The North American Plate and Eurasian Plate meet at Thingvellir National Park in Iceland.
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Few places on Earth so vividly display the powerful forces shaping our planet as Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park in Iceland.
This UNESCO World Heritage site marks the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, offering an unrivalled glimpse into the dynamic nature of our planet’s geological activity.
Visitors can walk through the dramatic Almannagjá gorge, a striking reminder of the tectonic forces that continually sculpt Iceland’s rugged landscape.
In addition to its geological significance, Thingvellir holds historical importance as the original meeting place for Iceland’s earliest decision-makers, adding cultural interest to one of the most impressive landmarks of Iceland.
Explore The Continental Rift
Almannagjá is a prominent gorge within Thingvellir National Park, marking the boundary of the North American tectonic plate. It is a key feature of the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Nowhere else in Iceland is this geological phenomenon more visible than in Thingvellir.
Visitors can walk through the gorge, a visible reminder of the Earth’s constant, albeit slow, movement. This gorge, formed as the North American plate pulled westward, showcases the dramatic effects of tectonic activity.
At certain points within the park, you can see the cliffs marking the ends of the continents and experience the sensation of walking between two continents as a walkway winds between towering canyon walls. The gorge varies in width, but at several points, it can be walked through.
Öxaráfoss waterfall in Iceland during winter time.
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A highlight of the hike is the impressive Öxaráfoss waterfall, which is easily accessible on foot. The beauty of the 66-foot waterfall hides a murky past. The pool beneath it has a grim history as an execution site in the Middle Ages.
The view from the top of Almannagjá, near the visitor center, is stunning, offering a panoramic perspective of this unique rift valley.
The gap between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates expands by more than half an inch every year. This continuous movement has created many distinctive features in the park, including ravines filled with crystal clear spring water and lava rock formations. The most famous of these is Silfra, a popular snorkeling and diving site.
Nikúlasargjá Gorge, also known as Peningagjá (Money Gorge), is another popular destination where visitors toss coins into the icy water and make wishes.
Historical Importance
Beyond its geological importance, Thingvellir is an important historical site in Iceland. When Viking settlers arrived in the 10th century, they chose Thingvellir as the site for their parliament, the Althing.
Thingvellir’s unique geology created a natural amphitheater ideal for public speaking, including the high rock wall of Lögberg (the Law Rock).
During annual Althing meetings, an elected Law Speaker would recite the laws of the land from memory. The parliament’s members discussed and decided on new laws, passed judgments, and resolved disputes.
Logberg (the Law Rock) at the site of the first parliament in the world at Thingvellir National Park … [+] in Iceland.
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Remains of the Althing include fragments of turf and stone booths, while older 10th-century remains are thought to be buried underground.
The open-air assembly was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798, making it the oldest parliamentary institution in the world. Informative plaques and guided tours offer insights into the lives of early Icelanders and their governance.
Practical Tips For Visitors
Thingvellir National Park is easily accessible, with well-maintained paths and facilities to accommodate visitors. However, as one of Iceland’s premier tourist attractions, it does suffer from crowds. More than 5,000 daily visitors enter the park in high season, so some patience is required at times.
As part of Iceland’s ‘golden circle’ tourist route, Thingvellir is approximately 28 miles northeast of the capital city, Reykjavik. Although there is no entrance fee to the park, there is a parking fee (approximately $7.50) payable if arriving by car. Parking tickets are valid in all parking lots for a single day.
For those without cars, consider joining an organized trip of Iceland’s golden circle. The famous road trip also includes Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir Geothermal Park, both must-see sights in Iceland.
This 8-hour tour from Arctic Adventures (from $91) includes the three highlights as well as the geothermal-influenced small town Hveragerdi, and the Kerid crater lake. If time is tight, Reykjavik Excursions offers a 6.5-hour tour for approximately $76.
Although participants get limited time in each location on such bus tours, it’s the ideal way to get a taste of the best of Iceland’s nature.
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Publish date : 2024-08-11 00:39:00
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