Thingvellir National ParkAuthor Bernd Thaller from Graz, Austria. Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Thingvellir National Park


 

Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most beautiful destinations and the first stop on the “Golden Circle”. The park, which is located about 40 km (25 miles) northeast of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, is a site of historical, cultural, and geological significance.

It is about 240 km2 in size and its protection is based on the Þingvellir Conservation Act dating back to 1928. The national park was enlarged and the conservation status improved through better conservation and management with new legislation in 2004 by Act no. 47/2004 on Þingvellir National Park and by regulation no. 848/2005 on Þingvellir National Park.

Thingvellir National Park represents unity, freedom, and independence. From the beginning of its known history, it was the site of major cultural changes and decisions, from young to old. People of all different sectors and economic standings came together when they would never have crossed paths before.

1. First national park in Iceland

It played a central role in the Icelandic independence struggle. It is seen as the birthplace of the nation and its “holiest” sites.

 The Icelandic parliament in 1928 approved a law declaring Þingvellir a National Park in the year 1930, on the 1000 anniversary of the foundation of Alþingi. In 2004 Þingvellir has then declared a Unesco world heritage site.

2. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Thingvellir National Park in Iceland is a UNESCO World Heritage site where the Mid-Atlantic Rift is visible above sea level, and fissures of pure water present magical underworlds for divers and snorkelers. Althingi, the longest-standing parliament in the world, was founded in Thingvellir, which shaped the park’s history.

3. It Is Home To Many Different Volcanoes

Iceland lies on top of the meeting point of two tectonic plates; the North American and the Eurasian plates. What’s more, it rests over a “hot spot” and is the only place in the world where the split between the two plates can be seen above water, ever so displayed in Thingvellir National Park.

This convergence has resulted in the creation of many different volcanoes over the entire island. Although only a small island compared to other countries, it has 30 active volcano systems along this border.

 Ash layers from the volcanic outbursts are what have enabled historians to so accurately date back the activity of the settlements since their beginning.

4. The Tectonic Plate Boundary Has Created Mountains And Fissures In The Park

This tectonic plate boundary, also known as the Mid-Atlantic Rift, gives it some of the most alluring scenery in the world. It has created mountains and fissures from a rift valley where the tectonic plates have been slowly pulling the country apart, 2.5 centimeters each year.

The results of this movement are what has supplied it with so many of its incredible features and sites.

5. Silfra Fissure Is Found At Thingvellir National Park

Silfra fissure has to be at the top of our list when considering the incredible areas and things to do in Thingvellir National Park. The crack is one of many rifts and ravines that have been formed by the tectonic plates pulling apart.

Amazingly, the fissure is not filled by the waters of Lake Thingvallavatn. It is fed by the looming Langjökull glacier.

Through this move, they filter through many layers of underground pumice and come out pristine and clear. This water, as purely reflective as a mirror, is what gave the fissure its name, Silfra, which means silvery.

6. Öxarárfoss Waterfall Is One of The Most Popular Attractions in The Park

Situated along this gorge is the waterfall, Öxarárfoss. It is fed by the river Öxará and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Park.

Silfra fissure is often named among the top five areas in the world to go snorkeling. Divers can push into the depths of the clear water to view unusual rock formations and have a front-row swim to see the forces that dictate the world’s geography.

7. One Of The Fissures In Thingvellir Created By The Rift Is Flosagjá

One of the fissures in Thingvellir created by the rift is Flosagjá. It is filled with clear water, fed by glaciers. It gets up to 25 meters deep in some areas and is a popular site for scuba divers and snorkelers.

The fissure forms a fork with a western and an eastern branch. The branch to the east is called Nikulásargjá, and the one to the west is called Flosagjá.

In 1907, the distance between the two was bridged. Over the years, people crossing the bridge made a habit of throwing coins in the fissure to exemplify the clarity of the water, causing it to get the nickname Peningagjá, which means Money Fault.

8. Thingvellir National Park Is Home To fish, birds, foxes, and more

Painting the Icelandic geography as filled with rocky outcroppings and crystalline pools might make it sound devoid of life. However, this is not the reality at all, especially if you know what to keep your eyes open for. There are fish, birds, foxes, and more that make their home in Thingvellir National Park.

9. There Is A Wide Diversity Of Mammals

There is not a wide diversity of mammals that have made their home on Iceland’s rocky landings. The most common animals you can expect to see are the: Arctic fox, Mink Reindeer, Icelandic horses

10. The Only Native Land Mammal To Iceland Is found In The Park

The Arctic fox is the only native land mammal to Iceland that is still around today. They are elusive, though, with coat colors that change to help them blend in no matter the season.

Walruses used to be the other native mammal, frequenting to the shores of Iceland. However, they disappeared from the area shortly after human settlement. Although no one knows why for sure, there are theories of overhunting the animal or that climate change made the land no longer viable for their needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


These are Amazon’s best-selling travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 – Learn more here
  2. Fodor’s Paris 2024 – Learn more here

Travel Gear

  1. Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack – Learn more here
  2. Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage – Learn more here
  3. Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle – Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.