Reykjavik Excursions
Thingvallavatn
Thingvellir National Park
The national park of Thingvellir, 30 miles (50km) east of
Reykjavik, is not only Iceland's most important historic site, but
also a place of natural and geological wonder. It was here that the
world's first ever parliament, the Alting, first convened in AD930,
and where Christianity was first introduced to Iceland. Even today
people gather at Thingvellir to celebrate any major national event.
Geologically this is the only site in the world where the American
and European tectonic plates are visible; there is also the largest
lake in Iceland, and stunning scenery including a lava gorge, the
Oxararfoss waterfall, and the 'Money Chasm' filled with spring
water where visitors drop coins into the water to witness the
strange distorted reflections that result.
Address: 801 Selfoss;
E-mail: thingvellir@thingvellir.is;
Website: www.thingvellir.is;
Telephone: 482 2660;
Transport: BSI runs a daily bus service in Summer to Thingvellir from Reykjavik at 8:30am and a return service which leaves Thingvellir at 3:15pm. Consult www.bsi.is;
Opening time: Thingvellir National Park is open all year round. The Visitor centre is open from the 1st of April to the 1st of November, everyday but only on weekends from the 1st of November to the 1st of April
