Thingvellir is the most important historical site in Iceland.
The Vikings established the world`s first democratic parliament here. The Alþingi (Icelandic Parliament) in Þingvellir held the supreme authority of the country. It was both a legislative and judicial assembly, and disputes from all over the country were resolved there.
During the “The Golden Age of Iceland”, Thingvellir was the site of many events related in the Icelandic Sagas. Most of these sagas were written in the 13th century and are the cornerstone of Icelandic civilisation. Above the park, on top of the rift, is a fascinating multimedia centre where you can explore nature and history.
Thingvellir has been a nature reserve for almost eighty years and is the oldest in Iceland. You will also find Thingvellir remarkable for reasons of natural science. The ancient Alþingi (Parliament) site lies in a rift valley. The basin is part of the North Atlantic Ridge that runs through Iceland from the south-west to the northeast.
The rift valley basin in Thingvellir has been formed over the last 10,000 years. Þingvallavatn Lake is the largest lake in Iceland and teems with life.
Thingvellir National Park became a member of Unesco World Heritage in 2004.
Find routes to this destination.