Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Iceland's first national park is not just a great spot for outdoor lovers but also history buffs—it's one of the top highlights along the Golden Circle and also where Iceland's parliament was formed back in 930 A.D. The park sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that separates the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. You can go on a snorkeling or diving tour in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra rift—the only place in the world where you can swim between two continents. The best time to visit is during summer when the weather is mild and the days are longer. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Thingvellir National Park
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
5 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Charles TBordeaux, France63 contributionsVery beautiful but probably better in summerVery beautiful but must be much more beautiful in summer. In fact, in winter, everything is covered in a heavy coat of snow which means that in the end there is nothing exceptional ^^ the waterfall has disappeared under the ice and snow and the faults are invisible. Despite this, the walk is very pleasant early in the morning before the hordes of tourists. Parking costs 1000 crowns and you have to pay by card, a bit of a shame..Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 10, 2024
- Liam BSt. Neots, United Kingdom31 contributionsA Great adventureWhat a lovely journey through a scenic section of Iceland. The park offers so much to explore: gorgeous views, lovely walks and a waterfall you can spend time marveling at. We didn't do the exhibition but the coffee shop was lovely and we had our first ever Swiss mocha. Definitely stop here on your road trip.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 23, 2024
- anotheraeolistNew York City, New York233 contributionsIconic site with geological, historical, and cultural significance!Þingvellir National Park is such an iconic tourist site that not only is geologically and naturally significant but culturally and historically too. The park is full of contrasting landscapes as a result of it being situated above the North American and Eurasian Plates. Some fissures, like Almannagjá, you can walk through and admire, and some, like Silfra, are filled with water from nearby lakes and can actually be explored through scuba diving/snorkeling tours. The striking landscape was also featured in Game of Thrones. Þingvellir Park is also the site where Icelandic chieftains met at an annual general assembly from 930 to 1798 to decide rulings and laws. In fact, one of the first major decisions made here was adopting Christianity in 1000. The Lögberg, which is located on the walk to Öxarárfoss, was the site where someone nominated would recite the laws and make speeches and announcements. Öxarárfoss is a waterfall where the ancient Icelandic chiefs would perform executions of criminals. There are various hiking trails, but the most culturally and historically significant one that takes you from the visitors center to Öxarárfoss is about 1-1.5hr walk, with minimal change in elevation. I would recommend coming here early to avoid the crowds. There are a few parking lots located around the park but the easiest and largest one is P1 at the entrance in front of the visitors center and restrooms. Parking is about 1000kr for a small passenger car and is valid for all parking lots for the day.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten February 27, 2024
- ClaireWithLove2,387 contributionsYou learned about it in elementary school science class - see it for yourselfThis stop was my second favorite stop on the Golden Circle tour by Reykjavík Excursions, You stand on a cliff on the North American tectonic plate looking down to see where it has pulled away from the Eurasian tectonic plate. I never thought in my elementary school science classes, I would actually be seeing such a thing. Very cool! We rode by bus to the Eruasian side and then saw the layers of rocks as we drove away. There was a visitor center with bathroom on the outside as well as about three inside. A small gift shop with a few drinks, snacks, gifts. There was a movie or something to see, but we did not have time on the tour since we stopped about 30 minutes. Inside the visitor center in front of the bathrooms is a water fountain with a sign "What does 500 year old water taste like?" Take a drink and decide for yourself. 8-) This is an amazing and special thing to see that made me appreciate Iceland even more.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 20, 2024
- Tom87Leioa2,797 contributionsHistory and geological environmentIn addition to being the place with the first parliament worthy of the name in Europe, this park sits on the separation between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates. There is an interpretation center that explains it, a very well signposted route with excellent views of the surroundings and the lake. You can dive (or snorkel) in the very clear waters watching the fissure of the plates underwater.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 26, 2024
- James T43 contributionsSilfra, beauty, fresh water to drink and stunning views. Must-see!What a national park! You could spend days here! We had 45mins on a South Coast Tour so went straight to Silfra on foot in the hope of seeing people snorkel between the tectonic plates - unfortunately they were done for the day but nonetheless is such a stunning area to see. It looks like another world! So peaceful, tranquil and awe-inducing with no-one around. There's a loo close by and a perfect excuse in the fresh water to fill up and try the freshest natural water everywhere!Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 26, 2024
- CINDYROSE720Denver, Colorado1,474 contributionsBeautiful!2024-March. There were lots of parking spaces. It's a beautiful photo opportunity! There's a little shop with souvenirs and food. We only spent about 30 minutes here. We just hiked for a few minutes and took pictures. There's a restroom. Enjoy your trip 😊Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 27, 2024
- Lizzie49ColinSkibbereen, Ireland81 contributionsEasy access to beautiful national park.Stunning views and walks, beautiful waterfall. Parking 1 has a fee ( 5 euros ) but close to visitor centre with café, toilets. Parking 2 has a fee and will bring you close to the waterfall if you are short in time. Parking 3 ( my favourite) discovered by accident. No fees, will bring you on a small passage that will lead you straight to the waterfall. Only thing wear hiking shoes as the ground is snowy and icy but that way is quieter and fun for teenagers. Possible with small children but watch out for icy patches. Also beware of pick pockets reported recently. Watch cash and phones in your pockets.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 28, 2024
- sabrinak136New Orleans, Louisiana1,499 contributionsThingvellir National ParkOne of the main reasons to visit Iceland is to explore the natural beauty of our planet. A visit to Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site) will take you on such a journey. Thingvellir National Park is the place to go when you desire to disconnect from a fast paced world of internet and social media. A visit to the National Park allows one to simply enjoy the beauty and awe of nature. Thingvellir has an excellent visitor center that allows you to learn about the park’s history and some of the prominent people who have visited. In addition, Thingvellir is the only park in which one can see Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet on land. Also, if you are a diver don’t miss an opportunity to dive between plates at the Silfra Fissure. It is said that here you will find some of the clearest water in the world. There is also a snorkeling opportunity however, you must be prepared to wear a dry suit and you must be a swimmer. If you cannot experience these two activities no need to worry because the park is immensely beautiful on land as well. Enjoy the wonders of geology as you visit Thingvellir National Park. Once again I will say Iceland is a true bucket list destination.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 2, 2024
- shellBarwell, United Kingdom45 contributionsJust amazing views.Me and my family came here in January and wow, what a view and it was just amazing walking in between the tectonic plates. Very surreal moment. The history is just incredible. A must see and we thoroughly enjoyed coming here. Totally recommend.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,220 reviews
Excellent
2,711
Very good
1,200
Average
267
Poor
34
Terrible
9
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Joli G
Mamaroneck, NY301 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
The park is amazing and beautiful. The museum inside the visitor center is not expensive but not really worth the time - there is so much to see. The guide at the desk explained everything to us before we went in. It is very small only one room. Better to go outside and see the views.
Written May 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gringottsgoblin
dublin558 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
It’s a great location and well worth taking a bit of time. I would advise parking in one of the northern carparks probably at Oxarafoss which sorts of dumps you right in the middle of the action. The southern carparks can fill up quickly. At Oxarafoss you get rewarded very quickly with the waterfall spectacularly pouring into ravine (or fissure). The fissure being the landward manifestation of the Atlantic seafloor spreading at the mid Atlantic ridge gradually pushing America and Europe apart. Enough Geology already!! The scene is amazing and I found it a surprisingly restful place despite the enormous forces at work beneath your feet. Oxarafoss was frozen virtually solid as was the river which was a real bonus for southerners who rarely encounter such phenomena.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blondevoyage94
507 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
MERAVIGLIOSO! We visited only a small part of this park but just the possibility of walking among the tectonic plates for me has 5 stars. There is parking near the beginning of the route and like all Iceland parking is chargeable. The route is suitable for everyone, the only thing that to get to the viewpoint becomes uphill, but nothing too difficult.
Nice, nice, nice.
Nice, nice, nice.
Automatically translated
Written July 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sbenaventg
Alberic, Spain5 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Recommended place if you catch a good day. We visited it on a day with a lot of air and cold and we couldn't enjoy it well.
Parking is paid through an app upon arrival. (About 7euros), and you have several walks to do. You see waterfalls and also the tectonic plates that separate Europe from Asia.
I recommend a good day and no air, otherwise you may not enjoy it at all.
Parking is paid through an app upon arrival. (About 7euros), and you have several walks to do. You see waterfalls and also the tectonic plates that separate Europe from Asia.
I recommend a good day and no air, otherwise you may not enjoy it at all.

Written April 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
romadaro
Washington DC, DC1,618 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
This is a very scenic and history filled stop on the Golden Circle that’s on every itinerary, which basically highlights the tetronic rifts. I am certain that it’s a great place to spend some time and enjoy the views on a nice day. But, unfortunately, we happened to go on a cold, rainy and blustery day, so we didn’t get too far before turning back. We were soaked by the time we got back to the car since there was no place to take cover at the height of the rainfall. So, make sure it’s a bright and sunny day before you head into the park.
Written August 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnSe1979
De Pinte, Belgium325 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Very touristy but you must see it. There is a webcam on the roof of the tourist center. Just wave! If you want to walk through the entire park, you will be several kilometers along the way, but it is certainly worth it. The tourists who are dropped by buses most likely do not get enough time for this.

Written April 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gazter
Carlisle, UK60 contributions
Oct 2022
A stunning place, but lots of fellow tourists. We visited in mid October, the ‘shoulder season’ but the place was overwhelmed with visitors. But there is more than jsut what appears the main drag. Go further to Oxarorfoss, but when you’ve visited thst, and start making your journey back dont jsut turn right back to the main but, carry on down and you get to a much quieter and more enjoyable part of the park. You can tell the bits from game of thrones….
Written October 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Verity J
7 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We took the free walking tour led by Balvin for a little over one hour. What a treat! We learned about the tectonic plates as well as the history of Iceland’s early inhabitants. We walked along the fissures of the three (!) plates moving in this area. Baldvin even had us act out how the Althing would settle disputes among the clans before Iceland came under the rule of Norway’s king. Fascinating and so well presented. The best thing in Iceland and it was free!
Written June 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NICHOLAS T
Dubai, United Arab Emirates10,924 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
This is a stunning national park.
We paid a small amount to park - 750 krona - and then walked about 4 kilometres or so around a spectacular gorge, waterfall and canyon before stopping for a coffee and great lookout over Iceland’s largest lake.
There was also a stunning small church and clear river running once on lower ground.
Well worth a visit…
We paid a small amount to park - 750 krona - and then walked about 4 kilometres or so around a spectacular gorge, waterfall and canyon before stopping for a coffee and great lookout over Iceland’s largest lake.
There was also a stunning small church and clear river running once on lower ground.
Well worth a visit…
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AK8397
Ontario, Canada1,048 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
This is a beautiful national park, not far from Reykjavik on the Golden Circle route. In terms of history, this was the original site of Iceland's first Parliament back in 930 AD. We were there on Independence Day which featured various organized celebrations, including choirs, speeches, costumes, food and a concert.
But the scenery is also very nice. There are lots of trails (well-maintained) that lead through gorges, to a waterfall, across streams and to an old settlement.
There is also an information center, lots of parking, a gift shop and public washrooms.
But the scenery is also very nice. There are lots of trails (well-maintained) that lead through gorges, to a waterfall, across streams and to an old settlement.
There is also an information center, lots of parking, a gift shop and public washrooms.
Written June 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello everyone,
I just visited the park (few days ago). I have a question about the parking: I didn't really park inside the Thingvellir but I entered just for a u-turn the parking lot P2 near Oxarafoss.
I entered and less than a minute later I left the parking, obvisously I didn't pay the parking fee (it didn't cross my mind, because I didn't effectively stopped the car) but I am worried now that camera might have checked my plate and consider like I parked there..
I tried to contact the parking via the website contact form but I didn't get any reply.
Do anyone know how they will consider that?
Thanks
Angelo
Written April 29, 2024
Hi, is the Park open on Christmas Day? I know the Visitor Center is closed, but wondering if we could still enter the park and visit on our own. Thanks.
Written December 2, 2022
Hi there
While the visitors centre may be closed there were no barriers preventing you from accessing the car park. It was cold and windy down there in June, so I would be very careful in December. You are a long way from help if anything goes pear shaped.
Written December 5, 2022
Where would the best place to park be if we just want to walk a little ways between the 2 continental plates? How far would the walk be? We are not having to go all the way to the waterfall.
Thanks
Written August 13, 2022
Hello, you can park either at the Visitor Center and walk along the pathway down and back up, it's not too far, or you can park at the drop off area closer to the waterfall. This area is more flat. Or you can walk the entire distance and back. My suggestion would be the Visitor Center NOT because the pathway slopes down and you have to come back up but because the Visitor Center has Restrooms, shops and an Educational Center. Hope this helps! Safe travels!
Written August 14, 2022
Do you need heavy duty hiking boots for the trails? Or just sturdy waterproof shoes?
Written July 4, 2022
Hey NLee106. We were in Thingvellir in May and the trail wasn't that difficult or adventurous for as far as we noticed. Maybe there are still some adventurous hiking routes in the area, but for just a regular visit to Thingvellir you'll be just fine with regular shoes. Most of the paths were paved or made from wood.
But.. Are you visiting more places in Iceland? And do you like to hike or visit more of the remote parts? Then please, do yourself a huge favor and get yourself some decent hiking shoes. I bought some very good hiking shoes for about 80 dollars online and it was a lifesaver during our 12 days in Iceland. I'd say even if you don't go off the trails you will walk a lot and therefore basic hiking shoes are definately a must have. When we were in Dimmu Borgir we spontaneously took a more difficult hiking trail. It was absolutely amazing, but without basic hiking shoes it would have been very uncomfortable andayne we would have missed the opportunity comlletely.
Besides the Pro's, what cons are there really? Grab yourself a few and take them with you. You really won't regret it.
Written July 5, 2022
Hi there, we’re a party of 3 looking to hire a car to visit the blue lagoon, selfoss, thingvellir national park and see the northern lights. Visiting first week in January. Do you guys thing we definitely need to hire a 4x4/AWD type of car or would we be alright renting a regular vehicle? Not planning to travel to farther difficult to reach areas.
Written December 26, 2021
A 4x4 will enable you to get stuck in places you cannot get to in a 2WD vehicle.
Written December 27, 2021
Do you pay to park?
How long is the hike from parking to the waterfall?
Thanks
Written March 10, 2020
As I recall there was no charge. Walk was short as I remember.
Written March 10, 2020
Going in December is it possible to walk from Thingvellir Church to Law Rock and on to Oxararfoss waterfall and return to the church? How long will this take?
Written January 28, 2020
Yes, all possible unless the weather should be terrible. We were there in September and it was a gentle 15 minutes approximately from Oxarafoss to the church. The waterfall can be accessed from the nearby road if walking is a problem. Obviously, severe weather might compromise access or add to times. It is always best to be prepared for extreme weather and get weather checks but Thingvellir is not in a very exposed position, rather a gentle bowl with good walkways and paths.
Written January 28, 2020
Hallo Monique.
Wij zijn twee maal naar IJsland geweest. Een keer in de winter voor het noorderlicht en een afgelopen zomer voor de papagaaiduiker.
En zoals Arie zegt, het noorderlicht is afhankelijk van omstandigheden maar lig moet je er in de winter voor zijn.
gr. Jeanne
Written November 14, 2019
Hi,
Please, tell me if paying once, can’t I park in another P ?
Thank’s
Written November 4, 2019
When we went 2 weeks ago there was no receipt. You key in your registration plate details in a machine and pay with credit card. This covers you for the day.
Written November 6, 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 60
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing