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    Your ultimate guide to Thingvellir National Park | History, activities, & travel tips

    Golden Circle ToursThingvellir National Park

    Things to note before booking tickets to Thingvellir National Park

    • Thingvellir is a major highlight of the Golden Circle tours, often paired with Geysir, Gullfoss, and additional experiences like Kerid Crater, Secret Lagoon, or the Blue Lagoon.
    • Most Thingvellir National Park Golden Circle tours include transfers from Reykjavik, making it convenient for visitors. Some tours, like those paired with the Secret Lagoon, and the Kerid Crater, also offer direct pick-up and drop-off services from your accommodation. 
    • Every experience includes an English-speaking local guide to help you connect with the sights and their stories. Some tours also provide multilingual audio guides in up to 10 languages, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
    • You can choose tours based on when you are planning to visit. If you visit between late August and mid-April, pair your Thingvellir Park visit with a Northern Lights chase. The park’s remote location and vast, open landscapes make it an ideal spot to witness the auroras in all their glory. If you miss the Northern Lights, you are welcome to join the next available tour at no extra cost.
    • For those looking for a personalized and intimate experience, opt for the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon premium tours. Group sizes are limited to 19 guests, allowing you to connect with the guides, ask questions, and enjoy a relaxing soak. 
    • If you want to explore the best of Iceland’s most diverse and stunning landscapes, the Iceland Super Combo is a great choice. This 15-hour guided tour starts with the Thingvellir National Park and takes you to famous spots like the Gullfoss Waterfall, the Geysir area, and the Blue Lagoon. 
    • While most Golden Circle tours are suited for all fitness levels, some activities like snowmobile rides along Langjokull Glacier, diving into the Silfra Fissure, and hiking down to Kerid Volcano Lake are not accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
    • Tours range from 8.5 to 15 hours, depending on add-ons like Northern Lights chases, Blue Lagoon visits, or snowmobile rides.
    • With long travel hours and changing weather conditions, these tours are best suited for children over 5 years old.

    Frequently asked questions about Thingvellir National Park

    What’s special about Thingvellir?

    Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. These plates slowly shift each year, creating stunning rifts and fissures you can walk through. It’s also home to Althing, Iceland’s first parliament, founded in 930 AD, making it a cornerstone of the country’s history.

    How far is Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik?

    Thingvellir is about 45km from Reykjavik, a drive of about 45 minutes to an hour. It’s a straightforward trip, often included as the first stop on the Golden Circle route, making it easily accessible for day trips.

    Can I visit other attractions with Thingvellir?

    Yes, Thingvellir is a key stop on the Golden Circle route, which also features the stunning Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area. You can also pair your Thingvellir visit with other unique experiences like a relaxing soak at the Blue Lagoon, a Northern Lights hunt, or a hike along the Kerid Crater rim.

    What is the best way to reach Thingvellir National Park?

    The best way to get to Thingvellir National Park is to book a Golden Circle guided tour. They include convenient transfers from Reykjavik and offer in-depth commentary about the park’s attractions. If driving, take Route 36 from Reykjavik for a scenic and easy journey.

    Can I snorkel or dive in the park?

    Thingvellir houses a unique, underwater rift between its North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, popularly known as the Silfra Fissure. With crystal-clear water and visibility extending up to 100 meters, Silfra offers an unparalleled snorkeling experience, allowing you to explore a world unlike any other.

    Is the park wheelchair accessible?

    The main visitor center and certain sections of the park are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. However, due to the natural terrain, not all paths or attractions, like the rift valleys or Silfra, are easily navigable for those with limited mobility.

    Can I bring my own food and drinks to the park?

    Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to Thingvellir National Park. There are designated picnic areas where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the park’s natural beauty. However, be mindful to clean up after yourself to help preserve the park's pristine environment.