Thingvellir National Park

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
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  • Charles T
    Bordeaux, France63 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very beautiful but probably better in summer
    Very 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 10, 2024
  • Liam B
    St. Neots, United Kingdom31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Great adventure
    What 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 23, 2024
  • anotheraeolist
    New York City, New York233 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Iconic 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 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written February 27, 2024
  • ClaireWithLove
    2,387 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You learned about it in elementary school science class - see it for yourself
    This 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 20, 2024
  • Tom87Leioa
    2,797 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    History and geological environment
    In 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 26, 2024
  • James T
    43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Silfra, 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 26, 2024
  • CINDYROSE720
    Denver, Colorado1,474 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful!
    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 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 27, 2024
  • Lizzie49Colin
    Skibbereen, Ireland81 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Easy 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 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 28, 2024
  • sabrinak136
    New Orleans, Louisiana1,499 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thingvellir National Park
    One 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 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written April 2, 2024
  • shell
    Barwell, United Kingdom45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just 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 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Joli G
Mamaroneck, NY301 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Google
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
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Google
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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…
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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.

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Thingvellir National Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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