Thingvellir, like many areas of Iceland's natural beauty, is part of a fissure zone that runs right through the island, being situated on shifting tectonic plate boundaries. Deemed a World Heritage Site in 2004, much of the area is part of the Thingvellir National Park. Here, visitors can soak up the picturesque backdrops and explore the area. The Silfra and Davíðsgjá, two submerged rifts popular with divers; hiking trails and bridal paths snake their way through abandoned farms and old goat paths; Lake Þingvallavatn, a stunning body of water that also provides some excellent fishing, and many more sites of interest mean that Thingvellir National Park is a must-visit for any traveller.

Thingvellir has the added bonus of being an awesome site to view the Aurora Borealis, and for that reason attracts thousands of visitors every year. Check the Iceland met office website to find out whether or not the skies will be clear enough during your visit.

Flickr Credit:

Bryan Pocius

Arian Zweger