Thingvellir National Park: Day Trips and Tours from Reykjavík

There are few places in Iceland that are as significant as the Thingvellir National Park. This protected area is a geographical wonder and is very historically important to the nation of Iceland.

A day trip from Reyjkavik to Thingvellir National Park takes you to the site of Iceland’s very first government assembly and to the intriguing Mid-Atlantic Rift, the only place where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet above sea-level.

Cliffs, gorges, waterfalls and fissures are just some of the geographical features that you will see on an excursion. If you are an underwater enthusiast, you can even experience a truly unique dive between the continental plates.

Here's all you need to know about the Thingvellir National Park, one of the most exciting day trips from Reyjkavik.

How to get to the Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik?

Thingvellir National Park is located on the edge of the Thingvallavatn Rift Valley Lake around 48 kilometers from Reykjavik.

From Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park by car

It will take around 45 minutes to drive from Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park . The journey heads in a north-easterly direction out of the city and along Route 49 and Route 36 to the Park’s entrance.

Guided tours to Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik

To truly appreciate the sights and history of Thingvellir National Park, it is best to visit the area on a guided tour.

You can choose to join a small-group tour, or book a private tour. Sightseeing and snorkeling or diving tours are options and you can also opt for a tour that includes activities or includes other landmarks and places of interest in the region.

Thingvellir National Park is also in demand as a photographic location and you can secure the services of an experienced professional photographer if you’d like to capture the essence of this ever changing destination.

What is the typical itinerary?

For a tour to Thingvellir National Park you will meet your guide in Reykjavik at your hotel or a central meeting point. For a full-day tour that includes the Park, you will travel between sites along the Golden Circle route.

Other stops on this itinerary include geothermal springs at Geysir and the Gullfoss waterfall. If you have selected a tour that includes horse riding, you will enjoy this activity before continuing with your day of sight-seeing.

On a snorkeling or diving tour, you are accompanied by a certified PADI diver on a shallow dive of up to 30 meters in the turquoise waters of the Silfra fissure.

After a half-day or full-day of exploring, your tour draws to a close and you are transported back to Reykjavik.

What kinds of tours are available?

Thingvellir National Park can be an itinerary on its own, or can be included in a day tour that includes other attractions in the region. Here are a few of the day trip options available from Reykjavik:

Diving in Silfra Fissure at Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik

In a small group limited to 10 participants you join a certified PADI guide for a snorkeling or diving experience at the Silfra Fissure.

You will meet your guide at Thingvellir National Park and be provided with the necessary dry suit and equipment.

On this 4-6 hour excursion you will have plenty of time to see the evidence of past volcanic activity as you swim beneath the crystal blue waters.

Small-group Golden Circle tours including Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik

On a small-group Golden Circle tour, you and your group will travel by minibus to view some of Iceland’s most dazzling sights.

The tour starts with a visit to Thingvellir National Park to view the rift valley before traveling to Haukadalur’s geothermal springs and geysers. The deep ravine Gullfoss waterfall in the Hvítá river canyon is next on the itinerary followed by a last stop at the Kerið Volcano.

This tour also includes a visit to one of Iceland’s newest geothermal spas for a restorative swim in the warm water.

Horse riding tour with Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir from Reykjavik

If you are an outdoor enthusiast and would like a more up close experience, you can select tour that includes a 1-2 hour horse riding experience on an Icelandic horse just outside of Hveragerði.

After your ride, your tour carries in to Geysirand the Gullfoss Waterfall before heading to Thingvellir National Park. A light lunch is included on this tour.

Thingvellir National Park tour from Reykjavik

On a day tour to Thingvellir National Park, you and your group will be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who will entertain and educate you about the many reasons the park is so well known.

The Thingvellavatn Lake and Öxarā River are just two of the many sights you will see on your excursion.

A return transfer by minibus from your Reykjavik hotel is included in the tour price.

Private Thingvellir National Park tour from Reykjavik

A private tour of Thingvellir National Park is the ideal option if you are travelling as a family or if you would like the exclusive expertise of your tour guide.

On your tour, you will visit the Park and your guide will spend the time telling you all there is to know about the geological wonders and fascinating history of the area.

You will be collected from your hotel and will have the vehicle to yourself which means that you have some flexibility over how you spend the time.

Photoshoot at Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik

If you would like your time at Thingvellir National Park captured by a professional photographer, you can book a 30-minute photo session.

Having a photographer with you as you explore the area means that you can be in the pictures rather than behind the camera. It is a great way to document your visit to Iceland and create some memorable moments.

How much does a day trip to the Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik cost?

Small group snorkeling tours of Silfra Fissure start at US$150 per person and last around 2 hours.

For a 4-6 hour dive, expect to pay from US$260 as part of a small group excursion. The tours include return hotel transfers, dry suit, safety equipment and an experienced certified PADI guide.

Small-group Golden Circle tours including Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik cost from US$180 per person. Only participants older than 11 may join the tour. The admission to sky Lagoon is included but each guest will select which package to take upon booking.

Horse riding tour with Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir from Reykjavik can be booked for guests over the age of 8 and cost from US$170 per person, including the horse ride, saddle and helmet, and a light lunch.

A 4-hour Thingvellir National Park tour from Reykjavik starts at US$460 per person. This ecologically sensitive tour supports responsible tourism and offsets their carbon footprint by planting trees in the area to preserve its natural beauty for future generations.

Private Thingvellir National Park tours from Reykjavik for as many as 5 participants will cost approximately US$750 per group.

A collective of well-known photographers offer photographic services at some of the words top tourist attractions. You can expect to pay around US$270 for a 30 minute photoshoot at Thingvellir.

What will you see and do?

The drive up to Thingvellir heads inland towards the Icelandic highlands. Volcanic peaks and mountains dot the landscape and there are signs of glacial and volcanic activity almost everywhere you look.

On your tour, you will visit the Park and your guide will spend the time telling you all there is to know about the geological wonders and fascinating history of the area. Oxararfoss, Almannagja, the Kaldidalur Valley, logberg and the Silfra Fissure are all points of interest in the park.

If you are a hiker, there is a moderately challenging 3 hour hike that can be enjoyed – preferably under the supervision of a guide familiar with the area.

If you have booked a photo shoot session at Thingvellir National Park, make sure you arrive a bit early to see what part of the landscape appeals to you.

Having a photographer with you as you explore allows you to be a part of the trip, rather than just an observer though the lens.

When is the best time to visit the Thingvellir National Park?

Although Thingvellir is open year-round, the weather is not always conducive to a pleasant tour. If you visit in the months from May to October, you have the best chance of good weather and some lovely photographic opportunities.

The park can get busy, especially during July and August, so check with your local guide to confirm the quieter times for a visit.

Travel Tips

• Layer your clothing to ensure that you stay warm but can cool down if necessary.
• Bring a spare swimming costume if you are planning on snorkeling and a warm change of clothes for after the dive.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended, even in cloudy weather.
• Try to book your tour earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.