Þingvellir is where Iceland's parliament, the Althing, first met in the year 930. The national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian plates are slowly pulling apart.
You can walk through the Almannagjá gorge, see the Öxarárfoss waterfall and even snorkel between the plates in the crystal-clear Silfra fissure.
Getting there
Drive north-east from Reykjavík on road 36. There are several car parks with paid parking; the main visitor centre is at Hakið above Almannagjá.
When to go
All year. Quiet winter days are beautiful, and the dark skies are good for northern lights.
Good to know
- Walk down through Almannagjá from the visitor centre.
- Book Silfra snorkelling in advance.
- Start the Golden Circle here early to beat the buses.
Read more in the journal
- Iceland's Best Waterfalls: The Complete Map
- The Golden Circle: Self-Drive Guide and Map
- Iceland's Hot Springs and Pools: The Complete Map
- Iceland's Volcanoes: A Visitor's Map and Guide
- Things to Do in Iceland: 29 Top Sights on One Map
Drive times are approximate and depend on weather and road conditions. Check road.is and vedur.is before you set off.
