Everything you need to know about your first stop on the Golden Circle: Þingvellir National Park
Is it really a visit to Iceland without the Golden Circle? This region has been likened to Iceland in a nutshell and its trio of headline attractions are a must for any first-time tourist who finds themselves in the country. Gray Line offer tours to this spectacular area daily throughout the year. The first stop is at Þingvellir (also written as Thingvellir) National Park. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re heading that way.
Why is Þingvellir important to Icelandic society?
Þingvellir was Iceland’s first national park, established back in 1928. It holds particular cultural and geological significance. This was where Iceland’s first parliament met; the Alþing convened here at Lögberg (Law Rock) as early as the 10th century and met here until 1800.
It’s only relatively recently, since the mid-19th century, that matters have been dealt with in Reykjavik. Yet even since then, it is still important culturally and was where Iceland formally declared independence in 1944. In fact, though work has transferred to the capital, the country’s Prime Minister still has a summer residence here, called Þingvallarbær.
It’s significant geographically too
Government functions aren’t the only reason why Þingvellir is important. This is also a place where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. In fact, they are gradually moving apart and the gap between them grows imperceptibly, increasing by a small amount every year.
The remarkably striking geology of the place is evident to anyone who takes a stroll through the steep-sided Almannagjá Gorge. The area is surrounded by rugged lava fields; continue to walk through the gorge and you’ll also find a pretty waterfall, Öxarárfoss. The wider park is home to Þingvallavatn, which is the largest natural lake in Iceland, which you’ll see as you make your way to this first stop.
Things to do at Þingvellir
If you’ve opted for a classic Golden Circle tour, there’ll be sufficient time for Gray Line passengers touring the Golden Circle to be able to learn about the area’s history and nature at the visitor centre. This will add useful context to what you’ll see as you’ll walk around and help yo make sense of your surroundings.
Most tourists also take a walk along the Almannagjá Gorge. The path is flat but narrow. It is flanked by cliffs at first, then opens out. One of the more popular places along this trail is the Lögberg, where you’ll find many people grabbing a souvenir selfie. From the visitor centre it’s about a 5km round trip hike to reach Öxarárfoss and the walk takes around an hour.
Beyond Þingvellir – what to add on
As the main sights can be ticked off in half a day, there are many other attractions and activities that can be added on to extend a Gray Line Golden Circle tour. These include geothermal baths such as Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana, snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier and horseback riding in the scenic nearby countryside. Þingvellir National Park is also where you’ll find Silfra Fissure, a submerged ravine with exceptionally clear (though cold!) water that makes it popular with snorkellers and divers.
Good to know
Þingvellir National Park is a year-round attraction. The place is busiest in summer, but the place is large enough to absorb large numbers of visitors. Crowds thin in spring and autumn, while in winter it’s pretty under a dusting of snow. To reach Þingvellir takes about 45 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, depending on traffic; it’s the closest of the major Golden Circle attractions to the Icelandic capital.