When you arrive at Pingvellir National Park, walk the trail around the original parliament and see Öxarárfoss waterfall. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here. A fascinating mix of history and natural beauty. Þingvellir was the site of the Alþingi, Iceland’s first parliament and, dating from 930, one of the oldest parliaments in the world. For centuries, Icelanders gathered there to resolve legal disputes, make the country’s laws, and socialize. It’s also spectacularly beautiful, set on the side of a lake and along the Flosagjá rift, which divides the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Hours:
- Trail: Open all hours, 7 days/week
- Visitor Center: Daily, 09:00 – 18:00
- Service Center: Daily, June-Aug 09:00-22:00; Sept-Apr 09:00-18:00