Thingvellir
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Thingvellir and why is it important?
This is the place where the Althing, one of the oldest parliaments in the world, has been meeting since 930. Meetings were held here until 1798, so this is where, in fact, Icelandic statehood begins.
How to get here from Reykjavik?
Thingvellir is about 40 km northeast of the capital, so it's a classic day trip. It is part of the "Golden Circle" tourist route, so people go here both alone and on excursions.
Is it true that here you can see the junction of two continents?
Yes, the park sits right on the rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge. They even dive and snorkel between the two continents in the Silfra fault.
What is worth seeing here?
The Rock of the Law (Lögberg), where the verdict was once announced, the Eksaraurfoss waterfall and the largest natural lake in Iceland - Thingvadlavatn. You can wander along the paths of the park for a long time, in particular the famous Path of Executions.
Does this place have any official status?
Thingvellir has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2004 - and precisely for its cultural, not natural value, despite all its geological spectacularity.
