Thingvellir National Park: tours, history and Silfra
Iceland’s Thingvellir brings together cultural heritage, history and geology. The park is roughly 40 to 45 km northeast of Reykjavik, beside the Öxará river. It has held World Heritage status since 2004 and is protected as an Icelandic national shrine.
Thingvellir tours and the Althing
The Icelandic parliament, known as the Althing, began at Thingvellir in 930 as a gathering of leaders in the open air. From 930 to 1798, its yearly meetings lasted two weeks and dealt with political and legal matters. Law Rock, or Lögberg, stood at the centre of the assembly’s activities. An elected Lawspeaker led proceedings, serving a term of three years. Iceland pledged allegiance to Norway in 1262, and the old order at Law Rock came to an end soon after. Permanent buildings were limited to a farm and, subsequently, two churches. The creation of the national park in 1930 commemorated a thousand years since the Althing’s foundation. At the visitor centre, interpretation covers both the area’s past and its natural environment.
The Golden Circle
Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss waterfall are among the main stops on the Golden Circle. This circuit is a loop of roughly 230 to 300 kilometres, depending on the route, leaving Reykjavik for Iceland’s southern uplands before returning to the city.
The small group Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour from Reykjavik lasts 11 hours and includes a guided Golden Circle tour, visits to Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss and Kerid Crater, and a stop for lunch in the Geysir area.
The Iceland full day tour of the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights lasts 15 hours and includes minibus transport, a driver guide for the Golden Circle, a Northern Lights guide, Blue Lagoon admission, and visits to Thingvellir, the Geysir area, Strokkur, Gullfoss and Kerid crater lake.
The New Year tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle and South Coast lasts 5 days and includes breakfasts on days 2 to 5, a New Year’s Eve dinner of four courses, a dinner experience in Reykjavik on day 4, Blue Lagoon bathing, guided Reykjavik and New Year’s Eve bonfire tours, an English speaking guide and transport throughout the programme.
Silfra
Silfra is a fissure used for diving and snorkelling. Its depth reaches about 60 metres, and the water percolates through the lava for decades (estimates range from 30 to 100 years). Its water stays between 2 and 4 °C. Meltwater from Langjökull supplies the groundwater spring that feeds Silfra.
The rift, river and lake
The park occupies a rift valley at the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, along the boundary separating the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Almannagjá is a fissure with the form of a canyon. The Öxará crosses the park and drops into the rift to create the Öxarárfoss waterfall. Gorges and cracks in the area reveal the effects of erosion of the Earth’s crust. South of Thingvellir lies Thingvallavatn, a natural lake covering 84 square kilometres and reaching a depth of 114 m. The Sog river provides the lake’s sole outlet. Four forms of Arctic charr live in its waters, and its islands show their volcanic origins. Here, the geology and the ecosystem of Thingvallavatn are connected as a whole.
Frequently asked questions
When did Thingvellir become a World Heritage Site?
Thingvellir received World Heritage designation in 2004.
What was the Althing?
It was Iceland’s parliament, founded at Thingvellir in 930, with annual gatherings devoted to law and politics.
Is Thingvellir on the Golden Circle?
Yes, the park is a main stop on the route, which also includes Gullfoss waterfall.
What activities take place at Silfra?
The fissure is used for snorkelling and diving.
How cold is the water at Silfra?
Silfra’s water temperature ranges from 2 to 4 °C.
