Thingvellir National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland's parliament was founded and the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.
About
About Thingvellir National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland's parliament was founded and the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.
Walk between two continents, explore historic Alþingi site, and snorkel in Silfra fissure.
Tours Near Thingvellir National Park
South Coast Tour - Black Sand Beach, Plane wreck, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss guided in Chinese冰岛南岸黑沙滩飞机残骸中文一日团
Magic Iceland Travel · 10 hours 30 minutes
South Coast Small Group Tour: Waterfalls, Glacier & Black Sand Beach
BusTravel Iceland · 10 hours
Private South Coast tour
EastWest · 10 hours
Private Ice Cave Katla, South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach
Glaciers and Waterfalls · 11 hours
Photos
Gallery
Background
History & Background
Þingvellir was chosen as the site for Iceland's parliament, the Alþingi, in 930 AD because of its central location and geological features that provided natural amphitheater acoustics. For centuries, Icelanders gathered here each summer for two weeks to settle disputes, pass laws, and socialize. The Lögberg (Law Rock) was where the Lawspeaker recited laws from memory. The site remained Iceland's parliament location until 1798. Many significant events in Icelandic history occurred here, including the adoption of Christianity in 1000 AD and the proclamation of the Republic of Iceland in 1944.
Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland's most historically and geologically significant locations. It's where Iceland's Alþingi, one of the world's oldest parliaments, was founded in 930 AD, making it a cornerstone of Icelandic democracy and culture. Geologically, the park sits in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart at a rate of about 2cm per year. Visitors can literally walk between two continents along the dramatic Almannagjá gorge. The crystal-clear Silfra fissure, filled with glacial meltwater from Langjökull, offers some of the world's best snorkeling and diving with visibility exceeding 100 meters. The park also features Öxarárfoss waterfall, Lake Þingvallavatn (Iceland's largest natural lake), and numerous hiking trails through lava fields and historical sites.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Þingvellir is the only place on Earth where you can stand between two tectonic plates on dry land. The North American and Eurasian plates are slowly pulling apart here at roughly 2 centimetres per year, creating the dramatic rift valley visible across the plain. But Þingvellir is equally remarkable for its human history: Iceland's parliament, the Alþingi, held its first session here in 930 AD — making it one of the world's oldest surviving parliaments. For over 900 years, Icelanders gathered at the Lögberg (Law Rock) to announce laws, settle disputes and govern themselves. Today it is Iceland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park of extraordinary geological and historical significance.
Did You Know?
Alþingi, one of the world's oldest parliaments, was founded here in the year 930.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Grettishaf við Sleðaás
Grettishaf við Sleðaás is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Grettis saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Öxarárhólmi
Öxarárhólmi is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Gunnlaugs saga ormstungu", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Sleðás
Sleðás is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Grettis saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Vellankatla
Vellankatla is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Njáls saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
Best Time of Day
Visit Thingvellir National Park during golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for the most beautiful light.
Iceland's low-angle sunlight creates long shadows and warm colors that transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary ones.
Local Knowledge
Ask locals for their favorite nearby spots — Icelanders are friendly and love sharing recommendations.
The best experiences often come from local tips about lesser-known viewpoints, cafés, or hidden natural features.
Weather Changes
Don't leave if the weather is bad — wait 15 minutes and it often changes dramatically.
Iceland's rapidly changing weather can transform a gray scene into a spectacular display of light and clouds in minutes.
Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Location
Discover
Explore Nearby
Places from our database within 5.0 km — all data from Sanity
Loading nearby places…
0 places found within 5.0 km
Plan full itinerary →Explore More