Thingvellir National Park: Explore Iceland’s Natural Wonder

Thingvellir is one of Iceland’s most captivating landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing visitors with stunning views of a major rift valley and dramatic fissures that clearly demonstrate intercontinental drift in an easily understandable manner.

Named for two Icelandic words meaning assembly and fields respectively, the park was an area where people came together to meet, trade goods, and settle legal disputes.

The History of Thingvellir

Thingvellir’s unique UNESCO World Heritage Site blends geology and history, as well as numerous nature activities, into an unforgettable travel destination that visitors of every kind should see at least once in their lives.

Its stunning natural beauty, ancient laws, and fascinating saga-rich history will leave an indelible mark upon you that will stay with you forever.

Thingvellir lies at the crossroads between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, creating breathtaking landscapes when these plates move apart.

You can walk between them at Almannagja Gorge – see how close Eurasia comes! – or visit Oxarfoss, an idyllic waterfall or Peningagja Pond (with deep fissures where people like to throw coins for good luck!).

Additionally, Oxarfoss waterfall features also boast beautiful landscapes.

In the 9th and 10th centuries, people from throughout Iceland would gather at Thingvellir for various reasons, known as an Althing assembly, to address matters related to punishments, the calendar, and any other concerns of all of Iceland.

Almannagja provided the ideal setting for this meeting due to Law Rock (Lagafoss). Here speeches could take place.

Iceland’s ancient laws and governance systems, evidenced in Thingvellir’s dramatic natural beauty and associations with national events such as Viking battles, remain evident today – an indelible mark from an age long gone.

Their legacy still lives on today in Thingvellir as one of its many spiritually significant spots.

The Geology of Thingvellir

Thingvellir Park holds both historical and geological significance. Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge – a massive fissure that divides North America from Eurasian continents – its presence contributes to frequent volcanic and seismic activity in Iceland, contributing to frequent eruptions as well as seismicity.

Thingvellir has long been one of the country’s premier attractions due to its natural beauty and historical significance, drawing thousands of visitors every year who experience it differently; some prefer summer months for their long daylight hours to discover hidden corners; while others come during winter to experience its quiet solitude – something all visitors to Thingvellir can do by themselves!

Thingvellir National Park lies in the southwest corner of Iceland and forms part of the Golden Circle tourist route, alongside Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir and Strokkur geysers.

Offering numerous points of interest like Almannagja gorge, Logberg cliff, and Oxararfoss waterfall as well as hiking trails and an idyllic wooden church, Thingvellir is a prime tourist attraction to experience during a visit.

Thingvellir is an indispensable part of Iceland’s natural and cultural history and will give visitors an unforgettable experience of the Icelandic landscape and life.

With its unspoiled dramatic beauty, associations with important events in Icelandic history, and ancient systems of law and governance – it forms a valuable piece of the nation’s legacy.

The Hiking Trails of Thingvellir

Thingvellir is one of Iceland’s most celebrated natural wonders due to its intriguing geology; yet it’s also an incredible hiking destination, boasting cliff walls and canyons, breathtaking views, and plenty of trails that cater to hikers of all skill levels.

Thingvellir can be explored independently by either renting a car or joining one of the many tours that explore this amazing park.

Golden Circle Day Tours provides comfortable transportation from Reykjavik and professional guides who will give you in-depth knowledge of Thingvellir.

Additionally, they’ll take care of logistics and transportation allowing you to focus on enjoying trails and landscapes!

Thingvellir’s most iconic hiking trail is Almannagja, which traverses through tectonic plates.

Experience two continents at once when crossing this fault line safely! Just make sure not to cross any sudden gaps!

Oxararfoss waterfall is another popular hiking trail. Not only is this magnificent sight lovely and historic – during the 9th century this area was where the Old Icelandic parliament met, hence giving rise to its name of Thingvellir (meaning assembly place).

Additionally, any person found guilty of bloodshame (incest) were drowned here (Drekkingarhylur).

The Visitor Center of Thingvellir

Thingvellir offers visitors a unique combination of experiences ranging from bird’s-eye views and close-ups of geological features to historical perspectives.

But its true legacy lies within its history and culture – where Iceland’s first parliament, known as Althing, met from 930AD until 1798 to set laws and settle disputes for two weeks annually during two weeks’ worth of meetings held here each year amidst nature’s beautiful setting.

Visit the park and be sure to stop at its visitor center near the Almannagja Gorge footpath for an interactive panel experience and plenty of information on its history and geology.

Thingvellir is famous for its active volcanic activity and visible tectonic plates are evident at Thingvellir; what may not be so apparent, however, is how gradually those plates move apart with each year – leading to dramatic rifting at Thingvellir.

Thingvellir Park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2004 due to the widening rift.

Witnessing such an amazing sight will leave an indelible mark on your memory; therefore it is vitally important that you spend some time at Thingvellir, whether for hours or even a full day!