Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir, or Þingvellir, is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart, leaving a valley of cliffs, fissures and clear streams beside Iceland’s largest natural lake. The Althing, Iceland’s parliament, first met here around 930, and the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk along the Almannagjá gorge between towering rock walls, visit the Öxarárfoss waterfall and look out over the valley from the visitor centre. The adventurous can snorkel in the Silfra fissure, in some of the clearest water in the world.

Thingvellir is the first stop on most Golden Circle tours, about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. The walking paths are easy, but bring layers, as wind sweeps through the valley. On clear days, the view across the lake to the surrounding mountains is spectacular.