Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is part of the Golden Circle tourist route, which includes other notable attractions like Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall (you can read about them here).

Thingvellir National Park, located in southwestern Iceland, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance. The park sits at the juncture of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it a unique geological site where visitors can witness the rift valley's dramatic landscapes, including fissures, lava fields, and crystal-clear glacial waters.

Thingvellir National Park

In the summer of 2000, two severe earthquakes occurred in South Iceland. Though their source lay 40-50 kilometres southeast of Þingvellir, stones fell from the ravine walls and water splashed up from the rifts. The water in the Flosagjá rift, normally crystal clear, became so murky that you couldn't see the coins lying on the bottom. The earthquakes were a result of movement of the Eurasian and North-American plate boundaries that run through Iceland. In the south, the plates inch past each other, but at Þingvellir, they break apart and the land between subsides. Away from the plate boundaries the activity is fairly constant, about two centimetres a year, but, in the rift zones themselves, tensional stress accumulates during a long period and is then released in a burst of activity when fracture boundaries are reached. The most recent burst of activity swept over Þingvellir in spring 1789.

The rift valley is part of an active volcanic and fissure region that extends north from just outside the Reykjanes area to the Langjökull glacier.

Historically, Þingvellir is significant as the site of Iceland's first parliament, the Althing, established in 930 AD and continued to convene there until 1798. This makes it one of the oldest legislative assemblies in the world. The park is not only a symbol of Icelandic democracy but also a cultural heritage site, where annual gatherings took place for centuries, fostering a sense of national identity. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and therefore the place is held in high esteem by all Icelanders. Today Þingvellir is a protected national shrine. According to the law, passed in 1928, the protected area shall always be the property of the Icelandic nation, under the preservation of the Alþing.

In addition to its historical and geological significance, Þingvellir is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers numerous hiking trails, opportunities for diving and snorkeling in the Silfra fissure, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species and unique plant life, contribute to the park's ecological importance.

Öxarárfoss Waterfall

Öxarárfoss is a stunning waterfall located within Thingvellir National Park. The waterfall is formed by the Öxará River, which flows through the park and cascades over a rocky ledge, creating a picturesque scene that attracts visitors year-round.

The name "Öxarárfoss" translates to "Öxar Falls," and the waterfall drops approximately 13 meters into a serene pool below, surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush vegetation. The area is particularly beautiful in the summer, when the surrounding landscape is vibrant with wildflowers, and in the winter, when the falls may freeze into stunning ice formations.

Visitors to Öxarárfoss can enjoy not only the breathtaking views of the waterfall but also the rich history and geological features of the park.

Öxarárfoss offers various walking paths and viewpoints.

See you soon!

Luigi