Þingvellir National Park self-drive guide and information
- Einar Páll Svavarsson
- May 27
- 3 min read
Þingvellir is an absolute must-visit destination in Iceland, and it's easy to see why! This incredible site is steeped in history and culture, making it a cornerstone of Icelandic heritage. Imagine this: the first settlers, including the legendary Norwegian chieftain Ingólfur Arnarson, made their way to the island around 874. Not long after, the brilliant idea of Alþingi was born! These settlers recognized the need for a system to resolve disputes and create laws, leading to the founding of the Icelandic Parliament, Alþingi, right here at Þingvellir in 930. It served as the heart of Icelandic governance until 1798. Today, you can find Alþingi in Reykjavík, but the historical magic of Þingvellir lives on!
In 1930, Þingvellir National Park was joyously established to commemorate Alþingi's incredible 1000th anniversary! The park was later expanded to preserve the stunning nature and environment of the area. Recognizing its immense historical and cultural significance, Þingvellir proudly joined the UNESCO World Heritage Sites ranks in 2004. This captivating destination is a must-visit, especially for its fascinating geological features. As I've passionately emphasized many times, the ultimate way to explore Iceland is to rent a car or a camper and set your own pace, or hire a private guide for an unforgettable experience.
Self-drive to Þingvellir National Park is simple and easy
To self-drive to Þingvellir, start by driving from Reykjavík to Mosfellsbær town on Ring Road No. 1, as you can see on the map above. Once you pass the town of Mosfellsbær, turn east on Þingvallavegur Nr. 36 and continue until you reach one of the two or three parking lots available. The distance is only about 52 kilometers, 32 miles. From there, it's a bit of a walk to reach Þingvellir, Almannagjá, Öxarárfoss, Drekkingarhylur, and some of the other magnificent landscapes in the area. Still, access is relatively straightforward, and be prepared to spend two to three hours there if you are only visiting Þingvellir National Park.
A reason why Þingvellir is such a sacred place for Icelanders
Þingvellir, Thingvellir, is an invaluable gem for Icelanders. It is the most significant place in Iceland's rich history and has remained central to every story and decision over the centuries. The Althing Assembly, once the highest legislative and judicial authority in Iceland until 1271, was responsible for determining punishments for various crimes ranging from minor misdemeanors to severe offenses. Attendees of the assembly were known to dress in colorful silk apparel, as written in the Sagas.
ÞIngvellir is an important historical place and has also appeared in popular culture
Thingvellir is a site of great historical, cultural, and geological importance. It is located in a rift valley that runs along the summit of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The rift is clearly visible in the cracks that traverse the region, with the most significant one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. Consequently, earthquakes are quite common in the area. The Thingvallavatn Lake, Iceland's largest natural lake, adds to the combined beauty of Thingvellir. The landscape at Thingvellir is stunning, with colorful moss-covered lava and beautiful mountains in the background. It is a place that many visitors love to see and explore. Like many other places in Iceland, part of Thingvellir, Almannagjá, appears in Game of Thrones as the road to the Eyrie leading to the Bloody Gate.
There are no hotels at Þinvellir National Park or any accommodation except for two large, nice camping sites. Overnighting in the sacred Þingvellir is a great option if you rent a camper or in a tent if you have a car.
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