History, culture, and fascinating geography combine to make Thingvellir National Park a must-see location. Icelandic Parliament (Alþingi) started to meet at Thingvellir back in the 900s! It was were disputes were handled and laws were made. It was also one big party because chieftains from around the country and their families gathered during the summer. The law rock (lögsteinn) is on the premises, but no one is exactly sure where it is because of the other interesting part about this place.

The mid Atlantic ridge, which is the largest mountain range in the world, lies deep in the ocean and only about 10% of it is visible on land. One of the places you see it is in this national park and other areas where it cuts through Iceland. Here is where you can see the result of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates slowly drifting apart by 2cm each year. If Iceland didn’t have constant volcanic activity filling in where the plates are separating, the country would split into two islands.

This brings me back to the location of the law rock. Due to the island growing each year, the location of the exact spot of the rock is unknown but they have a decent idea. The tectonic plates are two far apart for you to touch both sides, unless you are stretch Armstrong, but you can walk in between the tectonic plates, which has been described as walking between continents because most of North America is on the North American tectonic plate and most of Asia/Europe is on the Eurasian tectonic plate.

Snorkeling or diving between the tectonic plates in Silfra in the National Park is beautiful. There are many hiking paths, and a gorgeous waterfall called Öxarárfoss. It‘s pretty easy to spend a lot of time here because of all the natural beauty. If you are fan of Game of Thrones, there are spots in the park that you might recognize from the show.

Please note that you must pay for parking at Thingvellir National Park. The parking fees are below:

A) Passenger car, 5 seats or less - 750 ISK

B) Passenger car, 6-8 seats - 1000 ISK

C) Bus, 9-19 seats - 1800 ISK

D) Bus 20, seats or more - 3500 ISK