Thingvellir National Park
Walk between two continents in the cradle of Icelandic democracy, first stop on the Golden Circle.
Rift valley and Almannagja gorge at Thingvellir
What to expect at Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart at roughly 2 cm a year, leaving a dramatic rift valley of moss-covered lava, clear glacial rivers and the Almannagja gorge. It is also where Icelanders founded the Althing parliament in 930 AD, making this both a UNESCO natural and cultural site. The Golden Circle route makes it the essential first stop before Geysir and Gullfoss, and most Reykjavik day tours build the day around it.
Arrive before 10:00 to walk the Almannagja gorge with the low morning light and before the tour buses arrive around 11:00. Park at P1 by the visitor centre for the classic walk down to Logberg (the Law Rock) and the Oxararfoss waterfall, then drive to P5 if you want to snorkel or dive Silfra. Allow at least three hours; a full half day if you add Silfra or the church at Thingvallakirkja.
Questions about Thingvellir National Park
Park entry is free. Parking is $8 per car, paid via the parkid.is app or at meters near P1 and P5.
The park itself is free 24/7. The visitor centre and interpretive exhibition are also free of charge.
Allow 3-4 hours for the gorge walk, Logberg and Oxararfoss. Add 2 hours if snorkelling Silfra.
The park never closes. The visitor centre closes on 24-25 December and 1 January.
No booking is needed for the park. Silfra snorkel and dive slots book out 2-3 days ahead in summer.
There is no public bus. Reykjavik Excursions Golden Circle coaches drop at the P1 visitor centre; by car take Route 36 from Ring Road 1.
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