Iceland’s Historical Seat: A Thingvellir National Park Tour

Þingvellir National Park tells the story of Iceland’s formation, both as a land and as a nation. On this walking tour, you’ll traverse the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates while discovering how this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site became the birthplace of Icelandic democracy.

Starting at the Öxarárfoss P3 parking trailhead, you’ll stroll through the magnificent Almannagjá gorge, where tectonic plates are shifting apart at a rate of a few centimeters per year. I’ll explain how this constantly evolving rift is linked to the powerful forces that continue to shape Iceland’s unique terrain.

Beyond its geological significance, Þingvellir holds a special place in Icelandic hearts as the location of the Althing, one of the world’s oldest parliaments, established in 930. You’ll visit Lögberg (Law Rock), where chieftains once delivered speeches and Iceland’s laws were recited for centuries before the country gained full independence in 1944.

As you walk these historic grounds to þingvallakirkja þingvellir church where the tour ends, you’ll encounter crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation. You’ll also see traces of structures that witnessed key moments in Iceland’s journey from Norse settlement to modern republic.

On this 45-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• See Drekkingarhylur, the drowning pool where convicted criminals once met their fate in Iceland’s harsh justice system
• Explore Snorrabúð, named after a saga-time chieftain and considered one of the most historically significant sites in Iceland
• Learn about the small island of Öxarárhólmi, where duels and physical confrontations once settled disputes during parliamentary assemblies
• Take in the summer residence of Iceland’s Prime Minister, strategically positioned in this historically significant landscape
• Appreciate the diverse ecosystem of the park, home to Arctic fox, mink, and bird species like the great northern diver

By the end of this tour, you’ll have experienced firsthand why Þingvellir’s unique combination of natural wonder and cultural heritage continues to captivate visitors from around the world.