I first visited Pingvellir National Park in 2005 with my now hubby. We stayed in Reykjavik and explored the site as part of a guided tour of the Golden Circle attractions. Fast forward 20 years and we returned with our pre-teen boys and a hired Dacia Duster (crammed to bursting with clothes for all weathers and a lot of snacks…).
We arrived in fairly heavy rain and the boys were a little reluctant to tog up and head out. However, with a bit of sugar fuelling and some waterproof trousers, we cracked on with my planned loop down the ravine to Oxarafoss and then across to the Pingvellir church and the site of the ancient parliament. Luckily, the rain eased and although it remained a grey day, the boys enjoyed walking between continents and through history. Whilst I wouldn’t say it was the absolute highlight of our road trip, we were all still glad we visited.
So why is Pingvellir National Park so special?
Known as Thingvellir or Pingvellir, this area is hugely significant both historically and geologically.
Iceland is divided by the Mid-Atlantic Rift. Here, the Rift is above sea-level. As you walk down the steep valley from the visitor centre, you are literally between 2 continents, the North American tectonic plate on one side and the European on the other. Pretty cool! It is also a stark reminder of climate change. The plates have moved up to 1 metre further apart since our previous visit in 2005….
What should I not miss?
If you walk straight-ahead for around 20 minutes, you will reach Oxarafoss (“foss” is Icelandic for waterfall). Whilst not quite as big and powerful as Gulfoss, Oxarafoss is well worth seeing and the walk there is stunning.
On your way back, head out to your left and make your way towards Þingvallakirkja (Church of Þingvellir). It is easy to see the church from the main path and work out your route. In typical Icelandic style, the current simple structure replaces earlier churches that have been on the site since 1017, just years after Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.
Next to the church, you can see the assembly field. Established in 930 AD, Thingvellir was the meeting place of the Alþing, the world’s oldest surviving parliament, where Icelanders gathered annually to make laws and settle disputes. The site remained the heart of Icelandic governance until 1798.
Then head back across to join the main route back up through the valley to the visitors centre. It is a bit of an uphill slog so pace yourself! You could do the whole walk in an hour but with stops to take in the views (and take photos), I would allow a good 2 hours.
How to get to Pingvellir National Park
Thingvellir or Pingvellir National Park is the first stop on the “Golden Circle” guided tours for most tourists. For tours which depart from central Reykjavik, it takes around 1 hour.
We visited Pingvellir as part of our DIY golden circle tour. We had spent the morning at Hveragerdi Geothermal Park and it was an easy 45 minute drive from there.
I suggest you aim for car park 1 as there is a visitors centre, shop and toilets here. If you are using Google Directions, type in “P1 Pingvellir”.
You need to pay for parking which can be done on the machines in the visitors centre (or you can download the app).
So what next?
If you only have one day to spend on the Golden Circle, you will probably want to head on to the big hitters of Gulfoss and Geyser. However, if you are exploring the area over a few days, you might want to soak tired muscles in the mineral pools, hot tub and steam baths at Laugavartn Fontana spa.
Click through to my main Iceland page for reviews of more things to do and places to stay and eat.
If you need somewhere to stay and eat in the area, I would recommend the unique experience of Hotel Eftidsalur. Their ice-cream is so delicious and creamy and you can’t beat burgers overlooking the cow shed…