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Þingvellir

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Landmark
—°6
Þingvellir (Iceland)

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Þingvellir is the most sacred historical site in Iceland and a geological marvel. In 930 AD, it became the founding site of the Alþingi, the world’s oldest surviving parliament. For centuries, Icelanders gathered here annually to settle disputes and establish laws. Due to its immense cultural significance, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. It forms the first corner of the popular Golden Circle sightseeing route. The park is situated in a rift valley marking the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Visitors can walk through the Almannagjá gorge, literally standing between two continents. For adventurers, the Silfra fissure gives the chance to snorkel or dive in incredibly clear glacial water between the shifting plates. The area also features the beautiful Öxarárfoss waterfall and overlooks Þingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake. It is a place of profound silence and natural power, accessible easily from the capital year-round.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-4-4-314910961-2-3
Rain mm160148141111877792101155123129159

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Þingvellir National Park is open year-round and can be freely walked. The visitor center features exhibitions.
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Typical hours
The park itself is accessible 24/7. The information center typically has seasonal hours.
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Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere. The Almannagjá gorge and the Silfra fissure are special motifs.
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Time needed
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for a walk. For diving or snorkeling in Silfra you need extra time.
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Combine with
Þingvellir is part of the Golden Circle and combines excellently with Gullfoss and the geyser.
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Getting there
Best reached by car via Route 36. Buses run from Reykjavík.
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Insider tip
Walk along the Almannagjá gorge and step onto the footpath between the continental plates.

Geography

Coordinates
64.25806, -21.12500

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Founding site of Alþingi (930)
  • Continental drift boundary
  • Part of the Golden Circle
  • Silfra fissure snorkeling
  • Almannagjá tectonic gorge
  • Located by Lake Þingvallavatn
  • Home to Öxarárfoss waterfall

Explore nearby

Notable places around

AlmannagjáAlmannagjá<1 km · SWExplore →
ÞingvallavatnÞingvallavatn8 km · SExplore →
HengillHengill12 km · SWExplore →
Ljósafoss Power StationLjósafoss Power Station13 km · SEExplore →
Hvammsvik Settlement HistoryHvammsvik Settlement History13 km · NWExplore →
GlymurGlymur16 km · NExplore →
Nesjavellir Power StationNesjavellir Power Station18 km · SExplore →
LaugarvatnLaugarvatn19 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Þingvellir (6)

Öxarárfoss📍 landmark

Öxarárfoss is a striking waterfall in Þingvellir National Park, cascading over the rim of the Almannagjá fault.

Þingvellir📍 landmark

Þingvellir is a historic and geological marvel where the ancient Icelandic parliament was founded along a visible tectonic rift.

Silfra Diving📍 landmark

Silfra Diving has a unique underwater experience in a rift filled with crystal-clear glacial water between two tectonic plates.

Lögberg🏺 historical

Lögberg is a significant monument marking the Law Rock, where the presiding logsögumaður recited laws to the ancient Alþingi in Þingvellir.

Stiftamtmannsbúð🏺 historical

Stiftamtmannsbúð is the archaeological remnant of an official's temporary shelter used during the historic assemblies in Þingvellir.

Spöngin🏺 historical

Spöngin is a notable archaeological site tucked away within the historical and geological landscape of Þingvellir.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Þingvellir historically important?
Here, the Alþingi was founded in 930 AD, one of the oldest surviving parliaments in the world.
What can you see geologically in Þingvellir?
You can walk directly in the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Is there an entrance fee to the national park?
Entrance to the park is free, but there is a parking fee for cars, valid for the whole day.
What is Silfra?
A fissure filled with crystal-clear glacial water, world-famous for snorkeling and diving.
How much time do you need for a visit?
Plan at least 1.5 to 3 hours to explore the main paths and viewpoints.
Þingvellir: where is it located?
Þingvellir is located in Iceland.
Þingvellir: what is there to see?
Highlights include Öxarárfoss, Þingvellir, Silfra Diving.
Þingvellir: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Þingvellir: why is it worth visiting?
Þingvellir is the most sacred historical site in Iceland and a geological marvel.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Reykjavík — Þingvellir (Iceland)
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Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.
Kópavogur — Þingvellir (Iceland)
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Hafnarfjörður — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.
Hafnarfjörður — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Hafnarfjörður
A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.
Keflavík — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Keflavík
Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.
Mosfellsbær — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Mosfellsbær
Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.
Garðabær — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Garðabær
Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.
Selfoss — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.
Akranes — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Akranes
Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.
Seltjarnarnes — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.
Vestmannaeyjar — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík) — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)
Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.
Grindavík — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Grindavík
Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Hveragerði — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Hveragerði
Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.
Hveragerði — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Hveragerði
Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Reykjavík City Hall
Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.
Hvolsvöllur — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Hvolsvöllur
A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.
Almannagjá — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Almannagjá
Almannagjá is a prominent fissure in Þingvellir National Park.

Nature

Þingvallavatn — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Þingvallavatn
Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland.

More places

Þingvellir — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Þingvellir
This is the site of the Alþingi, one of the oldest parliaments in the world, founded in 930.
Thingvellir National Park — Þingvellir (Iceland)
Thingvellir National Park
The national park protects a unique ecosystem in the rift valley between tectonic plates.