Þingvellir (Thingvellir)

Þingvellir is a place in southwestern Iceland near the Reykjanes Peninsula and the volcanic area of Hengill, and is largely located on lava fields. The name of the place is composed of the two Icelandic words for parliament and plain. Popular with tourists, Þingvellir is of historical, cultural, and geological significance to Iceland and is also referred to as Iceland's national sanctuary. Þingvellir is famous for the following two reasons:

Thing site Þingvellir

Þingvellir is a thing site, i.e. a place where people gathered for assemblies or court hearings, and is therefore one of the most important locations in Icelandic history. In 930, Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament and one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world, was founded here. From then until 1798, Alþingi met once a year in Þingvellir to pass laws and settle disputes. The nearby Lögberg, a rocky outcrop also known as the Law Rock, offers a good view of the Alþing assembly meeting place. This is why the speakers always stood there to address the crowd gathered below and announce decisions or give important speeches. Significant events, such as the appointment of Christianity as the official religion of Iceland by law speaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði during the annual meeting in 999 or 1000 and the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Iceland on June 17, 1944, took place at this historic site. Þingvellir has therefore always been a center of Iceland and the scene of many important celebrations. On the 1,100th anniversary of the first settlement of the country, over 60,000 people came here to take part in the celebrations.

Þingvellir National Park

In addition to its historical significance, Þingvellir has also been a national park since 1928 due to its unique tectonic and volcanic environment. Þingvellir is located on the boundary between the European and American continental plates. The continental shifts are clearly visible in the cracks and faults that run through the region. The largest fault is Almannagjá, a huge gorge. Due to its location at the edge of two continental plates, the area is frequently shaken by earthquakes.

Þingvellir is located on the northern shore of Þingvallavatn, Iceland's largest lake, which is also part of the national park. It covers an area of approximately 83 square kilometers and is over 100 meters deep. In the middle of the lake are several small islands whose volcanic origin is unmistakable. The cracks and crevices in the rock are typical signs of this. The lake's water contains a high proportion of salt and sulfur, which makes it appear lighter than other lakes. The lake's only outlet is the Sog River, a well-known salmon river that enchants with its beautiful blue color.

The Öxará River also flows through the national park. It forms an impressive waterfall called Öxaráfoss at the Almannagjá gorge. Also part of the national park is Búrfell í Þingvallasveit, a table volcano about 780 meters high on the ice age. The vegetation of the national park consists mainly of birch trees and taller plants. In autumn in particular, the colored leaves transform the national park into a stunning display of color.

Together with the Gullfoss waterfall and the geysers of Haukadalur, Þingvellir is part of the Golden Circle and one of Iceland's most famous attractions. Þingvellir has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.

Þingvellir is located about 50 kilometers east of Reykjavík. The easiest way to get there is via Route 36, which connects the two places. The national park is part of the Gullni hringurinn (Golden Circle). Therefore, it is recommended to visit it on one of the many day tours on offer.