The magnificent Thingvellir National Park is a must-see in the Golden Circle in winter.
This is one of Iceland’s most visited places, where we found it fascinating to observe the giant crack caused by the fault between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates. The park is also the country’s national symbol. You’ll find it just as beautiful and iconic to visit in winter as in summer!
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Why visit Thingvellir National Park in winter?
Is Thingvellir worth a visit in winter? Our opinion:
Yes, we think Thingvellir National Park is well worth a visit in winter! Snow-covered landscapes, seismic faults, a gigantic lake and glistening ice, this 24,000-hectare area brought us the natural beauty of Iceland’s wonders. Thingvellir is famous not only for its geology, but also for its historical symbolism. The site is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s one of the best things to do in winter at the Cercle d’Or!
Our favorite moments
We’ll describe our winter experience in Thingvellir National Park in detail later in this article, but we wanted to share our favorite moments with you:
- Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake
- Almannagja Canyon
- the view of Lögberg, or Rock of the Law
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How to get to Thingvellir National Park in winter: access and map
Where is Thingvellir?
- In the Golden Circle region
- From Reykjavik: 1h drive
- From Seljalandsfoss: 1h30min drive
- From Fludir: 45min drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Access road
In winter, you have 2 options for getting to Thingvellir National Park:
- Guided excursion from Reykjavik or the port of Skarfabakki: we think this is the most practical option if you don’t want to drive in winter and enjoy the scenery at your leisure. Day or multi-day excursions are available, including Thingvellir National Park. Guided tour drivers are used to winter roads and weather conditions.
- By car: Reykjavik is a 1-hour drive from Thingvellir, and as this road is very popular with tourists in winter, it is regularly cleared of snow. If you always drive carefully during the day, you can easily rent a car on site and get there on your own, giving you more freedom of movement.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
Parking
Thingvellir National Park has several parking lots. There are 4 parking spaces in all, all regularly cleared for winter access:
- Parking lot P1 near the main visitor center
- P2 parking lot at the other end of the main pedestrian thoroughfare
- P3 parking lot 900m north of Öxarárfoss waterfall
- Parking lot P5 near the Silfra fissure and Thingvellir Church
Entrance to the park is free, but parking charges start at ISK 1,000, depending on vehicle capacity and size (see the latest prices on the official website here).
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
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- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
The park is open from November to March, throughout the winter season. The days are shorter, especially from December to February, so we recommend you take this into account when planning your visit.
This natural site is accessible all year round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except for special weather conditions), but we advise you to visit when it’s light out.
Entrance to the park is free, but parking charges start at ISK 1,000, depending on vehicle capacity and size (see the latest prices on the official website here).
Length of visit and main difficulties
A 2-hour hike from the Visitor Center allows you to see all the park’s attractions. Depending on your interests, we recommend that you spend between 2 and 2.5 hours on site to get the most out of it, admire the panoramic views and take it easy on the paths in winter. Even if they are regularly cleared to make it easier to get around during your visit, bear in mind that the ground on the main paths can be slippery due to ice or snow. Temperatures can also be very low. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes and good shoes to feel comfortable. Some of the smaller trails are closed. Other trails are less well-maintained and more winding, such as the one from Oxararfoss to the waterfall. Be careful with your children as the cracks run deep in the rock. There are fewer visitors than in summer, but it’s still a popular place to visit because it’s a unique winter experience! Last but not least, there is partial PRM access, with wheelchair paths and parking facilities.
Advice on how to visit
The direction of visit is not imposed. We recommend arriving at parking lot P1 for the 2-hour winter hike. You’ll see all the park’s attractions. Start with a view of the whole park from the platform, then descend to the Almannagjá Canyon. Continuing along this path, you’ll reach the Rock of the Law, also known as Lögberg. You’ll recognize it easily, as there’s an Icelandic flag at this level. A short path leads from the P2 parking lot to the Oxararfoss waterfall, but it’s more winding, so be careful! After stopping to admire the scenery and the frozen waterfall, return to the trail and cross Route 361 into the forest. You’ll then arrive at the historic Skogarkot farm and ruins. On the way back, you’ll pass through lava fields before spotting the wooden Thingvallakirkja Church and the parking lot.
Visiting with children
The site’s historical and geological significance will appeal to young and old alike! It’s also a great place to teach your children to reconnect with nature. If you’re visiting the park as a family, dress your children as warmly as you do, with several layers. Don’t forget to fit them with shoes that won’t slip on snow or ice, and there are crampons for children. We also recommend using Thingvellir’s main roads, which are easier to get around.
The welcome center near parking lot P1 will enable you to take a warm break with your little ones if need be. Finally, opting for a child-friendly guided tour can be a safer and more child-friendly option.
Catering, toilets and facilities
- Food court in parking lot P1
- Toilets at the visitor center, parking lots P1/P2/P5
- Main road between parking lots P1 and P2
- Diving and snorkeling activities in parking lot P5
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Thingvellir Park, Iceland’s national symbol
Did you know that Iceland’s parliament, the oldest in the world, was founded here in the 10th century? Parliamentarians met here until the end of the 18th century – fascinating, isn’t it? Thingvellir National Park was established between 1928 and 1930 to protect the remains of the parliament site, then extended to include the natural aspect as well. In 2004, the area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical, cultural and geological importance. We also learned that “Thingvellir” literally means “plains of parliament”.
The tour route is signposted, with numerous explanatory panels in Icelandic and English. The founding stages of the Icelandic nation are explained, as are the 1st laws drafted after the population’s conversion to Christianity in the year 1000. We appreciated the level of information shared, and you’ll notice that the panels are illustrated with diagrams for better understanding.
Admire the panorama and its blanket of snow
If you park in parking lot P1, as we did, you can take in the sublime panorama from the Hakid viewpoint. It was a magical sight to behold at sunrise. You’ll see from this platform:
- Cracks between tectonic plates seen from above
- The Icelandic Prime Minister’s summer home and wooden church
- Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, with a surface area of 84 km2 (and the deepest point at 114 m).
Walk through the Almannagja Canyon, a huge earthquake fault
Continuing your hike between parking lots P1 and P2 on the main trail, you’ll come close to the Almannagja Canyon, an earthquake fault over 7km long. It reaches a depth of around 70m – impressive, isn’t it?
Note that the path between parking lots P1 and P2 is about 1 km long. Made up of small gravels, it is regularly cleared and maintained by the National Park. As we walked along, we noticed that the path slopes down and then flattens out until we reach P2.
It was on this path that we stood between 2 rock walls, the narrowest and most easily accessible area in the Almannagja Canyon. After a while, turn your head to the right and you’ll notice that the landscape opens up, leaving only the left wall if you’re walking towards parking lot P2.
Thingvellir National Park taught us a lot about the geological nuggets it shelters, such as this canyon. As tectonic plates move, new crust forms and accumulates on the edges of faults. The oldest rocks are therefore far away on the east and west fjords.
The Almannagja seismic fault is part of an active volcanic region that extends as far as the Langjökull glacier, Iceland’s 2nd largest. The lava that covers the park is 10,000 years old! Do you follow?
This fault between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates forms at the foot of an ancient volcano, and is one of the largest in the region. We were overwhelmed to be surrounded by such natural wonders! The photo below was taken when we retraced our steps at this point from P2 to P1.
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Diving into the Silfra fissure
Discovering the marine depths of a fissure between 2 tectonic plates is one of the unique experiences you can have in Thingvellir National Park in winter. Silence, clear water and rock walls… The Silfra Fault in the heart of Thingvellir National Park offers an incredible spectacle all year round. Diving and snorkeling activities start at the park’s P5 (Valholl) parking lot. On the program: diving and snorkeling between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates. Did you know that this is one of the world’s most famous places for cold-water diving? Take the plunge and experience a unique moment as you dive into a seismic fault!
Detour to Lögberg or the Rock of the Law
Halfway along the walk between parking lots P1 and P2, you can make a short detour to the Lögberg wooden observation platform. Looking towards the lake, you’ll see the P5 parking lot, from where you can dive or snorkel in the Silfra fissure mentioned above.
From this platform, we also discerned the Prime Minister’s Summer House, as you’ll see in the image below.
Next door is the small wooden church of Thingvallakirkja, closed in winter. Can you see it?
Did you know that the 1st church on this site was built shortly after the country’s conversion to Christianity, around the year 1000? The current church dates from 1859, but the interior features a 17th-century pulpit.
Once you’ve reached the viewpoint, you can get an explanation of Lögberg, also known as the Rock of the Law. It was here that the orator de droit loudly proclaimed the laws of the Commonwealth. Lögberg was also the venue for public speeches and announcements of important events. From this rock of the law, everyone present at the assembly had the right to state their case and testify on important issues.
Waterfalls, including the famous Oxararfoss waterfall
Continuing further down towards parking lot P2, you’ll reach the Drekkingarhylur area, also known as the “drowning pool”. In winter, the waterfall freezes but the water still flows. Enjoy the icy views from the bridge! We found the panorama really pretty, with this visual assemblage of ice, rock, water and snow. On the other hand, the story of this river and its waterfall is chilling. This is where women convicted of crimes were drowned. According to local sources, the last time a woman was executed in Drekkingarhylur was in 1749.
As mentioned at the start of this article, there are other, more winding trails in Thingvellir, but they are not as well maintained in winter as the main path.
The most famous is the one that runs from the P2 parking lot to the Oxararfoss waterfall. It takes less than 1km to reach it. You’ll see that the waterfall can be frozen, snow-covered or flowing. It’ll be a surprise when you get there afterwards! Remember to bring crampons and perhaps walking poles to help you on the trail.
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to Thingvellir National Park with these nearby attractions:
- Haukadalur geothermal zone: home to the dormant Geysir and Strokkur geysers (40min drive)
- Gullfoss waterfall, an impressive 2-stage waterfall (50-minute drive)
- Secret Lagoon hot springs (50min drive)
- Kerid crater (30min drive)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need special winter equipment?
If you’re traveling to Iceland in winter, remember to take waterproof clothing that will keep you warm, such as boots, a warm jacket, several layers of clothing, gloves, a hat… Be aware that the weather can change rapidly in Iceland, so plan to be able to add or remove layers of clothing easily. On organized tours, equipment such as snow crampons or complementary windproof or waterproof suits can be provided. Please check with the tour operators when booking your trip.
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
Is it better to take a guided tour of Thingvellir National Park in winter?
We believe that guided tours offer you greater peace and quiet on your journey to Thingvellir National Park.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
Although the roads are busy and often clear, you’ll need to be very careful and drive very slowly if you rent a car. An organized tour is carried out in the company of professionals who are used to driving and showing people around in sometimes extreme winter conditions. choose from our excursions in Thingvellir National Park
Can you see the Northern Lights in Thingvellir in winter?
Away from the city lights, winter is the perfect time to observe the Northern Lights at night near Thingvellir National Park. These natural light phenomena are quite extraordinary. Discover the options for excursions to Thingvellir in the heart of the Golden Circle!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
