Thingvellir National Park

The basics

Thingvellir is located in a rift valley along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American tectonic plate and Eurasian tectonic plate meet. As the plates continue to pull apart, they create new geological wonders. The area created between the plates is known as a rift valley. Generally, tectonic plates are below sea-level but Iceland is the only place in the world where the plates are visible above water. Highlights include the hike to the Oxararfoss Waterfall, the views in Almannagja Gorge, fishing in the largest natural lake in Iceland, Thingvallavatn Lake, and snorkeling at Silfra.

Thingvellir is also the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament around 930 AD and remained there until 1798. Today, you can visit the remains of the former parliament sites. Visit as part of a Golden Circle excursion or on a multi-day tour. In fact, some tourists spend up to two weeks exploring the natural wonders found in this region of the Icelandic nation. For more flexibility, hop-on hop-off tours are excellent options.

Things to know before you go

• Plan to spend a whole day at Thingvellir as there’s much to see and do. There's also a small on-site café.

• You can visit the park for free, but drivers must pay to park vehicles.

• If you want to fish in the park, you’ll need to get a permit at the service center.

• If you want to stay longer than one day, book a spot at the on-site campground, which has bathrooms, showers, washing machines, and outdoor grills.

How to get there

Thingvellir National Park is located about 28 miles (45 kilometers) northeast of Reykjavík, just off Route 36. The roads and trailheads inside the park are clearly marked, and there are plenty of scenic stops where you can park and enjoy the views. There is no public transportation to the park, so the easiest way to get to Thingvellir is by renting a car or booking a tour of the Golden Circle (Gullni Hringurinn) that includes transportation.

When to get there

Thingvellir is one of the most visited parks in Iceland, and it gets crowded during the summer. In July and August, visit first thing in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the masses. Fishing season runs from early May through mid-September, and northern lights viewing is best in late fall and winter.

Iceland’s Golden Circle Tour

The Golden Circle Tour is a popular sightseeing loop from Reykjavik through Iceland’s southern uplands. This 190-mile (300-kilometer) route includes many of Iceland’s most scenic sights, such as Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall (Golden Falls), and the Haukadalur geysers. You can see the Golden Circle in a day with a hop-on hop-off bus tour, or drive yourself and explore at your own pace.

Ways to explore

Thingvellir National Park is a common stop on many Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik. Within the park, highlights include hiking to the Öxarárfoss waterfall, the views in Almannagjá Gorge, fishing in Thingvallavatn Lake (the largest natural lake in Iceland), and snorkeling between the tectonic plates at the Silfra Fissure.

You can visit Thingvellir National Park independently or join a multi-day tour—some tourists spend up to two weeks exploring the region’s natural wonders. For more flexibility, hop-on hop-off tours are excellent options.

Accessibility

The visitor center and some viewpoints and paths are wheelchair accessible, but some trails have uneven terrain and stairs. Many wheelchair-accessible Golden Circle tours are available to make travel logistics seamless.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water, snacks, map, hiking poles (for longer trails), binoculars, daypack

What to wear

Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, comfortable hiking boots, warm hat, gloves

Not allowed

Camping outside designated areas, littering, disturbing wildlife, picking plants, driving off-road

Amenities

Visitor center, restrooms, parking areas, camping facilities, picnic areas, information boards, marked trails

Address

Thingvellir National Park is about a 1-hour drive from Reykjavik. You can easily travel by car, while tours with included transportation are a convenient option.

Driving

Departing Reykjavik, take the Ring Road to Route 36—there are well-marked signs along the way and multiple parking areas throughout the park.

Public transportation

There’s limited bus service. Taking a tour from Reykjavik that includes round-trip transportation is a stress-free alternative.

Best times to visit

Early morning has fewer crowds and better wildlife viewing, while late afternoon offers golden-hour photography at spots like Öxarárfoss waterfall.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends. The best conditions for a trip are crisp, sunny days.

Best months to visit

June to August boast the warmest weather, while November to March offer the potential for viewing the northern lights.

Special events

Look for summer solstice celebrations, historical reenactments, and annual parliament commemoration events (Thingvellir is the birthplace of Iceland’s first parliament).