Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most iconic parks, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The park not only offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys but also holds immense cultural and historical significance. In this blog, we’ll provide you with a complete guide to making the most of your visit to Thingvellir National Park.
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What is Thingvellir National Park?
Thingvellir National Park is a protected nature reserve in Iceland, established in 1930. The park is famous for its natural beauty, including crystal-clear lakes and stunning waterfalls. Moreover, it holds a unique cultural and historical importance as the location of the world’s first parliament.
Thingvellir National Park attracts thousands of visitors each year. It covers an area of about 270 square kilometres and sits on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its scenic beauty, historical significance, and unique geological features.
Thingvellir National Park opening hours:
- From May 1 to October 31: Open 24 hours a day
- From November 1 to April 30: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The park is accessible all year round, but winter months can be cold and snowy. It’s advisable to come well-prepared if you plan to visit during winter.
The history of Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir was once the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament, called the Althing, established in 930 AD. The location was chosen for its central position in Iceland and its fertile grounds. Each June, representatives from all parts of the country gathered here to enact laws and settle disputes. The Althing remained in Thingvellir until 1798 when it was moved to Reykjavik.
Natural attractions in Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park has plenty to offer when it comes to natural sights. Here are some of the main highlights:
Silfra Fissure
The Silfra Fissure is one of the most unique places in the park. It’s a rift between two tectonic plates, where you can go diving or snorkelling in unbelievably clear water.
Öxarárfoss Waterfall
The Öxarárfoss waterfall is a stunning sight in the park, reachable via a short walk from the parking area.
Thingvallavatn Lake
Thingvallavatn is Iceland’s largest natural lake, surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. It’s a popular spot for fishing and hiking.
Things to Do in Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park also offers a variety of activities for visitors.
Hiking in Thingvellir National Park
There are four popular hiking trails in the park, all easily walkable along marked paths. Depending on how much time you have, you can choose between shorter and more challenging routes. The most popular one takes you from the Thingvellir Visitor Centre to the Öxarárfoss waterfall — a definite must if you ask me!
| Name | Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Öxarárfoss Waterfall from Thingvellir Visitor Centre | 4.3 km | 1 hr 35 min | Moderate | Öxarárfoss Waterfall, Þingvallakirkja Church |
| Þingvellir – Öxarárfoss | 7.7 km | 2 hr 28 min | Moderate | Öxarárfoss Waterfall, panoramic views |
| Thingvellir Loop | 10.5 km | 2 hr 57 min | Moderate | Þingvallavatn Lake, Silfra Fissure, tectonic boundary |
| Lögberg – Drekkingarhylur | 1.6 km | 44 min | Easy | Lögberg Rock Point, Drekkingarhylur historic site |
Planning to go hiking in Thingvellir National Park? Find detailed descriptions of all routes via AllTrails.
Snorkelling and diving
The crystal-clear water of Silfra offers perfect conditions for snorkelling and diving. Silfra lies between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and provides a unique experience of swimming between two continents.
Fishing
Thingvallavatn Lake is a popular spot for fishing trout.
Horse riding
Visitors can take a horse riding tour through the park’s beautiful landscapes. There are various routes available depending on the rider’s level and desired duration of the ride.
Camping
There are several campsites in the park where visitors can camp. It’s a fantastic way to experience nature up close and enjoy the starry sky at night.
Geology and history
Thingvellir is an important historical and geological location. Visitors can learn more about the history of the ancient Icelandic parliament and the geological features of the fault line.
Photography
The park offers many breathtaking views and natural beauty, perfect for photography. There are numerous photogenic spots including the Öxarárfoss waterfall and the viewpoint at the Almannagjá fissure.
Hotels in Thingvellir National Park
Want to stay near Thingvellir National Park and thus in the Golden Circle area? Then you need to compare carefully and make choices. There aren’t many hotels right at Thingvellir itself. But don’t worry, you’ll find the first ones just 20 minutes away by car.
- Thingvellir Lake Cottage is located 16km from Thingvellir National Park and offers 3-star holiday homes. Not too expensive, but ideally located.
- Þingvellir Golden Circle Cottage also has 3 stars and is located 14km away. This is also a holiday home.
- Golden Circle Domes – Lake View is a super luxury option where you literally sleep in a dome. If you get lucky with the Northern Lights… this is fantastic!
Looking for a suitable hotel with the best price? Check the map below:
You might know Thingvellir from Game of Thrones
In season 4 of Game of Thrones, filming took place at various locations around the world. One of these locations was Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination due to its stunning landscapes.
Thingvellir National Park served as the location for the scenes North of the Wall in the series. The park features spectacular landscapes of mountains, lakes, and valleys, making it the perfect backdrop for these scenes. The most iconic scene filmed here was the Battle of the Wall, where Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch fought against the wildlings and giants.
The filming in Thingvellir National Park was carried out with the help of local Icelandic production teams and was generally well received by both fans of the show and the local population. The fact that the production chose this beautiful location brought a lot of attention and recognition to Iceland as a tourist destination.
Want to know more? Read this blog about filming locations in Iceland.
How to get to Thingvellir National Park?
Thingvellir National Park is located about 40 km from Reykjavik and is easily reachable by car. Thingvellir National Park is part of the famous Golden Circle. There are also bus tours available from Reykjavik that take you past Thingvellir National Park and the Golden Circle.
