Thingvellir is the most important historical site in Iceland and a national park located in southwestern Iceland, about 40 kilometres east of Reykjavik.

One of the most significant features of Thingvellir National Park is the Almannagja fissure, which is a large tectonic fissure that marks the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Visitors can walk through the fissure and observe the dramatic landscape created by the plates shifting over time.

The Vikings established the world`s first democratic parliament here. The Alþingi (Icelandic Parliament) in Þingvellir held the supreme authority of the country. It was both a legislative and judicial assembly and disputes from all over the country were resolved there.

The Althing was established in 930 AD and held sessions at Thingvellir until 1798. Visitors can see the remains of the Althing, including the Lögberg, a large rock where the laws were proclaimed.

Thingvellir National Park became a member of Unesco World Heritage in 2004

Amazing nature sites

The park covers an area of 13,000 hectares and is known for its geological and historical significance.

Thingvellir National Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and outdoor activities. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, and diving in the Silfra fissure, a popular spot for diving and snorkelling in the clear glacial water.

Thingvellir has been a nature reserve for almost eighty years and is the oldest in Iceland. You will also find Thingvellir remarkable for reasons of natural science. The ancient Alþingi (Parliament) site lies in a rift valley. The basin is part of the North Atlantic Ridge that runs through Iceland from the southwest to the northeast.

The rift valley basin in Thingvellir has been formed over the last 10,000 years. Þingvallavatn Lake is the largest lake in Iceland and teems with life.

Fascinating multimedia centre

During the “The Golden Age of Iceland”, Thingvellir was the site of many events related in the Icelandic Sagas. Most of these sagas were written in the 13th century and are the cornerstone of Icelandic civilisation. Above the park, on top of the rift, is a fascinating multimedia centre to explore Icelandic nature and history.