Hike through Þingvellir National Park
Details
Distance
2 miles
Elevation Gain
50 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Matthew Eaton
Þingvellir National Park is an area of Historic and Geologic wonder for Iceland. It is an area where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge surfaces from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean and the European and North American tectonic plates meet. You can hike along this boundary line and be in two continents at one time!
From the visitor center there are several trails that lead into the countryside. Take the obvious trail down the ramp and into the gap where you can explore the beautiful terrain, waterfalls and historic sites. You could easily spend an entire day hiking around and having fun. Don’t forget to extend your arms side to side in the gap to touch both North America and Europe at the same time!
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Reviews
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Interesting geography
This is a nice stop if doing the loop, but we did not spend too much time here. The history is cool and there are trails around to walk, but if done again I would skip this stop.
3.0
Interesting and unusual landscape
If the idea of this being a rift between two tectonic plates isn't enough, the landscapes around here are really interesting. Large rocky boulders, babbling brooks, waterfalls, a geothermal spa. And if you're brave enough - scuba diving!
5.0
Between two continents
Although the specific location is of great historical/political significance for Iceland (the national assembly of Iceland was founded there in 930AD and continued to operate there till 1798), for us as travelers the geological greatness of the place was what excited us. This is the peak of the middle-atlantic ridge - the border between the northamerican and eurasian tectonic plates and (I think) the only place where this is visible from us in the surface. Walking there, it was like being acrobat between the two continents - jump a little bit on the left and you are in america, a little bit on the right and you are in europe!
5.0
Go for the history
Scenic enough landscape, but not a stunning vista. What makes Þingvellir such an unforgettable experience for me was learning its long and culturally important history as the site of the Alþing.
3.0
Thingvellir in Winter
We visited the park in early November as a family and snow was already on the ground. There are so many beautiful places within the park, easily accessible from the road. Our favorite was Öxarárfoss. The Icelandic wind was intense, but the experience was well worth it.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
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