Þingvellir National Park, Iceland Travel Guide

Explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site where history and geology converge, offering stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage in Iceland.

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Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see destination in Iceland. It is not only a place of stunning natural beauty but also of immense historical significance. This is where the Icelandic Parliament, Alþingi, was established in the year 930, making it one of the oldest parliaments in the world. Visitors to Þingvellir can explore the dramatic rift valley, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. This unique geological feature creates a landscape of towering cliffs, clear rivers, and deep fissures. The park is also home to Þingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake, which offers opportunities for fishing, snorkeling, and diving. Þingvellir National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers will find numerous trails that wind through the park's diverse terrain, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Bird watchers can spot a variety of species, including the majestic gyrfalcon. For those interested in history, the park provides a fascinating glimpse into Iceland's past with its ancient ruins and informative visitor center.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Þingvellir National Park.

Visit during summer for longer daylight hours and milder weather.
Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven and slippery.
Bring a waterproof jacket; weather can change quickly.
Check out the visitor center for detailed information and maps.
Try snorkeling in Silfra fissure for a unique experience.

Explore Þingvellir National Park: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Þingvellir National Park

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Best Attractions

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Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Relax and rejuvenate in Iceland's stunning Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River, where natural beauty meets soothing thermal waters.

4.7

Thríhnúkagígur Volcano

Immerse yourself in the adventure of a lifetime at Thríhnúkagígur Volcano, where you can explore the depths of a dormant volcano like no other.

4.8

Hveradalir Geothermal Area

Unveil the breathtaking geothermal wonders at Hveradalir Geothermal Area, where nature's beauty meets volcanic activity in Iceland's stunning highlands.

4.6

Skarfabakki Harbour

Explore the stunning Skarfabakki Harbour in Reykjavik, Iceland, your gateway to breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences.

4.4

Best landmarks in Þingvellir National Park

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Thingvellir National Park

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iceland, where nature and culture intertwine.

4.7

Thingvellir National Park Visitor Center

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Thingvellir National Park, where nature meets heritage in an unforgettable experience.

4.6

Þingvallakirkja (Þingvellir church)

Explore the serene beauty and historical significance of Þingvallakirkja in Þingvellir National Park, a unique Icelandic gem amidst nature's wonders.

4.5

Drekkingarhylur

Discover the mesmerizing Drekkingarhylur waterfall in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its natural beauty and rich history.

4.8

Best restaurants in Þingvellir National Park

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Þrastalundur

Discover the flavors of Iceland at Þrastalundur in Selfoss – where local ingredients meet culinary creativity in a cozy setting.

4.2

Lindin

Experience the best of Icelandic cuisine at Lindin in Laugarvatn - where tradition meets modern flavor in an inviting atmosphere.

4.5

Restaurant Varma

Experience exquisite Icelandic cuisine at Restaurant Varma in Hveragerði, where local ingredients meet innovative cooking in a stunning setting.

4.4

Thingvellir Tourist Information Centre Café

Discover local flavors at Thingvellir Tourist Information Centre Café while exploring Iceland's stunning national park landscapes.

4.6

Best bars in Þingvellir National Park

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Lebowski Bar

Discover the whimsical Lebowski Bar in Reykjavík, where film nostalgia meets a lively bar experience, perfect for a night out with friends.

4.5

Dillon Whiskey Bar

Experience Reykjavík's nightlife at Dillon Whiskey Bar, where live music, karaoke, and an extensive whiskey selection await every visitor.

4.4

The Irishman Pub

Discover The Irishman Pub in Reykjavík for an authentic Irish experience with delicious food, great drinks, and live music, all in a cozy atmosphere.

4.5

Ölverk Pizza & Brewery

Experience the best of Icelandic cuisine at Ölverk Pizza & Brewery, where craft beer meets gourmet pizza in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Þingvellir National Park

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Dillon Whiskey Bar

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Reykjavík at Dillon Whiskey Bar, where live music, karaoke, and a vast whiskey selection create unforgettable experiences.

4.4

The English Pub

Experience the lively atmosphere of The English Pub in Reykjavík, where locals and travelers come together for great drinks and unforgettable nights.

4.3

Bravó

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Reykjavík at Bravó, a top-rated bar with cocktails, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.5

Kaffibarinn

Discover the lively atmosphere of Kaffibarinn, Reykjavík's beloved bar offering local drinks and vibrant nightlife in the heart of the city.

4.5

Best shops in Þingvellir National Park

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Thingvellir National Park

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iceland.

4.7

Thingvellir National Park Visitor Center

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich history at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Iceland.

4.6

Thingvellir National park service centre

Discover the stunning landscapes and historical significance of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iceland, where nature and culture meet.

4.4

Icewear / Vík Wool

Shop high-quality Icelandic wool and outdoor gear in Vík, the heart of Iceland's stunning landscapes.

4.3

Explore Þingvellir National Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Þingvellir National Park, mapped for you.

Þingvellir National Park Essentials

Þingvellir National Park is located about 40 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik. The most common way to reach the park is by car. From Reykjavik, take Route 1 (the Ring Road) north and then turn onto Route 36 towards Þingvellir. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour from Reykjavik, which often includes transportation. Public buses also run from Reykjavik to Þingvellir, but schedules may be limited, so check ahead.
Once at Þingvellir National Park, the best way to explore is on foot. There are several well-marked hiking trails throughout the park. If you're driving, there are multiple parking lots near the main attractions. Some areas of the park are accessible by bike. During the summer months, you can also take advantage of guided tours that offer transportation within the park.
The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit cards are widely accepted, including at the park's visitor center and cafes. However, it is always good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or in case electronic payments are temporarily unavailable. ATMs are available in major towns and cities, but there are none within the park itself.
Þingvellir National Park is generally very safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Keep an eye on personal belongings, especially in parking areas. Iceland has a low crime rate, but it's always good to be cautious. When hiking, stay on marked trails and be aware of weather conditions, which can change rapidly. There are no high-crime areas targeting tourists in the park.
In case of an emergency, dial 112, the emergency number in Iceland. The park has staff and rangers who can assist in emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, basic first aid supplies are available at the visitor center, but for more serious issues, the nearest hospital is in Reykjavik.
Fashion: Do wear layers and waterproof clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must. Avoid high heels or dress shoes. Religion: Do respect the natural environment, as it is considered sacred by many Icelanders. Public Transport: Do check schedules in advance if you plan to use public buses. They can be infrequent. Greetings: Do greet locals with a simple 'Hello' or 'Góðan daginn' (Good day). Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods available at the visitor center, but don't leave trash behind. Use designated bins.
To experience Þingvellir like a local, visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds. Bring a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic by the Öxarárfoss waterfall. Take time to explore less-visited trails for a more secluded experience. Engage with park rangers who can provide insights into the park's history and geology.

When is the best time to visit Þingvellir National Park?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Þingvellir National Park

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Þingvellir National Park. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHalló
  [ha-tlo]
- GoodbyeBless
  [bles]
- YesJá
  [ya]
- NoNei
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeGjörðu svo vel
  [gyor-thu svo vel]
- Thank youTakk fyrir
  [tak fir-ir]
- Excuse me/SorryAfsakið
  [af-sa-kith]
- How are you?Hvernig hefur þú það?
  [kver-nik he-vur thoo thad]
- Fine. And you?Í lagi. En þú?
  [ee la-ghi. en thoo]
- Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?
  [ta-lar thoo en-sku]
- I don't understandÉg skil ekki
  [yeh shkil ek-ki]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg myndi vilja sjá matseðilinn, takk
  [yeh min-di vil-ya syow mat-se-thil-inn tak]
- I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt
  [yeh bor-tha ek-ki chot]
- Cheers!Skál!
  [skowl]
- I would like to pay, pleaseÉg myndi vilja borga, takk
  [yeh min-di vil-ya bor-ga tak]
- Help!Hjálp!
  [hyawlp]
- Go away!Farðu í burtu!
  [far-thu ee bur-thu]
- Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna!
  [hring-thu ee ler-eg-luna]
- Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn!
  [hring-thu ee laik-nin]
- I'm lostÉg er týndur
  [yeh er teen-thur]
- I'm illÉg er veikur
  [yeh er vay-kur]
- I'd like to buy...Ég myndi vilja kaupa...
  [yeh min-di vil-ya koy-pa]
- I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða
  [yeh er ba-ra ath skotha]
- How much is it?Hvað kostar það?
  [kva-th kost-ar thad]
- That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt
  [thath er ov deert]
- Can you lower the price?Getur þú lækkad verðið?
  [gethur thoo lai-kath ver-thith]
- What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?
  [kva-th er klo-kkan]
- It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt
  [klo-kkan er ayt]
- Half past (10)Hálf tíu
  [howlf tee-oo]
- MorningMorgunn
  [mor-gunn]
- AfternoonSíðdegis
  [seed-de-ghis]
- EveningKvöld
  [kvold]
- YesterdayÍ gær
  [ee gair]
- TodayÍ dag
  [ee thag]
- TomorrowÁ morgun
  [ow mor-goon]
- 1Einn
  [aythn]
- 2Tveir
  [thvay-r]
- 3Þrír
  [threer]
- 4Fjórir
  [fyow-rir]
- 5Fimm
  [fim]
- 6Sex
  [sehx]
- 7Sjö
  [syow]
- 8Átta
  [ow-tha]
- 9Níu
  [nee-oo]
- 10Tíu
  [tee-oo]
- Where's a/the...?Hvar er...
  [kvar er]
- What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?
  [kva-th er hay-mil-is-fang-ith]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?
  [gethur thoo seent meer ow kort-inu]
- When's the next (bus)?Hvenær kemur næsti (straetóbíll)?
  [kver-ni-air ke-mur nysti strai-tow-bil]
- A ticket (to ....)Miði (til ...)
  [mee-thi til]

History of Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park is situated in a rift valley created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological activity has shaped the unique landscape of the area over millions of years.
In 930 AD, Þingvellir became the site of the Althing, the national parliament of Iceland. It is one of the oldest parliaments in the world. Chieftains and their followers from across Iceland gathered annually at Þingvellir to discuss laws, settle disputes, and make important decisions.
The Law Rock, or Lögberg, was the focal point of the Althing assembly. It is where the Law Speaker would stand to recite laws and announce rulings. This location held great significance as the heart of Icelandic legal and political life.
In the year 1000 AD, it was at Þingvellir that the decision to adopt Christianity as the official religion of Iceland was made. This significant event marked a pivotal point in Icelandic history, steering the country away from its pagan roots.
Þingvellir was also a place where justice was served, sometimes harshly. The Drekkingarhylur, or 'Drowning Pool,' was used for the execution of women accused of crimes such as infanticide. Men faced execution by hanging or beheading at a site called Gallows Rock.
Þingvellir played a symbolic role in Iceland's journey to independence. The park was established in 1930, coinciding with the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, recognizing its cultural and historical importance.
The Silfra Fissure is a unique geological feature at Þingvellir, where divers and snorkelers can swim between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The crystal-clear waters and dramatic underwater landscapes make it a popular attraction.