If you are planning on visiting Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park during your next trip to Iceland, you are in for a treat. As one of Iceland’s best national parks, it is one of the country’s most visited tourist attractions, and for a good reason. Landscapes within the park shift drastically and are cinematic. The tours offered throughout the park are exciting, and it is one of the best places to hike in the world. The territory is massive, and it can be overwhelming on what to choose to do. I am going to help any indecisive traveler out and list the most incredible locations and best activities in the Thingvellir National Park.

Thingvellir National Park Walkway

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Iceland at Þingvellir National Park

Scuba diving is probably at the bottom of most tourists’ mental list of things to do in Iceland. However, it would be folly to think that Iceland didn’t have incredible underwater sites to explore. If you are aquatically inclined and a thrill seeker, I would urge you to look into the scuba diving tours of Silfra in the national park. This tectonic rift separates the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and depending on the weather you may find yourself swimming in between two continents. And to think, you thought this list was going to be boring! Shame on you!  The Silfra fissure is full of crystal clear glacier water (which you can drink) and an abundance of both flora and fauna. So, if you want an unforgettable experience, grab your fins and goggles and look into taking the dive of your life.

Scuba diver in the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park

Visit Iceland’s Almannagjá Rift

The Almannagjá Rift is one of the most devastatingly beautiful natural barriers in the world, and it also holds a particular geological significance. The craggy canyon is the official eastern-most side of the North American tectonic plate. When you cross over it, you are ostensibly traveling between continental plates. Super cool, right?! This tectonic rift is an incredible location for photos. Eagle-eyed TV viewers will recognize it from the fan favorite program Game of Thrones. It is here that producers of the show chose the site for the “Bloody Gate.” The ominous and brooding rocky gorge perfectly encapsulates the lore of this fictional gateway. It is a must-see attraction in the park.

Fishing at Þingvallavatn Lake

The real crowning jewel of the park is the Þingvallavatn lake. This is the same lake in which you can scuba dive between continental plates. However, if you aren’t certified for diving and are interested in something a little bit more relaxing, then I highly recommend fishing. Grab those tackle boxes and fishing rods, because fishing for arctic char has never been better. The weather this year in Iceland has been noticeably dismal, but trawling for char has been incredible. If you have the patience and don’t mind getting a little wet, reports are saying that the lake has been rewarding the brave with massive bounties of delicious. This year it isn’t uncommon to catch char up to 2.5 kilograms (roughly 6 pounds) in weight. What better way to end your long day of hiking with some freshly cooked fillets.

Fishing is popular at Þingvallavatn Lake at Þingvellir National Park

Þhingvellir – Iceland’s Best National Park

One could spend days getting lost in the natural charm of the Thingvellir National Park. The park is full of splendid waterfalls, hiking routes, canyons, and craggy peaks. Not only is it our most famous park, but most likely our most important. It was here that we moved away from our pagan roots and adopted Christianity. We didn’t only convert our national identity here, but this is where we refined it. We traded goods with each other and settled disputes on these lands for centuries. When you arrive at the park, remember that not only is it visually remarkable. More importantly, it lies at the heart of our national identity. Treat it with respect and cherish the natural splendor that the park has to offer.

 

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