Visiting Þingvellir National Park | Touring the Golden Circle
Visiting Þingvellir National Park
So, you’re heading out on the “tourist attraction” known as Iceland’s Golden Circle. First, you start by doing a bit of research, to piece together your epic driving tour, you discovered Þingvellir National Park. Next, you read that Þingvellir is an absolute must on your Golden Circle Road trip! (Well, if you didn’t read that then I’m here to tell you it’s an absolute must on your Golden Circle Road trip.)
This quite possibly might be the most important stop you make on your entire Iceland holiday. Why you ask?!? Well, from a historical standpoint it’s a place that Icelanders hold dear to their hearts. Moreso, it symbolizes their independence. Oh and nature is up to some pretty epic stuff here as well. Read on my friend, read on!
Insider Tip: In English Þingvellir National Park is spelled Thingvellir National Park. Although Icelandic pronunciation can be tricky, try to learn some words before you go. Because it’s a great sign of respect to locals to know a few key words and terms. Here’s an Icelandic Resource to help understand words and pronunciation.
Park History Lesson
Before you visit Þingvellir National Park you’re going to want to understand the magnitude of the location. When Iceland was settled around 870 AD the settlers realized there needed to be some form of governmental structure to help them rule the land and its people. They took to the area now known as Þingvellir National Park for their meeting grounds. (Þingvellir translates to Parliament Plains.) The Alþingi or general assembly met here for the very first time in 930 AD. Nonetheless, this marked the beginning of the Icelandic commonwealth. They continued to meet in this location for two weeks every summer. Therefore, laws were made in this location, Christianity was adopted here, and people came together from all over Iceland to address the assembly on important events, news, and issues.
Then Denmark rose to power in Iceland and the Danish king was sworn to oath in 1662. Iceland as a self-governed community was no longer. There was no need for the meeting spot at Þingvellir. Going forward the location only served as grounds for court proceedings. But when Iceland gained its independence in June 1944 Þingvellir took on a very special meaning to Icelanders, marking the location their ancestors had established their settlement.
In 1928 a law was passed to protect Þingvellir stating that it will always be the property of the Icelandic nation. Then in 1930 Þingvellir became the very first national park in Iceland. It also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Icelanders are very proud of this location and all that it means for their country, as it’s a symbol of their Independence.
Þingvellir National Park Tectonic Plates
Want to walk between two continents on your trip to Iceland? Well, you’re in luck when you arrive at Þingvellir National Park you’re at the exact location where two tectonic plates meet. The national park is considered one of the best locations, in the world, to see the intersection of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Here you can literally walk between the two continents!
Not only is the history of this location so important but the geology is also an interest to scientists and tourists. Even if you understand nothing about geology the shifting of the tectonic plates is so visible to the naked eye that it really fascinates people. Currently the plates are moving apart by 2.5 centimeters every year. You want to make sure to walk the Almannagjá gorge on your visit. This is where you can really see the effects of the movement. It’s stunningly beautiful and visually overwhelming to walk between two dividing tectonic plates.
I urge you to visit not only to understand the history and geology of Iceland but also to see these two things in action. It is a very powerful location with a very powerful story. You will feel the importance of the location on your visit.
Insider Tip: Make sure to check out Öxarárfoss on your visit. (A beautiful waterfall located in the park.)
More Icelandic Resouces
- Check out this guide if visiting Reykjavík
- Guide To Iceland on Þingvellir National Park
- Where in Iceland to Find Tectonic Plate Movement
- Discover another National Park in Iceland
- New Icelandic clothes for your adventure
Enjoy Þingvellir National Park…Adventure Awaits!
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