Skip to main content
Explore like a local! Recieve tips & inspiration tailored just for you. -Subscribe

As one of the three UNESCO world heritage sites in Iceland, the landscape at Þingvellir National Park is like another planet. A chasm divides the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and you can walk and swim between continents here. Close to Reykjavík, Þingvellir National Park is usually the first stop on the famous Golden Circle route.
Best time to visit
All year-round
Coordinates
64.28226, -21.07594
Distance from Reykjavík
51.8km (32mi)

Exploring Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park history

Þingvellir (sometimes written as Thingvellir) National Park is a protected area of Iceland where two great tectonic plates meet. Folk flock to this vast stretch of landscape to witness the unique geology of Iceland brought to the surface.

Iceland is the only place on Earth where you can see the continental rift above the sea and the Almannagjá fissure allows you to walk between the tectonic plates, showing off the clearest example of the continental seam. As you walk between the black volcanic rock of the ravine, North America is on one side of you and Eurasia on the other. For millennia, the plates have been drifting apart by approximately 2.5 centimetres each year.

Apart from the island’s fascinating geology, Þingvellir National Park offers an insight into the human history of Iceland too. At Lögberg Rock, you can see the spot where Iceland’s and the world’s first parliaments gathered. The Alþingi first assembled in 930 AD, during the Viking age. Today, the spot where lawmakers and speech-givers would gather all those centuries ago is marked by an Icelandic flag.

In 1930, Þingvellir was awarded national park status, making it the first national park in Iceland, and in 2004 Þingvellir National Park’s UNESCO status was made official, making it one of the world heritage sites on the mainland of Iceland.

Hiking trails meandering across the volcanic landscape at Þingvellir.

Hiking and walking at Þingvellir National Park

Hiking trails meander across the volcanic landscape at Þingvellir. The most popular walking route runs through the Almannagjá fissure, where you can admire the dramatic rock formations that have been created by the drifting of the continental plates.

This route is paved, taking you past waterfalls with an optional path to the site of the first parliament. Overall, walking this 1.3 mile (2 kilometres) trail at a leisurely pace takes around half an hourwith time to snap pictures along the way.

For those who want to stretch their legs a bit more, there are plenty of longer trails throughout the national park. The trail from the visitor centre to Öxarárfoss waterfall takes in the classic route through the Almannagjá fissure and beyond, past the pretty Þingvallakirkja – a wood-clad church dating back to the 19th century. After around 7 kilometres (4.5 miles), you’ll reach Öxarárfoss Falls, tumbling over a cliff and crashing against the jet-black rocks below.

Þingvellir spans approximately 240 square kilometers, crisscrossed by former bridle paths that now offer miles of walking trails. For those who wish to explore the area independently, a simple transfer to Þingvellir and back to Reykjavík can be booked. This allows ample time to hike and discover off-the-beaten-path wonders at your own pace.

Check a Þingvellir National Park map at the visitor’s centre to see where you can explore on foot. It is worth noting that camping is only permitted at designated campsites, and wild camping is not allowed.

Snorkelling in pristine waters between two continents is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Snorkelling and diving at Þingvellir National Park

Within Þingvellir National Park, you’ll find one of the only places in the world where you can snorkel or dive between the continental plates. The Silfra fissure is filled with fresh spring water that has been filtered through porous volcanic rock, so the visibility down here is exceptional.

You can see over 100 metres clearly, which is a good thing as the other-worldly rock formations between the plates are a sight to behold. You don’t need any special qualifications to join a snorkelling experience at Silfra, but you do have to be an adequate swimmer.

For Scuba diving, you need to be PADI qualified and an experienced dry suit diver – the icy water is too cold for a wetsuit. There are plenty of organised diving and snorkelling tours to Silfra which include pick-up from Reykjavík.

Near Þingvellir National park you can find amazing sights!

Things to See Around Þingvellir National Park

The national park is vast, covering a massive swathe of Iceland’s rugged landscape. Beyond the limits of the national park, you’ll find some of Iceland’s other natural wonders. A short drive away, Langjökull (the country’s second-largest glacier) offers a chance to explore a man-made ice tunnel. A Langjökull monster truck experience is a popular addition to a Golden Circle or Silver Circle experience.

Often the first stop on a Golden Circle tour, visitors tend to pair a trip to Þingvellir with a stop at Gullfoss waterfall and a stop at Geysir Geothermal Area. The three together make up the classic itinerary of this circular route from Reykjavík.

Of course, Þingvellir is also only a forty-five-minute drive from Reykjavík itself so all the sights of the capital are within easy driving distance, including the Sky Lagoon. This geothermally heated outdoor bath juts out over the North Atlantic Sea and is the perfect place to unwind with spa-like treatments after a day exploring the wild countryside.

FAQ

Related tours

10 hours

Golden Circle and Glacier Super Jeep Tour

Experience the iconic Golden Circle of Iceland in unparalleled style and comfort with our luxury Super Jeep tour. Perfect for families, friends, or solo explorers, this adventure takes you off the traditional paths and into the heart of Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, including a Super Jeep ride across the majestic Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier.

From €318/person
10 hours

Golden Circle Super Jeep and Snowmobile Tour

Experience Iceland’s top attractions in an exciting way! Explore the famous Golden Circle in a luxury Super Jeep, then venture onto Langjökull, the country’s second-largest glacier, for an exhilarating snowmobile ride.

From €435/person
10 hours

Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon

Experience the best of Iceland with this package of two of the island’s most popular tours in one day! The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Þingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. After touring the landmarks, soak in the milky blue healing water of the Blue Lagoon.

From €209/person
6 hours

Thingvellir National Park & Silfra Transfer

The Þingvellir and Silfra transfer service takes you to one of Iceland's most iconic sites. It's ideal for those needing transportation for their snorkelling or diving tour at Silfra, and those wishing to explore Þingvellir National Park independently.

From €55/person
8 hours

The Golden Circle & Friðheimar Greenhouse

This best-selling tour of Iceland’s most famous south Iceland landmarks includes a visit to Friðheimar Greenhouse. The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Þingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. Experience the classic Golden Circle landmarks with a sustainable twist, a stop at Friðheimar!

From €80/person
10 hours

ATV & Golden Circle

Join us for an unforgettable adventure with our ATV Quad Bike and Golden Circle combo tour! Experience the thrill of riding through diverse terrains on an ATV, followed by a journey to iconic Icelandic landmarks. Get ready for an exhilarating day of exploration and discovery!

From €205/person
9.5 hours

Golden Circle & Lava Tunnel - Combo Deal

Nature, culture, and history prevail in this combination tour, which takes you to the sites of the Golden Circle and inside the Lava Tunnel Raufarhólshellir cave. Experience a new world of Iceland's natural wonders -- Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal region, Þingvellir National Park and the raw beauty of a lava tunnel. This is an easy, guided tour with no caving experience required.

From €169/person
3 hours

Snorkeling Silfra

Snorkel between the North American and Eurasian continental plates in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park is filled with glacial water that has been seeping through underground lava rocks for decades producing the clearest water on earth. The fissure allows for over 100 metres of visibility.

From €159/person
  • Holiday Tour
9 hours

Golden Circle & Reykjavík Christmas Walk

Experience Iceland's holiday magic with a Golden Circle tour and Reykjavík Christmas walk, which are filled with twinkling lights, winter scenery, and Icelandic traditions.

From €194/person
9.5 hours

Horse Riding & Golden Circle

Join us on our Golden Circle & Horse Riding tour, where you'll immerse yourself in Iceland's stunning landscapes on horseback. Discover the wonders of the Golden Circle and the unique charm of Icelandic horses in one unforgettable adventure!

From €159/person
9.5 hours

Golden Circle & Sky Lagoon

Plan for a fantastic day of seeing the classic Golden Circle landmarks capped off with a visit to the dreamy Sky Lagoon! The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Þingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. After touring the sights, relax at Reykjavík’s newest luxury bathing experience, the Sky Lagoon.

From €178/person
6 hours

Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa tour - Selfdrive

Snorkel between the North American and Eurasian continental plates in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park fills with glacial water that has been seeping through underground lava rocks for decades producing the most transparent water on earth. After snorkelling, drive your rental car to the heavenly Laugarvatn Fontana spa to warm up and relax!

From €197/person
9 hours

The Golden Circle & Fontana Wellness

Experience the classic Golden Circle landmarks before heading to the healing Fontana Wellness facilities! The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Thingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. Cap off your sightseeing day with a healing visit to Fontana Wellness.

From €118/person
10 hours

Golden Circle & Glacier Snowmobiling

Experience the landmarks of the classic Golden Circle in South Iceland with an exciting snowmobile ride on this unforgettable day tour. The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Þingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. Cap off your sightseeing adventure with a thrilling snowmobile ride on Langjökull glacier!

From €242/person
9 hours

The Golden Circle & Northern Lights - Combo Deal

Want to see the sites of the Golden Circle and hunt for the northern lights but have a limited amount of time? Consider this express Golden Circle/Northern Lights tour! Experience the landmarks of the classic Golden Circle in South Iceland on this unforgettable day tour. The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Thingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. After your return to Reykjavík, a guide will lead you on a search for the elusive northern lights!

From €127/person
8 hours

The Golden Circle & Hop On Hop Off - Combo Deal

Experience the best of Iceland's natural wonders and the charm of its capital city with our Golden Circle & City Sightseeing combo. This tour combines an insightful 8-hour journey through the iconic Golden Circle, with a visit to the Fridheimar Tomato Greenhouse along the way, and additionally, the flexibility of exploring Reykjavík at your own pace on the Hop On Hop Off bus.

From €112/person
6.5 hours

Golden Circle Direct

Want to see the sites of the Golden Circle but have a limited amount of time? Consider this express Golden Circle tour! Experience the landmarks of the classic Golden Circle in South Iceland on this unforgettable day tour. The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Þingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir.

From €73/person

Sign up for our newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive tips, personalized travel advice, and early-bird offers on unique experiences!

  • Exclusive Insights
  • Tailored Travel Tips
  • Early Access to Offers