Þingvellir is a favorite stop among travellers along the Golden Circle route. It has been a National Park in Iceland since 1930 and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. When Viking settlers arrived in the 10th century, it was their chosen site for Alþingi, the world’s oldest Parliament.
Þingvellir’s unique geology created a natural amphitheatre perfect for public speaking, including the high rock wall of Lögberg (Law Rock). During annual Alþingi meetings, an elected Law Speaker would recite the laws of the land from memory. The parliament’s members, goðar, discussed and decided new laws and passed judgements.
In addition to its historic interest, Þingvellir holds a special appeal for geology buffs. It is the visible site of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The plates are pulling apart at a rate of 2 centimetres (nearly an inch) per year, creating the Þingvellir Rift Valley.
In winter it also offers a great view, especially after dark when the northern lights reign supreme. When snow covers the lava field and the days are short, the landscape becomes almost surreal. A visit to the national park offers great photo opportunities. Þingvellir has been a favorite spot among professional and amateur photographers for years, and for a good reason.
According to a law, passed in 1928, Þingvellir belongs to the Icelandic nation and is under the Alþing’s protection. The Alþing marked its thousand-year anniversary by declaring Þingvellir as a National Park. In 2004, UNESCO named Þingvellir a World Heritage Site.
Alþing in Þingvellir
Only a few years after the Norse settlers settled in Iceland, the first Þing (tribal meeting) took place. Þings had been a part of Germanic tribes for centuries, and Icelanders continued the tradition. Ping meetings allowed members of tribes to discuss common rules and laws and to solve disputes in a non-violent way.
According to the Book of Settlements, Þorsteinn, the son of Ingólfur Arnarson (the founder of Reykjavík and Iceland’s first permanent settler), organised Iceland’s first Þing. It took place in Þingnes by Elliðavatn lake, close to Reykjavík.
Later, in 930 AD, the Alþhing was held for the first time. The Alþing was a national meeting of clans and tribes across Iceland, a type of national parliament. The Alþing took place in Blóskógar, west of Lake Þingvallavatn. That land was owned by Þórir Kroppinskeggi, but he was found guilty for murdering a freed slave. The land was taken from him and given to the Alþing.
Historians believe there are two reasons why the settlers chose Þingvellir for the Alþing. First of all, Þingvellir is central and accessible from all corners of Iceland. Secondly, it has a water source and is the perfect natural terrain for holding a meeting.
What was the Alþing like?
During the age of the Icelandic Commonwealth, Iceland was divided into counties, called goðorð. A chieftain, or goði, would rule each goðorð. Before Christianity, these chieftains probably also served as priests. Every farmer had to swear allegiance to a goði, but he could freely choose which goði to follow. Initially there were 36 goðorðs, but 3 more were added few years after the first Alþing.
The Speaker of the Laws or Lögsögumaðr, was the most powerful person in the Alþing. The role of the Speaker was to recite the laws at the Alþing and govern meetings in the Lögrétta, which was the highest institute of Alþhing. Each goði had a seat in Lögrétta and each could appoint two advisers. The Lögrétta appointed men to judge in the country’s five courts. One court was in each corner of Iceland (east, north, west, south), and there was also a high court similar to today’s Supreme Court.
The Alþing took place in the 9th week of summer each year before Christianity, and in the 10th week after the year 1000. Along with the goðis and their advisors, many other people came to the annual Alþing. The Alþing was a great place for people to do business, arrange marriages, and settle disputes. Additionally, people came to socialise, gossip, and have fun.
Þingvellir’s tectonic plates
Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment in a rift valley. You can clearly see the continental drift in the cracks or faults which traverse the region.
At Almannagjá fault on the west side of the plain, you can see the easternmost edge of the North American tectonic plate. It is normally submerged in the Atlantic Ocean. On the east side at the Heiðargjá Gorge, you are at the westernmost edge of the Eurasian plate. You can literally walk between two continents when you are in Þingvellir. You can learn much more about Þingvellir’s geology at the national park’s visitor centre
Lake Þingvallavatn
South of Þingvellir, you can see Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. Lava fields stretch into the lake from the north, and there are many fissures in the lava. Water from the lake has made its way into these fissures, along with large trout and arctic char. The most famous of these fissues is Silfra Groge, where visitors can snorkel in the clear water.
What to see in Þingvellir?
There is much to explore in the park, such as the 20 metre (66 ft) Öxará waterfall. The Öxarárfoss Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall. However, the pool under it has a darker story. During the the Middle Ages, men and women sentenced to death were drowned there.
Nikúlasargjá Gorge is also popular. Icelanders call it Peningagjá (Money Gorge) because it is customary to toss coins into the icy-cold water and make a wish.
The view from the top of Almannagjá, where the visitor centre is located, is stunning. Don’t forget your camera!
How to get to Þingvellir National Park?
Þingvellir is located about 45 km northeast of Reykjavík. You first take the Ring Road north out of Reykjavík and pass the town Mosfellsbær. Then you take the first exit to the right at a roundabout onto Road 36, which leads you to Þingvellir.
Is there an entrance fee?
Þingvellir does not have entrance fee, but if you travel by car you must pay a parking fee. The ticket is valid for the whole day and at all parking lots. The money is used for maintaining the park’s infrastructure and visitor facilities.
The Golden Circle
Thingvellir National Park is a part of the famous Golden Circle, along with Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall. It takes about a day to visit the Golden Circle, and we fully recommend it.
