Þingvellir National Park
Walk between continents at Thingvellir, a UNESCO site where Iceland's ancient parliament met amidst dramatic rift valley scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, longer daylight
Þingvellir National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, longer daylight
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk between continents at Thingvellir, a UNESCO site where Iceland's ancient parliament met amidst dramatic rift valley scenery.
"It's an amazing experience to walk around at such a historical and geological significant place."
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking isn't free! Have a payment method ready for designated lots.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking a lot on varied terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tectonic Plate Boundary
Almannagjá Gorge
Walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates! A truly unique geological marvel.
Öxarárfoss Waterfall
Near Almannagjá
A beautiful, accessible waterfall cascading over ancient rocks. A refreshing sight.
Thingvellir Church & Old Parliament Site
Lögberg (Law Rock)
Step back in time at the historic site of Iceland's ancient parliament, the Althing.
Þingvallavatn Lake
Southern part of the park
Iceland's largest natural lake, offering serene views and a glimpse into the park's vastness.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Thingvellir's Wonders
Maximizing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking isn't free! Have a payment method ready for designated lots.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking a lot on varied terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
💨 Brace for Wind
It's famously windy here. Pack layers and a windbreaker! :cloudwithwind_face:
🦟 Midge Alert!
Summer visitors: midges can be intense. Consider a head net! :bug:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking isn't free! Have a payment method ready for designated lots.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking a lot on varied terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
💨 Brace for Wind
It's famously windy here. Pack layers and a windbreaker! :cloudwithwind_face:
🦟 Midge Alert!
Summer visitors: midges can be intense. Consider a head net! :bug:
🚶♀️ Accessible Trails
Paths are well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. :walking:
💡 Guided Tour Value
Enhance your understanding of history & geology with a guide. :classical_building:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Thingvellir National Park for its stunning natural beauty and profound historical significance, particularly its role as the site of Iceland's ancient parliament and its unique geological rift valley. While many find the accessible trails and informative signage excellent, some note that it can be very crowded and feel less 'wild' compared to other Icelandic landscapes. The wind can also be a significant factor for visitors.
"So incredibly beautiful. We took our time to wander around the park and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Would recommend to dedicate at least 2-3 hours for the park and picnic there if you can, it's too spectacular to speedrun through."
Alfred Yip
"One of Iceland’s most significant and beautiful destinations, blending natural wonders with deep historical importance. It’s the site of the world’s first parliament, founded in 930, and you can still walk among the landscapes where those gatherings took place. The park is also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating dramatic fissures, cliffs, and valleys that make the scenery truly unique.
The park is easy to explore and offers a mix of walking trails, scenic lookouts, and historical sites. One of the highlights is the Almannagjá gorge, where you can literally walk between two continents. Another is Öxarárfoss, a picturesque waterfall within the park that’s easily accessible and adds to the charm of the area. The views across Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, are also stunning, especially on a clear day.
For those who want more adventure, the park offers activities like snorkeling or diving in the Silfra fissure, known for its crystal-clear water and visibility that can reach over 100 meters. This experience is cold but unforgettable, allowing you to swim between tectonic plates.
Because Þingvellir is part of the Golden Circle route, it can get busy, especially in peak travel months and around midday when tour buses arrive. Visiting early in the morning or later in the evening gives you a quieter, more peaceful experience. Parking is plentiful but paid, and paths are generally well-maintained, though sturdy shoes are recommended if you plan to do more than the basic viewpoints.
Overall, Þingvellir is a must-visit in Iceland for its mix of history, geology, and natural beauty. Whether you spend an hour at the main viewpoints or a full day exploring the trails and activities, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression."
R
"National Park with impressive geography and history. Walking through a narrow crevasse between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates was a memorable experience. As with many sights in Iceland go early before tour buses arrive."
Jay Bryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thingvellir is easily accessible by car, located about 45 minutes to an hour's drive from Reykjavik. It's a popular stop on the Golden Circle route. Public buses are also available, though less frequent. Many visitors opt for organized Golden Circle tours that include Thingvellir.
Yes, Thingvellir National Park is one of the three main attractions on Iceland's famous Golden Circle route, alongside Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
There are several parking lots available within the park. Be aware that parking is not free and requires payment, which can usually be done via a mobile app or at designated payment stations.
Absolutely! Many tour operators offer day trips from Reykjavik that include transportation to and from Thingvellir as part of the Golden Circle. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.
The drive from Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park typically takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. It's a straightforward drive on well-maintained roads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Thingvellir National Park itself is free. However, there are fees for parking and for certain activities like snorkeling or diving in Silfra.
Thingvellir National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Visitor centers and facilities have specific operating hours, which vary by season. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
For general park access and walking, no advance booking is required. However, if you plan to participate in activities like snorkeling in Silfra, booking well in advance is highly recommended as tours fill up quickly.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended by many visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the park's history and geology. You can book these through various tour operators or sometimes at the visitor center.
Parking fees vary depending on the lot and season, but expect to pay a few Icelandic Króna. Payment is typically handled via a mobile app or at pay stations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Thingvellir offers a variety of trails, from easy, accessible paths to longer hikes. The walk through Almannagjá gorge is a must-do, and trails around Þingvallavatn lake offer beautiful scenery. The park has information signs detailing trail distances and difficulty.
Beyond the rift valley, you can see Öxarárfoss waterfall, the historic Althing parliament site at Lögberg, and the vast Þingvallavatn lake. The park is rich in both geological and historical significance.
Yes, Thingvellir is very family-friendly. The well-maintained paths are easy for children to navigate, and the unique geological features and historical sites offer educational opportunities.
Dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly and it's often very windy. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are highly recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Yes, there are visitor centers with restrooms, gift shops, and cafes located within the park. The facilities are generally well-maintained.
📸 📸 Photography
The Almannagjá gorge offers dramatic shots of the tectonic plates. Öxarárfoss waterfall is picturesque, and the views across Þingvallavatn lake are stunning. The historic parliament site also provides unique photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks in Iceland to protect wildlife and the natural environment. Always check the latest regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and the rift valley. A tripod can be useful for waterfall shots or in lower light conditions. Don't forget a polarizing filter for water and sky.
The viewpoints along the paths in Almannagjá gorge offer excellent perspectives of the rift. The area around Lögberg also provides good vantage points for historical and landscape shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Geological Marvel: The Rift Valley
This unique geological setting also gives rise to other fascinating features, such as the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure. This fissure, filled with glacial meltwater filtered through lava rock for decades, offers unparalleled visibility for divers and snorkelers. The water temperature remains a constant 2-4°C (35-39°F) year-round, providing a truly unique underwater experience. The sheer scale and raw power of the Earth's crust are palpable here, offering a profound connection to our planet's dynamic nature.
Historical Heart of Iceland
The presence of the Thingvellir Church and the surrounding historical buildings further adds to the site's cultural depth. Walking through the park, you're not just traversing a landscape; you're walking through centuries of Icelandic history and governance. The information signs scattered throughout the park provide context and stories, enriching the visitor's understanding of this sacred and significant location. It’s a place where nature and history are inextricably intertwined.
Exploring Thingvellir's Trails
For those seeking longer hikes, trails extend around the shores of Þingvallavatn lake, Iceland's largest natural lake. These paths offer more expansive views and a sense of tranquility away from the main visitor areas. Some trails can be more rugged, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The park service provides maps and information on trail lengths and difficulty, ensuring you can choose an experience that suits you. Remember to check the weather, as conditions can change quickly and the wind can be significant.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit