This is one of Iceland’s must-visit stops on the Golden Circle because it’s free to enter, easy to reach from Reykjavík (about 45 min), and the perfect spot if you love geology. There’s no general entrance fee, but there is a small parking fee.

Þingvellir sits right in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and slowly pull apart, and there are well-marked paths (like through Almannagjá Gorge) where you can literally walk between them.

It’s not just geology though, you can also see historic sites tied to Iceland’s earliest parliament (Alþingi) and explore easy walking trails that take you to Öxarárfoss waterfall, rift overlooks, lakeside views, and old church areas.

If you want to do something extra, Þingvellir is home to the Silfra fissure, one of the only places in the world where you can snorkel or dive between continental plates in incredibly clear water (book this in advance if that’s on your list!)

Because the park is so accessible and right along the Golden Circle, it gets very busy midday, arriving early not only makes parking easier but also gives you way more breathing room to explore without crowds.