Things to Do in Thingvellir

Þingvellir is where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge surfaces above sea level, making it one of the few places on Earth where you can see tectonic plates on land.

Iceland's first parliament, the Althing, was established at Þingvellir in 930 AD, making it one of the world's oldest parliaments still in operation.

The rift valley at Þingvellir is widening by approximately 2 cm per year as the North American and Eurasian plates drift apart.

Þingvellir's Öxarárfoss waterfall was artificially diverted in the 18th century to flow into the historical assembly site, but has since returned to its natural course.

The site was Iceland's capital until 1786 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2004 for its geological and historical significance.

Visitors can snorkel or dive between tectonic plates in Silfra, a crystal-clear fissure filled with glacial meltwater within Þingvellir National Park.