Thingvellir National Park Travel Guide

Thingvellir National Park is one of three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Iceland and one of the three stops on the world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route.

Thingvellir National Park is one of the country’s most significant natural and historical landmarks. Situated about 28 miles (45 kilometers) northeast of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, it can be reached by car in roughly 40-45 minutes, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.

Just to the south of the park lies Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and volcanic origins.

Thingvellir itself is celebrated for its unique geology, as it sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart, creating dramatic fissures and rugged landscapes. This can be explored in detail on various snorkeling tours in Silfra fissure.

Thingvellir National Park is one of the three stops on Iceland's iconic Golden Circle. The other two stops being Haukadalur geothermal valley, home to the famous Geysir and Strokkur geysers, and the awe-inspiring Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic cascades. Both destinations are located close to Thingvellir. For a simple and easy way to visit all three spots in one trip, check out all the best Golden Circle tours in Iceland.

Together, these landmarks showcase Iceland’s extraordinary natural beauty, all within a 2-hour drive of Reykjavik. 

At Thingvellir National Park's website, visitors can find a wealth of information and amenities to enhance their experience. The official website provides details about parking, camping, the Service Centre, maps, and educational resources.

The Service Centre offers insights into the park's nature, history, and nearby attractions. Visitors can pick up maps with marked trails, check road conditions, and learn about other points of interest in the area.

The center also has a cafeteria serving light refreshments and restrooms, available year-round at Parking Lot P1 near the Visitor Centre and P5, close to Thingvellir church and Silfra fissure.

Please note that parking fees apply, varying by vehicle type (e.g., 1000 ISK for cars with up to 5 seats, 1200 ISK for cars with 6-9 seats).

Geology of Thingvellir National Park

The first thing that visitors to the National Park notice is its sheer aesthetic beauty; dried magma fields, covered in Icelandic moss, sit carved by glacial springs, with high cliffs towering over visitors.

One of the most unique features of Thingvellir National Park is that it sits between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is one of the only regions in the world where you can see this geological phenomenon on land.

Visitors are encouraged to walk along the North American tectonic plate, where they can read more about the area’s fascinating formation and history, before descending into the valley below.

History of Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir gained its special status due to Iceland's first settlers, mainly Norsemen fleeing King Harald Fairhair's rule in Norway, arriving in the late 9th century.

By 930 AD, they established a collective assembly at Thingvellir to resolve disputes, try criminals, and establish laws that benefited all. This annual gathering became a lasting tradition and eventually evolved into Iceland’s modern parliament, the Althing, one of the world’s oldest legislative bodies.

It may seem unlikely that Vikings would want to be under such an uncombative government, but the thirty or so clans that lived in Iceland at the time sought to prosper in their harsh new environment.

This saw the birth of the Icelandic Commonwealth, a time of independence and freedom for the Icelandic people before they became constituents of the Norwegian monarchy. Sessions would continue to be held at Thingvellir until 1798. Today, the Althing is located at Austurvollur Square in downtown Reykjavik.

Another major reason why Thingvellir is considered so important to Icelanders is the fact that this is where the decision was made to abandon Paganism and the Norse Gods as people adopted Christianity in 1000 AD under threat of invasion from Norway.

Silfra Fissure

Thingvellir is one of the most widely visited attractions in Iceland. This is largely due to the fact that it is home to the glacial spring Silfra fissure, one of the top ten sites in the world for snorkelers and scuba divers.

Silfra (meaning ‘Silver’) is a submerged ravine within the park. It can be seen from up to 328 feet (100 meters) away. Silfra's water, filtered through volcanic rock for decades, remains near freezing at around 36-39°F (2-4°C) year-round.

Despite the cold, snorkeling here is a unique experience. Participants in those snorkeling tours will be attired at the Silfra carpark in neoprene hoodies and gloves, as well as an undersuit and drysuit for thermal protection. At the same time, you float through an underwater wonderland of vibrant blues and stunning rock formations.

Silfra is consistently ranked as one of the top snorkeling and diving sites globally, making it a must-try adventure for visitors to Iceland. For visitors prepared to brave the cold water, this Silfra snorkeling tour from Reykjavik includes transport from the capital to Thingvellir and everything you need to go snorkeling between tectonic plates!

Thingvellir Lake

Thingvellir is home to Iceland's largest natural lake, Thingvallavatn (Thingvellir lake), spanning approximately 32 square miles (84 square kilometers). Formed by volcanic and tectonic forces, it lies within the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are drifting apart.

The lake's crystal-clear waters come from glacial meltwater filtered through lava rock for decades, which creates exceptional clarity, particularly in Silfra. 

Thingvallavatn is teeming with biodiversity, especially its unique populations of Arctic char, which have evolved into distinct variations within the lake. Its shores are also home to diverse birdlife, including geese and ducks.

Surrounded by volcanic landscapes and lava fields, Thingvallavatn offers stunning scenery perfect for hiking, photography, and peaceful exploration.

Almannagja

Almannagja in Thingvellir National Park is filled with both geological and historical significance. This gorge was not only shaped by natural forces but also served as a central site in Iceland’s history.

In 930 AD, Iceland's early settlers founded the Althing, the world’s oldest surviving parliament, at Thingvellir. The Almannagja gorge played a crucial role as the natural pathway leading to Logberg (the Law Rock), where laws were proclaimed and disputes resolved. Each year, thousands of people gathered in the gorge to engage in governance, exchange news, and settle conflicts.

Almannagja was also tied to Iceland’s early judicial system. Offenders found guilty of serious crimes were sometimes punished here. One grim practice involved drowning women convicted of crimes in the nearby Drekkingarhylur pool, a chilling reminder of the harsh justice of the time. Men sentenced to death were executed elsewhere, often by beheading or hanging.

Almannagja’s cliffs and fissures symbolized the physical separation of the continents, reflecting Iceland’s place at the meeting point of worlds, both geographically and culturally.

Today, visitors can walk through this historic gorge, where Iceland’s democratic traditions began while marveling at the tectonic forces that continue to shape it.

Thingvellir Church

The Thingvellir church, or "Þingvallakirkja", is a small, charming church located within Thingvellir National Park, near the banks of the Oxara river. It is a quiet and reflective place that adds to the park's cultural significance.

Built in the 11th century, shortly after Iceland’s conversion to Christianity, legend says King Olaf II of Norway sent timber for its construction. The current version, dating back to 1859, reflects centuries of rebuilding.

Inside, the church’s whitewashed walls, wooden pews, and simple altar showcase Icelandic craftsmanship. It also houses three historic bells, one from the medieval period. Next to the church, a small cemetery rests peacefully against dramatic cliffs and the winding river.

Adjacent to the church lies a small cemetery, where local priests and notable individuals have been laid to rest. The peaceful churchyard, set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and the winding river, adds to the serene atmosphere of the site.

What makes Thingvellir church especially interesting is its connection to the park's history. The church stands as a symbol of Iceland's transition to Christianity and a physical reminder of how the nation’s traditions and beliefs evolved over time.

The houses next to the church are part of the Thingvellir Rectory or "Þingvallabær", built in 1930 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. These traditional Icelandic buildings serve as the parish priest’s residence.

Though not open to the public, the rectory adds to the charm and historical atmosphere of Thingvellir National Park, making it a popular spot for visitors to admire and photograph.

Thingvellir church is still a functioning parish and a popular stop for visitors exploring the Golden Circle.

The Golden Circle and Other Highlights near Thingvellir

The wide variety of Golden Circle tours is one of Iceland's most popular and accessible sightseeing experiences and for a reason! They include visiting some of the most iconic attractions in Iceland, even in the world, spanning roughly 190 miles (300 kilometers). This Golden Circle tour starts and ends in Reykjavik, making it a perfect day trip to explore Iceland’s most popular attractions.

Thingvellir National Park is one of the highlights, but there are plenty more attractions to explore. 

The geothermal area of Haukadalur is home to Iceland's most famous geysers. One of them is Strokkur, which truly is the star of the show since it erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting water up to 100 feet (30 meters) into the air. Another one is the well-known Geysir, the namesake of all geysers worldwide. Though now mostly dormant, it remains an iconic site.

A short drive from Haukadalur, Gullfoss (the "Golden Falls") is a two-tiered waterfall plunging into a dramatic canyon. Its sheer power and beauty make it one of Iceland's most iconic sights. On sunny days, rainbows often form in the mist, adding to its magical allure.

The Kerid crater is a striking volcanic caldera filled with vibrant blue water, surrounded by red volcanic rock. It is located about 35 miles (55 kilometers) from Thingvellir, which is about a 45 minute drive by car. Formed over 3,000 years ago, it is one of the few craters in Iceland, and visitors can walk around and even descend to the water’s edge.

Faxafoss, also known as Faxi is located approximately 23 miles (37 kilometers) from Thingvellir. It is quite wide and beautiful waterfall which is often called a mini Gullfoss. Its calm waters and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect place for a quick stop and a photo.

If your looking for even more to explore and an adrenaline rush, you can go on this Golden Circle and horse riding tour or this Golden Circle and snowmobiling tour! Both of these tours start in Reykjavik and offer an unforgettable way to experience Iceland's stunning landscapes with a thrilling twist.

Where to Stay near Thingvellir

There are no hotels located within Thingvellir National Park itself, as it is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, there are some cottage options by the Thingvellir lake, such as this cottage, which has a balcony to enjoy the view. Those who want to stay close by can stay in hotels within the Golden Circle. 

Hotel Geysir

In less than an hour's drive from Thingvellir, you will find Hotel Geysir, a modern, stylish hotel located right across from the Geysir geothermal area. Its unbeatable location offers stunning views of the famous geysers and easy access to nearby attractions like Gullfoss. 

Guests can enjoy locally sourced meals at five on-site restaurants, including fine dining at Geysir Restaurant and unique experiences like "Soup in the Forest," which is served in nature.

With its prime location, modern amenities, and excellent dining, Hotel Geysir is the perfect base for exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle.

ION Adventure Hotel

ION Adventure Hotel is a unique and eco-friendly retreat located near Thingvellir National Park, just an hour’s drive from Reykjavik. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes and offering easy access to the Golden Circle, it’s the perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The hotel’s modern, minimalist design blends beautifully with its rugged surroundings. Guests can relax in stylish rooms with breathtaking views of lava fields or mountains, unwind in the geothermal pool, or enjoy the spa.

The on-site restaurant Silfra serves delicious, locally-sourced Icelandic cuisine. With its stunning setting and comfortable amenities, ION Adventure Hotel is an unforgettable base for exploring Iceland’s natural wonders.

Heradsskolinn Historic Guesthouse

Heradsskolinn Historic Guesthouse in Laugarvatn is a cozy and affordable spot along Iceland’s Golden Circle. Originally built in 1928 as a school, it has been beautifully restored, blending history and comfort.

It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re planning a visit to the nearby Laugarvatn Fontana Spa or exploring the stunning landscapes of the area. Guests can choose between private rooms or budget-friendly dorms, with options for shared or private bathrooms. There’s also a friendly on-site café serving homemade meals and plenty of space to relax.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a family, or with friends, Heradsskolinn offers a unique and welcoming base to experience Iceland’s wonders.