Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park

Thingvellir National park is of great ecological, geological and historical interest.

The park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows on the border of Iceland’s largest lake. Surrounding the lake are impressive faults and gorges that are considered among the finest examples of the results of tectonic movements in the world. This is where the Alþing, the Icelandic parliament, was founded in 930 and where most of the greatest moments of Icelandic history took place over a period of 750 years, before the parliament was transferred to Reykjavik after a major earthquake at the close of the 18th century.

Lögberg (The Law Rock), atop of which the law speaker, the president of Lögrétta (the Low Council) stood, facing the gathering below to recite the laws during the period when the old Alþing was held at Thingvellir.

Neðrivellir where Lögrétta was; the most important institution of the ancient parliament, the Alþing, where the “Goðar”, the local chieftains, and bishops gathered to debate and pass new law and amend old ones. These two sites are on the eastern side of the Almannagjá gorge.

Drekkingarhylur (Drowningpool), in Öxará River, where women found guilty of adultery were drowned.

Öxarárfoss waterfall, a beautiful waterfall in the Öxará River, which falls thunderously over a steep slope at the edge of the Almannagjá rift.

The church at Thingvellir orginating from 1859, is believed to be situated on the spot where one of the first churches in Iceland was built around 1016.

Tours to Thingvellir National Park

The Golden Circle Tour RE04 - Daytour

Thingvellir National Park History RE10 - Daytour