2. Þingvellir pronounced as Thingvellir is not just any
other National Park, it is in fact, a highly revered
shrine in Iceland. Established in 930 AD, the park
was the site of an open-air assembly for the
parliament called the Althing. The assembly was
primarily tasked to settle disputes, create laws for
the free men and discuss pertinent issues about
the county. It was not until 1798, that the
parliament assembly was abolished. Thus, it is no
wonder that the Althing has a deeply-rooted
symbolism for Icelanders, and that the park was is
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Today, when you visit the Thingvellir National Park,
you will see what remains of the Althing - ruins of
about 50 booths made of stone and turf. There is
also a church right near the site that is open daily
during summer. To get a good idea of the function
and history of the old parliament site, drop by the
Visitor's Center, which stands out as the newer
building located near the lookout at Hakio.
4. The center features a state-of-the art interactive
multimedia exhibit, which is the first of its kind in
the country. This exhibit highlights the nature and
cultural heritage of the park and it landscape, with
the aid of large TV monitors, illustrative video and
audio presentation, and a touch screen interface.
The audiovisual presentation is available in five
languages: Icelandic, English, French, German
and Danish. Just outside the Visitor Centre is a
footpath that goes into the gorgeous Almannagj·
fault, another attraction in the park.
5. Thingvellir National Park's landscape is mesmerizing
to any traveler but it is also the striking evidence of
the way of life in the region for 1000 years. If you
head out to the lava field situated in the fault
valley, you will also get to see the deserted farms
that were operating in the 18th and 19th centuries.
You will be able to marvel at the farms of
Skógarkot, Vatnskot and Hrauntún by taking on
some relatively easy hiking routes. There are also
other hiking trails that lead you to the River Oxara.
Here, you can encounter camping grounds where
you can stay for the night and sleep under the
stars.
6. Another prime activity in the Park is diving, and one
very popular spot to experience this is Silfra. Silfra is
considered to be one of the best diving spots in all of
Iceland because of its unique rift, incredible visibility
and marvelous surroundings. Make sure to fulfill all
diving regulations and requirements set by the
National Park authority before you plunge in for
some amazing diving experiences!
Other available activities you can enjoy is horseback
riding and angling, whose season starts the 1st of
May until the 15th of September. The National Park
is conveniently located just 45 km northeast of the
capital ReykjavÌk. You can get here by driving on
your own, hiring a private transport or going on an
organized tour.