Another campsite can be found in Vesturdalur. Restrooms are open in Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur. Þingvellir National Park (“Fields of Parliament”) is located in Bláskógabyggð municipality, 49 km away from Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, roughly forty minutes drive by car. Bárður was said to patrol the region "in a grey cowl with a walrus-hide rope around him, and a cleft staff in his hand with a long and thick gaff". The name of the waterfall translates to “Axe Falls”. His saga alone is not the only time that Snæfellsnes makes an appearance in these medieval manuscripts; the region is also used as the setting of a 13th Century scripture, Laxdæla saga, written by an unknown author. Another reason why Þingvellir National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site lies in its astounding geological makeup. This is just part of what is described by geologists and naturalists as the North Atlantic Rift system; Þingvellir sits in the Reykjaneshryggur-Langjökull rift system, (don't worry, no-one will expect you to pronounce that perfectly!). Due to its high elevation and mild, pleasant climate, the region was highly fertile, Skaftafell in particular, used for sheep grazing and as a congregation point for þings (“assemblies.”) The farmers’ livelihood was supplemented by trips to the coastline, where they would hunt for seals, collect bird eggs and scavenge supplies from stranded ships. As one approaches the park, the region’s main focal point, Snæfellsjökull volcano, is an omnipresent sight, growing larger and larger on the horizon line until it suddenly dominates the landscape. Silfra Fissure’s scenery is, in a single word, epic; split into four distinct areas. There are six National Parks in Ireland. Prior to 2008 there were four national parks in Iceland; in that year Jökulsárgljúfur and Skaftafell were merged and incorporated into Vatnajökull National Park. How long does a sunset or a sunrise last? Camping. Þingvallavatn (“Lake of the Parliament”) is an 84-square kilometre body of water, protected under the Environment Agency of Iceland. The park’s namesake, the mighty glacier Vatnajökull (“Water Glacier”), covers an astounding 13% of Iceland’s total landmass. To think this way is to adopt the attitude of a respectful visitor; national park or not, all of Iceland's nature is precious. Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological significance, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. In the park’s western section, visitors can stumble upon the southwest corner of Vatnajökull,  Langisjór, the Lakagígar craters and an information centre, ran by the park, at the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The region is the main setting for the first part of Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss, a late and legendary saga of the Icelanders. On their way towards the park, nature lovers will also jump at the chance to visit Ytri-Tunga, otherwise known as “seal beach” (Ytri-Tunga is, in fact, the name of a nearby farmstead). A moment should be dedicated to the correct pronunciation of both Þingvellir and Þingvallavatn. But what actually is there, aside from the natural splendour, that can preoccupy your precious holiday time at Þingvellir? Snæfellsjökull is, in fact, so large that on a clear day onlookers can see it 120km away, jutting out from the horizon across Faxaflói Bay. Vatnajökull National Park was founded to conserve the area’s history, ecology, cultural heritage and dazzling landscape. What is Guide to Iceland? The second campground, Vatnskot, is found at an abandoned farmstead beside Lake Þingvallavatn. Aside from the stunning panoramas and potential for cave exploration, Vatnajökull National Park contains some of the country’s most exciting and memorable attractions, including the country's largest glacier, tallest mountaintop and highest waterfall! Region: South Iceland Coordinates: 64.0146707° N 16.9739249° W Weather: °C, Wind at km/h, % Humidity Population: 35 The Southern Part of National Park Vatnajokull. The park was founded in 2008 and encompasses the whole of the mighty glacier of the same name. Fishing was undertaken wherever there was ample access to the sea. Fishing would decline in the 19th century due almost entirely to a change in fishing practices across Iceland. What is the average temperature, and can visitors expect rain, snow, or sunshine? How has Guide to Iceland changed since its conception? It covers an area of 12,000 square kilometers (4,600 sq mi) and could be explored for weeks at a time. Book your complete trip with the best companies only. In the area, one can find a swimming pool, a lovely café, a museum, a theatre and a wealth of jaw-dropping coastlines and hiking trails. This is the only national park in Iceland which reached the coast when it was originally formed. Snæfellsjökull National Park was founded in June 2001; as with the other National Parks, it was founded due to the need to protect the region’s heritage, incredible natural diversity and fascinating cultural sites. There are a number of rules and regulations that apply if you are planning to use one of the campsites at Vatnajökull National Park. Grímur Goatshoe, sage and clever,  The Northern territories include Askja Caldera, the north-western section of Vatnajökull, Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, portions of Jökulsá á Fjöllum. To pick out only a handful of attractions to officially recognise seems somewhat arbitrary, but there are good reasons behind it, of which we will explore in this article. The glacier was used as a setting in the opening scenes of the 1984 James Bond film, A View to a Kill. Thankfully, no reservation is needed to camp at Þingvellir, meaning you can simply roll up and start setting up! Where do you need to travel to find the most spectacular waterfalls? Please click on the map below to view more information on a National Park. Thingvellir is the most important cultural heritage site in Iceland. Þingvellir is one of the only places on the planet where visitors can see both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates exposed from the earth. How Hard is it to Speak the Icelandic Language? The entire Þingvellir region is located in a rift valley created by the drifting … Snæfellsjökull National Park is situated on the Snæfellsness peninsula. Outside of the Arctic, Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier, covering 8,100 km2, with ice averaging out at 600-900 metres thick. Iceland’s national parliament, the Althing, was established in Thingvellir in 930, and the group continued to hold its sessions here until 1798. Where are the national parks in Iceland, and what attractions do they contain? The houses are equipped with a stylish kitchenette (dishwasher, fridge, View map Read More. 1973), in the north. When does the midnight sun take place in Iceland? This was sometime after the volcano's’ last eruption, which took place sometime between 50-350 AD. Thingvellir National Park has a fascinating history and natural beauty. A walkway now constructed along the Almannagjá provides information boards describing the area’s incredible history, even pointing out particular spots of interest, such as the “Law Rock” (“Lögberg”) and the Deep Drowning Pool, Drekkingarhylur, a part of the 17th-century Icelandic judicial system; women accused of adultery were drowned there, adding a spookiness to Almannagjá that can hardly be described. The first campground at Þingvellir is called Leirar and is split into four separate grounds; Nyrðri-Leirar, Syðri-Leirar, Fagrabrekka and Hvannabrekka. In 1969, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recommended that all governments agree to reserve the term 'National Park' to areas sharing the following characteristics: The inhabitants of the Skaftafell region enjoyed a fruitful operation—that is, until the devastating eruption of Öræfajökull in 1362. Here you are in the middle of nature, next to the stunning Stapafell mountain, and Snæfellsjökull glacier as well, of course. Eastward, stony steeps are leaping It is however extremely hard to reach it. Since 2008, Iceland has three national parks. The double ‘L’, seen in the middle of both words, is somewhat trickier for the English native, pronounced with a ‘tl’, starting on the T and finishing on the L. The correct pronunciation should fit somewhere in the middle of these two sounds, though Icelanders are not likely to chastise you if it's given the old college try. 1967), to the south, and Jökulsárgljúfur (est. The last major outburst was in 1789, causing an earthquake at Þingvellir that increased the graben valley by 1-2 metres. Hikers will find plenty of hiking routes within Skaftafell. It rests just to the side of Þingvellir, Iceland’s oldest National Park and is the only park in the country to hold UNESCO World Heritage site status, having been awarded the recognition in 2004. June 2008, covers an area of 14,141 km2 (13,7% of Iceland). The Althing (General Assembly) was established here in 930 and continued meeting for more than 850 years until 1798. The park is split into four administrative sections—North, South, East and West—each managed locally. What sets the national parks aside from the rest of the country’s beautiful nature? Eventually, the Alþingi was moved to Reykjavik, where it is located today, but Icelanders have never forgotten the important progressive steps made at Þingvellir. Þingvellir National Park - Þingvellir , also known as Thingvellir, is located in the southwestern region … First and foremost, it is extremely important to respect the other guests, keeping noise, loud music and alcohol consumption to a minimum (from 23:30 to 07:00, allow the nighttime silence to take over). At the beginning of each winter season, caving and ice-climbing tour operators embark to discover incredible new, frozen caverns, hidden away in Vatnajökull’s farthest corners. Still, even that couldn’t put the entrepreneurial Icelanders off for long, and soon new farms and settlements began to crop up across the region. How do you sleep during the... Iceland is a country of many amazing waterfalls, but which are the best ones? The prices for camping at Þingvellir are as follows: Adults (13-67 years) must pay 1300 ISK a night per person, plus additional 300 ISK for each tent/campervan. Thingvellir–The Parliamentary Plains are the most important historic site of the country. On the southern periphery is Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur, summiting at 2109 metres. Subsequent jökulhlaups—originating, this time, from the 1783 Grímsvötn eruptions—would mean a further nail in the coffin for successful, long-term agriculture in the region. Regardless of whether or not this can be proven, it is beyond doubt the moment that the Icelandic nation was born. When was Guide to Iceland founded and why? With the recent additions of such regions as Krepputunga, Lakagígar and Jökulsárlón, the park now covers 14,000 square kilometres (approx; 14% of Iceland), making it the second largest national park in Europe, after Yugyd Va in Russia. There are two permitted areas for one to camp at Þingvellir, both of which are open from the 1st of June to the 30th of September. Nearby to the town of Grundarfjörður, outside of the park itself, one can find the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell. Today, a modern church sits in its place but is still a lasting reminder of this region’s fascinating history. When is the best time of the year to take photographs in Iceland? Undisputedly the main attraction of the National Park is the Snæfellsjökull Glacier—the beautiful magnet of the western Peninsula. This national park is full of attractions to see and I would recommend you to spend at least whole afternoon. Despite its cold temperature, over 150 different species of plant life and 50 types of invertebrate have been discovered from the lake’s centre to its shorelines. That’s not to suggest that the geology is inactive; in fact, inner-tension builds under the earth’s surface throughout this period, often breaking out in sudden and potentially violent bursts of energy. It was a long way from the glory days of the Alþingi, days where the concerns of Icelanders were heard in full, where their destiny could be sculpted by themselves and their fellow countrymen. The surrounding area is also renowned for its beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails. Vatnajokull National Park encompasses an enormous area in south Iceland and was officially formed in 2008 by joining together Jokulsargljufur and Skaftafell National Parks. Þingvellir makes up one of the three stops along the highly popular Golden Circle sightseeing route , along with the dramatic Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal valley, Haukadalur , home of the geysers. The campsite at Hellissandur is around 9km away from Ólafsvík and is located on a gorgeous dried lava plateau known as Sandahraun. It is now only explorable with a licensed tour guide. A Snæfellsjökull Glacier hike takes you on a guided tour to the peak’s summit. Still, given the Icelanders’ respect and connection to their countryside, great swathes of the landscape may as well be looked upon as nature reserves. Today Vatnajökull National Park covers 14% of Iceland and ranks as Europe's second largest. Out of the many fantastical names and locations you’ve heard spoken of during your time in Iceland, chances are that Vatnajökull National Park contains at least some of them; Jökulsárgljúfur, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Ódáðahraun, Snæfell Wilderness Area, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, Lakagígar (Laki craters) and Nýidalur. The first part of this rift is fairly easy to navigate, though the terrain becomes trickier and more slippery, the deeper one goes. From all of the attractions aforementioned, Jökulsárlón is perhaps the best regarded natural attraction at Vatnajökull, a glittering lagoon decorated with aquamarine icebergs, breaking away from their parent glacier and idly floating out towards the Atlantic Ocean. 2 hours drive) makes it one of the most visited parks in Iceland. Every year, as the ice melts, new ice caves are formed which visitors can explore as a part of an ice caving tour. Iceland’s largest National Park is Vatnajökull. Interestingly enough, the volcano is actually named Snæfell, but is called ‘Snæfellsjökull’ colloquially in order to distinguish it from two other mountains called Snæfell. Þingvellir National Park (“Fields of Parliament”) is located in Bláskógabyggð municipality, 49 km away from Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, roughly forty minutes drive by car. What makes photography in Iceland so unique? Snæfellsjökull has long been a subject of fascination for artists the world over, inspiring countless paintings, poems and pieces of music. Swimming through this narrow, cragged gorge, the group will come into Silfra Hall, the fissure’s widest point; Silfra Hall provides an excellent perspective on just how dramatic this feature is. Excellent place for viewing northern … Where the icebergs actually meet the ocean is known as Diamond Beach, for self-explanatory reasons. This area is called, aptly, Silfra Cathedral. The waterfall flows from the river Öxará, finally reaching its lip and tumbling down over the side of the Almannagjá into a rocky pool below. With … On this tour, maximize your time on Falljökull glacier by traveling as near as possible in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Explore moulins, crevasses, and other formations in the company of an Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides-certified guide. Apparently … Meaning ‘Thor’s Valley’ in Icelandic, the stunning scenery on offer looks … Amongst the best source of information regarding this time is the Book of Icelanders (“Íslendingabók”) written by the priest, Ari Þorgilsson, between 1122-33. Background. In this regard, Vatnajökull National Park is something of an all-natural theme park, offering entertainment, bewilderment, awe, thrills and spills for the entire travelling party. The National Park is enclosed by a varied belt of mountains on three sides, featuring grass-covered lava fields, and Lake Þingvallavatn lies at its souther… Warrant to Skjaldbreiður’s impressive height (1060m), the dried lava covered an area of over 200 square kilometres, changing the very face of the landscape and creating a deep and cragged network of caverns, fissures and subterranean tunnels. Restrictions do not affect outdoor activities and traveling in the national park. fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates Attendees to the assembly would often travel for weeks by horseback or foot, battling the treacherous Icelandic landscape to ensure their voice was heard. Ever since, the area has been known as Öræfi, the "wasteland". Upon arrival, assembly goers would set up the camps amongst the crevasses and lava lobes, sharing stories of their lives from the farthest corners of the country. Pets are allowed on the campsites, granted that pet owners have their scruffy friends in control and securely tied up whilst outside. The poem is about the volcano, Mount Skjaldbreiður (Broadshield), and the expansive, dried lava fields that—following an eruption at Skjaldbreiður over 9000 years ago—drained and formed at the base of Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake. Skaftafell is located in southeastern Iceland and is often called the crown … Considered by many to be the jewel of West Iceland, Snaefellsjokull is the most famous volcano in Iceland. All three parks are managed and maintained by the Environment Agency of Iceland, Umhverfisstofnun, whose main tasks include promoting environmental protection, the sustainable use of natural resources and offering travellers advice relating to the parks themselves. Given Jökulsárlón’s immense popularity amongst tourists and locals alike, Breiðamerkurjökull is often the best visual stimulus for understanding just how expansive, varied and dramatic Vatnajökull is in its entirety. Here, the early settlers used to gather in temporary camps called ‘Búðir’, at the base of the exposed North American tectonic plate. The park was established on June 28, 2001 and its proximity to Reykjavik (approx. Its best-defined feature is a major rift, which has produced dramatic fissures and cliffs demonstrating inter-continental drifting in a spectacular and understandable way. The battle between ice and fire still rages within the National Park's boundaries. It makes for a fantastic stop for budding photographers especially. This is also one of the places where you have to pay for parking. This ensures that, should any sediment be kicked up by divers or snorkellers in front, the visibility will quickly be restored. It is constantly expanding. by Thunzi2014. Located just 45 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík, and the first stop on the Golden Circle, these numbers are … Canyons, lagoons, mountainscapes and fertile valleys all lie in wait for those ready to discover the park’s many memorable highlights. These include the national parks previously existing at Skaftafell in the southwest, and Jökulsárgljúfur in the north, so that today's park covers 13% of Iceland and ranks among the largest national parks in Europe. The campsite at Arnarstapi is by a tourist service centre and there are a couple of cafés in the area, including one at the hamlet Hellnar that's a beautiful 30-minute walk along the coastline. Þingvellir makes up one of the three stops along the highly popular Golden Circle sightseeing route, along with the dramatic Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal valley, Haukadalur, home of the geysers. Þingvellir was designated a national park in 1928 as a means of protecting the remains of the parliament site. This constant flow is also the primary reason as to why Silfra fissure does not freeze in the wintertime, keeping it readily available as an attraction throughout the year. During this eruption, the landscape was steadily moulded by lava flows, creating numerous cave networks and craters, many of which can be explored today by guests. There are many places to visit, and experience, the contrasts in the unique nature are magnificent. Although guests will be able to read a number of names that have been carved throughout history on the interior walls, including those of Eggert Ólafsson and Bjarni Pálsson, who travelled the country during the 18th Century, carving your name (or words or pictures) anywhere into Iceland's nature is not encouraged. Even so, it was not until 1988 when farming at Skaftafell was permanently discontinued; it now serves as the name of the preservation area. Vatnajökull National Park and Snæfellsjökull National Park are supervised by the Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources, Þingvellir National Park is supervised by the Ministry for the Prime Minister. Leirar is within easy walking distance (no more than 5 minutes) from the Visitors Centre. After a series of misadventures, the team finally reach ‘the other side,’ reappearing from the Stromboli volcano in Italy to be hailed as scientific heroes. The ice cap is, in fact, so large that beneath it plateaus, valleys, mountains and volcanoes are hiding, including Grímsvötn and Bárðarbunga. For starters, visitors to Þingvellir can visit the rumbling waterfall, Öxarárfoss. It is located just below the western fault line of the Icelandic Graben within the boundaries of the first National Park, which was established in 1928. Former national parks (2) Since 2008, Iceland has three national parks. The reasons for this are twofold; first, the water in Silfra originates from the glacier, Langjökull, taking between 50-100 years to travel through a series of underground networks and filter. The effects were immediate, with enormous jökulhlaups (literally, “glacial run”) sweeping through the area, overwhelming everything in its path and destroying the community. National parks are amongst Iceland's finest assets and everyone is free to explore them.The Snæfellsjökull glacier lies within the national park, and the park is the only Icelandic national park that stretches to the sea. In between the plates is a graben valley—continentally speaking, a ‘no man’s land’—a plateau of dried lava fields, crevasses and startling rock formations, all covered with a thick blanket of fragile Icelandic moss. One could rather agreeably state that the whole of Iceland is a makeshift national park. Make sure to leave your comments and queries in the Facebook comments box below. The campsite boasts the usual facilities—eg. Moving further along with the light current, the fissure will become deeper, its depths turning to a dark and mysterious blue. How long is the period in which you can experience the midnight sun in Iceland? Standing at the foot of a volcano and glacier, Snæfellsjökull National Park is the only park that reaches from the seashore to the mountaintops. Skaftafell National Park. During the 19th century, however, a drive toward Icelandic independence began to grow, fuelled all by thoughts of capitalist commercialism and a free parliamentary discourse. How many daylight hours are there? By the time the Alþingi ended at Þingvellir in the 1800s, the institution had become little more than a minor law court, its jurisdiction fully dependent on the legislation passed from the ruling Danish monarchy.