Thingvellir is a national park and World Heritage Site set in a rift valley lined by escarpments. Most family visits start at the visitor centre at Hakið, where the Heart of Iceland exhibition has interactive stations on continental drift and a digital archaeology dig, in which children uncover artefacts found at Thingvellir.
If you drive, one parking payment covers the park’s three paid car parks for the whole day: at the visitor centre, at Efri-Vellir below Öxarárfoss, and at Valhöll near the church and Silfra. That makes it easy to move between stops instead of walking the whole way, and payment machines stand at each of them. The restroom building is next to the visitor centre.
The trade-off is the ground itself. The area has many hidden fissures and cracks, and the park asks parents to supervise children carefully, so keep small children close once you leave the paths near the car parks.
Family FAQ
How much does Thingvellir National Park cost?
Heart of Iceland exhibition: adults ISK 1,200; seniors and students ISK 600.
Is there parking at Thingvellir National Park?
Cars with up to 5 seats ISK 1,000 per day, 6-9 seats ISK 1,200; one payment covers P1, P2 and P5 for the day.
Where are the toilets at Thingvellir National Park?
There is a restroom building next to the Visitor Center.
