- The park marks the boundary of two tectonic plates in a visible rift valley
- Iceland's historic parliament gathered here from 930 until 1798
- Silfra fissure on Þingvallavatn lake offers diving and snorkelling tours
- Part of the Golden Circle alongside Gullfoss and Geysir
Where Two Continents Pull Apart
Thingvellir sits in a rift valley marking the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The park lies at the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The Almannagjá fault forms a canyon you can walk through. This is the largest fault in the park.
To the south lies Þingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake. The Öxará river traverses the national park and forms a waterfall at the Almannagjá, called Öxarárfoss.
Many visitors combine Thingvellir with other stops on a Golden Circle tour to see multiple geological features in one day.
Thingvellir National Park Tours
More on GetYourGuideThe Historic Parliament Site
At Þingvellir the Alþing general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. The Alþingi was an annual two-week gathering for discussion of law and politics.
Chieftains travelled from across Iceland to attend. The longest journey a chieftain had to travel was 17 days, from the easternmost part of the country.
Since 1881, the parliament has been located within Alþingishúsið in Iceland's capital, Reykjavík.
Legislation passed in 1928 protected the remains of the parliament site. Þingvellir National Park was founded in 1930, marking the 1000th anniversary of the Althing.
The park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2004. Þingvellir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site based on cultural criteria.
- Walk the Almannagjá rift canyon between continental plates
- Visitor centre and information centre explain geology and history
- Hiking trails including Execution Trail and Leggjabrjótur
- Combines easily with Golden Circle day trips from Reykjavík
- Parking fees apply near popular sites within the park
- Diving and snorkelling in Silfra have requirements
- Weather can change quickly so check conditions before travelling
Snorkelling and Diving Silfra Fissure
On the lake's northern shore, the Silfra fissure is a popular diving and snorkelling tour location. The crack between tectonic plates fills with glacial meltwater filtered through lava rock.
It is allowed to dive and snorkle in Silfra but there are some requirements. Check the tour details on GetYourGuide for specific requirements and what is included.
Silfra remains one of Iceland's most distinctive underwater sites. You swim directly between two continental plates.
Book Silfra snorkelling or Silfra diving separately from park visits, as these require specialised equipment and permits.
Visiting as Part of the Golden Circle
Þingvellir forms part of the Golden Circle with Gullfoss waterfall and the geysers of Haukadalur. Together these three make up the most famous sights of Iceland.
Most day trips from Reykjavík include all three stops. Tours range from large coach groups to small group tours with fewer passengers.
Some itineraries add the Secret Lagoon or Kerið crater. Check whether the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour suits your schedule better than a standard route.
| Tour Type | Group Size | Flexibility | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coach | Check tour details | Fixed schedule | 3 main sites |
| Small Group | Check tour details | Some flexibility | 3-4 sites |
| Private | Check tour details | Full control | Customised |
Self-drivers can park at numerous parking lots at Þingvellir. A service fee is charged for those close to the more popular attractions.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Hiking Trails and Facilities
There are hiking trails, such as the Execution Trail and the nearby Leggjabrjótur. Paths take you along the rift valley and past historic sites.
There is a visitor centre, where visitors can obtain an interpretation of the history and nature of Þingvellir. There is an information centre near the camping grounds.
We have large and numerous campgrounds for those extending their stay.
Dress in layers as weather shifts quickly. Wind funnels through the rift valley even on calm days elsewhere.
Combining Thingvellir With Other Attractions
Many tours pair Thingvellir with nearby sites. Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall lie further along the Golden Circle route.
Kerið crater adds a volcanic lake stop on the return route to Reykjavík. Some itineraries extend to the south coast for a longer day.
For volcano enthusiasts, Fagradalsfjall volcano sits in the Reykjanes Peninsula. Check volcano tour availability and road conditions before planning this addition.
Winter visitors sometimes combine Thingvellir with northern lights tours. The park itself offers limited darkness away from Reykjavík's glow.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Practical Information for Your Visit
Þingvellir is about 40 km northeast of Reykjavík.
There are numerous parking lots at Þingvellir. A service fee is charged for those close to the more popular attractions.
Budget time to walk the main trails and view the key sites based on your interests.
Bring food and water, as services within the park are limited.
Road conditions change with weather. Check safetravel.is before travelling, especially in winter when ice affects walkways and roads.
Thingvellir delivers visible geology and genuine history within easy reach of Reykjavík, making it essential for first-time visitors. The main trade-off is managing crowds at peak times versus experiencing the rift valley and parliament site without rushing.
More tours to compare
More on GetYourGuideFrequently asked questions
How far is Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavík?
Þingvellir is about 40 km northeast of Reykjavík.
Can you snorkel in Silfra fissure at Thingvellir?
On the lake's northern shore, the Silfra fissure is a popular diving and snorkelling tour location. It is allowed to dive and snorkle in Silfra but there are some requirements.
What is Thingvellir National Park known for?
The park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2004. At Þingvellir the Alþing general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. The park lies in a rift valley at the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Is Thingvellir part of the Golden Circle?
Yes. Together with the waterfall Gullfoss and the geysers of Haukadalur, Þingvellir is part of the Golden Circle. Most day tours from Reykjavík cover all three.
