Þingvellir is the oldest of the national parks in Iceland. The Þingvellir National Park is located in the southern parts of the country with geographic coordinates 64.2559° N, 21.1295° W. The Þingvellir National Park sits atop of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and in 2004 it was declared and preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Þingvellir National Park houses the country’s second-largest lake, the Þingvallavatn Lake (Lake of the Parliament) and the stunning and rumbling Öxarárfoss Waterfall. With many hiking trails and camping grounds, the Þingvellir National Park is a popular tourist destination.
What are the Features of Þingvellir National Park?
Here are the features of the Þingvellir National Park in iceland.
- Location: southern parts of the country
- Coordinates: 64.2559° N, 21.1295° W
- Area: 240 square miles
- Establishment: 1930
- Lakes: Þingvallavatn Lake
- Waterfalls: Öxarárfoss Waterfall
- Rivers: Öxará River
- Fissures: Silfra Fissure
- Rifts: Almannagjá Rift.
How is the Geology of Þingvellir National Park Area?
The geology of Iceland of the Þingvellir National Park is marked by the Reykjaneshryggur-Langjökull rift system and the Þingvellir graben. The main feature of the Þingvellir graben is Mount Skjaldbreiður which is located in the north. On the south side, the Þingvellir graben is closed by the Hengill Volcano and the Hrómundartindar systems.
How is the Weather in Þingvellir National Park?
The weather in the Thingvellir National Park is influenced by the tundra or, better said, polar tundra climate. Although there is no proper summer in the park, the hottest month is July which is often marked by fog and rain. The coldest month is December, and it is full of snowfall, rainfall, fog, and hail.
What are the Activities to do in Þingvellir National Park?
The Thingvellir National Park offers many activities for visitors. Popular activities are seeing Iceland’s second-largest Þingvallavatn Lake, the Öxará River with its Öxarárfoss Waterfall, and the continent-separating Almannagjá Rift. Thingvellir is a popular spot for scuba diving in the Silfra fissure. There are also photography workshops available for the Thingvellir National Park in Iceland.
Is it Allowed to Climb in Þingvellir National Park in Iceland?
Yes, it is allowed to climb in the Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. The park offers many hiking and climbing trails that are suited for visitors with different levels of physical condition. When climbing in the Thingvellir National Park, visitors are actually on the borderline of two continents at the same time.
Is it Possible to Camp in Þingvellir National Park?
Yes, it is possible to camp in the Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. The park area has many camping sites, and there is no need to make reservations. All of the necessary camping permits can be issued upon arrival at the Information Center.
What is the prominence of Þingvellir National Park for Iceland Culture?
The Thingvellir National Park is of paramount importance for the Iceland Culture. Namely, while Iceland was struggling for its independence, during the 19th and 20th centuries, the Thingvellir National Park got the status of a sacred place. The Thingvellir National Park was considered to be a potent symbol of Icelandic identity and unity.
What are the Tours for Þingvellir in Iceland?
Tours in Iceland for the Thingvellir National Park in Iceland are available and in high demand. The Thingvellir National Park has many breathtaking landforms and must-see spots. Plus, the park is close to the capital Reykjavik and part of the famous Golden Circle. There is a number of tours available for the Thingvellir National Park. Some are short and include daily visits to specific attractions, and others are long and involve staying at local camps and seeing various places on the same tour.
What are the Best Hotels for Þingvellir National Park?
The best hotels in Iceland for the Thingvellir National Park are in Veiðilundur and Laugarvatn. Popular hotels to stay in these localities are Þingvellir Golden Circle Cottage, Thingvellir Lake Cottage, Laugarvatn Hostel, Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse, Háholt Cosy House in Laugarvatn, and Eyvindartunga farm cottage.
