravel pathway for most of the way. The trail is 1 mile (1.6 km) – or 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip. It took us about 15 minutes each way, plus a little time to admire the waterfall.

The waterfall flows from the river Öxará, into a rocky pool below. It’s a very pretty sight, although you will see much larger and more majestic waterfalls if you continue to travel around Iceland’s Golden Circle and South Coast.

Parliament Site (Althing)

Stop at the Althing, the site of the Iceland’s first parliament. This is where leaders would meet once a year to form laws and make plans for the future of the country.

Thingvellir Church

Take a stroll by the charming Thingvellir Church, which was consecrated in the 11th century. It’s a beautiful little building an worthy of a stop for some photographs. Note that the interior of the church is typically closed unless a tour has been arranged.

Silfra Snorkeling

One of the coolest things to do inside Thingvellir National Park is snorkeling the Silfra Fissure, which has been named one of the top ten diving destinations in the world. You’ll need to plan ahead and book with a tour guide to partake in this experience!

The Visitor’s Center

The visitor’s center has a large gift shop, as well as some grab and go food options. We were able to snag some sandwiches, yogurts, and drinks to eat outside at their picnic tables. There are also restrooms here.

How much time do I need at Thingvellir National Park?

1-2 hours should be plenty of time to explore Thingvellir National Park.

Thingvellir National Park is located about 45 minutes Northeast of Reykjavik in Iceland’s Golden Circle.

Here is a map of the location.

Thingvellir National Park is open 24/7. However the visitor center is open from 9am – 5pm daily.

Fees & Parking

Entrance to Thingvellir National Park is free.

There is a parking fee of 750ISK that can be paid on the machines in the parking lot or at this website. There are multiple parking areas throughout the park – your one time parking fee is good for the day, even if you move your car to another lot. I recommend parking in lot P1 by the visitor center if space is available, and taking the walking paths from there.

There is also an optional educational exhibit called Heart of Iceland available for a fee of 1000ISK per adult (kids are free). We skipped this, and I didn’t see anyone else doing it.

More Things to Know

There are clean restrooms available inside the visitor center and more by the P1 parking area.

This is a very popular tourist destination and basically every tour bus in the Golden Circle stops here. So if you are hoping to avoid crowds, you’ll need to arrive either very early or very late in the day. We arrived around 11am, and found the crowds were incredibly large everywhere inside this park.

In fact, this was one of the only places we visited on our Iceland vacation where I found the crowds to be really unpleasant.

What did we think of Thingvellir National Park?

Honestly, Thingvellir National Park was not one of our favorite attractions on our trip to Iceland. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth a stop, of course. It’s a very pretty park with some unusual geological features and interesting history. But we found the crowds to be a bit overwhelming, and the natural beauty was even more astounding at many of the other places we visited.

I personally recommend putting this stop at the end of your Golden Circle route rather than the beginning. That way you can decide how much time you want to spend here based on your interest level, without worrying about cutting into other sites on your agenda for the day.

More Iceland Trip Planning Resources

If you’re planning the ultimate trip to Iceland, be sure to check out these other helpful articles:

• Tips for your first trip to Iceland!
• Best Iceland Itineraries – 5, 7, and 10 days
• Guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle
• What to Pack for Iceland
• Things to Do in Iceland with Kids

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• Guide to Thingvellir National Park in Iceland

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 25, 2023

Thingvellir National Park is on nearly every Iceland itinerary, and with good reason. Its historical significance, unique landscape and convenient location near Reykjavik make Thingvellir National Park a top destination. This guide will provide all the details, from history to trip planning, for this must-see destination.

In this Guide:

Here’s what we’re covering in this post. We invite you to read the full post or jump ahead to the section you’re most interested in.

What is Thingvellir National Park

Things to see at thingvellir national park, things to do at thingvellir national park.

• Plan your visit to Thingvellir National Park ( All the logistics)
• Get Ready for Thingvellir National Park (Tips & Packing)

From ancient Nordic settlers to the film crew of Game of Thrones, Thingvellir has a way of calling to people. This place has deep historical importance, but is also a unique natural beauty. For those reasons, the national park attracts millions of visitors each year.

Let’s dig into why.

Historical Significance of Thingvellir

Thingvellir is as historically significant as it gets in Iceland. Take the Reykjavik free walking tour or step into the National Museum of Iceland and you’ll hear all about Thingvellir. The history is deep and detailed, but here’s the Cliff Notes version.

Nordic settlers arrived as early as 874 and lived in districts around the island. Each district had an assembly, but one district was becoming too powerful. To limit the power of any single assembly, a general assembly (parliament) was formed with representation from each district.

Parliament needed a place to meet. They chose Thingvellir because of its central location to the majority of the population at that time, and its large, mostly flat open space. The first meeting of the general assembly at Thingvellir was in 930, which is considered to be the official start of the nation of Iceland.

The general assembly met at Thingvellir through 1271, when the Commonwealth was disbanded and Iceland fell to Norwegian rule. It was the longest running parliament known in history. After rule by Norway and then Denmark, Iceland regained its independence in 1944.

After Thingvellir was no longer a meeting place for parliament, it remained import to the Icelandic people. The site served as a social hub, nationalist symbol, and the location for many national celebrations. Even today, Thingvellir serves as an important place of remembrance and a symbol of independence for Icelanders.

The area of Thingvellir was designated a protected national park in 1930, the first in Iceland, and will always remain a part of the Icelandic nation.

Natural Significance of Thingvellir

The geology of Thingvellir is as interesting as its history. In fact, the natural history might be even more complicated than the human history. I’m not qualified to get into the details, but I’ll scrape the surface. (See what I did there?)

The most notable natural feature is the continental divide, which cuts right through Thingvellir National Park. This is where the Eurasian and North-American tectonic plates meet. The plates are divergent, meaning they are slowly moving away from each other at a rate of 2.5 cm a year.

This divergence creates a gap in the earth’s crust, which is visible in different ways throughout the park. You can walk between these two plates at Almannagjá Gorge or watch the Öxarárfoss waterfall cascade over the North-American plate. In some spaces the gap fills with water, like at Silfra fissure where you can dive between continents.

The movement of the tectonic plates creates an active volcanic and fissure zone. It’s been 2000 years since the last volcanic activity in Thingvellir, but activity is assumed to resume at some point in the future. Earthquakes are constantly felt in the area, but they are usually small. The last significant earthquake at Thingvellir was in 2000.

Also at Thingvellir is Lake Thingvallavatn, which is the largest natural lake in Iceland. The water that fills the lake has been extensively filtered through the nearby volcanic rock, the same volcanic rock that makes up the base of the lake. These features create a unique habitat for immense biodiversity, even though the lake is very cold.

To really boil it down, what you’ll find at Thingvellir are some really cool rock formations, beautiful crystal clear water, and a nice waterfall to top it off.

When you first arrive at the main entrance to Thingvellir National Park, you might look out from the first view point and ask yourself “Why am I here?”

At first glance, Thingvellir National Park looks pretty, but maybe a tad boring compared to the geysers and waterfalls on your itinerary. (Or was that just me?) But keep going! Once you start to explore Thingvellir National Park, you’ll start to uncover its beauty and importance.

Here are a few things you’ll want to see while you’re at Thingvellir National Park.

• Almannagjá Gorge : As you walk through this gorge you’re actually walking between the two tectonic plates that divide Europe and North America. There is a path that starts near the visitor center and leads through a portion of the gorge. This gorge was also a filming location for Game of Thrones.
• Lake Thingvallavatn : This is the largest natural lake in Iceland. It’s known for its biodiversity and crystal clear water, making it popular for fishing.
• Öxarárfoss waterfall : Öxarárfoss is the only waterfall at Thingvellir. It’s quite popular and can get crowded, but is really lovely. The water is falling off the edge of the North American tectonic plate.
• Thingvellir Church & Residences : There were no permanent structures at Thingvellir until a church was built sometime around 1000. That building no longer exists, and the church you see today was built in 1859. The nearby residences were built for the Prime Minister in 1930 and have had numerous purposes.
• Peningagjá : This location isn’t on the Thingvellir guide map, but it is a beautiful place to see the crystal clear water that cuts between the ridge. It’s a short walk from the church and the location is listed on Google Maps .

A visit to Thingvellir National Park can be as simple as a nice a stroll with lovely views. If you’re interested in taking your visit to the next level, there are options for that as well. Let’s peek at what there is to do at Thingvellir National Park.

The most popular thing to do at Thingvellir National Park is to hike along the walking paths to some of the most popular sites in the park. You can download a trail map here .

The main paths are well marked and well maintained. Paths are a mix of gravel and dirt walkways and wooden boardwalks. Some parts are steep and rocky, including the short hike up to the waterfall and returning to the visitor center through Almannagjá Gorge. Generally though, the path is mostly flat.

There are signs throughout the park with historical information in English & Icelandic.

Thingvellir Walking Route

Here’s a sample walking route that will take you to some of the main sites at Thingvellir National Park in just about three miles.

Thingvellir Free Walking Tour

Park rangers host a free walking tour every day at 10 AM. The one-hour tour begins at Thingvellir church. Guests will be lead on a short walk through the nearby sites and where they’ll learn more about the history of Thingvellir.

The church where the tour starts is a 2K walk from the main parking lot (P1) or a 10 minute drive plus a 10 minute walk from parking lot P5. Be sure to arrive by at least 9:30 to get to the tour on time.

We didn’t account for this distance and missed the tour. We did pass the large tour group during our walk through the park, and it appeared to be quite popular.

Scuba Dive or Snorkel Dive Between Continents

I wasn’t kidding when I said you could take your visit to the next level. Silfra Fissure is one of the most popular destinations in the world for scuba diving and snorkeling. The water is remarkably clear due to the filtration through nearby volcanic walk. It’s not for the faint of heard though as water temperatures are a cold 35-39°Fahrenheit year round.

Certain diving certificates are required. Permits are also required. It’s best to go diving through a tour group. Diving tours cost upwards of $200 USD and snorkel tours for around $120 USD.

Heart of Iceland Exhibition

Inside the visitor center there is a small interactive museum where you can learn more about Thingvellir and its role in Icelandic history. We didn’t go inside during our visit for pandemic safety reasons.

Admission is 1000 ISK (about $8 USD).

I’m no fish person, but this is definitely a thing. Lake Thingvallavatn is home to some of the largest Brown Trout in the world because this particular species evolved in isolation here in this lake.

You can only fish inLake Thingvallavatn from May 1 through September 15 and there are specific rules around the type of equipment you use and how it’s cleaned. You can read a personal account and get more information about fishing in LakeThingvallavatn here .

Plan your Visit to Thingvellir National Park

Now that you know all about Thingvellir, let’s start planning your trip. Here are a few things to know in advance to ensure you have the best trip possible.

When to visit Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is the first stop for most visitors on the Golden Circle route. This means that mornings at Thingvellir are the busiest. Fortunately, the park is very spacious so crowds do not significantly detract from the experience. If you really wanted to avoid crowds you could come in the later afternoon, but we don’t think that’s necessary.

The national park is open all year and is technically open to the public 24 hours a day. However, the visitor center and other amenities only operate during specific times. The hours are typically from 9 AM – 5 PM but vary based on the specific location and day of the year. Thingvellir is a great place to visit during all seasons. The summer months have much better weather for spending time outside, but a snow covered frozen Öxarárfoss waterfall is a thing of beauty.

When choosing what season to visit, evaluate everything you want to do in Iceland during your trip. Other activities, like the Northern Lights (winter) or driving the full ring road (summer), will dictate your season more than Thingvellir will.

We visited in the summer, when temperatures average in the 50s Fahrenheit. It was very pleasant to be outside, and we didn’t find the summer crowds insufferable.

How much time do you need at Thingvellir National Park?

We recommend spending 2 – 3 hours at Thingvellir. This gives you time for an hour of walking between the top sites, and allows time to read all the signs, take lots of waterfall photos, and grab coffee or a snack from the visitor center.

Don’t stay much longer than three hours if you’re planning to continue on the Golden Circle . Be sure to leave plenty of time for your two next stops, Geysir Hot Spring Area and Gullfoss Waterfall .

If you’re planning on additional activities, such as fishing or diving, you’ll of course need more time.

How to get to Thingvellir National Park

If you’re starting in Reykjavik , Thingvellir is easily accessible via car in about 1 hour. Take Route 1 until you pass the town of Mosfellsbær. Turn onto Route 36 / Þingvallavegur and then signs will take you to the main parking lot (P1) at the visitor center of Thingvellir National Park.

Unfortunately there is no public transportation from Reykjavik to Thingvellir.

If you don’t want to or can’t rent a car to drive to Thingvellir, the other option is to visit with a tour group. Most of these tours will cover the full Golden Circle route and span a variety of activities and durations.

Where to park at Thingvellir National Park

There are three paid parking lots at Thingvellir: P1, P2 and P5. You can pay for parking at booths in the lot or online via Check-It . Prices are as follows:

• Cars 5 seats or fewer: 750 ISK ($6 USD)
• Cars with 6 – 8 seats: 1000 ISK ($8 USD)

Most people driving to Thingvellir will want to park at the main parking lot (P1). This parking lot is located near the visitor center and lookout point. P1 is the largest parking lot and is the most accessible for anyone driving from Reykjavik.

The advantage to parking in the main lot is that you start near amenities like bathrooms, food & drink, and visitor center information. You also begin your journey to the rest of the park by walking down through the beautiful Almannagjá Gorge. (However, you will have to walk back up it to return to your car.)

There is another parking lot (P5) located lower in the gorge. The P5 lot is good for those who might not be able to walk up and down the gorge path. Parking in this lot will give you a mostly flat walk to the church and a large portion of the park with minimal elevation.

To get to P5 from the visitor center or if you’re coming straight from Reykjavik, you’ll need to drive around most of the park first. Getting to the P5 parking lot will add at least 10 minutes to your trip.

Lastly, parking lot P2 is located near Öxarárfoss waterfall. This parking lot is only about a quarter mile in distance from the waterfall, but it is a relatively steep hike up to the viewing area.

Each of these parking lots can be found in Google Maps by searching “Thingvellir Parking” and the lot you’re searching for (e.g. “ Thingvellir Parking P1 “).

How much does Thingvellir National Park Cost

There is no admission cost for Thingvellir National Park. It’s free to enter the grounds, see the waterfall, and read about the history. There are additional costs associated with the park that you’ll most likely run into, though.

The three main parking lots at Thingvellir charge 750 ISK ($6 USD) for cars with 5 seats or fewer and 1000 ISK ($8 USD) for cars with 6 – 8 seats.

Food and drink is available at the visitor center. It’s a small convenience store style cafeteria where you can pick up pre-made sandwiches, chips, beverages, etc. A cup of regular coffee and a muffin costs about $5 USD and a sandwich close to $15 USD.

Any activities outside of hiking, such as the exhibition at the visitors center (1000 ISK / $8 USD) or diving ($200+ USD), will be an added cost. We spent about $50 USD for two adults with parking, coffee and lunch.

Where to stay near Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir is a one hour drive from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, which is where we recommend staying. You’ll have the best pick of accommodations, as well as having all the other amenities (read: coffee shops) near by.

We stayed at Kex Hostel and highly recommend it. It has a great location just across the road from the shore walk and a great price. Kex is a family friendly hostel, and we had a great stay with our toddler. But if you’re cooler than us, don’t shy away! Non-parents seemed to be having plenty of fun there, too.

If you are interested in staying on property at Thingvellir National Park, your only option is camping. There are two campgrounds at Thingvellir.

There are no reservations required, but you will need to purchase a permit at the visitor center. The cost for camping at Thingvellir is 1300 ISK ($10 USD) per adult. Children under 18 are free. There is not an additional fee for parking at the campsites.

Amenities at Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir has a solid lineup of amenities that will make your visit easy and comfortable. Here is what you can expect to find during your visit.

• Free Wifi : No
• Bathrooms: Yes. There are clean bathroom facilities near the 3 main parking lots at Thingvellir National Park, including the main visitor center. Bathrooms were free to use near the waterfall, however may require a small fee at the main visitor area. (I need to confirm, I’m sorry!)
• Parking: Yes, for a fee. There are three main lots, each cost $6-$8 USD to park for the day. (See parking details .)
• Coffee: Yes. American drip coffee and espresso beverages from an automatic machine were available for purchase.
• Food: Yes, convenience store style food is available for purchase. This includes things like packaged snacks, pre-made sandwiches, and bottled beverages.
• Vegetarian / Vegan Food: Yes. A vegan kebab wrap was available for purchase in the visitor center.

Get Ready for your Trip to Thingvellir National Park

With the logistics out of the way, it’s time to finally get ready for your visit! Here are a few things to know before you go to Thingvellir.

Tips for Visiting Thingvellir

• Download the Visitors Guide . You can find the visitor guide here, which includes a map. Save it to your phone before you go. This is particularly important if you don’t have a cellular data plan as there is not free wifi.
• Preload walking route in Google Maps . If you have a route in mind, like the walking route we provided, open it in Google Maps before your visit while you have cell service or wifi. Even if you don’t have cell service in the park, your location will show up as a dot in Google Maps. This will allow you to generally follow your route, even without service.
• Be sure you pay for parking! There is a parking fee at the three main lots, and it’s closely monitored. Failure to pay will result in a hefty fee later.
• Arrive on time for the walking tour . If you’re planning to take the walking tour, account for the 30 minute walk from the main parking lot (P1) or the 10 minute drive plus 10 minute walk from the closer lot (P5). The walking tour starts at 10 AM every day.
• Be aware of the terrain . Thingvellir is a rift zone, meaning that it’s prone to geological shifts. The ground is constantly, though not usually noticeably, cracking and moving. Watch your footing and stay aware of your surroundings.

What to Wear to Thingvellir

Nearly everything at Thingvellir is outdoors, so plan for the weather. If you’re visiting in the summer, dress in light layers as you may warm up as you hike. If you’re visiting in the winter, be sure to bundle up as the temperature dictates.

We visited in July. My toddler and I each wore short sleeves under a Patagonia Better Sweater. We kept our sweaters on most the time, but it was nice to easily take them off as needed. Kenny just wore his trusty cotton long sleeve and was comfortable the whole day.

A majority of the park is exposed to the elements, meaning there’s no shade from the sun or cover from the rain. On sunny days, consider a shirt with built in UDF protection. Consider wearing a jacket that is water resistant, just in case it rains unexpectedly.

If it is raining, I can’t recommend waterproof pants enough. You’ll look ridiculous, but holy smokes is it nice to be dry. They’re definitely worth the investment for an Iceland trip and you’ll reach for them many times.

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. We wore running shoes with good traction and were fine in the summer. I could see needed hiking boots in the winter though, especially if it was snowy or icy.

What to Bring to Thingvellir

In addition to the clothes on your back, there are a few more things we recommend bringing with you.Also be sure to check our minimalist Iceland packing list to help get ready for your whole trip.

• Snacks & water: Maybe it’s just me, but I’m always hungry. Since you’ll be out walking around for a while, keep a snack bar on you or pick up some chips at the visitor center. Be sure to throw away your trash!
• Poncho: If you aren’t otherwise wearing rain gear, consider bringing a rain poncho to keep handy just in case. We also have this adorable baby poncho for Zoe.
• Waterproof Backpack Cover : Iceland weather changes quickly and rain is always an option. We kept a waterproof backpack cover with us at all times, just in case.
• Baby Carrier: Parents of small children will want to pack a baby carrier. Some of the paths are steep and not safe for strollers. We used the Nuna CUDL carrier.  We have a separate post dedicated to baby wearing for travel , which includes our best tips and reviews of our favorite baby carriers.

Conclusions

Thingvellir National Park is a great place to start an epic Golden Circle Road trip. We hope you were able to find all the information you were looking for to plan a perfect visit. If there’s anything we missed, let us know in the comments!

Whether you’re in Iceland now or planning your dream trip, we hope you have an amazing adventure.

Our Full Iceland Itinerary

Planning a trip to Iceland? Here’s a look at our full itinerary for this trip…

• Minimalist Iceland Summer Packing List (That Fits in One Carry-On!)
• Detailed 3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary with Walking Routes
• Reykjavik City Guide – Everything to Know About Iceland’s Capital City
• Whale Watching in Reykjavík with Special Tours
• Planning Guide: Self-Drive the Golden Circle in Iceland
• Guide to Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland
• Guide to Iceland’s Geysir Hot Spring Area
• A Perfect Visit to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall + Bonus Hidden Waterfall
• Planning Guide: Skogafoss Waterfall in Iceland
• Guide to Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve on Iceland’s Southern Coast
• Complete Guide to Vik, Iceland
• Guide to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland
• Guide to Jökulsárlón, Iceland’s Glacier Lagoon

Susan Pidcock

Tuesday 24th of May 2022

Some of your Links don't work. This includes the like to the Visitors Guide. Pleases can you fix the problems.

Hi Susan! Thanks so much for letting me know! It looks like they update the official Thingvellir website and materials, and now their brochure is much better! I have reviewed and updated all of the information and links in this post and you should be good to go! I really appreciate the heads up! :)

• What to see
• Golden Circle

Thingvellir

Discover what to see and how to visit Thingvellir , one of the highlights of the Golden Circle and one of Iceland's most important historical  and geographical sites , thanks to its location between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

The most significant place in Icelandic history and one of the most important stops on the Golden Circle  is Thingvellir National Park . It was here that in the year 930 the  Alþingi , the world's oldest surviving parliament, was established. A thousand years later, it was made a national park in 1930. Then, on 17th June 1944, Thingvellir saw Iceland declare itself a republic.

In addition to its cultural and historical significance, Thingvellir is also home to unique natural landscapes. Its location in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and the great volcanic activity of the area means there are cracks and canyons throughout the region, some of which are filled with incredibly clear water.

What to see in Thingvellir?

One of the must-see attractions in Thingvellir is the fissures caused by the movement of the tectonic plates, which are said to move around a centimetre each year. Visitors can walk along the Almannagjá gorge and experience the ominous feeling of the enormous rock walls that tower on either side and even swim and snorkel in the Silfra fissure ! Can you imagine diving between two continents?

Walking through Almannagjá, you'll see a flag raised in the middle of a rock pile. It's right there, on the Lögberg ("the rock of the law"), that the first Icelandic parliament met. While nothing survives of the building itself, it's awe-inspiring to visit the place that marked Icelandic history to such an extent.

Running through the Almannagjá gorge is the Öxará, a river which leads to Öxarárfoss, a beautiful waterfall whose crystalline waters contrast perfectly against black rocks.

The national park is also home to one of Iceland's first churches:  Thingvallakirkja . The church was originally built in the 11th century after the Christianisation of the country. Unfortunately, it didn't survive the passage of time, and the current wooden building dates to 1859. The tiny white-and-green building stands out amid the enormous expanse of Thingvellir's rugged landscapes.

If you plan to visit Thingvellir in winter, we recommend bringing crampons to enjoy the experience comfortably.

Thingvellir in Game of Thrones

Iceland has been the chosen filming location of any number of films and TV series , and Game of Thrones is one of the best-known. The HBO series chose Thingvellir National Park as the setting for its fourth season. Fans of the Seven Kingdoms will recognise the trail that Arya Stark and the Hound travelled through the Vale of Arryn .

Interactive exhibition

Thingvellir National Park Visitor's Centre houses a permanent exhibition on the history of the area. Visitors can discover how Iceland's parliament was founded back in the 10th century as well as use interactive exhibits to explore the national park's geography, learn why tectonic plates move and find out which animals live on the shores of Lake Thingvallavatn.

How to visit Thingvellir?

Thingvellir National Park is located on the  Golden Circle , around 30 miles (50 kilometres) northeast of central Reykjavik , and 37 and 43 miles (60 and 70 km) from Geysir and Gullfoss  respectively. If you're travelling around Iceland by rental car , you can reach one of Thingvellir's many car parks in around 50 minutes from the capital.

If you'd prefer to let someone else take the wheel, you can book an organised guided tour instead. Our  Golden Circle Tour  includes transport from Reykjavik and an English-speaking guide, allowing you to explore Thingvellir and its nearby attractions in the most convenient and comfortable way . 

30 miles northeast of Reykjavik

Daily: 9 am - 6 pm

Exhibition admission fee Adults: 1,000 kr ( US$ 7.20) Students and seniors over 67: 500 kr ( US$ 3.60) Children under 18: free entry

Golden Circle Tour 11,198 kr ( US$ 81)

You may also be interested in

One of the highlights of Iceland's Golden Circle, Geysir is home to geysers - yes, that's where we get the English word from! They hurl boiling water up to 200 feet into the air.

Secret Lagoon

In 1891, Icelanders took advantage of the natural hot springs in Fludir to build the Secret Lagoon. Ever since, locals and tourists alike have flocked to the pool to relax and enjoy the water's healing properties in spectacular surroundings.

23 Sep Everything to Know: Thingvellir National Park in Iceland

One of the most popular drives in Iceland is around the Golden Circle, and visiting Thingvellir National Park is often the first item on the itinerary. The park is just 45 minutes from the city of Reykjavik and an hour and 15 minutes from Keflavik International Airport. Its convenient location thus offers the perfect opportunity for a day trip or the beginning of a road trip around Iceland . Explore the park by walking through the rift between tectonic plates. Additionally, book a snorkeling or diving excursion, which offers the unique opportunity to swim between continents in some of the clearest water on earth. 

Would you rather book a tour than plan out the logistics yourself? Then check out the best Golden Circle tours in Iceland as well as the best two-day south coast tours in Iceland (many of which include stops at Thingvellir National Park).

1) Location of Thingvellir National Park

2) opening hours and entrance fee .

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Background

6) Silfra Fissure: Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

7) Öxarárfoss: Waterfall

8) Almannagjá: Rift Between Tectonic Plates

• Region: Golden Circle
• Parking fee = 500 ISK (~$4) 

Thingvellir National Park is located within the Golden Circle in Iceland . For reference, it is approximately a 40 minute drive northeast of the city of Reykjavík. Additional Golden Circle attractions worth visiting include Gullfoss Waterfall as well as the Flúðir Tarn . 

If you are driving from Reykjavík, drive north on Route 1. Then take the first exit on the roundabout to 36, also known as Þingvallavegur. You will stay on this road until reaching the national park. Where you turn off the road for a parking lot depends on what attraction you plan to visit; see the below section for more information. 

As stated above, there is a small parking fee of 500 ISK (~$4) for the park. Pay the fee once, and it covers parking in all lots at Thingvellir National Park in Iceland for the day. Purchase the ticket at one of the kiosks in the lots or online .

The park contains a couple of different parking lots. For example, park at Öxarárfoss Parking to check out the waterfall and walk between the rift caused by the tectonic plates. Otherwise, park at Þingvellir Parking P5 to walk to the Silfra fissure or a meeting point for an excursion.  

For nearby lodging, consider Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast within the Golden Circle. Bonus – breakfast is included! For additional options, take a look at the best hotels within the Golden Circle as well as the most romantic hotels in Iceland . 

A trail winding through Thingvellir National Park

• Opening hours: all day, every day
• Entrance fee: none! 

Opening Hours

First, the park itself is open 24/7. You are thus welcome to visit at any time. However, a few of the attractions within the park, such as the visitor center, have restricted visiting hours. You can find more information on their site .

Entrance Fee

Second, there is no entrance fee for the park. However, if you drive into Thingvellir and park in one of the lots, you will need to pay the 500 ISK (~$4) parking fee as mentioned above. Therefore, while there is no entrance fee, there is a small parking fee. 

3) The Best Time to Visit Thingvellir National Park

Let me start off by saying there is truly no bad time to visit Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. You will have an enjoyable experience and see beautiful landscapes in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

However, Iceland will look much more like a winter wonderland in winter. I visited in mid-August and thus had a bit warmer temperatures. Nevertheless, traveling back to Iceland during the winter is on my list as it looks quite magical during that time of year. 

Walking along the Almannagjá trail through the rift

1. Thingvellir National Park is located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. 

2. You can snorkel as well as walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates within the park.

3. The tectonic plates move further apart from each other by less than an inch on average each year.

4. The Icelandic parliament utilized the land within the park as their meeting grounds many years ago. 

5) Background 

• Sits on the rift of two tectonic plates
• The tectonic plates move apart slightly each year
• Name translates to “assembly place” 

Thingvellir National Park sits on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Furthermore, the plates move apart a tiny bit each year, which results in the widening of the park. The plates move apart an average of two centimeters or 0.8 inches per year. The movement is not consistent but rather occurs whenever there are earthquakes. Thingvellir can experience an earthquake every day, but they are so minor they cannot be felt by visitors. 

Naming of Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park received its name from the fact the Icelandic parliament used to meet on its grounds. “Þing” in Old Icelandic translates to assembly while “völlur” translates to “field”. “Thingvellir” (or Þingvellir) thus translates to “assembly place”. 

Size of Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is approximately 92 square miles (~240 square kilometers) large. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also located within an active volcano area. 

Looking to hike a volcano in Iceland? Then head to Fagradalsfjall Volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula .

Stream leading past Öxarárfoss

6) Silfra Fissure: Snorkeling and Scuba Diving 

• Price: around $150 per person for snorkeling
• Scuba diving tour: Silfra Diving Tour with Dive
• Snorkeling tour options: Silfra Snorkeling Tour with Dive

Background of the Silfra Fissure

The Silfra fissure formed as the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drifted apart over the years. As they continue to drift apart, the fissure becomes wider and wider . The water in Silfra flows down from Langjökull glacier. That being said, the water ranges in temperature from the mid to high 30 degrees Fahrenheit or just above zero to five degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Also, as it is glacial water, it is pure enough to drink. However, there is some algae floating around. You might eat a little bit if you take a sip of water. 

Looking for other places you can swim in Iceland?: Best Places to Swim in Iceland . Hint – the list includes my  favorite  place in Iceland: Stuðlagil Canyon .

General Information

When people think of Iceland, they do not necessarily think of swimming, even if it is in the format of snorkeling or scuba diving. Instead, they normally think of ice, snow, glaciers, etc. All of these have one thing in common: they are COLD. But do not worry, the fantastic invention of dry suits allows divers to enter chilly or downright cold water without their bodies going into shock. In fact, the suits can even get a little toasty at times. 

Why do so many people book snorkeling or scuba diving excursions at Thingvellir National Park? The water is breathtakingly clear . Throughout the fissure, divers can see up to around 100 meters or 328 feet through the water. While there are usually no fish in Silfra, there is still much to see: the striking blue waters, the growing algae, the depth of the fissure, etc. There are a couple of options to enter the water: (1) snorkeling (2) scuba diving. Please note, solo diving is not allowed in Silfra; you must go through a tour company. 

Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park

Scuba Diving in Thingvellir National Park

For scuba diving, tour companies require (at least) an open water diving certificate and a drysuit specialty certification. The companies do not utilize wetsuits in Silfra due to the temperature of the water. Divers thus need to be familiar with diving in a drysuit, as it is a vastly different experience from diving in a wetsuit. The maximum depth allowed for diving is 18 meters or 60 feet. Tour companies might also have their own individual requirements, such as minimum age, so be sure to check their FAQs before booking. 

Do not worry, Iceland is also full of geothermal pools if you prefer warmer waters. Head to the Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula or Myvatn Nature Baths in the north.

Snorkeling in Thingvellir National Park

For snorkeling, no certifications are needed! We booked our tour with Dive   and had a fantastic experience. They sent us an email after we purchased the excursion with all of the necessary information. They told us where to meet, when to meet, what to wear, etc. and also sent us a medical waiver to sign.

Our tour time was 11am, and it lasted about two hours total. Once we arrived, it took an hour to receive instructions, get dressed, and also walk to the water entry point. The only difficult part was putting on the dry suit. This was my first time with a dry suit, and it thus took a little while to put it all on. Moreover, the suit made me feel like an astronaut, as it was fairly large and bulky. 

Then we snorkeled in incredibly clear water between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. We entered the water one by one, and the guide slowly led us through the Silfra fissure. There was plenty of time to see everything and just appreciate the beauty surrounding us. While I was snorkeling, I only noticed the cold water around my face and my hands. After I exited the water, I realized my face / head, hands, and feet were wetter than I assumed. That being said, you will be enjoying your time snorkeling so much that you will not notice the cold water as much as you might expect.

For more information, check out my article : Silfra Snorkeling in Iceland: Everything to Know . We only booked two excursions during our time in Iceland, and this was one of them! The other was glacier kayaking in the Glacier Lagoon .

Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park  

7) Öxarárfoss: Waterfall 

• Height: 13 meters or 44 feet 
• 2.6 mile loop trail to Almannagjá

Öxarárfoss is approximately 13 meters or 44 feet tall and six meters or 20 feet wide. It is possible to get pretty close to the base of the falls by climbing on some rocks. If you are walking on the path from Öxarárfoss to Almannagjá, the whole loop is 2.6 miles with some small inclines and declines along the way. 

For those with an interest in history, it is said Öxarárfoss is human-made. Iceland used to hold assemblies in the area of Thingvellir National Park, and they redirected the river and thus the falls for better access to drinking water. 

For more information, check out my article : Öxarárfoss in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland . Are you also interested in visiting other waterfalls in Iceland? Then make sure you do not miss out on the best waterfalls in Iceland . Hint – Seljalandsfoss + Gljúfrabúi are included on the list.

View of Öxarárfoss waterfall

8) Almannagjá: Rift Between Tectonic Plates 

• Featured in Game of Thrones
• Site of Icelandic parliament

Lastly, be sure to walk on the pathway through Almannagjá while visiting Thingvellir National Park. Game of Thrones’ fans should recognize this site as the pathway leading to The Bloody Gate. Almannagjá is on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Therefore, you will technically be between the continents while walking on the pathway, able to see their edges on either side of you. 

In earlier days, Thingvellir National Park was the site of the Icelandic parliament, the Alþing. The general assembly met here from around 930 to 1798. People would gather all around Almannagjá to hear the parliament speakers. It was the perfect spot because the crowd gathered in the valley while the speakers stood on a rock above. An Icelandic flag now marks what they believe to be the spot where the speakers would address the crowd. Many significant decisions were made here, including the decision to abolish paganism and adopt Christianity.

For more information, visit the Hakið Visitor Center and check out my article : Almannagjá Trail in Thingvellir National Park . Additionally, check out another Iceland location featured in Game of Thrones: Kirkjufellsfoss and Mt. Kirkjufell . 

Site of former Icelandic parliament at Thingvellir National Park

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At lifestyle crossroads.

.Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Iceland really breaks all the stereotypes! What an adventure to experience at least once in a lifetime!

Alaina Thomas

Here’s to breaking the stereotypes! That is one of the many reasons I loved Iceland so much – there are so many different activities. These include snorkeling, glacier hiking, relaxing in a hot spring, etc.

i have always wanted to visit iceland but have never had the chance. hopefully next year will bring many more adventures!

Yes, here’s to hoping next year hold even more adventures than this one. I am already starting on some travel planning!

Thanks for this very useful information. I look forward to my visit.

Glad you found it to be helpful! I hope you’re planning a trip to Iceland soon and you are able to visit Thingvellir National Park.

That would be so cool to stand on two continents at one time. (Kind of like standing on the Equator.)

Yes, it is a similar experience! I have had the opportunity to do both, but I am not sure I could pick a favorite.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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Notify me of new posts by email.

A Complete Guide to Visiting Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

When we planned our trip to South Iceland, Thingvellir National Park was at the top of our must-see list.

Spoiler alert: It didn’t disappoint.

Imagine casually strolling between two continents – it’s truly surreal! Beyond that, you can explore crystal-clear waters and dive into the rich history of Iceland’s first parliament. It’s a place where nature and history come together in the most extraordinary way!

However, before my visit, I found it challenging to figure out how to make the most of everything this incredible place has to offer. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help ensure your Thingvellir experience is as unforgettable as mine.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know, from interesting facts about the park and how to get there from popular Icelandic cities to entrance fees , must-see spots , and personal tips for making the most of your visit.

But before that, let’s take a quick look into the history and origin of Thingvellir National Park , one of Europe’s best national parks .

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)

History & Origin

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the birthplace of Icelandic culture, democracy, and geology . Thingvellir, meaning “Parliament Plains,” is where Iceland’s Alþingi, the world’s oldest existing parliament , was founded in 930 AD.

For nearly 900 years, Icelandic chieftains and representatives from across the island gathered here annually to make laws, settle disputes, and discuss important matters .

This open-air assembly continued until 1798, and many of the laws established here paved the way for the modern Icelandic legal system.

Aside from its historical importance, Thingvellir is also a geological wonder . It is located in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and slowly drift apart.

This tectonic activity has shaped the dramatic landscapes of the park, including its deep fissures and remarkable rock formations . 

Today, Thingvellir National Park is a special place where history and nature come together. Here, you can learn about the country’s past, see amazing landscapes, and even go swimming or diving in crystal-clear waters!

How to Get to Thingvellir National Park

The easiest way to get to Thingvellir National Park is as part of an organized tour . Many tours depart from Reykjavík and other major towns, making stops at the park as part of the popular Golden Circle route.

These tours are a hassle-free way to experience Thingvellir , especially if you prefer not to drive yourself. However, if you’re up for an adventure, driving to the park on your own offers more flexibility.

From Reykjavík

Thingvellir National Park is just about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northeast of Reykjavík, making it an easy drive from the capital. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour by car . 

Take Route 1 (Ring Road) out of Reykjavik, heading east. After about 20 kilometers (12 miles), take the exit onto Route 36 (Þingvallavegur) . Follow Route 36 for approximately 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) directly to the park.

The roads are well-maintained, and the drive is scenic , passing through lava fields and rolling hills. Along the way, you’ll even have the opportunity to stop at a few viewpoints and small towns if you wish.

While driving is the most convenient way to reach Thingvellir, public transport is also an option , though less direct.

During the summer months, buses from Reykjavík to the park are available, but schedules can be limited, and the journey may take longer due to stops along the way.

From Hveragerdi

Hveragerdi is located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Thingvellir National Park. The drive from Hveragerdi to the park takes around an hour .

Take Route 1 north out of Hveragerdi. Continue on Route 1 until you reach the junction with Route 36 . Turn left onto Route 36 and follow it for about 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) to reach the park.

The route is quite scenic, with views of mountains and geothermal fields , making the drive an enjoyable part of your trip.

Check out: Inni Boutique Apartments – Your Cozy Home in Hveragerdi

Vík, located on Iceland’s southern coast, is about 190 kilometers (118 miles) away from Thingvellir National Park. The drive from Vík to the park is longer, taking around 2.5 – 3 hours .

Take Route 1 (Ring Road) west out of Vík. Continue on Route 1 for about 160 kilometers (99 miles) until you reach the turnoff for Route 35 (Biskupstungnabraut) .

Take Route 35 north and follow it for about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). Turn left onto Route 36 (Þingvallavegur) and follow it for 20 kilometers (12 miles) to reach the park.

This drive takes you through some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes , including lava fields, mountains, and rivers. It’s well worth the trip if you’re coming from Vik, as you’ll get to see more of the country’s stunning scenery along the way.

Opening Times & Entrance Fee

Thingvellir National Park is open year-round . The park itself has no closing hours, so you can visit at any time of day or night . However, some facilities within the park, such as the visitor center and restrooms, do have set hours.

The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm during the summer months (June to August). In the winter (September to May), the hours are usually reduced to 9:00 am to 4:00 pm . 

NOTE: If you’re planning to dive or snorkel in the Silfra fissure , it’s important to note that tour operators have specific schedules, so I highly recommend booking in advance and confirming the timing .

One of the things I love about Thingvellir National Park is that it’s free to enter , making it one of Iceland’s most accessible attractions. There are no entrance fees for exploring the park’s trails , historical sites, or natural wonders. 

However, while entrance to the park is free, there is a parking fee of around ISK 750 (approximately $5.50) per vehicle for a full day.

Payment can be made at parking meters located in the parking lots, and the ticket should be displayed on your vehicle’s dashboard .

Access to the main visitor center is free, but there may be a small fee for special exhibits or events hosted within the center.

What to See at Thingvellir National Park

Now that you’ve learned enough about Thingvellir, it’s time to talk about the real reason you’re going: the breathtaking sights!

Öxarárfoss is perhaps Iceland’s best-kept secret . It’s one of those places that makes you do a double-take. Although it’s smaller than its more famous Icelandic waterfalls , it’s still a sight to behold.

Getting there is half the fun since you’ll walk right through the crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

In spring and summer, Öxarárfoss looks like something out of a postcard, with crystal-clear water pouring over moss-covered rocks. Since we visited in winter, the waterfall was entirely frozen which was still a pretty magical sight.

Fun fact: this waterfall is man-made! Yes, the Vikings were smart and redirected a river to build this breathtaking waterfall.

Silfra Fissure

The Silfra fissure is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders within Thingvellir National Park.

Silfra, located in the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, is a water-filled crack that provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to dive or snorkel between two continents – a geological marvel that you can’t experience anywhere else on Earth!

What makes Silfra even more fascinating is the origin of its crystal-clear waters. The water in the fissure begins its journey at the Langjökull glacier , the second-largest glacier in Iceland.

Throughout 30 to 100 years, this glacial meltwater slowly travels through miles of porous lava rock . This natural filter makes the water incredibly pure and clear so you can see for ages underwater!

It’s so cold though, so you’ll need a dry suit. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro diver, there are guides that will assist you . Snorkeling in Silfra is possible too.

There are four main sections to explore within Silfra: Silfra Big Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon. Each offers a different perspective of the fissure’s unique underwater landscape.

The Big Crack is the narrowest part of the fissure and where you are closest to the tectonic plates, while the Cathedral is the deepest section, with a depth of around 23 meters (75 feet).

Thingvellir Church

Thingvellir Church is a charming historical landmark that adds to the park’s dramatic landscapes. You can’t miss it – it’s right in the heart of Thingvellir National Park.

And it’s not just pretty to look at, it’s a place full of history. This white wooden church, accented with a distinctive green border, was consecrated in 1859 and has been a symbol of Icelandic cultural and religious life ever since.

The church’s simple yet elegant design is characteristic of Icelandic rural architecture from the 19th century. Its clean white exterior and green-trimmed wooden facade are a classic example of the traditional style. 

Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth stepping inside for a moment of peace . The church is super chill and has this calming atmosphere.

Plus, you can imagine what it was like for people back in the day to come here for worship amidst such a wild and beautiful setting.

Almannagjá Gorge

Almannagjá Gorge is a canyon where the Earth is literally splitting apart. Here you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plate s.

The path itself is relatively easy and fla t, making it a pleasant walk. The most amazing part, however, is the fact that you’re crossing the gap between two massive tectonic plates that are slowly drifting apart! 

This phenomenon creates a remarkably beautiful scene, with towering rock walls on either side and a sense of being in a geologically significant location.

And the best part? You can combine this otherworldly adventure with a visit to Öxarárfoss!

Starting your journey from the southern end near the visitor center, you can easily complete a round trip that includes a visit to the waterfall and a leisurely walk through the gorge.

Lögberg (Law Rock)

Lögberg, or Law Rock, stands as one of the most historically significant sites within Thingvellir National Park, serving as a painful reminder of Iceland’s deep-rooted heritage in governance and legal tradition.

This ancient site is where the earliest assemblies of Iceland’s parliament , the Alþingi, were held, making it the location of the world’s oldest continuous parliament.

The Law Speaker was able to address the gathering with remarkable clarity thanks to the unique acoustics provided by Lögberg’s location and surrounding cliff edge.

This natural amplification meant that everyone present could hear the laws being recited and agreed upon each year, ensuring that all participants were well-informed and in accord with the legal principles governing their society.

One of the best experiences at Lögberg is witnessing a demonstration of the site’s historical significance . During our visit, an Icelandic guide stood on a rock at the site and recited the first words ever spoken in Old Icelandic to open the Alþingi.

It’s a powerful experience that invites reflection on the journey of this remarkable country.

Personal Tips For Visiting Thingvellir National Park

So, you’re now ready to explore the magic of Thingvellir National Park!

To make the most of your trip, pack your hiking boots, layer up, and keep an eye on the weather . Iceland’s weather is as unpredictable as its landscapes, so be prepared for anything!

And of course, don’t forget to respect nature . Stay on the trails, keep noise down, and leave no trace. And while those stunning photos are tempting, remember safety first. Stay away from cliff edges and slippery rocks.

Last but not least, Thingvellir is a place to slow down and soak in the beauty . Enjoy the scenery, breathe in the fresh air, and let the park’s magic work its spell!

Check out: 8 Stunning Waterfalls to See in South Iceland Inni Boutique Apartments – Your Cozy Home in Hveragerdi

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Do you want to travel like me? Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:

Flights: I prefer using CheapOair or Skyscanner to book flights. The destination everywhere feature is perfect for finding some cheap deals! Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals. I do love staying at a local place as well, so I book an Airbnb every now and then. Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events. Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide . Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.

Hey and welcome to my blog! I’m Alina, an Austrian travel addict and vegan food lover who has a passion for exploring new destinations and trying out the best plant-based food around the world. Come and join me as I share exciting bucket list experiences and provide helpful travel guides for your own adventures!

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Þingvellir National Park

One of the most visited attractions in Iceland, Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park boasts of interesting landscapes and its huge historical, cultural, and geological significance. It is at this point that the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and create a rugged rift valley that runs through the sight. This extraordinary geological site is a marvel to look at as you can see the two plates drifting apart. Þingvellir is also integral to Icelandic history as it was the first national park of the land, and it was here that Icelanders declared independence from Denmark. The exquisite valley has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO owing to its cultural and patriotic value.

• Best places on the Golden Circle.
• Discover Golden Circle Tours in Iceland.
• Self Driving in Iceland

Guided tours to Þingvellir National Park

Golden Circle & Glacier Snowmobile

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Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights | Small Groups

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Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Tour | Family Friendly & Small Groups

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Golden Circle Private Tour

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Golden Circle Tour | Starts at 12

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Snorkeling Silfra | From Reykjavik

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Scuba Diving in Silfra – from Reykjavik | Diving Tectonic Plates

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Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon | Family Friendly Tour

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Icelandic Grandeur Helicopter Experience

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Golden Circle Private Tour – Pick up at Airport available

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Golden Circle, Friðheimar & Sky Lagoon | Premium Tour

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Private Golden Circle & Snowmobile

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Golden Circle Jeep Tour | Glacier & Super Jeep

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Golden Circle & Horse Riding Tour

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Golden Circle & Lava Cave

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Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Private Tour / Secret Lagoon

From 199,900 isk, golden circle private tour | with extra stops, from 182,100 isk.

Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon

From 14,590 isk, þingvellir – strong roots in icelandic history.

The national park is regarded as a place for cultural heritage and national identity which has been an incredible stepping stone in Icelandic history. Established as an open-air assembly point for Alþingi, the democratic legislative assembly of the Viking Age Commonwealth, Þingvellir was where the assembly met and set laws for the country from 930 to 1798. In a deeply symbolic act, the parliament declared Þingvellir as a national park in 1930, marking the 1000th anniversary of the foundation of Alþingi. Later, this cultural park played a central role in Iceland’s independence struggle from Denmark. When Iceland was declared a republic in 1944, it was done on these grounds.

Þingvellir was also the cultural center of the great lands. During the commonwealth period, thousands of people flocked to these grounds from all over the country. Merchants, sword sharpeners, and tanner would sell their services, and ale-makers would keep everyone’s spirits high. It was the site of the very first cultural festivals in Iceland with games and feasts being held for two weeks. Safe to say, Þingvellir has been an important symbol of national unity from time immemorial.

Fascinating Geology of Þingvellir

The unique geological composition of Þingvellir National Park is every bit as remarkable as its great history. It is in Þingvellir where Iceland is divided by the Mid-Atlantic Rift. This rift valley was created by the drifting apart of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The plate boundaries can be seen as about 10-11 thousand years ago, great volcanic eruptions happened in this area. The Almannagjá gorge is crack in the thrift valley and is a pathway that separates the two continental plates. You can walk alongside both sides of the plate.

Activities in the area

Silfra Snorkeling Tour | Snorkeling between tectonic plate

From 18,990 isk.

Glacier Snowmobile Tour | From Golden Circle area

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Snowmobile & Ice Cave on Langjokull glacier | From Geysir area

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Laugarvatn Fontana – Admission to the geothermal baths

From 4,900 isk.

Helicopter: Glacier Landing & Waterfalls

From 113,900 isk.

Glacier Super Truck Tour

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Fire and Ice Helicopter Adventure

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Skyfall Iceland: A Helicopter Tour of Waterfalls and Valleys

From 69,900 isk.

Rye Bread Cooking | Geothermal Bakery in Iceland

From 2,990 isk.

Diving in Silfra Iceland | Tectonic Plates

Places you can’t Miss

In winters, the valley offers a great view with the Northern Lights shining bright in the sky and snow covering the lave fields. You can see the lake Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland – south of the national park. Tourists often go snorkeling or fishing in the lake. It is a spectacular dive site where you can swim between continent plates in the clear, glacial water. The Almannagjá gorge path ends with the charming Öxaráfoss waterfall .

Other fascinating spots to see at the Þingvellir National Park include the Drekkingarhylur pond, a beautiful stream with a tragic history, Peningagjá pond – stream for throwing coins for good fortune, Þingvellir Church and the Þingvellir Hiking Trails.

More Locations in the Golden Circle

• Gullfoss waterfall
• Geysir geothermal area
• Secret Lagoon
• Hrunalaug hot spring
• Faxi waterfall

Map of Thingvellir National Park

Interesting locations in the area

• Helgufoss waterfall
• Þórufoss waterfall
• The Cave People
• Nesjavellir
• Snorkel Silfra
• Diving Silfra
• Laugarvatn Fontana
• Glacier Snowmobile
• Glacier Snowmobile & Ice Cave

Hotels & Restaurants

• ION Adventure Hotel
• Frost and Fire Hotel
• Hotel Grímsborgir
• Friðheimar Tomato Farm
• Efstidalur Farm

More tours that will take you to Thingvellir National Park

Golden circle & snowmobile, from 45,000 isk.

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From 16,490 isk, golden circle & blue lagoon small group tour, from 28,900 isk.

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Hidden Gems

Þingvellir National Park Guide: Tours, Visiting Hours, Transportation

Þingvellir is the oldest of the national parks in Iceland . The Þingvellir National Park is located in the southern parts of the country with geographic coordinates 64.2559° N, 21.1295° W. The Þingvellir National Park sits atop of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and in 2004 it was declared and preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Þingvellir National Park houses the country’s second-largest lake, the Þingvallavatn Lake (Lake of the Parliament) and the stunning and rumbling Öxarárfoss Waterfall. With many hiking trails and camping grounds, the Þingvellir National Park is a popular tourist destination. 

What are the Features of Þingvellir National Park?

Here are the features of the Þingvellir National Park in iceland .

• Location: southern parts of the country 
• Coordinates: 64.2559° N, 21.1295° W
• Area: 240 square miles
• Establishment: 1930 
• Lakes: Þingvallavatn Lake
• Waterfalls: Öxarárfoss Waterfall
• Rivers: Öxará River  
• Fissures: Silfra Fissure
• Rifts: Almannagjá Rift. 

How is the Geology of Þingvellir National Park Area?

The geology of Iceland of the Þingvellir National Park is marked by the Reykjaneshryggur-Langjökull rift system and the Þingvellir graben. The main feature of the Þingvellir graben is Mount Skjaldbreiður which is located in the north. On the south side, the Þingvellir graben is closed by the Hengill Volcano and the Hrómundartindar systems. 

How is the Weather in Þingvellir National Park?

The weather in the Thingvellir National Park is influenced by the tundra or, better said, polar tundra climate . Although there is no proper summer in the park, the hottest month is July which is often marked by fog and rain. The coldest month is December, and it is full of snowfall, rainfall, fog, and hail. 

What are the Activities to do in Þingvellir National Park?

The Thingvellir National Park offers many activities for visitors. Popular activities are seeing Iceland’s second-largest Þingvallavatn Lake, the Öxará River with its Öxarárfoss Waterfall, and the continent-separating Almannagjá Rift. Thingvellir is a popular spot for scuba diving in the Silfra fissure. There are also photography workshops available for the Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. 

Is it Allowed to Climb in Þingvellir National Park in Iceland?

Yes, it is allowed to climb in the Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. The park offers many hiking and climbing trails that are suited for visitors with different levels of physical condition. When climbing in the Thingvellir National Park, visitors are actually on the borderline of two continents at the same time.  

Is it Possible to Camp in Þingvellir National Park?

Yes, it is possible to camp in the Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. The park area has many camping sites, and there is no need to make reservations. All of the necessary camping permits can be issued upon arrival at the Information Center. 

What is the prominence of Þingvellir National Park for Iceland Culture?

The Thingvellir National Park is of paramount importance for the Iceland Culture. Namely, while Iceland was struggling for its independence, during the 19th and 20th centuries, the Thingvellir National Park got the status of a sacred place. The Thingvellir National Park was considered to be a potent symbol of Icelandic identity and unity. 

What are the Tours for Þingvellir in Iceland?

Tours in Iceland for the Thingvellir National Park in Iceland are available and in high demand. The Thingvellir National Park has many breathtaking landforms and must-see spots. Plus, the park is close to the capital Reykjavik and part of the famous Golden Circle. There is a number of tours available for the Thingvellir National Park. Some are short and include daily visits to specific attractions, and others are long and involve staying at local camps and seeing various places on the same tour. 

What are the Best Hotels for Þingvellir National Park?

The best hotels in Iceland for the Thingvellir National Park are in Veiðilundur and Laugarvatn. Popular hotels to stay in these localities are Þingvellir Golden Circle Cottage, Thingvellir Lake Cottage, Laugarvatn Hostel , Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse, Háholt Cosy House in Laugarvatn, and Eyvindartunga farm cottage. 

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Travel Guide to Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

Thingvellir National Park is a symbol of Iceland's birth as a nation. While it may appear to be just a grassy field at the edge of a lake with some impressive cliffs, this landscape of fissures and moss-covered lava holds immense historical and geological significance.

Historically, Thingvellir is where Iceland's settlers first gathered to establish the Althing, Iceland’s Parliament, in the year 930. From that point onward, Thingvellir was the major seat of Iceland’s democratic government. Viking chieftains traveled from across the country to meet, trade, settle feuds, and make deals with one another.

Geologically, Thingvellir is where the Mid-Atlantic fault line rises above the surface of the country. This visible feature allows visitors to get an idea of the powerful forces at play beneath Iceland, as its these tectonic plate movements that are behind so much of Iceland’s volcanic activity and spectacular landscapes.

There’s also something poetic about the idea that Iceland, marooned halfway between Europe and America and influenced by both sides of the pond, had its parliament meet at the literal edge of these two continents throughout its history.

More Iceland travel info:

10-day Ring Road itinerary

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Reykjavik city guide

Guide to the South Coast and Golden Circle

Icelandic Highlands Guide

Travel Guide to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

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North Iceland Travel Guide

Akureyri City Guide

Guide to 2 days in the Icelandic Highlands

5-day South Coast summer itinerary

5-day Iceland winter itinerary

Guide to the East Fjords

Click here to see all of our Iceland guides & itineraries

Table of contents

Where is Thingvellir National Park

Best time to visit

How long to spend

Where to stay

Areas of the park to visit

Main sights and things to do

Travelers in Iceland should visit Thingvellir National Park for several reasons. Firstly, it is arguably the most important historical location in the country. As the site where Iceland’s first settlers gathered to establish their Parliament, the Althing, it marks the birthplace of the world’s oldest continuing democracy. This makes Thingvellir a crucial destination for those interested in the rich history and culture of Iceland.

Secondly, Thingvellir offers some beautiful natural scenery. The large lake is beautiful, surrounded by a low-lying set of bumpy hills, and the area of fissures are fed with some of the clearest water imaginable, originating from the glaciers and fed underneath lava fields for hundreds of miles before emerging in the area.

The landscape isn’t the most dramatic of places in Iceland but offers more of a contemplative beauty. Wander away from the main areas of the park and that only deepens as you discover a field full of lava and secretive fissures (stick to the paths!).

Finally, visiting Thingvellir makes a lot of sense on a day tour of the Golden Circle. At just 45 minutes from Reykjavik, it’s a nice and easy stop to make before continuing to the erupting Geysir and waterfall Gullfoss.

But that’s not the only reason this is often the first destinations people visit after leaving Reykjavik; Thingvellir National Park is simply essential for understanding Iceland as a nation.

Where is Thingvellir National Park?

Thingvellir National Park is in South Iceland, approximately 45 minutes away from Reykjavik. This region, northeast of the capital city, is part of the famous Golden Circle, one of the most popular areas for day trips in Iceland.

Due to its proximity to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital acts as an easy gateway to Thingvellir National Park.

Thingvellir seen from the information center. Photo: Ivan Sabljak ,  CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

In my opinion, the best time to visit Thingvellir National Park is in May or June . During this period, spring is in full swing, the flora blooms brilliantly after the snow has melted, and daylight hours are long. The long days are especially appealing as they allow you to enjoy extended exploration in the park late at night, avoiding the major crowds that flock here during the day year-round.  

Also, while May and June are by no means quiet here, the park is much less busy than during the summer months of July, August, and early September.

Visiting in Summer

July and August are the busiest times at Thingvellir. The park sees a significant influx of visitors due to its proximity to Reykjavik. While the weather is warm and the days are long, the thick crowds can make it challenging to fully appreciate the park's serene beauty.

Either arrive early in the morning (before 8:00 AM) or after dinner to avoid the tour buses from Reykjavik.

Visiting in Autumn

September and October offer a quieter experience at Thingvellir and are also a nice time to visit. The autumn colors transform the mossy lava fields into beautiful hues of red, orange, and yellow, contrasting beautifully with the often moody, grey skies. It’s peaceful, but there’s a high chance of rain as well.

Visiting in Winter

Winter, from November to February, lets you see a different to Thingvellir. The park is often covered in snow, creating a magical winter wonderland. While the temperatures are cold and daylight hours are short, the chance to see the Northern Lights makes it a unique and unforgettable experience.

Amazingly, the Silfra Fissure remains the same temperature, meaning you can still join a snorkeling or diving tour at this time.

Visiting in Spring

March and April mark the beginning of spring at Thingvellir. The snow begins to melt, and the park starts to come alive with new growth. The weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of rain and sunshine, but fewer people and emerging greenery make it a pleasant time to visit.

How long to spend in the park

In general, visitors only need two to three hours in Thingvellir National Park to explore the main attractions. This gives you enough time to browse the exhibition inside the Visitor’s Center, enjoy the views over the lake, and walk through the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which leads you to several points of interest along the way.

Here’s how I’d recommend spending your time here:

Park at the main visitor’s center , ducking into the exhibition (paid) inside for a brief overview of the history of Thingvellir in about 30 to 45 minutes. Then, head outside to the Hakið viewpoint, which looks over the lake, the fissures, and the church on the plains below.

From here, it’s about a 30-minute walk to Öxarárfoss waterfall . Along the way, you’ll pass the Lögberg (Law Rock), where the Parliament passed their laws, and Drekkingarhylur (The Drowning Pool), where women were drowned for having children out of wedlock or committing crimes of incest.

Once you’ve taken in the waterfall, start backtracking the way you came. Veer off towards the river, where you’ll wander between the gorges and fissures of the park. First, cross over to Öxarárhólmi , an island in the middle of the river and the official site where Viking duels took place.

On the opposite bank there are several fissures to admire before heading down to the Thingvellir Church , built on the same spot as the original church that was constructed when the Althing decided to adopt Christianity in the year 1000.  

Moving on, it’s just a short walk to the meeting point of the Silfra diving and snorkeling tours – highly recommended if you’re after one of the most unique experiences one can have in Iceland.

Connect with a local expert in Iceland for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!

Where to stay in/around the national park

If you’re looking to explore Thingvellir on a deeper level for a whole day or more, or if you fancy hanging around for a showing of the northern lights, there are plenty of convenient options for an overnight stay:

The National Park operates several campsites within Thingvellir. The Nyrðri-Leirar campground, located near the national park service center, welcomes visitors throughout the year. On the other side of the road is Syðri-Leirar campsite, which is open only in the summer. Both campsites can accommodate tents, campervans, and RVs.

Other campsites in Thingvellir are Vatnskot, Fagrabrekka, and Hvannabrekka. These three are only open during the summer and are designated for tent camping only.

Along the shores of Lake Thingvallavatn

The western side of Lake Thingvallavatn has a variety of accommodation options, from small guesthouses to collections of summer houses (the name Icelanders give to their small holiday homes). To the southwest, the popular ION Adventure Hotel offers a luxury stay very close to the national park, with a tempting outdoor geothermal pool and classy restaurant.

Laugarvatn is the closest town to Thingvellir, about 30 minutes to the east. It’s a small, peaceful spot on a lake, with several different options for accommodation. Also here is the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa, a quiet hot spring complex where you can also see them bake their own bread in the ground using the geothermal power.

45 minutes to the south on the ring road is Selfoss, one of the larger towns in Iceland. It’s a good base for exploration into the Golden Circle area and Thingvellir, with easy access to the south coast as well.

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is about 45 minutes from Thingvellir National Park. It obviously has a wide range of accommodation options and all the conveniences of a city. Staying here lets you explore Thingvellir on a day trip and be back in time for dinner at a restaurant.

Logistics of Visiting Thingvellir National Park

Opening hours and accessibility

Thingvellir National Park is open 24/7, 365 days a year, like most places in Iceland. However, accessibility can vary with the seasons. In winter, it can be challenging if you stray from the main path between the Visitor’s Center and Öxarárfoss Waterfall due to snow and ice. Despite this, Silfra snorkeling and diving tours are available year-round.

Entrance points and parking areas/fees

From Reykjavik, it's a 45-minute drive to Thingvellir National Park along route 36. There is no entrance fee for Thingvellir National Park, however, you will need to pay for parking in any of the designated parking areas (listed below). Payments can be made online using the Parka App.

P1 – Thingvellir Visitor Center Parking – 1000 ISK

Located adjacent to the main Visitor Center and the Hakið viewing platform, this parking area serves as the main entrance into Thingvellir National Park. It’s where you’ll find the main exhibit inside the Visitor Center, a small store selling souvenirs, snacks, maps, and public bathrooms.

P2 – Öxarárfoss Waterfall Parking – 1000 ISK

Situated on the eastern side of the fissure, this secluded parking area is accessed via road 361 from the Service Center. It offers a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking swift access to the breathtaking Öxarárfoss waterfall. There are also public bathrooms here.

P3 – Öxarárfoss Trailhead Parking – Free

Located directly off Route 36 and about halfway between the Visitor Center and the Service Center, this sneaky parking area avoids the parking fees (so far) and provides backdoor access to the Mid Atlantic Ridge. From here, you’ll walk down into the park, approaching Öxarárfoss Waterfall from the north. There are no public bathrooms.

P5 – Silfra Fissure Parking – 1000 ISK

Note that there’s no P4 parking area, it jumps right ahead to P5. This is located south of Thingvallabær and the Thingvellir Church, and a few minutes’ walk away from the meeting point for the snorkeling and diving tours into the Silfra Fissure. There are also public bathrooms here.

The Visitor's Center

The main Visitor’s Center provides information, maps, and a permanent exhibit about the park's history and geology. For most people, this is the best starting point for visiting Thingvellir. There’s also a small shop selling souvenirs and other goodies.

Park Service Center

Located north of the lake on the bend, the Thingvellir Service Center includes the park's campsites and a small café. From here, you can walk across the road into the main area of the national park and explore the more remote northern territory.

Self-visit or better to go with a guide?

Both self-guided and guided tours are decent ways to explore the park. I’ve only ever been there by myself, learning about the historical significance through my own readings and research. But with a guide, you can glean some key insights and historical tidbits that only Icelandic guides might now.

On the other hand, guided tours to Thingvellir will likely only be included on a day tour of the Golden Circle – meaning you’ll only get at most an hour and a half before you’re hustled onto the bus to continue to Geysir. Self-guided visits allow you to explore at your own pace and spend more time at each site.

Restaurants, shops, and other facilities

The Service Center has a small café where you can grab a bite to eat. The main Visitor’s Center features a shop selling souvenirs and hiking maps. Both centers provide essential facilities, including bathrooms and information points. There are also public bathrooms at the P2 and P5 parking areas.

Photo: Olga Ernst , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Diego Delso , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Mid Atlantic Ridge

From the Visitor’s Center with its viewpoint, the walking trail leads though the most obvious section of the Mid Atlantic Ridge. The actual name is Almannagjá , or the ‘all man’s gorge’, and is essentially the edge of the North American tectonic plate.

Following this walking path takes you past several points of historical significance to the Öxarárfoss Waterfall.

Thingvallabær & Thingvellir Church

To the east of the Almannagjá is Thingvallabær, a tribute to the farmhouses of old created and the official summer residence of Iceland’s prime minster. Next door is the Thingvellir Church, constructed in 1859 on the same spot where the original church was built when Iceland adopted Christianity.

Here, you can also see Iceland’s national graveyard, encircled by lava, the final resting place for some of Iceland’s national heroes.

Silfra Fissure

Southwest of Thingvallabær is the Silfra Fissure, located near the tip of the lake. This fissure lets visitors dive or snorkel in the Mid Atlantic Ridge – an awesome experience.

The shores of Lake Thingvallavatn

Far fewer visitors will explore the shores of Lake Thingvallavatn in the National Park. Road 361 from the Silfra area branches off across the northern shore, offering access to scenic viewpoints over the water and walking trails.

North of the Service Center

By far the least-visited area of Thingvellir National Park is the huge swathe of territory to the north of the main service center.  

What to see and do in the park

1. Visit the Heart of Iceland exhibition

The Heart of Iceland exhibition is a permanent installation at the Thingvellir Visitor Centre, offering an in-depth look into the geological, cultural, and historical significance of the park.

Visitors can explore interactive displays that detail the tectonic forces at work in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge as well as the historical events that took place at Thingvellir, including the establishment of the Althing, Iceland’s parliament. The exhibition also highlights the unique flora and fauna of the region.

2. Catch the views from the Hakið Observation Deck

The Hakið observation deck at Thingvellir National Park provides panoramic views of the park's dramatic landscape and has historically been the first introduction visiting friends and family get to Icelandic landscapes when I’ve taken them out to explore.

From here, you can see the expansive rift valley formed by the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, inching apart further every year. You can also enjoy views over the serene lake, bordered by low-rising hills and mountains. Winter or summer, it’s a great starting point.

3. Walk through the Tectonic Divide

One of the most unique experiences at Thingvellir National Park is the opportunity to walk between two continental plates. The Almannagjá fault is a massive rift that marks the boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates, a dramatic fissure that a walking trail goes right through.

It’s well marked and easy-going and leads to several historical sites (below) within the national park.  

4. The Law Rock, the Drowning Pool, and Öxarárfoss

Without context, you might just wander right by both the Law Rock and the Drowning Pool. The Law Rock (Lögberg) is a historic site where Icelandic chieftains once gathered for the Althing, the national assembly. Safe to say, it’s a place that holds great cultural significance, although there’s nothing much of note to look at other than the Icelandic flag fluttering in the strong winds.

Nearby, the Drowning Pool (Drekkingarhylur) is more scenic, until you read on the sign that this is where women were drowned as punishment for various crimes.

Things become more scenic still upon reaching Öxarárfoss, a waterfall fed by the Öxará River, although it pales in comparison to others in Iceland. Still, it has always served as a good setup for visiting friends, who are impressed and then completely unprepared for the thundering Gullfoss Waterfall further northeast.

5. Snorkel or dive at Silfra

Silfra Fissure is a world-renowned diving and snorkeling site located within Thingvellir National Park. The clear, glacial water in Silfra fissure offers visibility of up to 100 meters, providing an unparalleled underwater experience.

Fed from underneath a giant lava field, it’s some of the purest water in the world – where else can you take off your mask for a deep gulp of water before continuing? The water temperature remains around 2-4°C year-round, so a dry suit is necessary for comfort – although they’re not comfortable to get on in the first place.

6. Stop by the National Church and graveyard

I must admit, this is my least favorite part of the national park. The Thingvellir Church (Thingvallakirkja) and its adjoining graveyard are small but historically significant sites, but unless you’re particularly into churches, it’s nothing special.

The graveyard surrounding the church is the final resting place of several notable Icelanders, including some early settlers.

7. Go fishing on Lake Thingvallavatn

Thingvellir National Park is home to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake. The lake is renowned for its clear waters and abundant fish, including Arctic char and brown trout. Boats aren’t allowed on the lake, but you can purchase both fly fishing and angling permits from the park’s Visitor Center.

It’s a nice way to spend some extended time in the area rather than just give it the cursory glance so many people do, of which I am also guilty.

8. Hike to the historical farm ruins

It’s not widespread knowledge, but Thingvellir National Park is also home to several ruins of farms. Trails meander through the flat lava fields, with bumpy knolls rising here and there and open rock fissures on all sides.

On the valley floor north of the lake you’ll likely find yourself at Skógarkot, although there’s not much left to look at. Hrauntún is another farm ruin about 30 to 45 minutes northeast, which means you need to cross over Route 36 and venture pleasantly far from the main area.

Vatnskot ruins are on the northern shores of the lake, about 15 minutes from the Silfra Fissure.

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Þingvellir National Park - Where You Walk Between Two Continents

• Þingvellir Today

Discover why Þingvellir National Park is such a sought after tourist destination and the significance of its history and geology. Why is it the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Icelandic mainland? How did it form? Why is it so popular? Read ahead for all you need to know about Þingvellir National Park.

Most visitors to Iceland will, at some point, take the Golden Circle, the most popular tourist route in the country. Images from its three destinations adorn postcards and websites, to the extent that many know what to expect from the tour before they even arrive. The iconic Gullfoss waterfall is famed for its scale and beauty; the Geysir Geothermal Area is home to the rare and spectacular phenomenon of, as the name suggests, geysers; but what about Þingvellir warrants it a place on the list?

The answer to this is multi-faceted. Þingvellir is a place where Iceland’s stark geological processes are playing out right in front of you; it is where the history of the nation truly began and where almost all its major historical turns were made; and, quite simply, it is a beautiful site with a wealth of things to do. No matter your interests, you are sure to find something here that fascinates you.

Continue reading to learn about the history, geology, and modern-day appeal of Þingvellir.

See here for all Golden Circle Tours

Iceland’s settlement by the Norse started with the arrival of Ingólfur Arnarson in 874, and for the next 56 years, the era was called ‘The Settlement Period’. Driven away from a newly united Norway under King Harald Fairhair, many communities from many different clans started to spring up all around the island’s shores.

This, however, was quite an unsustainable situation. The arrivals largely shared an ancestral home, religion and language, but otherwise had their own leaders and customs. Violence between groups, therefore, was commonplace, as people fought for their beliefs and for the limited resources their new island had to offer.

District assemblies began to form, but the majority of the power in the island was concentrated in the south-west, around Reykjavík, in the hands of the descendants of Ingólfur. The settlers spread around the rest of the country resented this, thus pushed for a general assembly to establish how they could all live together harmoniously.

A man called Grímur Geitskör was given the tasks of gathering representatives from each clan and finding a suitable meeting location. As is often the case with Norse history, this became a reality through rather grim means. Just as Geitskör was searching, the man who owned a sheltered piece of land accessible from all corners of the country was convicted of murder, and his property turned public.

This location would become Þingvellir. While still clearly more convenient to reach for the wealthy individuals of the south-west, it took no more than seventeen days of travelling from the furthest reaches of the east, so it was settled upon as the assembly’s site. In 930 AD, over thirty ruling chiefs met for the first time to discuss law on the island and to create a commonwealth.

In hindsight, we can see that what these early Icelanders did was create a crude version of a modern-day representative parliament in response to absolute monarchy, about 800 years before such ideas came into play in the USA and France.

The meeting was such a success that the chiefs returned each following year. The institution, called the Alþingi, developed to be a place where disputes were settled, where distant relations could share their annual news, and where criminals were tried and punished. No one person ruled the entire parliament; the de facto head was the Law Speaker, but he was simply the institution’s mouthpiece with only ceremonial powers. Instead, decisions were made collectively.

It was at Þingvellir - which translates directly to ‘the fields of parliament’ - where most of the major turns in Iceland’s history then started to occur. For example, it was here that the nation abandoned Asatru, the Old Norse pagan belief system, in lieu of Christianity in 1000 AD, due to the threat of Norwegian invasion. Nearly a millennium later, in 1944 AD, it is where Icelanders declared their independence from Denmark and confirmed their first President.

The Althingi has existed nearly constantly since its inception; it functioned even throughout the Icelandic Civil War in the 13th Century. The only time it did not operate was between 1799 to 1844 due to Danish colonialism. When it returned, it was the same institution under the same name; only it was restored in Reykjavík, where it continues today. This makes Þingvellir the original site of the world’s longest running, still ongoing parliament.

Because of its history, Þingvellir became a National Park in 1930, a millennium after the Alþingi’s establishment. In 2004, it was accepted as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The annual meetings at Þingvellir were very ad hoc, with people from around the country only building temporary shelters and dismantling them once the meeting had convened. Therefore, there is little evidence on the site that it ever had such historical significance. Those with a keen eye, however, may still see old foundations lying around, some of which have submerged underwater as the valley has sunk.

Why the valley is sinking, however, is another major part of Þingvellir's appeal.

See here for more information about the history of Iceland

Þingvellir’s cultural and historical heritage are what draw many over to it, but it’s geological traits are quite as fascinating.

Iceland is divided by the Mid-Atlantic Rift ; some parts of it, such as the Westfjords and Reyjavík, are on the North American tectonic plate, while others, such as Vatnajökull glacier and the East Fjords, are on the Eurasian plate. Iceland is the only place in the world where this rift is above sea-level, and nowhere can you see the edges of both plates as clearly as in Þingvellir. 

As you enter the park from Reykjavík, you descend a steep cliff into a valley. Looking upon the face of this cliff is to literally look at the edge of North America. If you drive through the park, you will ascend on the other side adjacent to another wall; this is Eurasia. The valley in between, in which Þingvellir is contained, is the rift valley.

You are welcome to walk alongside both of these plates. One of the park’s most pleasant walks takes you between the edge of the North-American plate and an old part of the wall that collapsed away; this is called the Almannagjá gorge . This path impresses the geological processes going on here upon you very clearly, and ends with a charming waterfall called Öxaráfoss. 

The tectonic plates move apart at approximately 2.5 centimetres a year and have done for millenniums. The effects of this movement are very clear within the park. Lava fields fill the valley, from magma that welled up as the continents spread, and the whole area is littered with ravines, ripped open by centuries of earthquakes. 

Earthquakes continue every day in Þingvellir, although most are far too minor to be felt. No volcano has gone off in the area in 2000 years, but they are not considered extinct. More eruptions are expected; the question is only as to when.

See here for more information on volcanoes in Iceland

Þingvellir Today

Between February 2015 and February 2016, almost 700,000 people visited Þingvellir National Park, making it one of the most visited sites in all of Iceland. Located just 45 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík, and the first stop on the Golden Circle, these numbers are only expected to increase with the rate of tourism.

Today, people come for more than just the history and geology (although they remain the most prevailing lures). Many, for example, come for the opportunities regarding snorkelling and diving. The ravines opened by the tectonic movement fill with the meltwater from Langjökull glacier , which has travelled underground for decades through porous lava rock, undergoing a very thorough filtration process. When it enters the ravines, therefore, it is pristinely clean and crystal clear.

The most famous one of these ravines and the only one it is permitted to snorkel or dive in is Silfra. The visibility of the water within it exceeds a hundred metres, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a world of magical blue light, and witness incredible geology beneath the surface. As the water is two degrees Celsius throughout the year, drysuits are required for this activity, although the occasional snorkelling operator will lead daring groups in wetsuits.

Because of Silfra’s uniqueness, it is often voted as one of the world’s top five dive sites. To partake in a scuba dive, however, requires a drysuit certification or at least ten logged dives in a drysuit, verified by a qualified guide. The snorkelling has fewer requirements, but participants must be at least twelve years old and able to swim. 

See here for all snorkelling tours

See here for all diving tours

Another trait of Þingvellir that draws guests is its use as a shooting location in HBO’s Game of Thrones series. Please feel free to overlook the next two paragraphs if you wish to avoid spoilers.

The aforementioned Almannagjá gorge is used to represent the Gates of the Moon, which lead towards the Eyrie, home of Lady Lysa. It is visited in Season One by Caitlyn Stark and her party (including an imprisoned Tyrion), and in Season Four by the Hound and Arya Stark. Buildings are edited on top and behind it, and the walls are lined with crossbowmen on the show; if you are a diehard fan, however, you should be able to recognise the location very quickly.

The surrounding area is also used as the site where the Hound fought Brienne of Tarth and was left for dead. The lake Þingvellirvatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake which sits to the south of the park, was used as the bay from which Arya leaves Westeros to head for Braavos. The special effects crew simply removed the mountains from the far side of the lake to make it appear like the water opened out into the ocean.

The animal life at Þingvellir also brings guests. Fishing in the lake for its trout, which, due to 10,000 years of evolutionary isolation, are large for their kind, is popular, if highly regulated and expensive. Birdwatchers also flock to the area in summer, for its many species of duck, its golden plovers, and its common snipes. Wildlife enthusiasts can also keep their eye on the undergrowth and the edges of the waters, for Arctic Foxes and Mink respectively. 

While visiting Þingvellir is a highly sought-after experience and is very rewarding, the number of visitors coming through the park has had a significantly negative effect on the nature. As tourism boomed, infrastructure struggled to keep up. 

The moss that covers the lava rock throughout the park is incredibly delicate, and those who have not stuck to the paths during their visits have damaged much of it; it will likely take decades to recover fully. The heavy metals in coins that people have thrown into a ‘wishing well’ have seeped into the lake and are now above appropriate levels. Those staying at the campsite have been known to leave their waste behind. These are just a few of the ways tourism has damaged the park.

See here for more information about Iceland's troubled environment

Infrastructure is catching up, however; paths are now clearly marked, and many rangers patrol the area to ensure that they are being stuck to. Regulations on snorkelling and diving are ever increasing, to limit the impact of humans on Silfra as much as for safety, and visitors are now discouraged from dropping money in the waters. Þingvellir is also becoming someone of a national leader in reforestation, with much of it covered in native birch and non-native pines.

Visitors to Þingvellir can greatly help its survival by respecting the basic rules and leaving as little impact as possible. Ideally, Þingvellir can be a beautifully preserved place that will leave you wanting to bring the ideals of natural beauty and cultural protection back home with you. 

Although affected by tourism, its history, culture, geology and natural beauty mean that it certainly still has this potential.

See here for information about  the Golden Circle and its top nine detours

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7 Things to do in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

I’ve already written quite a bit about our 3-week road trip around Iceland last summer, but I only briefly mentioned Thingvellir (more properly spelled as Þingvellir) in my itinerary article . While it wasn’t a place I particularly prioritized in our planning, it turned out that there are plenty of things to do in Thingvellir National Park.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a booking, I will receive a small commission. This will not affect your price.

But first, a little background. This UNESCO-listed site is important for two reasons: one historical and the other geological. We went there to see both.

History of Thingvellir National Park

Iceland doesn’t have as much history as countries here in Europe. It wasn’t even permanently populated until the 8th century AD. Thingvellir is a revered spot as the place in which Iceland’s identity as a nation began and developed.

Thingvellir was the seat of government in what is called the “Old Commonwealth” period, starting in 930 AD. That was when the first assembly (AlÞingi, which is also translated as parliament) of chieftains met at Thingvellir, traveling from all around Iceland, setting up temporary turf buildings and staying about two weeks.

They met every summer to pass new laws and judge court cases. This lasted until 1262, when Iceland came under Norwegian rule, but the AlÞingi still retained some power to make legal decisions until 1662, when Denmark took power. After that, it kept meeting until 1798, but with diminished powers.

As for geology, Thingvellir is known as the only place where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and can be seen on dry land. Over time, the two plates have moved apart here, creating a rift valley. The gravel road down into the valley goes along the rift between high stony cliff walls. Being along the Mid-Atlantic ridge, the area is still – like all of Iceland – subject to earthquake activity as the tectonic plates shift.

Lake Þingvallavatn

Thingvellir is also home to a lake called Þingvallavatn, known for how clear the water is and the diversity of life it supports. It’s Iceland’s largest lake, and it’s so clear because the water comes from the Langjökull glacier, taking years to filter through lava underground. Rain that falls on the lava takes several months. That’s why the water is so clear: because the lava rock filters it so well.

Things to do in Thingvellir National Park

1. see an exhibition at the hakið visitor center..

While little remains of the AlÞingi’s meeting site at Thingvellir National Park, the Hakið visitor center has a remarkably good exhibition called “Heart of Iceland,” telling the history of the parliament and Iceland’s entire history, as well as covering Icelandic laws and the geology of the area. It’s all very interactive, with, for example, VR goggles that place you in the parliament’s circle to listen to a debate and table-sized touch screens to show how rule over Iceland changed.

I highly recommend starting here, even before descending into the rift valley. It’ll help you appreciate what you are seeing as you explore the park.

The exhibition is open Monday-Friday 10:00-16:00, Saturday-Sunday 10:00-17:00. Admission: ISK1000 (€6/$7), children under 18 free.

2. Walk in the rift.

As you walk from the visitor’s center down into the valley or on your way to Öxarárfoss waterfall, you’ll be literally walking inside the rift. It’s quite awe-inspiring to realize those black stone cliffs are edges of continental plates.

3. Go snorkeling or diving.

One of the popular activities in Thingvellir National Park is to go snorkeling or diving in Silfra between the two continental plates. Since the plates have moved apart here, the space between them has become a river, with that clean lava-filtered water flowing into Lake Þingvallavatn.

We decided not to go snorkeling mostly because it seemed much too cold – they use drysuits, but still … As for diving, you can only dive if you have a dry suit certificate or can show you’ve taken at least 10 dry suit dives in the last two years.

Instead, we walked along the trail to the spot where the snorkelers go into the water and past it to watch them move through the rift. That was enough for us.

4. See some Thingvellir National Park sights.

We walked further in Þingvellir’s central valley, checking out Thingvallakirkja, a pretty church, consecrated in 1859. A church has been standing on the same site since the adoption of Christianity in Iceland in about the year 1000.

The house next to the church looks like a modern version of Laufás and Glaumbaer . It’s the summer residence for Iceland’s Prime Minister. Dating to 1930, it originally had three gables and a turf roof and housed the national park warden and the priest for the church next door. In 1974, two gables were added and just that end of the house was the summer residence – a very modest accommodation for a nation’s leader. Later the government bought the whole building.

While we didn’t go and check them out, there are also some vague ruins in the valley. Some date all the way back to the Commonwealth period before Iceland came under Norwegian rule. The ruins are pretty minimal: just bumps, really. They mark where temporary structures stood: visitors and assemblymen (chieftains) would rebuild these every year on the remnants of old structures, with turf walls and grass roofs.

5. Take a walk/hike.

There are a number of hiking trails in the park. Marked hiking trails lead to several ruined farmsteads and waterfalls. Ask for information at the visitor’s center. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent for the midges, some water, and also sun lotion and/or a hat if it’s a bright day!

6. Do some birdwatching.

Thingvellir National Park is a great place to do some birdwatching, particularly around the lake to see water birds. Bring your binoculars!

7. Visit Öxarárfoss waterfall.

Inside Þingvellir National Park, you’ll find Öxarárfoss waterfall. Apparently the river that feeds it was diverted very early in the Commonwealth period so that it would fall into this fissure. This brought the river’s water nearer to where the parliament was meeting.

It’s an easy walk either from the visitor center or from a nearby parking lot. While it is pretty, it doesn’t compare to some of the others we saw on this trip. Read my article about waterfalls in Iceland to see what I mean.

If you decide to go to Thingvellir, leave at least half a day, but plan for a whole day if you’re into hiking. If you don’t have a rental car, the best and easiest way to get there is to take an organized tour from Reykjavik.

Use the button below to shop for tours to Thingvellir from Reykjavik:

Are there more things to do in Thingvellir National Park that I’ve left out of this list? Please let me know!

Þ ingvellir National Park:  Take route 1 out of Reykjavik and turn right onto route 36. While admission to the park is free, if you park your car in P1, P2 or P5 you’ll have to pay for parking either at pay machines or online  here . Don’t forget or your rental car company will likely add an additional charge on top of the parking fee!  Þingvellir’s website .

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Rachel Heller is a writer living in Groningen, the Netherlands. She is the owner and primary author of this website, Rachel’s Ruminations, a travel blog focused on independent travel with an emphasis on cultural and historical sites/sights. Read more here about her and about this website. Rachel also owns and operates a website about travel to UNESCO World Heritage sites .

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Thingvellir National Park | Complete Guide

A historical site and a jewel of nature - nowhere on earth is continental drift more visible.

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Best National Parks in Iceland

Thingvellir National Park

• Tours to Thingvellir
• Our Guide to Þingvellir
• How to get there
• Geological History
• Things to do
• Places to stay
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• Interesting places near

Related blogs and Information

Located on the  Golden Circle route , Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park is one of the most frequently visited attractions in Iceland . This area contains interesting landscapes and has an outstanding significance both historically and geologically. Read our complete guide to learn more about its exciting history and features as well as to get tips on what to do and see in Thingvellir National Park!

Popular tours that include Thingvellir National Park

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Thingvellir (or, in Icelandic, Þingvellir) is the only place in the world where you can stand between two continental plates, in a distinctive geological landscape that changes every year. Part of the Golden Circle , Þingvellir is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and an important historical location in Iceland. Visit Thingvellir National Park all year round and explore one of the most unique geological sites in the world! 

Our Guide to Þingvellir

Located in southwest Iceland , Thingvellir (or Þingvellir, in Icelandic) is held in high esteem thanks to a rich cultural and geological history. Thingvellir is known as the birthplace of Iceland as a nation, and home to the oldest ongoing parliament in the world. In the boundaries of this unique national park, the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift away from each other. You can walk in the seismic rift valley that marks the border between the two continents . The plates slowly shift apart by 0.78 in (2 cm) a year, changing the landscape and creating an extraordinary sight. 

Along with breathtaking hiking routes, Thingvellir National Park also offers an exceptional diving opportunity at Silfra Fissure. In Silfra, you can snorkel or dive between two tectonic plates in the clearest water on the planet! 

One of the most iconic destinations in Iceland, Thingvellir National Park is part of the three main attractions of the Golden Circle . If you’re in Iceland, you must visit Þingvellir!

Where Is Thingvellir National Park Located?

64°15'21.6"N 21°07'46.5"W

Thingvellir National Park is located in southwestern Iceland, around 28 mi (45 km) northeast of Reykjavik. It’s often the first stop of travelers on the Golden Circle and is located just off the famous Ring Road .

How to Get to Þingvellir?

The best way to visit Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik is by renting a car or on one of our tours. Public transport does not run between the capital and Þingvellir. 

When traveling from Reykjavik, take Road 1 towards the North, heading out of the city. Drive through a town called Mosfellsbær and take the first exit at the roundabout located just outside the town. Get on Road 36 that will take you to Þingvellir and follow the road signs. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the national park from Reykjavik. 

There’s also a summer road from Reykjavik with great views of Lake Thingvallavatn along the way.

Take Road 1 towards Hveragerdi/Selfoss on the south coast. Soon after leaving the city, turn left onto road 431 and follow it all the way to road 435 (Nesjavallaleid). This road is open from May to September, depending on the weather. Cross the Hengill volcano and turn left on road 360 (Grafningsvegur). Drive along the picturesque banks of Lake Thingvallavatn for around 7 miles (11 km). Then jump onto Road 36 and follow the signs to Thingvellir National Park, which is around 5 mi (8 km) from there.

History of Þingvellir

Thingvellir has strong roots in the minds of the Icelandic nation as well as in the history of the country itself. Shortly after the year 900, inhabitants started to think about founding a general assembly for the new settlers of Iceland. The foundation of the Icelandic parliament is said to be the founding of the nation of Iceland. The first parliamentary proceedings in the summer of 930 laid ground for a common cultural heritage and national identity.

The Althing (the Icelandic parliament) was assembled for the first time in a valley at Thingvellir, a place which happens to be the same valley where the Eurasian and the American tectonic plates drift apart.

Lögberg (Law Rock) was the focal point of the Althing and a natural platform for holding speeches. Every summer, well over 5,000 people from all over the country ventured to Thingvellir to join the assembly which would last two weeks. Rulings made by the Law Council were announced, the calendar was confirmed, legal actions were brought, and other announcements made which concerned the entire nation. Anyone attending the assembly was entitled to present their case at the Lögberg on important issues.

The Althing was Iceland's legislative and chief judicial authority until the end of the Commonwealth in 1262. The final decades of the Commonwealth were characterized by clashes between the chieftain families which resulted in Iceland becoming part of the Kingdom of Norway. Executive power was strengthened under this new order while legislative and judicial authority remained in the hands of the Althing. This power was gradually transferred to the Norwegian and later Danish rulers until the King of Denmark became the absolute monarch of Iceland in 1662.

Þingvellir and the Start of the Icelandic Nation

Grímur Geitskór, a half-brother of Iceland’s first lawspeaker, was asked to find a suitable location for the assembly (Althingi), the local governmental system. Around the same time, the landowner at Bláskógar (an old name for Þingvellir) was convicted of murdering his servant and stripped of his rights. Þingvellir became public land and a clear opportunity for Grímur. 

Bláskógar was considered a convenient location for the assembly meeting, as it was relatively central, (only) taking around 17 days to reach it from the farthest corners of Iceland. The sheltered location was perfect for an assembly meeting as there were enough firewood and water on the site. Bláskógar became the assembly site and was dubbed Þingvellir, which translates to “fields of assembly.” In 930 CE, over thirty chieftains gathered together to take part in the first Icelandic national parliament, Alþingi. Most scholars mark this year as the start of the Icelandic nation. 

The first meeting was so successful that chiefs returned to Þingvellir every year. Alþingi became an institution, a time when districts shared their news of the previous year, altered old laws and created new ones.

Alþingi – The First Parliament

The Icelandic Commonwealth period ran from the year 930 until 1262. The law council, Lögrétta, was the supreme institution of the Alþingi, and the Lögberg or Law Rock was its focal point. It was also a natural platform for holding speeches. A Lawspeaker was elected for a three-year term and presided over the council as the Althingi’s mouthpiece. All decisions were made collectively. 

Legislative and judicial authority gradually transferred from the hands of Alþingi to Norwegian and later Danish rulers, and the Althingi became more of a ceremonial rite and festival in Icelandic society. The last assembly meeting at Þingvellir was held in 1798.

In 1843, the King of Denmark agreed to host an advisory assembly in Iceland. The following year, the country’s first official election was held, reinstating the Althingi, albeit now based in Reykjavik. With the exception of the period between 1799 and 1844, the Althingi has run consistently since its inception. To this day, it’s still the world’s longest running, ongoing parliament.

The Cultural Significance of Thingvellir

Thingvellir was the center of Icelandic culture. Every year during the Commonwealth period, people, numbering in the thousands, would flock to Thingvellir from all over the country. They set up dwellings with walls of turf and rock and temporary roofing, staying in them for the two weeks of the assembly.

Even though the duties of the assembly were the real reason for going there, ordinary people gathered at Thingvellir for a wide variety of reasons. Merchants, sword sharpeners, and tanners would sell their goods and services, clowns would perform, and ale-makers would brew drinks for the guests of the assembly.

The news was shared from distant parts. Games and feasts were held. Young people met to make their plans, no less so than did the leading national figures and experts in law. Itinerant farmhands looked for work and vagrants begged. Thingvellir was the meeting place for everyone in Iceland, laying the foundation for the language and literature that have been a prominent part of its people's lives up to the present day.

Thingvellir was an important symbol of national unity in Iceland’s process towards independence in the 19th and 20th centuries. The last Althing was held at Thingvellir in the summer of 1798. After the assembly was suspended, Thingvellir became a quiet place for a long period of time.

Thingvellir as a Symbol of Independence

When the European movement for independence reached Iceland at the beginning of the 19th century, the sagas and landscape of Thingvellir were revitalized. Thingvellir then played a dominant role in Icelandic society as a symbol of its independence.

The reawakening of nationalism resulted in many discussions about the location of the new Althing. There were many differences of opinion as to where the Althing should be located, but Thingvellir was an immediate suggestion.

Because of the Thingvellir meetings and the movement for independence, Thingvellir re-established itself as the main meeting place for Icelanders, where they could meet and celebrate the biggest and most important events in the history of their nation.

In 1874, a national festival was held at Thingvellir to celebrate the 1,000-year anniversary of the settlement of Iceland. On this occasion, King Kristian IX presented Icelanders with their first constitution, according to which the Althing was granted limited legislative and financial powers. Many Icelanders went to Thingvellir to witness this event which marked a watershed in their campaign for independence.

In the summer of 1930, a large festival was held at Thingvellir to celebrate the Millennium of the Althing itself. The Althing festival was the first general celebration of Icelanders where a substantial proportion of the nation was present, about 30,000 to 40,000 people. The foundation of the Republic of Iceland took place at Thingvellir on June 17, 1944, which is also the birthday of one of its national heroes, Jon Sigurdsson.

The first presidential election took place at Lögberg and state leader Sveinn Bjornsson became the country's first president. At the end of the program at Lögberg, the first cabinet meeting of the Republic of Iceland took place at which the president confirmed the law regarding the national flag and the coat of arms.

In 1974, Icelanders celebrated the 1,100th anniversary of the settlement. On June 17, 1994, a celebration was held at Thingvellir to mark the 50-year anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Iceland.

In 1999, a festival to celebrate the Millennium of Christianity was set in motion. This included a series of events all over the country. The celebrations culminated in a two-day festival at Thingvellir in early June of the year 2000.

Geological History of the Thingvellir National Park

The whole area lies on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an enormous fissure which stretches between the Eurasian and the North American continental plates, extending over 16,000 kilometers (9,950 miles). As a result of the movement of the plates, Iceland experiences increased seismic and volcanic activity.

About 10,000 years ago, after the   Langjökull glacier   had retreated and reached its current position, a shield volcanic eruption started in the Thingvellir area. This resulted in the formation of some of the most beautiful Icelandic shield volcanoes which today decorate the landscape around the national park. This eruption lasted for decades, maybe even up to a century.

About 3,000 years ago, an 8-kilometer (4.7 mile) long eruptive fissure opened in Thingvellir valley and multiple eruptions followed one after another. The last eruption in the area occurred around 2,000 years ago when an ash crater arose from the bottom of Lake Thingvallavatn. Volcanic activity in the area has been dormant since then, but the question remains not whether but when it will start up again.

The Geology in Thingvellir Today

In the summer of 2000, two severe earthquakes occurred in   South Iceland . Even though their source was 40-50 kilometers (24-31 miles) southeast of Thingvellir, stones fell from the ravine walls and water splashed up from the rifts. The earthquakes were a result of movement in the Eurasian and North American plate boundaries that run through Iceland.

In the south, the plates inch past each other while at Thingvellir, they break apart and the land between them subsides. Away from the plate boundaries, the activity is fairly constant at about two centimeters (0.78 inches) per year. But, in the rift zones themselves, tensional stress accumulates during a long period which is then released in a burst of activity when fracture boundaries are reached.

What to Do at Thingvellir National Park?

Þingvellir’s visitors have a range of activities to choose from. From one of the best diving sites in the world to great hiking trails and world-famous fishing spots, Þingvellir has it all!

Scuba dive or snorkel in the clearest fresh water in the world in Silfra Fissure . A large rift lying at the rim of the Lake Thingvallavatn, which is filled with glacial water from Langjökull glacier. The water travels through the finest natural filtration of dense lava fields before it reaches Silfra. The water that flows into the fissure is so pure that divers and snorkelers can enjoy unparalleled visibility of up to 328 ft (100 m). Nowhere else can you snorkel in between two tectonic plates with such ease.

Hiking is one of the main activities at the park , as Þingvellir offers great trails with exceptional views. One of the most popular trails leads to Öxarárfoss Waterfall. Game of Thrones fans will recognize this location from Seasons 1 and 4 of the HBO series, as the Bloody Gate that marks the entrance to the Eyrie. Hiking through Almannagjá gorge, the path takes you across the point where two tectonic plates meet, which means you’ll walk between two continents!

Fishing in Lake Thingvallavatn (Þingvallavatn) is a fisher’s dream. Angling enthusiasts from all over the world are drawn here by the world’s largest wild brown trout. Arctic char and the three-spined stickleback also dwell in the lake’s clear freshwater.

The Unique Vegetation of Lake Thingvallavatn

Lake Thingvallavatn is particularly fertile and rich in vegetation despite the very cold temperatures. A third of the bottom area is covered by vegetation and there is a large amount of algae. Low-growing vegetation extends out to a depth of 10 meters (32.8 feet) while higher-growing vegetation forms a large growing belt from 10-30 meters (32.8-98.4 feet) deep. From the shore to the center of the lake, a total of 150 types of plants have been found as well as 50 kinds of invertebrates.

In Lake Thingvallavatn can be found three of the five species of freshwater fish found in Iceland: brown trout, Arctic char, and the three-spined stickleback. It is said that these fish became isolated in the lake in the wake of the last ice age when the terrain rose at the south end of Thingvallavatn.

Silfra: The Rift Between the Tectonic Plates

Following one of the major earthquakes, a large rift opened overnight next to the Lake Thingvallavatn. The fissure - called   Silfra   - was not eruptive but soon began to fill with meltwater from Langjökull glacier, which lies about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.

As the water travels through a dense lava field, it gets purified by the finest natural filtration on the planet. Lava rock has an extremely very fine texture. It takes the glacial water about 30 to 100 years to reach its final destination in the Silfra fissure.

The result is that when the water finally arrives in Silfra, it is so clear that you can see all the way along the fissure. This is the clearest fresh water in the world with a mind-blowing length of underwater visibility that exceeds 100 meters (328 feet).

As the water from the glacier never stops flowing, the natural spring creates a gentle current that keeps the 2-4°C (35-39°F) water moving constantly, ensuring it never becomes dirty and that bacteria cannot thrive.

Thanks to the easy accessibility and the extraordinary location,   Silfra is on every diver and snorkeler’s bucket list  which was r ated one of the top ten activities in the world by TripAdvisor in 2019 .  You are, however, not allowed to swim or snorkel at Silfra without a safe drysuit or a trained local guide.

As Thingvellir is a highly protected national park, only a few companies have the right to take visitors to Silfra. Booking a tour with us is the best way to explore this extraordinary site!

Where to Stay Near Thingvellir National Park?

• Ion Adventure Hotel
• Hotel Borealis
• Hotel Edda Laugarvatn
• Hotel Grímsborgir

Guesthouses

• Lake Thingvellir cottages
• Þingvellir Golden Circle Cottage
• Holiday Home Laugarvatn
• Hrísholt Private House
• Leirar campsite - open all year round.
• Vatnskot campground - open June to September.

Where to Eat Near Þingvellir?

• National Park café - a small cafeteria inside the information center. It serves grilled sandwiches, salads, hot dogs and soup. 
• Silfra restaurant - based in Ion Adventure Hotel, offers Nordic Cuisine. 
• Northern Lights Bar - inside the same Ion Adventure Hotel, offers beers, liqueurs, and spirits from microbreweries around Iceland.

Interesting Places Near Thingvellir National Park

• Lake Þingvallavatn
• Lake Laugarvatn
• Brúarfoss Waterfall
• Flúðir Geothermal Village
• Kerið Volcanic Crater

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Everything to Ever Know About Thingvellir

Thingvellir National Park in Iceland is a UNESCO World Heritage site where the Mid-Atlantic Rift is visible above sea level, and fissures of pure water present magical underworlds for divers and snorkelers. Althingi, the longest-standing parliament in the world, was founded in Thingvellir, which shaped the park’s history.

There are many aspects to Thingvellir National Park that offer outstanding tourist attractions with beautiful places to see and incredible things to do. Some of these include:

• Diving in the Silfra Fissure
• Hiking from one side of the Mid-Atlantic Rift to the other in Almannagjá gorge
• Fissuring on Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland
• Viewing ancient historical booths from the Althingi
• Taking in the Northern Lights

The history, geology, and the beauty of Thingvellir, or Þingvellir in Icelandic, wraps up all of the significant cultural changes and beautiful places in its stony, rugged grip. Visiting here is like a portal to the past and a trip to the moon for the modern-day traveler. 

Find out how to optimize your time here by reading further and discover all the Park has to offer.

How to Plan a Trip to Thingvellir

If anyone is interested in planning a trip to Thingvellir (Þingvellir), it is surprisingly easy to do so. It is only 45 minutes from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, and is one of the first stops on the famous Golden Circle route around Iceland.

From Reykjavik

To get there from Reykjavik, take Route 1 north to the point where you hit Route 36, which is in Mosfellsbær. It is a well-maintained route and doesn’t require the use of a 4×4, like other popular tourist destinations in Iceland.

During the summer season, which lasts from May through September, a scenic route is open and laid out for visitors who would like to see a volcano and stunning views of Lake Thingvallavatn before reaching the park. Find this by visiting the Thingvellir website .

It is possible to make a day trip to the Park. There is a wide array of tours that take tourists to the Park for one or two days. It is also easy to rent a car in Iceland, and if the weather is good, it takes less than an hour to get there. There are parking lots around the visitor center and close to the old site of the Althingi.

There are two access points to the Park, close to Almannagjá or farther down. The lower entrance is near to one campsite. Camping is open all year round, and reservations are not necessary. A visitor will need a permit to camp, though, and to fish if that is on their itinerary.

The entrance to the Park itself is free. However, if you drive in, it is necessary to pay for parking. The Park is a popular tourist site no matter what time of year you visit. It is best to visit early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid large crowds.

Be Safe in the Park

It is crucial to stay on paths or designated areas of the Park. Volcanic activity over the centuries has created hundreds of deep rifts and ravines in the ground all over the Park. So, for your safety: stick to the paths.

Before you visit, it is interesting to recognize the story that the geology in Thingvellir tells about it. Then, you can understand all of its wonders.

Have you ever wondered why Iceland had received its nickname “The Land of Fire and Ice”? We are happy to supply you with the answer, and it all has to do with geology.

The Mid-Atlantic Rift

Iceland lies on top of the meeting point of two tectonic plates; the North American and the Eurasian plates. What’s more, it rests over a “hot spot.” It is the only place in the world where the split between the two plates can be seen above water, ever so displayed in Thingvellir National Park.

This convergence has resulted in the creation of many different volcanoes over the entire island.

Although only a small island compared to other countries, it has 30 active volcano systems along this border. 

Thirteen of these have erupted since Iceland was settled. Ash layers from the volcanic outbursts are what have enabled historians to so accurately date back the activity of the settlements since their beginning.

This tectonic plate boundary, also known as the Mid-Atlantic Rift, gives it some of the most alluring scenery in the world. It has created mountains and fissures from a rift valley where the tectonic plates have been slowly pulling the country apart, 2.5 centimeters each year.

The results of this movement are what has supplied it with so many of its incredible features and sites.

What to See in Thingvellir National Park

If you are planning a trip to Iceland or are merely interested in investigating further the results of its location along the Rift, its unique geographic features will keep you engaged for a long time. The best areas to engage with the land of Thingvellir include:

Silfra Fissure

• Almannagjá gorge

Öxarárfoss waterfall

Flosagjá and nikulásargjá, lake thingvallavatn, drekkingarhylur, viking church, historical booths, northern lights.

Silfra fissure has to be at the top of our list when considering the incredible areas and things to do in Thingvellir National Park. The crack is one of many rifts and ravines that have been formed by the tectonic plates pulling apart.

Amazingly, the fissure is not filled by the waters of Lake Thingvallavatn. It is fed into from the looming Langjökull glacier. The freezing glacial meltwaters transition underground for many miles before reaching Silfra. 

Through this move, they filter through many layers of underground pumice and come out pristine and clear. This water, as purely reflective as a mirror, is what gave the fissure its name, Silfra, which means silvery.

Silfra fissure is often named among the top five areas in the world to go snorkeling. Divers can push into the depths of the clear water to view unusual rock formations and have a front-row swim to see the forces that dictate the world’s geography.

Photo by Ex nihil  

Almannagjá gorge 

If you prefer to do your Rift-seeing over the water, it is worth checking out Almannagjá gorge. It was formed by an earthquake that released the tension between the two plates. It is possible to see the walls of each tectonic plate inside the gorge.

There is a great deal of history here due to the Althingi meeting at the Law Rock, or Lögberg. When they would create new laws, or desire to go over old ones, the Law Speaker would read them outstanding on a high rock above the gorge where thousands would be listening below where his voice would echo in the cliffs.

Numerous hikes go along the end and into the gorge, giving you an up-close-and-personal view of geological history.

Situated along this gorge is the waterfall, Öxarárfoss. It is fed by the river Öxará and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Park. During the summer, it is dense with those wanting to take in its double-dive down the cliffs of Almmanagjá.

Although this isn’t the largest waterfall in Iceland, being 13 meters high, it is still stunning. It is also used for the winter sport of ice climbing. Although this can be a dangerous endeavor, experts have climbed the waterfall in the dead of winter when it becomes entirely frozen. 

One of the fissures in Thingvellir created by the rift is Flosagjá. It is filled with clear water, fed by glaciers. It gets up to 25 meters deep in some areas and is a popular site for scuba divers and snorkelers.

The fissure forms a fork with a western and an eastern branch. The branch to the east is called Nikulásargjá, and the one to the west is called Flosagjá. In 1907, the distance between the two was bridged. Over the years, people crossing the bridge made a habit of throwing coins in the fissure to exemplify the clarity of the water, causing it to get the nickname Peningagjá, which means Money Fault. 

Do note that, although seemingly a fun and harmless activity, the metals in the coins that people have thrown in have damaged the integrity of the water. Don’t allow the temptation to throw yours in to succeed above the welfare of the preserved natural areas.

Lake Thingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland, taking up approximately 20,757 acres (84 km²), the northern tip of which is located in Thingvellir. It is this lake that Silfra extends into, and it is almost entirely fed by natural springs steaming to it from around the southwestern part of the country.

The lake has an average depth of 112 feet (34 m), but it can reach up to 374 feet deep (114 m). 

There is a hydroelectric dam at one end in the lake, where it outflows into the Sog River, although this is outside of Thingvellir National Park’s borders.

The lake is full of trout fish. Fishers can come during the season and fish for 12 hours on the North American side and then move over after lunch to visit Eurasia. Fishing in two worlds!

Drekkingarhylur is known in English as the “Drowning Pool.” Once upon a time, Iceland was settled by Vikings from Norway. It happened during the 9th century, and in the beginning, there were no punishments for any crime worse than exile.

During the Middle Ages, all of this changed, and executions became more and more common. For men, it was common to be decapitated for their offensives. Women were not treated to such a quick death. Instead, theirs was to be drowning, serving as execution, and a lesson to other women in their community.

Sexual immorality was looked upon as an ultimate disgrace. Women accused of sex-related crimes, such as incest, adultery, or pregnancy outside of marriage, were made to face Drekkingarhylur. The women were placed in a bag and then pushed into a pool where they slowly drowned. Historians have found that at least 18 Icelandic women were executed in the ill-fated pool. 

Shockingly, this practice continued for hundreds of years across Iceland, with the last execution taking place in 1830. One hundred years later, in 1928, the death penalty was entirely abolished and discarded from Icelandic law ever since. The waters, however, still hold their memories.

Thingvellir shouldn’t disappoint visiting history buffs as there is still evidence of the Vikings scattered throughout the Park.

One of these places is the Thingvellir church. The original church built around 1015 would have stood somewhere closeby, commissioned by the Norweigan King, Olaf the Holy. Since then, it has been rebuilt many times. The current church was built in 1859. 

A belltower was added to the structure in 1907 that presently holds three bells. One of them is thought to be ancient, being currently without a date. The next was one given to the church from a bishop, Jón Vídalín. The third is called “Iceland’s bell.” It was set up in the tower the year that Iceland became a republic, 1944.

The History

During the ancient Althingi meetings, the plains of Thingvellir would explode with activity. By the end of the 11th century, as recorded by Bishop Gissur Ísleifsson, the farmers alone numbered 4,000 since one in every nine farmers had to accompany the chieftain during the two-week meeting of the summer. 

During this short period, the Althingi became a hub for the entire country. If you had wares to sell, beer to brew, or services to sell, you would be there. Booths would be erected out of turfgrass and boulders, typically established on top of those from the years before.

Present Day

Relics, mostly covered by grass and vegetation, are the only remnants showing the geological evidence of almost 900 years of annual Althing meetings.

Exploring these is a definite possibility for those interested in seeing the ancient sites. There are hiking paths that can take you close to some of these old relics. They also do reenactments throughout the tourist season of some of the areas commonly believed to be part of the Althingi meeting area.

The Aurora Borealis, or the lights of the north, can be seen on particularly clear nights from Thingvellir National Park. They are unpredictable due to the unreliable weather patterns in Iceland.

To aid those that dream of experiencing the spectacular natural show, the Icelandic Met Office has put up an Aurora forecast on their website. The forecast helps predict the best places in the area to enjoy the Northern Lights each night, particularly in the autumn or winter when it will be colder.

Wildlife in Thingvellir National Park

Painting the Icelandic geography as filled with rocky outcroppings and crystalline pools might make it sound devoid of life. However, this is not the reality at all, especially if you know what to keep your eyes open for. There are fish, birds, foxes, and more that make their home in Thingvellir National Park.

There is not a wide diversity of mammals that have made their home on Iceland’s rocky landings. The most common animals you can expect to see are the:

• Icelandic horses

The Arctic fox is the only native land mammal to Iceland that is still around today. They are elusive, though, with coat colors that change to help them blend in no matter the season.

Walruses used to be the other native mammal, frequent to the shores of Iceland. However, they disappeared from the area shortly after human settlement. Although no one knows why for sure, there are theories of overhunting the animal or that climate change made the land no longer viable for their needs.

Mink has also since become a much more common sight across Iceland after escaping cages when they were brought from Europe. They were brought for their furs, but the idea was originally to keep them enclosed. Because they don’t have natural predators on the island, their populations have exploded.

Finally, there are the reindeer and Icelandic horses. The reindeer were brought to Iceland in the 18th century because of a royal decree. The King believed that the reindeer would thrive in Iceland and would provide more food resources. Shortly after this, the Icelandic farmers were taught to be reindeer herders. Hunting them in the Eastfjords is popular to this day.

It would be impossible not to highlight the fish populations in the Park since it contains the largest natural lake in Iceland and is known for incredible fishing. Along with every other part of the Park, it is tied into history from ages gone by. Some of the most common fish in the lakes of the Park include:

• Brown Trout
• Arctic Char
• Three-spined Stickleback

Fly fishing is legal for most of the year, 24 hours a day. Some of these fish have been a part of Icelandic wildlife since the last Ice Age. Just as you sit on the side of a river or lake, you can imagine the Norsemen sitting in the same spot, catching the same kind of fish to enjoy that evening.

The bird population on Iceland is quite diverse since many birds migrate in and through Iceland during different seasons of the year. Many of these birds can be seen around Lake Mývatn and feature common species like the:

• Greylag Goose
• Short-Eared Owl
• Meadow Pipit
• Arctic Tern

A total of 52 species make the lake and surrounding area in the Park their home. Thirty other breeds fly through the area from North America, including the stunning Harlequin Duck and the Barrow’s Goldeneye. 

White-tailed eagles are the largest bird of prey that lives in Iceland. They are a massive bird, with a wingspan of 2 to 2.5 meters. They used to be much more common but were hunted almost to extinction in all but the western region. They are now well-protected, and their numbers are slowly climbing. Viewing one of these Icelandic birds is truly a treat.

Flora of Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir hosts examples of 40% of all of the Icelandic flora. Approximately 172 species of higher plants can be found in the region. These include the Bláskógar or Blue Woods in English. This forest is made up of birch trees of several different varieties and has incredible fall color, blazing across the hills and crests of Iceland.

Historical Significance of Thingvellir

Although Thingvellir was only designated a national park in 1928 by the Icelandic government, its history started long before that. 

Pre-Settlement

Iceland was discovered accidentally by Norsemen that had been blown off track at some point in the 9th century. One commented that it looked good since it was “wooded from the mountains down to the sea.”

The Settlement Period

The first known settlers to Iceland were the Norse, starting with Ingólfur Arnarson in the year 874. The following 56 years are what is known as “The Settlement Period” in Iceland. 

The catalyst that began the movement to Iceland’s shores was the recent unity of Norway under King Harald Fairhair. His was a reign of increasing tyranny in a land that prized distinguishing free men from slaves. Settlements began to form up and down the Icelandic coastline.

There were a number of issues going forward from this time since each group had their forms of government, laws, and customs, even though they shared a common language and religion.

Since Iceland is not a land filled with easily-accessed resources to make life easier, the clans fought between each other. It was as early as all of this that the focus of power began to form around Reykjavík, the current capital of Iceland.

The Althingi

To stop the clan’s growing violence, Grímur Geitskör was appointed to find representatives from each clan and a meeting location for assemblies. A sheltered piece of land that could be accessed from all areas of Iceland was found, and the man who owned it was “unfortunately” accused of murder. The land became public and is now known as Thingvellir National Park.

Thingvellir was the site of the first assembly, called Alþingi, in 930 AD. It created the first stepping stones for a representative parliament in response to the tyranny of the Norwegian King. Hence the name of the Park as Thingvellir translates to “the fields of parliament.”

The reason that Iceland is now known as a Christian nation is mainly due to the Althingi since it was here that they decided to convert to Christianity. During increasing stresses between Iceland and the Old Country, Norway, they decided to convert and the current Law Speaker of the time, Thorgeir Thorkelsson threw his pagan statues over Godafoss waterfall.

Although the site of the Althingi has been moved to Reykjavík, Thingvellir is still lauded in the hearts of Icelanders as the site of the world’s longest-running parliament. 

This long-standing history is why the government declared it one of its few national parks as “a protected national shrine for all Icelanders, the perpetual property of the Icelandic nation under the preservation of parliament, never to be sold or mortgaged.”

Cultural Importance of Thingvellir

Thingvellir National Park represents unity, freedom, and independence. From the beginning of its known history, it was the site of major cultural changes and decisions, from young to old. People of all different sectors and economic standings came together when they would never have crossed paths before.

The start of the Althingi united the settlements of Iceland, significantly reducing the amount of violence between clans. This united front became vastly important when they were attacked and affronted throughout the centuries. 

After they did fall during the time of the Dutch invasion, Thingvellir became a symbol of independence during the 19th and 20th centuries when they finally broke away from their rule. Thingvellir was witness to the foundation of the Republic of Iceland when the change took place away from the monarchy in June of 1944.

Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2004, Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park became one of the 1,121 World Heritage Sites spread throughout the globe. It is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Iceland. It earned its place among these incredible locations worldwide due to its long and impactful cultural and geological history.

For an area to be a World Heritage site, it has to be shown that it is of Outstanding Universal Value. It has to “transcend national boundaries and be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity.” 

Thingvellir has indeed transcended cultural boundaries to become important to nations and people around the world. This recognition has aided in the country’s conservation and rehabilitation efforts inside the Park.

Thingvellir National Park is one of the most popular tourist sites in all of Iceland, and for good reason as you have read. This incredible site has been recognized globally for the cultural and historic impact it has had, much less the effect on all Icelander’s hearts.

Tourism has been damaging to the Park, which is why there are ever-increasing regulations and park ranger patrols. As always, with any area of natural beauty and cultural significance, take care when enjoying the treasure that you are taking in; because Thingvellir National Park is just that, a treasure of Iceland.

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Visiting Þingvellir (Thingvellir): the Gathering of the Alþingi

Thingvellir is widely regarded as the most important heritage site in Iceland. Not only a place of great historic significance, it is also a site of geological importance. In 1928 Iceland’s first National Park was established here, and in 2004 the Thingvellir National Park was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Not surprising then, Thingvellir is included on the Golden Circle scenic route, and features on most if not all itineraries. In this article I outline the different ways you can get to Thingvellir National Park and what you should see to get the most out of your visit. 

Ricky Menzies

• Last Checked and/or Updated 30 August 2024
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Between the rocks, within a rift valley, where two continents drift apart, something remarkable happened in the year 930 AD. A gathering of folk from the four corners of Iceland to establish an assembly of all who lived on the island. It was here that the Althing took shape, creating a society of the people, for the people; the world’s first parliament. A land unruled by Kings, where only The Lawspeaker, a man of remarkable memory, a powerful voice and a specialist in legal matters, was the highest in the land. Beneath him were the goði, chieftains from the four quarters, of which there were around 40.

This unique organisation of Viking society meant that landowners were able to keep their own power and have a voice in the decisions made for the good of the country. No taxes were paid (until after the Conversion in 1000) and every free man had a right to have his say. A land of family feuds, duels and violence beyond imagination, this was, however, no eutopia, as a visit to Thingvellir would reveal.

How to get to Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir is located around 45km away from the centre of Reykjavik making getting there the biggest barrier to explore this spectacular Viking site. The easiest way to visit the site, if you don’t want to rent a car, is through a guided bus tour. There are many tour companies in Reykjavik city to choose from, bookable either online or in their tour shops in downtown Reykjavik and its highstreet.

You will usually get the choice between a guided tour or a simple tour bus. The tour bus won’t include a guide and unless you’ve done extensive research on the site you are about to visit, it is not recommended going this route. There is not a huge amount of information on the site around the route and the main complaint I often hear is that going around the site like this tends to be too rushed and you might come away feeling underwhelmed and not quite knowing what you just saw.

The benefit of going on a guided tour is that you really don’t have to do much. Just show up and follow the tour guide. They will give you a reasonable amount of information as you are taken around the site. The tour will last approximately 2 hours and you should see most of what the National Park has to offer, be it in a condensed fashion. Ideal for those on a time budget, the downside to this is you might not get much chance to explore the National Park for yourself. Beyond its historical value, Thingvellir is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with waterfalls, lakes, mountains and volcanoes as far as the eye can see. You might find yourself wanting to slow down and take it all in while your tour guide is pushing you along the route.

How to get there by renting a car

For those who would rather experience Thingvellir at their own pace, or avoid sitting on a crowded bus, cars are available to rent throughout Reykjavik and from the airport at Keflavik. Car rental for a day would cost on average around 118€ (depending on your personal circumstances) so it’s not the cheapest route, but you will be able to take your time. Renting a car can be economical if there are a group of you going and can split the cost. The benefit of this way is you can take a slower more intentional walk around the site. Photographers will have plenty of opportunity for dramatic and interesting photos. 

Driving from Reykjavik to Thingvellir is fairly straightforward with a GPS and takes around 45mins to an hour. Depending on the time of year you go, make sure whoever is driving has experience driving in icy, wet and windy weather. The speed limits in Iceland never go above 90kmph but it is recommended to use common sense and caution driving on these roads. Roads do get quite narrow, and ironically many Icelanders own very wide American style pickup trucks. As is true for all European countries, Icelanders do drive on the right hand side and most cars are manual (although you can choose to rent an automatic).

There are five car parks at Thingvellir. All of them charge a fee of around 6.50€ (depending on the size of vehicle you bring) as of August 2024. The main parking lot near the Visitors Centre is called Hakið and begins your journey with a spectacular view of the whole site.

The car park I would recommend for people interested in the historical aspect of Thingvellir is Langistígur. This is located just north of the Öxarárfoss waterfall and the beginning of the trail through the Almannagjá rift valley. Beginning at this end means you can walk through some amazing rock formations where a scene from Game of Thrones was shot.

Is it possible to get to Thingvellir without a car or tour bus?

The answer to this is … it’s complicated. But with patience, determination and grit you might be able to make it by hiring a taxi. There are taxis available from the city, however, to cut down the cost there might be another way…

Take the number 15 bus to Varmárskóli in Mosfell (the next town over). From there you can get a taxi to Thingvellir. It won’t be cheap, but it is possible. The most trusted and widely used taxi company in Iceland is Hreyfill .

Cycling might be an option, but as mentioned earlier this comes with a significant risk on the narrow roads. From my experience, the law of the wasteland prevails outside the towns in Iceland, leading to some fairly sketchy driving.

Beyond that, you might try your luck at hitchhiking since it is the safest country in the world, at least according to crime statistics.

How accessible is Thingvellir?

For the majority of the trail, Thingvellir is smooth, flat and easy to walk. The boardwalks make traversing the mossy heaths, rocky cliffs and waterfalls as simple as it gets. You shouldn’t miss any of the main sites due to accessibility issues, although it should be noted that there are steps down from the assembly platform to the flat plains where the booths are located. This is one of the main obstacles but with assistance it should be doable.

The other obstacles come at the entrance to the National Park if you decide to start at the Langistígur carpark. Here the path is an ancient cobblestoned which does require some light scrambling over rocks to get through. Therefore, those who have accessibility concerns may want to begin at the Hakið side where the visitors centre is. You begin with a fantastic panoramic view of the entire site from a wooden platform before descending down a wooden path to the main areas.

Visitor Information

Opening hours.

The park is open all the time, but the opening hours for the Visitor Centre are as follows: May to October:  daily from 09h00 – 18h00 November to April:  daily from 09h00 – 17h00 Closed on the following days:  1 January, 1 May, 25 December

Ticket Prices

Adult (18 and older):  1200 kr Child (17 and younger) & Disabled: free Seniors & Students:  600 kr

Drone photographers will be pleased to know that it is permitted to fly your drones within the designated hours, but it is always worth checking the rules before you do. Check the Environment Agency of Iceland’s website for up-to-date information.

Recommended Books About Thingvellir

• Njal’s Saga, Penguin Classics (2002) with an introduction by Robert Cook – available to purchase from Amazon .
• Egil’s Saga, Penguin Classics (2005) with an introduction be Svanhildur Oskarsdottir – available to purchase on Amazon .

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate Archaeology Travel earns from qualifying purchases.

There are a number of car parks in the park, choose one depending on where you want to go. The camping site is open throughout the year, check the website for further details. The website also has all the information you need for diving and angling – two popular activities. There are a number of hiking trails through the park – get the hiking trail maps .

What to see at Thingvellir

Thingvellir is a vast national park with a huge amount to see. It is geologically fascinating, ecologically rich and archaeologically significant. There is no shortage of things to see, but to focus on the archaeology there are five main spots to keep an eye out for.

If you enter from the Langistígur side, you will follow a trail down between two huge rock faces. It is here you walk between two continents; North America and Eurasia, as they drift apart. Of course, I am grossly oversimplifying the immensely complicated geological processes going on (for more about tectonic plate movements, see this interactive website ). What is true, however, is as you walk, look up and you will see the site of Viking Age executions, where a wooden board would be placed over the gap between the cliffs, and men would hang.

Öxarárfoss is a roaring waterfall with an interesting history. It got its name from two men who came to the river during the winter to collect water. The river was frozen over so one of the men began breaking the ice with his axe. Unfortunately the axe fell into the river, and thus, in classic Icelandic naming fashion, was henceforth known as Axe River.

Another fun fact for those metal fans out there. A photo of this waterfall was used for the front cover of the Nine Inch Nails album The Fragile.

Drekkingarhylur

Lögberg or The Law Rock can be found next to the assembly place. It is not clearly marked by a sign or a board but can be recognised for being the huge rock right next to the steps that lead you down to the booths below the cliffs. Opposite the Law Rock is a tall flat rock wall that was used as a natural resonance chamber, allowing The Lawspeakers voice to be heard far and wide. It is here the law council would convene and discuss legal matters, update laws, and famously change the religion of the country.

There is an assembly place built with a wooden decking where it is suspected that the Althing was founded and gathered. It has not been archaeologically confirmed but the location seems to have everything an assembly place would require; being a raised platform for The Lawspeaker to stand, over a flat plain for his audience. It seems to overlook the site of at least 50 booths that have been excavated so it is very plausible this is indeed the place spoken of in sagas.

Öxarárhólmi

Interactive map.

You can use the following interactive map to explore Thingvellir National Park in the same way you would use street view in Google maps. Load the map, switch to satellite mode, and then zoom into the markers. Drag the yellow pegman onto a light-blue dot or line for great 360 panoramic views of the site.  

Onsite Information & Apps

Geology and the the surrounding area

Is it worth going to thingvellir national park.

Visiting Thingvellir should be high on every person’s list when coming to Iceland. First of all, it’s a good excuse to get out of the city. Reykjavik is not Iceland. Just like every capital city is not a true representation of the country it is located in. Thingvellir is a deeply special place for both those who love history and those who love nature. If done right, you’d be hard pressed not to have a good time here. There is a reason it is featured in what is known as The Golden Circle, the most famous scenic route in Iceland.

Admittedly, this site isn’t for everyone. Icelandic weather can be harsh, and being much of the site is either high up, down low on exposed plains or between rock channels that make perfect wind tunnels, it can be daunting for people who don’t enjoy the great outdoors. It is, however, a beginner friendly walk, most of which is easy going on foot with only a few places that are more like medieval cobblestone streets than the usual gravel stone trail. Overall however, it is a place you can get a huge bang for your buck, with all bases covered in one site. For that reason, and more, I would highly recommend anyone coming to Iceland to give Thingvellir National Park a visit.

Add Thingvellir National Park to Your Itineraries & Travel Lists

To help planning a trip to Iceland you can create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and an itinerary for your visit. You can share these on social media. To see how to use our Itinerary Builder, watching our Using the Itinerary video on YouTube , or reading the Using the Itinerary page .

For more sites and museums to add to your lists and itinerary, see out Iceland Travel Guide .

Thingvellir National Park

In 930 AD the Vikings established an open-air assembly or parliament, making this the world’s oldest Parliament. The assembly continued to meet here until 1798, before relocating to Reykjavik in 1844. Around the Þingvellir (Thingvellir) archaeologists have found the remains of human habitation from the 10th to the 19th century. Not only is Thingvellir a protected national site, it is situated with in the Thingvellir National Park, part of which is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site (2004), in recognition of its archaeological and geological importance.

Archaeology Travel Writer

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Guide

Iceland’s Golden Circle Adventure

Published: September 10, 2024

by Tomasina Hawk

Have you ever wondered what makes Iceland's Golden Circle so special? This famous route offers a mix of natural wonders and historical sites, all within a day's drive from Reykjavik. Iceland's Golden Circle includes three main stops: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Thingvellir is where you can walk between two continents, as the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet there. At Geysir, witness the power of nature as hot springs erupt every few minutes. Finally, Gullfoss, or "Golden Falls," showcases a stunning double waterfall. Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Let's dive into what makes this route a must-see.

Iceland's Golden Circle Adventure

Iceland's Golden Circle offers a stunning mix of natural wonders and historical sites. This route, easily accessible from Reykjavik, is perfect for a day trip or a leisurely exploration. Let's dive into the must-see spots along this iconic path.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich history and geological significance. Here, you can walk between two tectonic plates and explore ancient Icelandic parliament sites.

• Almannagjá Gorge : Walk through the rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.
• Öxarárfoss Waterfall : A picturesque waterfall that adds charm to the rugged landscape.
• Silfra Fissure : Dive or snorkel in crystal-clear waters between two continents.

Geysir Geothermal Area

The Geysir Geothermal Area is home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes. This area is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling hot springs and steaming vents.

• Strokkur Geyser : Watch as this geyser shoots boiling water up to 30 meters into the air.
• Great Geysir : Though less active, this geyser gave its name to all others.
• Blesi Hot Springs : Twin hot springs with striking blue water.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss, or "Golden Falls," is one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls. The Hvítá river plunges in two stages into a rugged canyon, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

• Upper Viewing Platform : Get a panoramic view of the waterfall and surrounding landscape.
• Lower Viewing Platform : Feel the power of the falls up close as mist rises around you.
• Gullfoss Café : Warm up with a hot drink and enjoy the view from the cozy café.

Kerið Crater Lake

Kerið Crater Lake is a volcanic crater lake with striking red slopes and vibrant blue water. This unique geological feature offers a different perspective on Iceland's volcanic activity.

• Crater Rim Walk : Hike around the rim for stunning views of the lake and surrounding area.
• Lake Shore : Descend into the crater and walk along the shore of the lake.
• Photography Spots : Capture the vivid colors and unique landscape from various angles.

Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon, or Gamla Laugin, is one of Iceland's oldest natural hot springs. Relax in the warm waters surrounded by steam and natural beauty.

• Hot Spring Bathing : Soak in the geothermal waters and unwind.
• Geothermal Area Walk : Explore the small geysers and hot springs around the lagoon.
• Changing Facilities : Convenient amenities to make your visit comfortable.

Skálholt

Skálholt is a historic site that was once the cultural and religious center of Iceland . Today, it offers a glimpse into the country's past with its cathedral and archaeological remains.

• Skálholt Cathedral : Visit the impressive cathedral with its beautiful stained glass windows.
• Archaeological Site : Explore the remains of ancient buildings and learn about Iceland's history.
• Skálholt School : Discover the educational heritage of this important site.

Friðheimar Greenhouse

Friðheimar Greenhouse is a unique attraction where you can learn about sustainable farming and enjoy delicious tomato-based dishes in a greenhouse setting.

• Greenhouse Tour : See how tomatoes are grown using geothermal energy.
• Tomato Soup : Savor a bowl of fresh tomato soup made from greenhouse-grown tomatoes.
• Horse Show : Watch an Icelandic horse show and learn about these unique animals.

Laugarvatn Fontana

Laugarvatn Fontana is a geothermal spa located by a beautiful lake. Enjoy the relaxing hot springs and steam baths while taking in the stunning scenery.

• Geothermal Baths : Soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
• Steam Rooms : Experience the natural steam baths heated by hot springs.
• Lake Laugarvatn : Take a dip in the cool lake for a refreshing contrast.

Your Next Adventure Awaits

Iceland's Golden Circle offers a mix of natural wonders and rich history. From the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall to the bubbling geysers of Haukadalur, each stop is a unique experience. Þingvellir National Park adds a historical touch, being the site of the world's first parliament. Don't miss the chance to relax in the Secret Lagoon , a geothermal pool that offers a peaceful retreat. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, making it easy to take in all the sights. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a history buff, the Golden Circle has something for everyone. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable journey. Your next adventure is just around the corner.

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The Best Time to Visit Iceland: Top Seasonal Destinations

• February 14, 2024
• Categories: Destination Guide , Europe , Travel
• Author: Karen LeBlanc

Table of Contents

Iceland, the land of otherworldly landscapes, erupting geysers, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights—it’s an adventurer’s playground and a bucket-list destination for so many. But when’s the perfect moment to set off on your Icelandic journey? The answer depends entirely on what you dream of seeing and doing while you’re there.

Each season paints Iceland in a different light, both literally and figuratively! This guide breaks down the best times to visit Iceland and the star attractions, ensuring you choose the right Icelandic adventure for YOU.

Best Time for Iceland: Summer (June-August)

Summer in Iceland means near-endless daylight thanks to the midnight sun, warmer weather (though still pack layers—this is Iceland!), and nearly full accessibility to attractions around the country.

Pros:  Perfect for outdoor adventures, scenic drives, all roads open, festivals and events

Cons:  Peak crowds, prices at their highest.

Thingvellir National Park  

• Immerse yourself in history and geology within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore canyons, walk between tectonic plates, and even snorkel or dive the crystal-clear Silfra fissure.

Golden Circle

• A classic route bursting with must-sees – Gullfoss waterfall thunders with power, the Geysir geothermal area shoots steaming water sky-high, and Þingvellir National Park stuns with its natural beauty.

• Dive into Iceland’s captivating capital. Quirky shops, a diverse food scene, museums, and vibrant nightlife await. Use under-the-radar things to do in Reykjavik as your base to explore further!

• Off-the-beaten-path magic! Think dramatic landscapes, untouched wilderness, incredible birdwatching, and some of the best road trips you’ll ever take.

Whale Watching

• Tours depart from numerous towns (like Reykjavik and Husavik), offering up-close encounters with these gentle giants.

Planning an Iceland Summer Trip: Be prepared for crowds, so booking well ahead is wise. If you crave solitude, seek lesser-known spots within the destinations above or venture into areas like the remote Eastfjords.

Summer is the season that suits travelers who:

• Thrive on long days and endless daylight for exploration
• Don’t mind crowds and higher prices in exchange for full accessibility
• Prioritize outdoor adventures and experiencing Iceland at its warmest (relatively speaking!)
• Want a lively atmosphere with festivals and events.

Best Time for Iceland: Fall/Autumn (September-October)

Autumn brings color changes to Iceland’s landscapes, opportunities for Northern Lights sightings with longer nights, and fewer crowds compared to summer.

Pros:  Northern Lights potential, fewer crowds, vibrant foliage, shoulder-season prices.

Cons:  Unpredictable weather; some Highland roads may close early in the season

Northern Lights Hunt

• Seek clear skies away from cities for your best chance to witness the dancing Aurora Borealis.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

• A microcosm of West Iceland volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastal views —within a compact area.

Hot Springs

• The Blue Lagoon or quieter options are extra enticing amidst the cool air.

• Enjoy museums and cozy cafes during rainy spells, and explore this quirky city’s shops and culture.

Historic Sites

• Immerse yourself in Iceland’s Viking heritage and folklore at various spots.

Planning an Iceland Fall Trip: Pack for all kinds of weather and ensure winter tires on your rental car if driving later in the season.

Fall is the season that suits travelers who:

• Dream of seeing the Northern Lights without extreme winter weather
• Prefer a less crowded experience, with a touch of solitude
• Are flexible with potentially changeable weather
• Appreciate potential cost savings of a shoulder season trip

Need information on planning your trip? Check out the Visit Iceland Official Tourism Website : for practical details. Get extensive ideas from the experts at Guide to Iceland : Now, if you’re still deciding when to go, let’s explore what winter in Iceland has to offer.

Best Time for Iceland: Winter (November–March)

Winter transforms Iceland into a snowy wonderland, perfect for experiencing the breathtaking Northern Lights, exploring ice caves, and enjoying winter activities.

Pros:  Spectacular Northern Lights, magical ice caves, winter sports, cozy holiday atmosphere (in December).

Cons:  Short daylight hours, possible weather-related travel disruptions, cold temperatures.

Northern Lights

• Dedicate your trip to hunting for these natural wonders under clear, dark skies.

• Join guided tours to explore these glittering glacial formations.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

• Icebergs floating amidst snowy landscapes are unforgettable, especially in winter.

Winter Sports

• Try snowmobiling on glaciers, adventurous glacier hikes, or indulge in skiing.

• Embrace the Christmas spirit with markets, light displays, and cozy winter celebrations.

Planning an Iceland Winter Trip: Focus on warm, waterproof clothing. If the Northern Lights are a priority, consider staying somewhere remote outside the city.

Winter is the season that suits travelers who:

• Have witnessing the Northern Lights as their top priority
• Crave unique winter experiences (ice caves, winter sports)
• Embrace the beauty of snowy landscapes and cold weather
• Enjoy the potential for cozy, festive vibes in Reykjavík (especially in December)

Best Time for Iceland: Spring (April-May)

Spring in Iceland signifies nature’s awakening, longer daylight hours, and the return of wildlife like seabirds and puffins. It’s a refreshing shoulder-season option.

Pros:  Waterfalls at their peak, wildlife returns (like puffins), longer days, shoulder-season travel perks.

Cons:  Changeable weather, some attractions may still be closed early in the season.

Puffin Spotting

• Coastal areas teem with life as puffins return to their nesting grounds—head to places like the Westman Islands or Látrabjarg cliffs.

• Feel the increased power of waterfalls with glacial melt, making iconic spots like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss in South Iceland even more awe-inspiring.

• Trails reopen, revealing fresh spring growth and landscapes with fewer crowds.

Day Trips from Reykjavík

• With lengthening days, day trips outside the city become even more accessible.

• Experience less traffic on popular routes like the South Coast.

Planning an Iceland Spring Trip : Pack for all conditions – layers are still vital! Some remote Highland roads could still be closed early in the season, so factor that in.

Spring is the season that suits travelers who:

• Crave witnessing nature’s resurgence after winter
• Want to see puffins and other returning wildlife
• Appreciate shoulder-season travel advantages (think lesser crowds, potential travel deals)
• Don’t mind the unpredictability of spring weather

F requently Asked Questions About Best Time To Visit Iceland

When is the cheapest time to visit iceland.

Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) tend to be the least expensive, as well as winter outside of the Christmas/New Year holiday period.

How many days do I need in Iceland?

A minimum of 4-5 days is ideal for a basic taste of Iceland. If you want to fully explore the highlights and venture further afield, a week or more offers a satisfying experience.

Can I see the Northern Lights in summer?

The midnight sun makes sightings highly unlikely. For aurora sightings, stick to fall, winter, or early spring.

What should I pack for Iceland?

Layers are KEY regardless of the season! Include waterproof outerwear, warm base layers, sturdy hiking boots (if you plan on exploring the outdoors), and swimwear for enjoying Iceland’s hot springs.

Remember, when deciding the “best time for Iceland,” your individual preferences and goals are paramount. Iceland offers unique wonders all year round – you just need to select the ones that ignite your sense of adventure.

• Summer adventurers,  prepare for crowds and higher prices, offset by endless daylight and the widest range of activities.
• Fall travelers,  savor the shift towards tranquility, with the chance of magical aurora sightings.
• Winter seekers,  embrace the breathtaking landscapes, thrilling activities, and captivating Northern Lights.
• Spring enthusiasts,  find renewal in nature, witnessing waterfalls at their strongest and the return of wildlife.

Whichever season beckons, prepare for an awe-inspiring journey. And most of all, embrace Iceland’s dynamic landscapes and adventurous spirit – they’ll take your breath away, no matter the time of year.

More Iceland Travel Guide and Tips That You Should Know:

16 Things To Do In West Iceland Away From Tourist Crowd

Top 5 Under-the-Radar Things To Do In Reykjavik Iceland

South Iceland Bucket List: 7 Must-Experience Destinations

Related posts:

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Karen LeBlanc is a travel host and writer with a popular travel show, The Design Tourist, and a companion lifestyle blog. As a widely published travel journalist and content creator, Karen is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association. She also serves as the Design and Travel editor of the national lifestyle magazine, LaPalme. Karen believes that every destination has a story to tell through its local art, architecture, culture, and craft. This immersive creative exploration begins with authentic accommodations where the narrative of place unfolds through art, accessories, accouterments, furnishings, fixtures, and food. 

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About Iceland

Visa information, geography of iceland, general information, the northern lights, volcanic eruptions, sustainable travel, iceland academy, plan your trip, how to get there, accommodation, things to do, map your journey, getting around, carbon footprint, destinations, the regions, scenic routes, national parks, trip suggestions, towns & villages, inspiration, food and beverages, lbgt+ travel, volcanic activity has stopped on reykjanes peninsula.

September 8, 2024

A new fissure eruption started on Reykjanes Peninsula on August 22, at 9:26 PM by Sundhnúksgígar crater, marking the sixth eruption in the area since December 2023. The eruption has stopped now and no volcanic activity has been detected in the area, as of September 8.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Air traffic to and from Iceland operates normally, and the country remains a safe destination.
• The eruption's effects are localized to the eruption site with road closures and do not threaten people.  
• All services in Iceland are operating as usual.

Monitoring and Preparedness

Iceland is no stranger to seismic and volcanic activity. Iceland authorities, and the public, are highly prepared for such events . The well-being of residents and visitors is the utmost priority; authorities are vigilant and prepared.  Icelandic infrastructure is designed and built to withstand seismic events. Iceland possesses considerable experience in protecting vital infrastructure in the event of an eruption.   

Volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Since October last year, The Icelandic Meteorological Office has observed increased geophysical activity in the area. This activity has led to repeated volcanic eruptions close to the town of Grindavík. The town has been evacuated with brief intermissions since November 10th to guarantee the safety of residents. The eruption does not pose an immediate threat to people, and no further evacuations are necessary at this time. 

Iceland is well-acquainted with volcanic activity, having experienced three previous eruptions nearby on the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Icelandic authorities and the public are thoroughly prepared for such events, and the country boasts some of the world's most sophisticated volcanic preparedness protocols. Iceland's geoscientists are extensively experienced in managing volcanic activity. 

For a detailed look into the recent volcanic activities and their safety implications, Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office offers insights through an informative video.

More information:

• Visit Reykjanes : Updates regarding checkpoints and openings in the region
• The Icelandic Road Administration : Information on road conditions and closures in the Reykjanes region 
• Safetravel : Updates on safety 
• The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service : News coverage 
• The Icelandic MET office : Latest information on the seismic activity and development of events. 
• Iceland Ministry for Foreign Affairs : FAQ regarding flights and other info 

For press inquiries, please contact [email protected] .

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15 best Airbnbs in Iceland, from Reykjavik abodes to countryside cabins

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There's something you will quickly learn when you visit Iceland for the first time – hotels , while beautiful, can be few and far between once you leave city limits. Luckily, Iceland is a treasure trove of Airbnbs , from luxury apartments in Reykjavik steps from all of the best downtown restaurants to cosy homes outside of the central districts that offer a touch more privacy. As a bonus, you can see the Northern Lights from any of these picks on nights with strong aurora activity, whether they're right in town or a drive well into the countryside.

While Reykjavik is a magical city, not venturing outside of it is a missed opportunity. Iceland is a country of contrasts: expansive waterfalls and private saunas, remote swimming holes and luxury hot spring spas, miles of road lined with lava rock fields and mountainous valleys. With this in mind, we’ve found 16 beautiful places to lay your head no matter where you are on your journey. Given how remote much of the country is, when picking our favourite Airbnbs, we kept a few important things in mind: driving distance from major cities and airports, proximity to natural wonders, and, of course, on-property amenities. As someone who has visited the country 15 times and counting, I've learned a few things that can help make the entire trip just a bit easier. To help whittle down the options (there are many), we've compiled a list of the best Iceland Airbnbs for your next trip.

We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meredith Carey.

• Best for families: A villa with river views
• Best views: A luxury home with incredible views of the Northern Lights
• Best for solo travellers: A centrally located studio that feels like a hug
• Best Reykjavik Airbnb: A minimalist one-bedroom loft near the harbour

Centrally located studio that feels like a hug

Bed and bath: one bedroom, one bathroom Top amenities: Dedicated workspace, patio, coffee maker

Light pink tones drape the majority of this cosy studio, encompassing anyone who enters with a calm vibe – which is great, considering it’s located on the busiest street in town. You’ll find everything you need to get the day started inside: a coffee machine, stove, a private bathroom, and more.

Minimalist one-bedroom loft near the harbor

Bed and bath: one bedroom, one bathroom Top amenities: Washer/dryer, free parking

I would argue that the harbour is one of the best neighbourhoods to make your home base. Here, you’re within walking distance of the downtown district and its buzzy restaurants, but you’ll open your door to the smell of fresh sea air and the sound of fishing boats being hosed down every morning. Plus, you’re steps away from the best doughnuts in the city (Deig). This stay is particularly moody, a masterclass in the Scandinavian aesthetic. With one bedroom and one bath, an in-unit washer and dryer, free parking, and a host who’s happy to accommodate kids with adjusted sleeping arrangements and toys, you’re bound to start planning your next stay before you leave the first one.

Two-bedroom right off the main shopping street

Bed and bath: two bedrooms, one bathroom Top amenities: Air conditioning, backyard, coffee maker

Thanks to its location right off of Laugavegur, you won’t be scrambling for things to do when staying here. But when you aren’t shopping, eating, drinking, or visiting the city’s many museums, this two-bedroom, one-bath home offers a cosy living space (and backyard) to relax in. The space also has a washer and dryer – a more-than-welcomed amenity after hiking the nearby Thingvellir National Park.

Cosy one-bedroom apartment with a TV nook

Bed and bath: two bedrooms, one bathroom Top amenities: Free parking, crib upon request

The rich earth tones scattered around this apartment are like a shoulder massage. The owner has done a lot with a small amount of space. Most notable is the entertainment corner, which houses a giant TV, couch, and plenty of throw blankets. The one-bedroom is great for a couple but can comfortably accommodate up to four people.

Artsy one-bedroom with a spacious kitchen

Bed and bath: one bedroom, one bathroom Top amenities: Washing machine, free parking

On the outside, this robin's-egg blue home is hard to miss. The one-bedroom apartment inside is just as quirky, and we love the rustic, hodge-podge look that separates it from many of the more corporate Reykjavík Airbnbs. (The location is hard to beat, too, as it's just two blocks from the National Gallery of Iceland.) If you're looking to save a little bit of money on the expensive island, take a cue from those before you and pick up some groceries for a meal or two in, as the equipped kitchen has plenty of counter space. In a review, one guest even wrote, "It had everything we needed to self-cater. We ended up eating in more than we expected to as a result."

Luxury home with incredible Northern Lights views

Bed and bath: two bedrooms, one bathroom Top amenities: Nespresso coffee maker, patio, glass-ceiling design

A nearby glacier really sets the scene for this property right off the Ring Road – you'll feel like you've fallen into a fairytale . The cabin is located at the end of a gravel road 20 minutes from Route 1, meaning you’ll have tons of privacy, but also that any restaurants and city-side amenities are few and far between (grocery shop before you arrive!). The glass ceiling in the living room is the best place to watch the northern lights dance or the midnight sun make its lazy path across the sky. The property has all of the usual amenities and a full kitchen, but the biggest perk will come when you bring your morning coffee to the patio to soak in the glacier views.

Mountainside cabin made for day-tripping

Bed and bath: one bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms Top amenities: Hot tub, ski-in/ski-out access, BBQ grill

When I tell you that this is my favourite Airbnb in Iceland, I am not exaggerating. (It holds such a special place in my heart that it inspired one of my recent tattoo designs.) Despite these cabins being close to each other, you feel like you’re a world away from anyone else – and the far-away view of Goðafoss on a clear day adds to that vibe. Each cabin is stocked with luxe shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel (all from Sóley, a beloved Icelandic brand), and the living space is anchored with a wide view of the sunset. It’s a special treat to visit during the summertime when you can see the sun barely dip below the horizon at night before heading back up the sky. The hot tub is the cherry on top. When you do manage to pull yourself away from the cabin, Husavik (home to the Eurovision museum and the very place where the Will Ferrell hit, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, was filmed) is a quick drive away. Fill your days with whale-watching adventures, hikes through the lava rock-strewn Dimmuborgir and geothermal Hverir, and a dip in the nearby GeoSea hot spring .

Villa with river views

Bed and bath: four bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms Top amenities: Washer and dryer, sound system, private hot tub

If you’re planning a trip with a crew in tow and you want to stray from the usual Reykjavik itinerary, head north and make this property home base. Akureyri can easily be overlooked if you’re dazzled by the countless natural wonders Iceland offers – but don’t sleep on the country’s second-largest city. Often referred to as the capital of the north, Akureyri is home to a brewery, the Forest Lagoon, tons of restaurants, and one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world – and this group-friendly Airbnb is located just outside of town, offering the perfect mix of privacy and access. When it comes to curb appeal, you’ll feel like you’re driving up to one of James Bond ’s hideaways. The beds are topped with cosy linens (two queen bedrooms, a single, and a room with a king and a single), and the communal spaces are bright (in the summertime) and airy. End each day in the hot tub , which offers a gorgeous view of the surrounding valley.

Two-bedroom cottage near a famous waterfall

Bed and bath : two bedrooms, one bathroom Top amenities: Flat-screen TV, coffee maker, self-check-in

It’s not often that you can snooze within walking distance of an iconic waterfall. Located about 1.2 miles from Seljalandsfoss, this cottage is part of a set built in 2019. The interiors are right on theme, playing into the cosy, dark palette we all love from Scandinavian design, and the second lofted bedroom is great if you’re travelling with a teenager who prefers a bit of space (both bedrooms are queens). If you plan on following Route 1 (also known as the Ring Road) along the country's southern coast, this is a great in-between spot between Reykjavik and Vik (home of Iceland’s most well-known black-sand beach). Just make sure to book well in advance, especially during the  summertime – this spot gets snatched up quickly.

A designer’s four-bedroom home with water views

Bed and bath: four bedrooms, two bathrooms Top amenities: Hot tub, sauna, lake access

The owners of this home are furniture and home designers – and you can tell. The interiors are open and airy, and the bathroom is anchored by a soaking tub. The kitchen island comfortably seats six, and an adjacent table seats eight more. This is a home for groups who love to surround themselves with beautiful, clean design. But the showstopper is at the end of a wooden walkway in the backyard: a hot tub and sauna.

Tranquil three-bedroom getaway just out of town

Bed and bath: three bedrooms, two bathrooms Top amenities: Bathtub, room-darkening shades, PS4

If you don’t mind a bit of travelling to get in and out of Reykjavik, this villa in Kjósarhreppur (an hour's drive from the capital city) offers proximity to nightlife, tons of restaurants and crowds while also giving you a quiet place to lay your head at night. The massive windows are the perfect backdrop for morning coffee or tea, and the two bathrooms make it a great option for families or friend groups. Plus, the in-floor heating throughout the house is a super nice touch once the temperatures dip.

Family-friendly four-bedroom in the suburbs with incredible views

Bed and bath: four bedrooms, two bathrooms Top amenities: Hot tub, ocean and mountain views, room-darkening shades

You'll probably need a rental car to stay here: 20 minutes north of the city centre, this three-bedroom home comes equipped with family-friendly goodies. There's a washer/dryer, crib, high chair, and full kitchen, plus kids' books and toys, so you don't have to pack your own. There's a hot tub, too, but the real perks here are the proximity to the imposing Mount Esja for hikes (there are trails easy enough for the kids to trek), just 20 minutes away, and open skies perfect for nighttime Northern Lights viewing.

Rustic two-bedroom with major cabin vibes

Bed and bath: two bedrooms, one bathroom Top amenities: Airbnb Plus, mountain views, fireplace, hot tub

You'll want a rental car for your stay in this secluded cabin, which sits between Reykjavik's city centre to the north and the Blue Lagoon to the south. (Both are just 25-30 minutes away.) The wood cabin has two bedrooms – one with bunks, the other with a double bed – plus a fully-equipped kitchen, wide-open front porch, and indoor fireplace to keep you warm in the winter.

This article was first published on Condé Nast Traveler .

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Save Big on a European Family Vacation with These $2 Kids Fares — What to Know and How to Book

The deal must be booked by September 17.

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Icelandic airline Play is making family travel easier by offering $2 fares for kids when an adult books a trip to Europe.

The heavily discounted kid tickets are available when an adult books a roundtrip flight from the United States to Iceland, Copenhagen, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Dublin, Berlin, or Liverpool by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 17, Play told Travel + Leisure . To qualify, kids must be under 11 years old.

“International travel is a way to both bring families together and expose children to new cultures, foods, and experiences,” PLAY CEO Einar Örn Ólafsson said in a statement shared with T+L. “Families with young children can’t always make it across the Atlantic with high travel costs, and PLAY designed this deal to welcome families to our flights to travel together and make memories in Iceland and other amazing destinations.

“These $2 fares for kids are our lowest yet, and we hope that families take this opportunity to cultures, cuisine, and educational visits together,” Ólafsson added.

The $2 kids fares are valid for one-way flights and available for the lowest basic fare. Play’s basic fare includes a personal item, but does not include a carry-on or checked bag or seat selection. 

The sale is valid for travel from Sept. 29 to Oct. 6, from Oct. 8 to Oct. 20, from Oct. 22 to Nov. 3, and from Nov. 5 to Dec. 15.

The promotion is available to use on the cost of the airfare, but does not include taxes, fees, or carrier charges.

Low-cost carrier Play first started operating flights in Europe in 2021 before launching its first flight from the U.S. the next year. The airline operates a "hub-and-spoke model" in which all flights connect through Reykjavik before heading on to other destinations across Europe, and flies an Airbus fleet, including the A321neo and A320neo aircraft.

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