Things to do in Thingvellir National Park

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Thingvellir National Park is one of the Golden Circle main stops and no wonder, it’s nature at its purest. You can check it out on your trip to Iceland and discover the origin of the island. To do this, we’re going to tell you all about the things to do in Thingvellir National Park. Let’s get started!

But, first you should know that the park is divided into several zones, all equally amazing. On the one hand, you can walk through a lava field covered with trees and then there is the area of Leirar, where are the most tourist spots (hotels and restaurants). Now, are you ready to discover Thingvellir?

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The great viewpoint

At the beginning of your adventure in Thingvellir National Park, we recommend you to observe the views from the heights, they are amazing! For this you have a great viewpoint, very close to the tourist information center. From there you can see the immense valley and the largest lake in Iceland, Pingvallavatn.

The spectacular fissures

This park is known for being located on two tectonic plates. Thanks to its movement, Iceland is growing in territory year after year. It is a must to visit Thingvellir and get up close to see its fissures.

Walking through the Almannagjá crack (to the west) or through Hrafnagiá is a unique experience. So imagine snorkeling in Silfra, a crack that reaches a depth of 131 ft (40m). This place is one of the best for diving in the world, thanks to its crystal clear water you can clearly observe the vertical walls of black rock.

Also, with the Golden Circle Tour, you have a more complete plan: snorkeling in Silfra and touring one of the most famous routes in the country, where you will see the Gullfoss waterfall.

Oxarárfoss waterfall

One of the best known sites in the reserve is the Oxarárfoss waterfall. It is not noted for its size or height, but the drop of crystalline water is impressive.

The waterfall is in the Almannagjá fissure, near the country’s former parliament. It flows into Lake Thingvallavatn, which, at 32mi² (83 km²), is the largest lake in Iceland. It is well worth a visit.

Very close by is the Gullfoss waterfall which is one of the most famous on the island, so if you get the chance we recommend you get close too. This gets exciting!

The wildlife

Looking closely at the wild animals of the place has something magical about it, don’t you think? It brings you calm and you always learn new things. And one of the things to do in Thingvellir National Park is to observe the wildlife.

It is not that there are a lot of species but the animals that live here are unique, endemic. You’ll get to see the American vison, the polar fox and a lot of different birds 🙂 .

Thingvallakirkja: Iceland’s first church

One of the most historic corners of the park is Thingvallakirkja church. This monument is located in the central valley and has been in the same place since the year 1000 approximately.

What we can visit today was built in 1859, that is, the original structure of the church has been disappearing over time. Next to it you will find a farm and the Iceland prime minister summer residence. This summer residence had a grass roof and was huge, with three gables.

Hiking in this area is breathtaking. Very close to this church you will come across different ruins and you can be teleported back to ancient Iceland. A big plus point is that in this area there are almost no tourists, it is very likely that you will go and be alone.

Lögberg (King’s Rock)

As we said before, the park is full of history, from the origin of the island with the tectonic plates movement, to the first church in the country. But, there’s something else, we introduce you to Lögberg, where the Icelandic parliament was created.

This corner is also known as the King’s Rock, where assemblies,judgments were held … As a curious fact, one of the penalties was drowning in the Oxará River waters .

Today nothing remains of the building but there is something magical about being able to visit the place that has marked the countries history.

This marvel of natural park has a thousand trails through which you can make different hiking trails and go seeing each of the points that we have highlighted. Now you have all the things to do in Thingvellir National Park. Do you already know what to do in the park?