In the Land of Fire and Ice: Þingvellir National Park
UNESCO Sites in Iceland: Þingvellir National Park (visited October 2023)
To me, Iceland always seemed so far away, although we’re both geographically in Europe. And also so cold, windy and, well…rough. Of course, I longed to visit it and see those volcanoes and natural wonders in person, because no documentary can picture the true beauty of a place (and I watch many).
Finally, the opportunity showed itself in October 2023 in the form of a work-related trip, and, of course, I took it without hesitating. As I expected, it was a unique and unforgettable experience!
Iceland is often referred to as the Land of Fire and Ice because it literally is a country where hot lava meets glacial cold. Among its many breathtaking sites, Þingvellir National Park stands out as a place where the forces of nature and the roots of Icelandic democracy come together. The park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, recognized for its enormous geological and historical significance.
Key terms explained
Þingvellir is anglicised as “Thingvellir”.
North American Plate: a major tectonic plate covering North America and parts of surrounding oceans, driving significant geological activity.
Eurasian Plate: a large tectonic plate covering Europe and Asia, responsible for significant geological activity, including earthquakes and mountain formation.
This map is showing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge splitting Iceland and separating the North American and Eurasian Plates. The map also shows Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, the Þingvellir area, and the locations of some of Iceland's active volcanoes (red triangles), including Krafla.
About the site
Þingvellir National Park is located around 40 km northeast of Reykjavik, at the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, creating dramatic landscapes. To Icelanders, Þingvellir is much more than just a national park; it’s a sacred place deeply embedded in the country’s identity.
Historical Significance
Þingvellir is also the site of the Alþingi, Iceland’s national parliament and one of the world’s oldest parliaments, that was established here in 930 AD. Alþingi was the legislative and judicial center of Iceland until the late 18th century.
The gatherings at Þingvellir, a.k.a. the Alþing sessions, were both political and social events, where chieftains and their followers would come together to discuss laws, settle disputes, and participate in religious ceremonies.
The Law Rock (Lögberg) was in the center of these gatherings, and the Lawspeaker would recite the laws of the land. From a place of pilgrimage, Þingvellir emerged as a nationalist symbol during the 19th century. Today, you can stand at this historic site and imagine the events that shaped Iceland’s history over a millennium ago.
Geological Significance
Þingvellir's most remarkable feature is its location on the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. These tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart, which causes the land to stretch and create dramatic rift valleys.
One of the most striking examples of this geological activity is the Almannagjá Gorge, where you can walk between the two continents—a truly unique experience.
Another interesting fissure in the park is Silfra, a rift filled with crystal-clear glacial water where you can snorkel and dive--the water is so clear that divers can see the rock formations created by the tectonic activity in detail. This experience makes Silfra a really unique, out-of-this-world site.
For more details on the park's history and geological significance, you can visit the official Þingvellir National Park website.
The Experience of Visiting Þingvellir
If you plan to visit Þingvellir, October is a fantastic time to go. The autumn colors of the vegetation add to the already dramatic landscape, and there should be fewer visitors.
Walking through the Almannagjá Gorge is a humbling experience, as you are literally standing between two continents. The towering walls of the gorge, the rugged and dark-colored terrain, and the sheer size of the visible geological forces make it a memorable part of the visit.
Another highlight of the park is Öxarárfoss, a picturesque waterfall located within the Almannagjá Gorge. Unfortunately, I haven’t visited it this time, but you be sure to see it when you’re there.
The waterfall is a bit modest in size compared to some of Iceland’s famous falls, but is surrounded by a landscape that looks like it’s out of this world.
Apart from the Alþingi, you can visit another historical site here, Þingvallakirkja, a church building that dates back 1859. However, according to the sagas, there had been a church at Þingvellir as early as 1017.
This area, with its old houses that were once park offices and are now the Prime Minister's summer residence, continues to hold deep historical and cultural importance for Icelanders.
Practical Information for Travelers
Þingvellir National Park is part of the famous Golden Circle route, which also includes the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. The park is 45 minutes away by car from Reykjavik and 1 hour from the Keflavik airport. There are also many guided tours you can join and visit Þingvellir as part of a Golden Circle day trip.
The entrance to the national park is free, and they offer many activities:
hiking: there are numerous trails over most of the park
diving: along with diving in Silfra, you can dive in another rift, Davíðsgjá
angling: with a bought permit, you can fish in spring and summer, but you need to follow the park’s rules
horse riding: there are trails designated for horse riding
camping: camping sites are open throughout the year and to me the prices seem reasonable.
The weather in Iceland throughout the summer can be very unpredictable, with a mix of sunshine, rain and the wind. That being said, it’s not unusual that in October it’s possible to see some early snow and freezing surfaces. But it’s all part of the Icelandic adventure!
So, if you visit Iceland in summer, dress in layers and be prepared for wet and windy conditions. If you come in October, dress in warmer layers and be prepared for cold, wet and windy weather. Of course, your clothing should be waterproof, and the footwear sturdy.
For me, this Uniqlo coat (affiliate link) saved me, I wore it under the rubber raincoat.
Be sure to bring a camera and try to catch some good light early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
October is a great time to potentially see the Northern Lights. If the sky is clear, keep an eye out for this natural phenomenon, especially in the evening after sunset.
Þingvellir National Park is a place where the natural world and human history come together in a way that few other places can match. Whether you’re interested in geology, history, or simply want to experience the stunning landscapes of Iceland, Þingvellir has something to offer.
My visit in October 2023 was an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend adding Þingvellir to your Iceland travel itinerary.
This post is part of a series on my experiences with perhaps overlooked UNESCO World Heritage sites. I hope you found this guide helpful, and thank you for reading!
And one last thing - this publication will stay free forever, but if you feel I deserve a cup of matcha 🍵 here and there, then please buy me some - the next drink’s on me! ☕
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I’ve often said that I wanted to see the northern lights and had expected to see what I normally see in photos. Thank you for sharing a different perspective on what to expect so I won’t be frustrated or disappointed. ♥️
This is an awesome place - I remember standing there in between Europe and America