Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most important destinations in Iceland. It’s where the country’s first parliament, the Althing, was founded over 1,000 years ago.
The park is also home to dramatic geological formations, including the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Just 40 kilometers from Reykjavik, it’s an easy and rewarding day trip filled with history, scenery, and adventure.
Why Choose a Rental Car for Thingvellir?
Choosing a rental car for exploring Þingvellir National Park offers several advantages that enhance the experience significantly:
Flexibility and Freedom
With a rental car, you control your itinerary. This flexibility allows you to spend as much or as little time as you want at each attraction.
Whether it’s the historic sites where the Althing—an ancient Icelandic parliament—met or the stunning geological formations like the Silfra fissure, you're not tied to the fixed schedules that often accompany group tours.
Accessibility
Þingvellir is easily accessible by car from Reykjavik, making it an ideal day trip destination. The drive itself is scenic, offering views of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.
By having your own vehicle, you can stop along the way whenever a particular view catches your eye, something that’s not possible with public transportation or most tours.
Cost-Effective
Depending on the number of travelers, renting a car can often be more cost-effective than booking several seats on a tour bus. It also gives you the opportunity to explore other attractions along the Golden Circle without incurring additional costs for different tours.
Comfort and Convenience
Traveling by rental car offers a level of comfort that public transport and organized tours may not. You can adjust your travel environment to your preferences, be it by playing your own music, controlling the temperature, or taking breaks at your leisure.
Extended Exploration
Þingvellir’s location near other popular sites on the Golden Circle route, like the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall, means you can extend your day tour into a full tour of these iconic Icelandic landmarks without the need for separate tour arrangements.
Experience Local Culture
Driving in Iceland offers a more personal connection to local culture. You can visit nearby towns, sample traditional Icelandic food at roadside cafés, and engage with locals in ways structured tours often miss.
Safety and Security
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, having a private rental car provides a safer travel option, reducing exposure to other people compared to public transportation or group tour buses.
Tips on Booking Your Rental Car
Here are five detailed tips for booking your rental car, especially when planning to visit Þingvellir National Park in Iceland:
- Secure your preferred vehicle at better rates by booking ahead, particularly during peak seasons.
- Opt for a vehicle suitable for Iceland's terrain, such as four-wheel drives for rugged areas.
- Ensure your rental includes comprehensive insurance like collision damage and theft protection.
- Familiarize yourself with any extra charges, such as for GPS or additional drivers.
- Coordinate car pick-up early in the day and drop-off with your flight schedule to avoid extra charges.
Best Times to Visit Þingvellir National Park
The best time to visit Þingvellir is between May and September when the weather is milder, and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. However, visiting in winter can also be magical, with fewer tourists and stunning snowy landscapes.
How to Get to Þingvellir National Park
To reach Þingvellir National Park from Reykjavik, the most efficient method is by car, taking approximately 45 minutes. Start your self-drive journey north on Road 1 (Ring Road), pass through Mosfellsbær, and shortly after, at the roundabout, take the first exit onto Road 36 (Þingvallavegur).
Follow the signs directly to the park. Since public transportation does not offer routes to the park, renting a car or joining a private tour are your best options. For those opting to drive themselves, keeping a Þingvellir National Park map handy will ensure smooth navigation.
Things to Do in Thingvellir National Park
Þingvellir is more than just a pretty landscape—it’s a place where geology, history, and outdoor adventure come together in one unforgettable destination. Here's what to do in Thinvellir National Park:
1. Step Into History at the Althing
Þingvellir is the original site of the Althing (Alþingi), one of the world’s oldest parliaments, founded in 930 AD. As part of the rich Thingvellir National Park history, you can still see the assembly grounds where Icelanders once gathered to make laws and settle disputes.
2. Explore the Rift at Almannagjá Canyon
At Almannagjá Canyon, you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This iconic feature of the Thingvellir National Park tectonic plates is marked by towering rock walls and deep fissures—a dramatic reminder of the Earth’s shifting crust.
3. Snorkel or Dive in the Silfra Fissure
Silfra is a glacial fissure filled with water so clear you can see over 100 meters below the surface. Snorkeling Thingvellir is a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience—Thingvellir National Park snorkeling lets you float between two continents in some of the clearest water on Earth, especially when you join a Snorkeling Silfra small group tour for a more personal and guided adventure.
4. Hike Scenic Trails
Þingvellir’s trails range from short walks to longer routes like the 10.5 km Þingvellir Loop. The popular Thingvellir National Park waterfall trail to Öxarárfoss is perfect for photos and easy to reach on foot.
Where to Eat Near Thingvellir National Park
Café at the Visitor Center
Inside Þingvellir National Park, the main dining option is the visitor center café, which offers a small selection of snacks and light meals. It’s a convenient stop for something quick and warm before heading back out on the trails.
Picnic-Friendly Park
Bringing your own food is a smart, budget-friendly option, and Þingvellir offers plenty of scenic picnic spots—by the lake, along trails, or near the tectonic rift. Just remember to clean up after yourself to help keep the park pristine.
Restaurants in Mosfellsbær
Located about 30 minutes west of Þingvellir, Mosfellsbær has a range of dining options. You’ll find restaurants offering Icelandic dishes, casual bites, bakeries, and even a few vegetarian-friendly spots. It’s a convenient stop if you’re heading back toward Reykjavik.
Dining in Laugarvatn
Roughly 20 minutes east of the park, Laugarvatn is a small village with a handful of cozy places to eat. One local favorite is Lindin Bistro, known for dishes like local trout and reindeer meat. It’s a great stop for traditional Icelandic fare in a relaxed setting.
Food Options in Flúðir
If you’re continuing along the Golden Circle, Flúðir is a logical next stop. Besides being home to the Secret Lagoon, the town also has casual restaurants, pizzerias, and cafés—ideal for recharging after a long day of sightseeing.
Best Places to Visit Near Thingvellir National Park
Here’s a deeper look at some of the best places to visit near Þingvellir National Park:
Geysir Geothermal Area
Located approximately 60 kilometers from Þingvellir, the Geysir Geothermal Area is one of Iceland's most iconic natural attractions. The area is famous for its hot springs, including Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters into the air.
The entire area is a geothermal marvel with bubbling mud pits, steam vents, and the inactive Great Geysir.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Just a 10-minute drive from Geysir, Gullfoss, or 'Golden Falls,' is one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls. The waterfall is located on the Hvítá River and cascades down in two stages into a rugged canyon.
The views are particularly spectacular as you watch the water plume into the crevice below, creating a mist that often forms rainbows in sunny weather.
Kerið Crater
This volcanic crater lake is about a 40-minute drive from Þingvellir and offers a vivid contrast to the park’s landscapes. Kerið is part of a group of volcanic hills called Tjarnarhólar.
The crater itself, approximately 3,000 years old, is filled with strikingly blue water surrounded by rare red volcanic rock, creating a surreal visual experience.
Faxi Waterfall
Close to Gullfoss and Geysir, Faxi (or Vatnsleysufoss) is a wide but less dramatic waterfall compared to its neighbors. It's known for its serene beauty and is an excellent spot for a peaceful nature walk.
The Faxi waterfall and its surroundings are also popular for salmon fishing.
Secret Lagoon Iceland
Located in the village of Flúðir, about an hour's drive from Þingvellir, the Secret Lagoon offers a more authentic and less crowded alternative to the more famous Blue Lagoon. It’s one of the oldest natural geothermal pools in Iceland, where visitors can relax in the warm waters and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Start Your Icelandic Adventure at Þingvellir
Þingvellir National Park offers a rich tapestry of history, geology, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Iceland. With a rental car, you gain the independence to explore this majestic site and its surroundings thoroughly.
For the best experience at Þingvellir and other parts of Iceland, consider booking a tour through Golden Circle Day Tours, which can offer guided insights and comfortable travel.
