Þingvellir National Park in Iceland - history and dramatic nature

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Þingvellir National Park in Iceland is a fascinating place, whether you're interested in nature, geology or history. Here, the North American and Eurasian continental plates are slowly moving apart, leaving behind a dramatic landscape of cracks and faults.

At the same time, Þingvellir is one of Iceland's most important historical sites - the Althing was founded here around the year 930. The national park is also part of the Golden Circle and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Þingvellir along the Golden Circle

Þingvellir is one of the three classic stops along the Golden Circle in Iceland. The other two are Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal area of Haukadalur with Geysir and Strokkur.

We visited all three in the same day, but since we came home with so many pictures and experiences, each place got its own report. Here, we’re talking about Þingvellir – perhaps the stop along the Golden Circle where nature and history are most clearly intertwined.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park can also be written Thingvellir, and in Swedish you sometimes see the name Tingvalla. The national park has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2004 and is known for both its geology and its history.

Þingvellir is located in an active rift valley where the North American and Eurasian continental plates are slowly moving apart. It is also the site where Iceland's historic parliament, Alþingi or Althing, was founded around 930 AD and met for several hundred years.

Despite the spectacular nature, it is primarily Þingvellir's cultural and historical significance that lies behind the site's status as a World Heritage Site.

Þingvalla Church at Lake Þingvalla

Next to Þingvallavatn is the small Þingvallakirkja. The current church was built in 1859, but the history of the church on the site goes back much further – there have been churches at Þingvellir since the early 11th century. The church is usually open to visitors during the summer, but opening hours may vary.

The continental plates of Þingvellir

Þingvellir lies in an active rift valley along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian continental plates are slowly moving apart. The movements have created a dramatic landscape of cracks, ravines and faults.

Most striking is Almannagja, the large fault that you can walk through. Here, Iceland's geology becomes unusually clear – you don't have to be a geologist to be fascinated by the landscape.

Öxarárfoss waterfall

The national park also features the smaller but beautiful Öxarárfoss waterfall, where the Öxará River cascades over the cliffs of Almannagjá. The waterfall is accessible on foot via the trails in the national park and is a popular stop during a walk through the area.

Alltinget - Iceland's parliament

Iceland began to be populated by Norse settlers in the late 9th century. As the population grew, the need for common laws and a place where disputes could be resolved arose. Therefore, around 930, the Alþingi (Parliament) was founded at Þingvellir. The Alþingi developed into Iceland's legislative and judicial assembly, and met once a year in Þingvellir.

People traveled here from different parts of Iceland, and for a few weeks, Þingvellir became the country's political, legal, and social center. Here laws were made and disputes were settled, but people also traded, exchanged news, and socialized.

Even today there are remains of a large number of so-called shops – simple temporary buildings made of stone and turf that were used during the meetings. In fact, the Althing continued to meet at Þingvellir until 1798.

Þingvellir in Game of Thrones

Þingvellir National Park has been used as a filming location for some scenes in the hugely popular TV series Game of Thrones. The narrow road leading to the Eyrie was filmed here, which can be seen when Sansa Stark arrives in the company of Littlefinger, as well as when Catelyn Stark arrives in season 1 of the TV series.

Þingvellir in The Brothers Lionheart

Much of the film The Lionheart Brothers was also filmed in Þingvellir National Park. In particular, the national park has come to symbolise the desolate landscape of Karmanjaka, home to the evil ruler Tengil.

A visit to the Laxness horse farm

On the way back to Reykjavik we visited Laxness horse farm, located in Mosfellsbæ, 26 kilometers from Þingvellir National Park and 22 kilometers from Reykjavik. There are a large number of Icelandic horses here, and although there are no signs, the owners know the names of each of them.

Just remember not to call them ponies! Even though Icelandic horses are relatively short at the withers, they are strong and are considered horses. And Icelanders may not like it if you call them ponies…

The farm organizes horseback riding tours in the beautiful surroundings, and also combined tours with other activities, such as the Golden Circle or whale watching.

This time it was only a short visit for us, as we had other things on our schedule. We have riding an Icelandic horse in Iceland before, and would love to do it again. A great way to experience nature!

More to see and experience nearby

There is much more to see and experience in Iceland and near Reykjavik. Here you will find tips and reports:

• Things to do in Reykjavik
• Blue Lagoon
• Ön Viðey
• Things to do in Iceland

This trip was a press trip, organised by Icelandair and the Food and Fun Reykjavik festival. All texts, photos (unless otherwise stated) and opinions are, as usual, our own.