Þingvellir translates to ‘Parliament Plains’.  It is also known as Thingvellir National Park founded in 1930 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 2004.  Þingvellir National Park is important for historical, cultural, and geological reasons.  A law passed in 1928 states the area shall always be the property of the Icelandic nation.

Thingvellir National Park lies in a rift valley which marks the top of the Mid Atlantic Ridge.  The continental drift, movement of the Earth’s continents between the North American & Eurasian Plates, can be clearly seen in the faults (cracks).  Silfra fissure is located in the park and is one of the world’s top dive sites – the only place where you can dive in the fault between two continental plates.

The largest natural lake in Iceland, Þingvallavatn, lies at the park’s north end.  The river Öxará (Axe River) runs through Þingvellir and forms a waterfall at the Almannagjá (a gorge which marks the eastern boundary of the North American Plate), called Öxarárfoss.

Alþingi, which is the Icelandic Parliament was established here in 930.  It remained until 1798 and is one of the oldest parliamentary institutions still in world existence.

Þingvallakirkja is one of Iceland’s first churches – a beautiful image on the landscape. Originally consecrated in the 11th century, the current was built in 1859 and houses bells from previous churches which stood on the site.

There are very good facilities at the park; tourist information, café, shop and plenty of parking.  I would suggest allowing at least half a day here, however, more if you can, it was one of my Southern Iceland exploration highlights.

See more of my images from Iceland by checking out my photo stream on Flickr.