Hike through Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir Visitor Center, Iceland
Details
Distance
2 miles
Elevation Gain
50 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
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
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
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
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
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
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
A great way to spend the day in Iceland. Crowded until you get away from the main paths and then it gets interesting. Hike along the lave fields for a lot of excitement.
4.0
I spent my summer in Iceland this past year and this place was by far the highlight of my trip! There is something cool to see everywhere you look and the fact you are standing between two continents blew my mind. If you are in Iceland, this is a must see!
5.0
Do not go here in the summer. There was way to much people, but besides the people it was a really nice spot.
3.0
Our first full day here in Iceland, we set out on a day trip from Reykjavik. Þingvellir National Park is a great first stop. You could spend all day hiking and exploring different trails within the park, although we chose to press on down the road. Grab a free map at the visitors center. There is a small fee to pay for parking, and a fee for the restrooms. There are free restrooms and a little cafe 3 km further down the road. The views of the lake and surrounding area are amazing, hiking through the tectonic plates was cool, and there is so much history. We were very lucky to catch it on a morning with low wind and blue skies!
4.0
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