Þingvellir

Þingvellir are grassy plains located north of Þingvallavatn, along the banks of the Öxará river, which flows across the plains and into the lake. Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland, and its surroundings are characterized by wide open landscapes and exceptional natural beauty. Þingvellir are part of Þingvellir National Park, which was established in 1928 and includes the plains and their immediate surroundings.

One of the most notable natural features of the area is Öxarárfoss, where the Öxará river plunges into Almannagjá. Almannagjá is one of Iceland’s most famous rift valleys and lies along the western edge of the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. After flowing through the gorge, the river continues across the plains, adding to the unique character of the landscape.

Þingvellir hold a central place in Icelandic history. The national parliament, Alþingi, was founded here in the year 930 and met annually at Þingvellir until 1798. At Lögberg, the laws of the land were proclaimed, and it was here around the year 999 or 1000 that Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði famously declared Christianity the official religion of Iceland.

Þingvellir were also the site where Iceland declared independence on June 17, 1944, further strengthening their importance in the nation’s history. The dramatic landscape has inspired many Icelandic artists over the years, including the painter Jóhannes Kjarval, who drew inspiration from the area’s unique forms and light.

Close to Þingvellir Church lies a national burial site where notable Icelanders such as Jónas Hallgrímsson and Einar Benediktsson are laid to rest. Visitors can also stop by the Þingvellir Visitor Center, which offers exhibitions and information about the park’s history, geology, and conservation.

For those wishing to spend more time in the area, there is a camping site at Þingvellir, along with numerous walking paths and hiking routes. One of the most famous nearby attractions is Silfra, a crystal-clear fissure known worldwide for snorkeling and diving between tectonic plates.

Þingvellir uniquely combine history, geology, and natural beauty and are an essential destination for anyone wishing to understand the origins of Icelandic society while experiencing one of the country’s most remarkable landscapes.