Thingvellir National Park, Iceland – More than just diving
Þingvellir National Park is located in the southwest of Iceland, 50 kilometres east of Reykjavík. It became the first national park in Iceland in 1930 and was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 for both its cultural and natural significance. Like the area on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Thingvellir National Park lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the enormous fissure between the plates is visible across the landscape.
This article contains links to products and services that I think you will find useful. I may earn a commission on any purchases you make at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more HERE
Exploring Þingvellir National Park
Cultural Heritage
Þingvellir National Park is a place at the heart of Icelandic history and from 900 AD when early settlers started to form a general assembly the national park has been at the centre of proceedings. The Althing (Icelandic parliament) was first formed in 930 AD and was held in one of the deep valleys of Þingvellir National Park. Lögberg or Law Rock was the focal point of the meetings and each summer over 5000 people travelled to Þingvellir where important issues were discussed and national announcements for the year ahead were made. As well as the important meetings, it was seen as a time for communities to meet and traders to sell their wares.
Þingvellir is also considered important to Icelanders as it is where the decision was made to abandon Pagan beliefs and the Norse Gods. In 1000AD the people adopted Christianity under the threat of invasion from Norway. Þorgeir Þorkelsson was one of the Pagan lawmakers and took time to make his decision over the changes. To symbolise the country’s change, he threw idols of the old deities into a waterfall now known as Goðafoss which translates into ‘Waterfall of the Gods’.
As with any authority, over time things change and after decades of fighting between chieftain families the Commonwealth ended in 1262 and Iceland became a part of the Kingdom of Norway, later passing to Denmark. The last Althing at Þingvellir was held in 1798, but in the late 1800’s the drive for independence saw the revival of Þingvellir as a meeting place. The Republic of Iceland was founded in 1944 in Þingvellir and since then several large national events have taken place here.
Geology of Þingvellir National Park
As well as the cultural history, Þingvellir has a large and significant geological past which can still be seen today. About 10,000 years ago a large shield volcanic eruption started in the area which resulted in the volcanoes that can be seen in the park today.
Almannagjá and Öxaráfoss
Almannagjá is a canyon formed between two tectonic plates and provides a visual representation of continental drift. The high cliffs and narrow canyon have been formed as the two tectonic plates move apart slowly over time. Currently, this movement happens at a rate of about 2cm each year with earthquakes being common as the tension caused by this movement is released. The name “All Men Gorge” comes from its size allowing all participants at the Althing to fit into the narrow canyon. The cliffs are deep shades of brown and covered in colourful lichens and mosses as well as summer flowers on the grass verges beside the path. Look closely as life is clinging to the edge of this canyon in every nook and cranny possible.
At one end of the canyon is Öxaráfoss, a small 20-metre waterfall that was partially man-made. The river Öxará was redirected into the canyon to provide fresh water for the Althing in the 9th century and is steeped in folklore including the story that the water turns to wine on New Years Eve. The waterfall and canyon are compact and almost claustrophobia-inducing with the high cliffs and narrow paths through the valley.
Lake Þingvallavatn and Silfra
Lake Thingvallavatn is the largest lake in Iceland and lies along the North Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates separate from each other. Thingvallavatn is 83 square kilometres and at its deepest 115 meters and has just one outflow into the River Sog. The lake’s catchment area is 90% underground and the water from thousands of cold springs filters through the surrounding lava to give a gin-clear lake with a constant year-round temperature of 3-4°C – a little chilly but worth braving for a dive.
Silfra was formed during an earthquake in 1789. Unlike other earthquakes, this one ruptured an underwater spring, resulting in the newly formed fissure filling with water. This water comes from Langjökull glacier about 60 kilometres away and takes up to 100 years to filter through the porous lava fields before reaching the fissure.
Photography at Þingvellir National Park
The whole area is a photographer’s dream and is probably at its most beautiful during the autumn and winter months when the fresh snow is coating the landscape. Even in the summer months, the area provides great photographic options although it can be busy with visitors so early morning and late nights are best.
The Almannagjá provides a focal point for photography whether it is from within the canyon on the marked walkway or from the viewpoint above looking down into the fissure. The rocks have a character all of their own and different shapes and textures appear as you explore the canyon. From the lookout, the lake and river can be seen with the church and small houses sitting on the river bank. These can make an interesting composition from the bridge across the river.
At the far end of the canyon is a large viewing area which is at the base of the waterfall. This is the perfect place to photograph the waterfall as it plunges over the canyon wall onto the large rocks below. The boulders and rocks will form the foreground interest so take time to find the rocks you like the best. This waterfall faces west and is at its best in the mornings although waiting for the sky to light up after sunset is equally good. The river flows through the canyon at this point and is also worth including in compositions of the waterfall if you have a wide-angle lens.
The area is also perfectly placed for viewing the Northern Lights as there are clear skies to the north with minimal light pollution. Safe parking areas make it easy to access in the dark and are just a short distance from Reykjavík.
Getting to Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park is just 50 kilometres from Reykjavík on the Golden Circle. Heading north from Reykjavík Road 36 will take you directly to the visitors centre at Þingvellir. there is a large parking area which needs to be paid for before leaving your car. From here paths lead to the lookout and down into the canyon. It is possible to then walk on towards the church and Silfra.
Alternatively, you can continue along road 36 and take the smaller road number 361 which loops down to the lake and church. The parking here is covered under the same ticket from the visitors centre. Marked paths take you to the waterfall and the canyon without the hike down from the lookout.
Driving in this part of Iceland is fairly easy compared to other regions. The roads can be driven in a 2WD hire car although the winter road conditions do need to be checked before heading out.
If driving isn’t for you then there are several tours to the area including THIS tour around the Golden Circle.
Staying In Þingvellir National Park
There are so many options around the national park that it is a personal choice. Camping is limited to two sites Leira and Vatnskot. Leira is open year-round and is divided into several smaller sites making it feel quiet and relaxed.
As with everywhere in Iceland, there are also several good AirBnB options and hotels.
Planning a road trip to Iceland? Read all my Iceland Travel Guides