Must-SeeSight · ParkFreeOutdoorsGood for Kids

Þingvellir National Park

The rift valley where Iceland's parliament first met in 930, between the North American and Eurasian plates.

Photo: Ivan Sabljak · CC BY-SA 3.0
Open
Always; the visitor center keeps its own hours
Price
Free; paid parking
Time Needed
2 hours
Address
Þingvellir National Park visitor center, Route 36Directions
Getting There
About 45 minutes by car northeast of Reykjavík.

Why Go

The chieftains of Iceland gathered here every summer from 930 to 1798, and it was here that the country adopted Christianity in the year 1000. A path runs down the Almannagjá gorge, a crack in the earth where the continents drift apart, past the Law Rock to the Öxarárfoss waterfall. It's a UNESCO site.

Go Next

1–3 of 6
Must-See
Cities · Capitals

Reykjavík

About 28 miles away

The world's northernmost capital, with Hallgrímskirkja, music and thermal pools.

Full Guide
Worth a Detour
Nature · Hot springs

Blue Lagoon

About 50 miles away

A milky-blue spa in a lava field. Eruptions nearby sometimes close it.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Mountains · Hiking

Landmannalaugar

About 62 miles away

Rhyolite mountains in every color, with hot springs, on the Laugavegur trail.

Guide Coming Soon

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