Thingvallakirkja Church is a small wooden church often featured on tours in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the main stops on Golden Circle tours.
The church sits in a scenic valley with a history spanning over a thousand years, near the founding site of Althingi, Iceland’s first parliament.
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Its location within Thingvellir makes it an accessible and meaningful stop for travelers on a classic Golden Circle tour or self-drive adventures, providing insight into both Icelandic architecture and the country’s early Christian history. Read on to learn about the church’s history, how to visit, and nearby points of interest.
Essential Facts About Thingvallakirkja Church
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Thingvallakirkja Church is located in Thingvellir National Park, approximately 28 miles (45 kilometers) east of Reykjavik.
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The first church at this site was founded around 1015 and made with timber donated by King Olaf II of Norway.
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The current building was completed in 1859 and reflects traditional Icelandic wooden architecture.
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The church is one of Iceland’s oldest and is situated near the Althingi, the site of the country’s first parliament.
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Thingvallakirkja remains an active parish church and occasionally hosts services, weddings, and community events.
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Entry to the church is free, although parking fees apply within the national park.
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The best time to visit is during the summer months, when the church is open to the public from June 1 to August 31 and the park is fully accessible.
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Thingvallakirkja serves as one of the starting points for the free walking tours led by the park’s rangers. It is also accessible when booking Golden Circle tours.
History of Thingvallakirkja Church
Thingvallakirkja Church has stood on the site of several earlier churches at Thingvellir. The first church was built around 1015, shortly after Iceland adopted Christianity.
This early building served both the local community and visitors to the nearby Althingi, where chieftains made laws and settled disputes.
Over the centuries, the church was rebuilt multiple times to replace earlier structures. The current building was officially opened in 1859, reflecting traditional Icelandic architecture designed to withstand the harsh climate.
In 1907, the spire was rebuilt and altered, housing three bells: one ancient, one donated by Bishop Jón Vídalín in 1698, and one rung to mark Iceland’s independence in 1944.
The church underwent repairs in 1973 and 1983 to preserve its historic elements. Behind the building lies a small cemetery, including the graves of Icelandic poets Jónas Hallgrímsson and Einar Benediktsson.
Thingvallakirkja has long been connected to Icelandic cultural and political life. Its proximity to the Althingi made it a meeting point where religion and governance intersected.
Today, it remains an active parish church, hosting occasional services, community events and weddings in Iceland.
Visitor Information for Thingvallakirkja Church
Thingvallakirkja Church is open to the public during the summer months, from June 1 to August 31, whenever a park ranger is on duty.
It’s one of the two starting points for the free walking tours in Thingvellir during summer, which guide visitors through the park’s natural and historical sites.
Typical visiting hours are 9 AM to 10 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. During the winter, the church is generally closed except for occasional services or special events.
The church is situated close to the Thingvellir Visitor Centre. Visitors can park in the main lot and reach the church via a short, easy walk.
Entry is free, but if you wish to book the Thingvellir Church for weddings or other events, the fee is 20,000 ISK (156 USD).
Nearby facilities include restrooms, information boards, and a cafe at the Thingvellir Visitor Centre. The path from the parking area to the church is mostly flat and accessible, though sturdy shoes are recommended for walking in the park.
Tips for Visiting Thingvallakirkja Church
Here are some helpful tips to enhance your visit to Thingvallakirkja Church.
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Respect the church as an active parish. Keep noise low, avoid photography or entry during services or private events, and do not touch historic furnishings.
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Check the park or church website ahead of your visit for updates on ranger availability or special events.
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If visiting with children, keep an eye on them near the cemetery and along footpaths.
How To Get to Thingvallakirkja Church
Thingvallakirkja Church is located roughly 23 miles (45 kilometers) northeast of Reykjavik and can be reached by car in about 45–50 minutes .
During the winter months, the church interior is usually closed, though the building can still be admired from the outside.
Most visitors see Thingvallakirkja Church as part of Thingvellir tours or Golden Circle excursions, which include stops at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir Geothermal Area. These guided options usually depart from Reykjavik, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving or navigation.
Best Guided Tours Featuring Thingvellir National Park
Experience Iceland without the hassle of driving on guided tours, which stop at Thingvellir National Park and other key attractions along the Golden Circle. Departing from Reykjavik, they offer expert commentary, local insights, and the chance to relax while taking in the country’s most famous sights.
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The Golden Circle Minibus Tour from Reykjavik: Explore Iceland’s most famous sights on this small-group minibus tour, discovering hidden gems along the Golden Circle. See Gullfoss Waterfall and Strokkur Geyser, and enjoy a stroll through the historic rift valleys of Thingvellir.
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Golden Circle Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik: Experience the highlights of the Golden Circle in a single afternoon. Witness the erupting Strokkur Geyser, the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall, and the striking landscapes of Thingvellir.
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Small-Group Bus Tour of Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik: Combine Golden Circle sightseeing with a relaxing soak at the Blue Lagoon on this compact tour. Visit Gullfoss, Geysir, and the rift valleys of Thingvellir before enjoying the geothermal spa experience.
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Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Hot Spring Tour: Mix sightseeing with relaxation on this tour of the Golden Circle, capped with a soak in the Secret Lagoon. Discover Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir’s dramatic landscapes along the route.
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Golden Circle & Snorkeling in Silfra with Free Underwater Photos: Dive into a unique adventure combining classic Golden Circle sights with snorkeling in the crystal-clear Silfra Fissure. Capture underwater photos while exploring the rift between two tectonic plates.
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Golden Circle & Northern Lights Hunting Combo Tour from Reykjavik: See the Golden Circle by day and chase the northern lights by night. Explore waterfalls, geysers, and rift valleys before searching for auroras in the Icelandic countryside.
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Classic Golden Circle & Horse Riding Tour from Reykjavik: Ride an Icelandic horse through scenic countryside before visiting Golden Circle highlights. Stop at Gullfoss, Strokkur, and the rift valleys of Thingvellir for a blend of adventure and culture.
Best Multi-Day Tours Featuring Thingvellir National Park
Experience the highlights of Iceland’s natural beauty and cultural history on multi-day tours that include the iconic landscapes of Thingvellir National Park. From glaciers and waterfalls to black sand beaches and volcanic wonders, these tours combine adventure, sightseeing, and comfort for an unforgettable journey.
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3-Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Multi-Day Tour to the Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon: This tour combines Iceland’s top winter highlights and a stunning ice cave beneath Europe’s largest glacier. Travelers also enjoy a beginner-friendly glacier hike and countryside hotel stays that enhance northern lights viewing opportunities.
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4-Day Northern Lights Winter Tour with the Golden Circle, Ice Caving & Snaefellsnes Peninsula: This adventure covers Iceland’s Golden Circle, South Coast, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Guests can also embark on glacier hikes and ice caving excursions while staying in cozy country hotels along the way.
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8-Day Guided Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Top Activities: This journey loops around Iceland, visiting all major regions, national parks, glaciers, and waterfalls. The itinerary includes guided glacier hikes, whale watching, and comfortable accommodations with daily breakfast.
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3-Day Guided Summer Tour of the South Coast & Golden Circle: This summer tour showcases the South Coast and Golden Circle, highlighting waterfalls, glaciers, and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Participants also take part in a glacier hike and enjoy carefully selected accommodations with breakfast included.
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4-Day Summer Tour Combo: Snaefellsnes, Jokulsarlon & Golden Circle: This four-day combo explores the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, South Coast, and Golden Circle, featuring glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches. Guests stay overnight in country hotels and join guided excursions for a fully immersive experience.
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3-Day Summer Tour of Golden Circle and South Coast with Glacier Hiking: This tour explores the Golden Circle and South Coast, including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Participants also enjoy glacier hiking, an amphibian boat tour at Jokulsarlon, and curated accommodations with breakfast.
Top Self-Drive Tours Featuring Thingvellir National Park
Explore Iceland at your own pace with these self-drive itineraries, covering dozens of attractions along the Golden Circle, South Coast, and beyond. Each route includes Thingvellir National Park, home to Thingvallakirkja Church, allowing you to combine iconic natural wonders with historical highlights while stopping to explore at your leisure.
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7-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of South Iceland, the Golden Circle & Snaefellsnes Peninsula: This 7-day itinerary covers over 45 attractions along the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Travelers explore glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and coastal cliffs while chasing the northern lights.
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Full 10-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland: This 10-day route visits more than 50 highlights around the Ring Road and Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Drivers encounter geothermal sites, volcanoes, waterfalls, and iconic Icelandic landscapes at their own pace.
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One-Week Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of South & West Iceland with Ice Caving: This 8-day adventure spans South and West Iceland, including glaciers, lagoons, and ice caves. Participants also track the northern lights while enjoying flexible exploration of winter landscapes.
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9-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road with Waterfalls & Hot Springs: This 9-day tour covers over 55 attractions along the complete Ring Road. Highlights include waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, black sand beaches, and remote villages.
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1-week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland & Golden Circle: This 8-day summer journey explores more than 55 attractions with extended daylight hours. Travelers see glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal areas, and coastal scenery at their own pace.
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2-Week Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland & the Westfjords: This 14-day adventure visits over 80 destinations across Iceland’s Ring Road and Westfjords. Travelers discover fjords, hidden hot springs, cliffs, and remote wildlife habitats far from the crowds.
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5-Day Self-Drive Tour of South Iceland with the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon: This compact 5-day tour covers over 25 attractions, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, and geothermal sites. The itinerary finishes with a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon.
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8-Day Summer Self-Drive Holiday on Iceland’s South Coast with a Taste of the Highlands: This 8-day route explores more than 35 attractions along the South Coast, Golden Circle, and Highlands. Travelers experience glaciers, volcanic landscapes, geothermal pools, and Icelandic cultural sites under the midnight sun.
Nearby Attractions in Thingvellir National Park
Exploring the area around Thingvellir offers a mix of dramatic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and relaxing hot springs. These nearby attractions are ideal for extending your visit, whether you want to continue discovering Iceland’s geology or enjoy scenic guided hikes.
Distances and travel details from Thingvallakirkja Church are included for planning convenience.
Almannagja Gorge
Walking through Almannagja Gorge is one of the most memorable experiences in Thingvellir. This dramatic rift valley marks the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and its steep rock walls create a natural pathway into the park.
Almannagja is an ideal first or last stop for anyone visiting Thingvallakirkja Church, offering excellent photo opportunities and a vivid sense of Iceland’s geological power.
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Admission: Free access
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Distance From Thingvallakirkja: approximately 0.5–0.8miles (0.8–1.3 kilometers)
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Location: Almannagja, 806 Thingvellir, Iceland
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How To Get There: Follow the marked park paths from Thingvallakirkja toward the Hakid viewing platform or visitor centre. From there, take the boardwalk or stairs down into Almannagja Gorge. For step-by-step directions from your current location, open this Google Maps page.
Oxararfoss Waterfall
Oxararfoss is a small but powerful waterfall that tumbles over black lava cliffs, creating a misty veil surrounded by lush moss and birch trees. The gentle walking path to the falls makes it a popular choice for visitors who want to experience Thingvellir’s natural beauty without venturing far from the main sites.
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Admission: Free access
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Distance From Thingvallakirkja: approximately 0.6 miles (1 kilometers)
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Location: Oxararfoss, 801 Thingvellir, Iceland
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How To Get There: Follow the marked trail from Thingvallakirkja toward the Oxara River. The waterfall is about a 10-minute walk. To navigate from your current location, check Google Maps for directions.
Silfra Fissure
Silfra Fissure offers a unique snorkeling or diving experience in crystal-clear glacial water between two continental plates. Its remarkable visibility and calm conditions reveal an underwater landscape that complements the church’s quiet, historical setting with a different perspective on the forces that shaped Thingvellir.
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Admission: Guided snorkeling excursions and diving tours require booking in advance
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Distance From Thingvallakirkja: approximately 1.2 miles (2 kilometers)
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Location: Silfra, Thingvellir National Park, 801 Thingvellir, Iceland
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How To Get There: Snorkeling and diving tours meet at the designated dive center near the Silfra Car Park. Drive to the P5 Parking Lot or walk from the church to the main walking path and follow the signs to the car park. For exact directions to Silfra from your location, see Google Maps guidance.
Logberg (Law Rock)
Logberg is the rocky outcrop traditionally associated with the earliest meetings of Iceland’s parliament, the Althingi. This is where the Law Speakers addressed the assembly, announced new laws, and guided discussions that shaped the country’s early legal system.
Visiting Logberg adds meaningful context to a trip to Thingvallakirkja Church. Together, the two sites highlight how religion, governance, and community life were closely connected in medieval Iceland.
The elevated position of Logberg also gives visitors an impressive view across the rift valley, making it a memorable stop for photography and orientation.
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Admission: Free access
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Distance From Thingvallakirkja: approximately 0.12 miles (0.2 kilometers)
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Location: Thingvellir National Park, 801 Thingvellir, Iceland
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How To Get There: From Thingvallakirkja, follow the path within the assembly grounds to the outcrop. The Law Rock is just a few minutes away. For detailed instructions from your current position, consult Google Maps.
Drekkingarhylur (The Drowning Pool)
Drekkingarhylur is a tranquil spot along the river in Thingvellir with a darker history, once used for executions during the 16th to 18th centuries. A small sign recounts its past, offering visitors a moment of reflection.
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Admission: Free access
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Distance From Thingvallakirkja: approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers)
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How To Get There: Follow the trail from Thingvallakirkja along the Oxara River. The Drowning Pool is about a 12-minute walk away. To follow the route from your current position, use Google Maps for directions.
Hakid Viewpoint
From this elevated viewpoint, you can look out across the entire rift valley, with Thingvallavatn Lake stretching toward the horizon. It is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, when the soft light highlights the volcanic landscape below.
The viewpoint helps visitors appreciate the park’s scale and is a fitting place to end a day of exploration before driving onward along the Golden Circle.
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Admission: Free access
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Distance From Thingvallakirkja: 0.9 miles (1.4 kilometers)
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Location: Hakid, 801 Thingvellir, Iceland
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How To Get There: Follow the marked trail from Thingvallakirkja uphill toward the Hakid Viewpoint. The walk takes about 15 minutes. For precise guidance, consult Google Maps.
FAQs About Thingvallakirkja Church
Planning a visit to Thingvallakirkja Church and Thingvellir National Park often raises practical questions about access, hours, and what to expect. The following answers provide clear, up-to-date details to help you make the most of your trip and navigate the area with confidence.
When is Thingvallakirkja Church open to visitors?
Thingvallakirkja Church is open to visitors during the summer months, typically from June 1 to August 31, when a park ranger is on duty. Usual visiting hours are from 9 AM to 10 AM and 1:30 PM to 5 PM. During winter, the church is generally closed except for occasional services or special events.
Is there an entrance fee to visit Thingvallakirkja Church?
There is no entrance fee to visit Thingvallakirkja Church or Thingvellir National Park. However, a small parking fee applies within the park to support maintenance and visitor services.
Can visitors attend a service at Thingvallakirkja Church?
Visitors can attend services at Thingvallakirkja Church when they are open to the public. Occasional services and weddings take place in summer, and it’s best to check the Thingvellir National Park website for the latest schedule before your visit.
How long does it take to visit Thingvallakirkja Church?
Visiting Thingvallakirkja Church usually takes about 15–30 minutes. Most travelers include it as part of a longer visit to Thingvellir National Park, where exploring trails, viewpoints, and historical sites can take two to three hours in total.
How do I get to Thingvallakirkja Church from Reykjavik?
Thingvallakirkja Church is about 23 miles (45 kilometers) northeast of Reykjavik. The drive takes roughly 45–50 minutes via Route 36, which forms part of the Golden Circle Route. Guided Golden Circle adventures and Thingvellir tours also operate daily between Reykjavik and the national park.
Is Thingvallakirkja Church open in winter?
Thingvallakirkja Church is not open to the public during winter, though visitors can still admire it from the outside. Access to Thingvellir may vary depending on road and weather conditions. You can check the current weather forecasts and real-time road conditions in Iceland as you plan your visit.
Can I book Thingvallakirkja Church for a wedding or special event?
Yes, it is possible to book Thingvallakirkja Church for weddings or private events. Applications should be made in advance through the Thingvellir National Park office, and a rental fee applies.
Is Thingvallakirkja Church wheelchair accessible?
Thingvallakirkja Church is accessible via a mostly flat gravel path suitable for visitors with limited mobility. Some uneven ground may be encountered near the entrance, especially in winter when surfaces can be icy.
Plan Your Trip to Thingvallakirkja Church
Thingvallakirkja Church is a quiet landmark within Thingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s natural landscapes and early history meet in one place.
Often regarded as one of the most beautiful churches in Iceland, its setting among lava fields and the rift valley gives visitors a sense of how deeply Icelandic culture is tied to the land itself.
Thingvallakirkja represents centuries of faith and community, amid a landscape that still feels alive with the same natural forces that shaped Iceland’s story. Make sure to include it in your Thingvellir itinerary.
