Þingvellir National Park - Waterfalls in Thingvellir National Park
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Þingvellir National Park

4.7
·23k reviews·Selfoss, Iceland

Walk between continents at Thingvellir, a UNESCO site where Iceland's ancient parliament met amidst dramatic rift valley scenery.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Fewer crowds, longer daylight

CrowdMedium
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Þingvellir National Park - Waterfalls in Thingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Fewer crowds, longer daylight

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Walk between continents at Thingvellir, a UNESCO site where Iceland's ancient parliament met amidst dramatic rift valley scenery.

4.7
(23k reviews)

"It's an amazing experience to walk around at such a historical and geological significant place."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Fees

Parking isn't free! Have a payment method ready for designated lots.

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be walking a lot on varied terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tectonic Plate Boundary

Tectonic Plate Boundary

Almannagjá Gorge

Walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates! A truly unique geological marvel.

Öxarárfoss Waterfall

Öxarárfoss Waterfall

Near Almannagjá

A beautiful, accessible waterfall cascading over ancient rocks. A refreshing sight.

Thingvellir Church & Old Parliament Site

Thingvellir Church & Old Parliament Site

Lögberg (Law Rock)

Step back in time at the historic site of Iceland's ancient parliament, the Althing.

Þingvallavatn Lake

Þingvallavatn Lake

Southern part of the park

Iceland's largest natural lake, offering serene views and a glimpse into the park's vastness.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Thingvellir's Wonders

Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so expect crowds, especially during peak season. Consider visiting early or late to avoid the busiest times. Parking fees apply, so have a payment method ready. The weather can be unpredictable and very windy, so pack layers!

Maximizing Your Visit

While self-guided exploration is rewarding, a guided tour can unlock deeper historical and geological insights.Reddit Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking on well-maintained paths. Be prepared for midges in summer; a net can be a lifesaver.Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, longer daylight
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer tours
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter weekdays
Why
Magical snowscapes, minimal crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Thingvellir National Park

🚗 Parking Fees

Parking isn't free! Have a payment method ready for designated lots. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be walking a lot on varied terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Þingvellir National Park worth it?

reddit.com

Thingvellir Hikes?

💨 Brace for Wind

It's famously windy here. Pack layers and a windbreaker! :cloudwithwind_face:

🦟 Midge Alert!

Summer visitors: midges can be intense. Consider a head net! Reddit :bug:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Fees

Parking isn't free! Have a payment method ready for designated lots. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be walking a lot on varied terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

💨 Brace for Wind

It's famously windy here. Pack layers and a windbreaker! :cloudwithwind_face:

🦟 Midge Alert!

Summer visitors: midges can be intense. Consider a head net! Reddit :bug:

🚶‍♀️ Accessible Trails

Paths are well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. :walking:

💡 Guided Tour Value

Enhance your understanding of history & geology with a guide. Reddit :classical_building:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(23k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Thingvellir National Park for its stunning natural beauty and profound historical significance, particularly its role as the site of Iceland's ancient parliament and its unique geological rift valley. While many find the accessible trails and informative signage excellent, some note that it can be very crowded and feel less 'wild' compared to other Icelandic landscapes. The wind can also be a significant factor for visitors.

"Beautiful! Super well maintained, and the paths/trails are so accessible for a wide range of people with a variety of physical needs. This was our first official Iceland adventure stop, and it couldn't have been better! Loved it! The parking was not part of Parka. But it was easy to figure out how to pay for it. The gift shop was nice too."

Akiko Ujiie

"Neat to walk amongst the history and see the views. The one spot I’d recommend considering getting a guided tour to get the most out of your time there, if you’re interested in learning more. Otherwise just walk and do some self guided roaming for an hour. Extremely windy when we visited."

Matthew Damiani

"Alright as one of the stops in the Golden Circle. Very busy with lots of visitor and tour bus. It's underwhelming comparing to what the rest of Iceland has to offer. Best view I've seen from a public washroom though."

Joruro Jobana

What People Like

Unique geological rift
Historical parliament site
Accessible walking paths

What People Dislike

Crowded during peak times
Very windy conditions
Can feel less wild

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thingvellir is easily accessible by car, located about 45 minutes to an hour's drive from Reykjavik. It's a popular stop on the Golden Circle route. Public buses are also available, though less frequent. Many visitors opt for organized Golden Circle tours that include Thingvellir. Reddit

Yes, Thingvellir National Park is one of the three main attractions on Iceland's famous Golden Circle route, alongside Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.

There are several parking lots available within the park. Be aware that parking is not free and requires payment, which can usually be done via a mobile app or at designated payment stations. Reddit

Absolutely! Many tour operators offer day trips from Reykjavik that include transportation to and from Thingvellir as part of the Golden Circle. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.

The drive from Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park typically takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. It's a straightforward drive on well-maintained roads.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Thingvellir National Park itself is free. However, there are fees for parking and for certain activities like snorkeling or diving in Silfra. Reddit

Thingvellir National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Visitor centers and facilities have specific operating hours, which vary by season. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

For general park access and walking, no advance booking is required. However, if you plan to participate in activities like snorkeling in Silfra, booking well in advance is highly recommended as tours fill up quickly.

Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended by many visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the park's history and geology. You can book these through various tour operators or sometimes at the visitor center. Reddit

Parking fees vary depending on the lot and season, but expect to pay a few Icelandic Króna. Payment is typically handled via a mobile app or at pay stations. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Thingvellir offers a variety of trails, from easy, accessible paths to longer hikes. The walk through Almannagjá gorge is a must-do, and trails around Þingvallavatn lake offer beautiful scenery. The park has information signs detailing trail distances and difficulty. Reddit

Beyond the rift valley, you can see Öxarárfoss waterfall, the historic Althing parliament site at Lögberg, and the vast Þingvallavatn lake. The park is rich in both geological and historical significance. Reddit

Yes, Thingvellir is very family-friendly. The well-maintained paths are easy for children to navigate, and the unique geological features and historical sites offer educational opportunities. Reddit

Dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly and it's often very windy. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are highly recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Reddit

Yes, there are visitor centers with restrooms, gift shops, and cafes located within the park. The facilities are generally well-maintained. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Almannagjá gorge offers dramatic shots of the tectonic plates. Öxarárfoss waterfall is picturesque, and the views across Þingvallavatn lake are stunning. The historic parliament site also provides unique photographic opportunities. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow. Golden hour can be particularly magical. Instagram

Drone usage is restricted in national parks in Iceland to protect wildlife and the natural environment. Always check the latest regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and the rift valley. A tripod can be useful for waterfall shots or in lower light conditions. Don't forget a polarizing filter for water and sky. TikTok

The viewpoints along the paths in Almannagjá gorge offer excellent perspectives of the rift. The area around Lögberg also provides good vantage points for historical and landscape shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Thingvellir is an excellent destination for families. The well-maintained, accessible paths make it easy for children to explore without difficulty. Walking through the Almannagjá gorge feels like an adventure, and seeing the Öxarárfoss waterfall is always a hit. The historical significance of the Althing can be explained in simple terms, making it an educational outing. Pack snacks and be prepared for the wind, and you'll have a memorable family experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Thingvellir offers a fantastic free natural attraction. While there's a parking fee, the entry to the park itself is free, allowing you to enjoy its stunning geology and history without a hefty ticket price. Pack your own lunch and snacks to save money on dining. Focus on exploring the walking trails and soaking in the views, which are the park's main draw. Organized tours can be pricey, so consider renting a car if you're comfortable driving. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Thingvellir is a photographer's dream, offering diverse subjects from dramatic geological formations to serene lakes and historic sites. The Almannagjá gorge provides epic wide-angle shots of the tectonic plates. Öxarárfoss waterfall is a classic subject, and the expansive views of Þingvallavatn lake are breathtaking. For unique shots, consider the historical Lögberg (Law Rock) area. Visiting during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) will enhance your photos with beautiful light. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Geological Marvel: The Rift Valley

Thingvellir National Park is a geological wonderland, sitting directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Here, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are actively pulling apart, creating a dramatic rift valley. You can literally walk between continents in the Almannagjá gorge, a testament to the Earth's powerful forces. This constant geological activity shapes the landscape, with fissures, faults, and lava fields visible throughout the park. The visible separation of the plates is a rare and awe-inspiring sight, making Thingvellir a crucial location for understanding plate tectonics. TikTok

This unique geological setting also gives rise to other fascinating features, such as the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure. This fissure, filled with glacial meltwater filtered through lava rock for decades, offers unparalleled visibility for divers and snorkelers. The water temperature remains a constant 2-4°C (35-39°F) year-round, providing a truly unique underwater experience. The sheer scale and raw power of the Earth's crust are palpable here, offering a profound connection to our planet's dynamic nature. Instagram

Historical Heart of Iceland

Beyond its geological significance, Thingvellir holds immense historical importance as the site of Iceland's ancient parliament, the Althing, established in 930 AD. For centuries, this was the gathering place for chieftains and free men to make laws and settle disputes, making it one of the oldest parliamentary sites in the world. You can stand at Lögberg (Law Rock), where the lawspeaker would recite the laws, and imagine the vibrant gatherings that took place here. The park preserves the remnants of this historical era, offering a tangible link to Iceland's past. Reddit

The presence of the Thingvellir Church and the surrounding historical buildings further adds to the site's cultural depth. Walking through the park, you're not just traversing a landscape; you're walking through centuries of Icelandic history and governance. The information signs scattered throughout the park provide context and stories, enriching the visitor's understanding of this sacred and significant location. It’s a place where nature and history are inextricably intertwined. Reddit

Exploring Thingvellir's Trails

Thingvellir National Park offers a network of well-maintained trails suitable for various fitness levels, making it accessible for most visitors. The most popular route is the walk through Almannagjá gorge, which follows the edge of the North American tectonic plate. This path is paved and relatively flat, offering stunning views of the rift valley and leading to the impressive Öxarárfoss waterfall. This is a must-do for any visitor and provides a great introduction to the park's key features. Reddit

For those seeking longer hikes, trails extend around the shores of Þingvallavatn lake, Iceland's largest natural lake. These paths offer more expansive views and a sense of tranquility away from the main visitor areas. Some trails can be more rugged, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The park service provides maps and information on trail lengths and difficulty, ensuring you can choose an experience that suits you. Remember to check the weather, as conditions can change quickly and the wind can be significant. Reddit

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