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Thingvellir National Park

29 July 2023

Today we walked between the two tectonic plates 

This location has both historical and geological significance, a bit of a summary below:

The name Þingvellir literally means “Assembly Plains,” and the place symbolizes the history of Iceland. The Alþingi, or Iceland’s parliament, was founded there as early as 930, making it the oldest operating parliament globally. The parliament continued to convene at the fields of river Öxará for 868 years or until 1798. Therefore, many significant events of Iceland’s history have taken place there, and Icelanders consider it the nation’s birthplace.

The magical landscapes at Þingvellir are formed in the unique geographical setting of a rift valley in the divide between the North-American and Eurasian continental plates. The lava fields at Þingvellir are torn apart by tectonic forces, leaving admirable gorges and fissures. The most impressive of them, Almannagjá, is the focal point of the national park. A hiking path leads through the enormous cleft to the “law rock” and Öxará river, enveloped by stunning walls of basalt rocks.

This is also the location where people scuba dive between the plates, it is around 2 degrees in the water! 

We finished the day at a hydro geothermal power station before heading to our hotel for the next two nights.

One comment

  • I think you need to consider a career change, travel guide. I am sure Scenic have a place for you, after all, you have reached the limit in their club, so only thing left is to join them!
    Your trip has been the best so far I an sure.