Thingvellir National Park Travel Guide

Welcome to Thingvellir National Park! A key stop on the Golden Circle driving route, Thingvellir is a great place to stretch your legs and take in some breathtaking landscapes, all while appreciating the cultural importance of the location. As an Icelandic UNESCO World Heritage site, Thingvellir was the site of the first Viking parliament in Iceland, Althingi, where locals gathered to settle disputes and carry out justice. 

Less than an hour away from Reykjavík, Thingvellir is a very popular location to visit for those renting a car in Iceland. And for good reason - it’s the only place in the country where two tectonic plates converge! Here is everything you need to know about visiting Thingvellir National Park in your Iceland car rental.

Should I Visit Thingvellir National Park?

The great thing about visiting Thingvellir, especially in your rental car, is that you can spend as long or as little as you like in the park. Whether you’re here just for the photography opportunities or for the snorkeling opportunities, there is something for everyone. Take a short walk to see a charming waterfall or explore on a longer hike through the landscape if you’re keen to stretch your legs from the drive! And of course, it’s the first stop on the Golden Circle route, meaning there are some other very popular attractions nearby that are great to combine.

Aside from convenience, Thingvellir has played a huge part in the political history of the country. Thingvellir was the location where chiefs used to gather to settle disputes and decide laws for the local settlements, in response to the absolute monarchy in Norway. Several key events in Icelandic history, as a result, took place here, including the symbolic abandonment of the old Norse gods and a turn towards Christianity. 

How to Get to Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir is around 45 km (28 miles) from Reykjavík, making it an ideal and popular first stop on a Golden Circle road trip. The drive takes roughly 40–50 minutes, depending on weather and traffic, and follows Route 36, a well-maintained road that’s accessible year-round.

Exit Reykjavík on Route 1 heading north until you reach Mosfellsbær. After driving through the town of Mosfellsbær, take the first exit on the right onto Route 36. You’ll find parking lot 1 for Thingvellir on this road.

Alternatively, you can take Route 1 heading south out of the capital instead. From here, you’ll need to take Road 431 and then 435. This route provides incredible views, though it is a little longer than the first route. Heading down the mountain, turn left onto Route 360, along the shore of Lake Thingvallavatn. After around 11 km (7 miles), turn right onto Route 36 for 8 km (5 miles), at the end of which you’ll approach the Thingvellir Visitor Center. 

Tips For Driving To Thingvellir

If you’re planning to rent a car and head to Thingvellir, there are a few tips we’d recommend for the drive. 

• Parking: There are small parking lots near the main attractions within the park. While access to the park is free, there is a small charge for using the parking facilities.
• Vehicle Type: Visiting Thingvellir and other sites on the Golden Circle won’t require a 4x4, so any 2-wheel-drive vehicle will be fine.
• Road Conditions: Route 36 is well-paved and well-maintained year-round, so you shouldn’t have any trouble with access to Thingvellir.

Best Time To Visit Thingvellir

You’ll be pleased to know that there is no bad time to visit Thingvellir National Park. Open year-round, temperatures at Thingvellir will be similar to those in the capital city. Weather can be changeable year-round, so we still recommend bringing waterproof layers for your time in the park. 

Visiting Thingvellir in Summer

With longer daylight hours, summer is the time when the park is at its most vibrant. Green moss blankets ancient lava fields, and lupins add splashes of color to an otherwise rocky scene. This makes it a great time for hiking, snorkeling at Silfra, and spotting wildlife in the area. However, it is also peak tourist season, which means crowded viewing platforms and busy trails.

Visiting Thingvellir in Winter

While daylight is more scarce from November to March, Thingvellir in winter has much to offer the day-tripper. With fewer people around, you’ll find trails emptier and crowds more sparse, letting you enjoy a more serene park. You might even see the park covered in snow if you happen to visit after a flurry, which transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. If you stick around on a clear evening, you might stand a chance of seeing the Northern Lights over Thingvellir.

Things To Do In Thingvellir National Park

Offering flexibility in time, Thingvellir also provides flexibility in things to do. Whether you’re fascinated by history, an avid hiker, or just keen to take some incredible photographs, there’s plenty to get up to here. 

• Snorkel or scuba in Silfra Fissure: Silfra Fissure is a fissure between two tectonic plates where visitors can snorkel or scuba dive in crystal blue waters to witness incredible underwater rock formations.
• Walk to Öxarárfoss Waterfall: This small waterfall is a charming start to your visit to Iceland, with curious rock formations.
• Visit Þingvallakirkja Church: Þingvallakirkja is a small wooden church at the center of the park near where the first Althing was held.
• Visit the Visitor Center: The Visitor Center holds vital information about the history and geology of the park, so it is key to understanding why Thingvellir is so important.
• Enjoy Scenic Walks: The entire park offers ample trails and rambling paths, with a range of lengths, where you can enjoy a range of walks.

Driving to Thingvellir National Park is a great way to kickstart your time in Iceland. There is plenty to do and plenty of things to combine it with on your road trip around Iceland - browse our rental cars and find the perfect model for your time here!

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