Thingvellir National Park

Popular Species

Thingvellir National Park is home to a range of species that thrive in its volcanic landscapes, clear waters, and unique ecosystems.

Arctic char are abundant in the park’s cold lakes and rivers, known for their ability to thrive in both freshwater and saltwater environments, offering popular opportunities for fishing.

Brown trout inhabit the park’s rivers and lakes, growing to large sizes due to the clean, nutrient-rich waters, making them a favored target for anglers.

Atlantic salmon migrate through the park’s rivers, particularly during spawning season, providing a key species in the park’s aquatic ecosystems.

Icelandic horses roam freely near the park, known for their small stature and unique five gaits, offering a popular sight for visitors.

Arctic foxes are the only native land mammals in Iceland, sometimes spotted in the park’s forests and rocky areas while hunting small animals and birds.

Mink are an introduced species found near Thingvellir’s rivers and lakes, where they hunt for fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

Eurasian brown bears are rare visitors to the park, though their presence has been noted historically, particularly in the surrounding regions.

Field mice are common throughout the park’s grasslands and meadows, providing an important food source for predatory birds and mammals.

Icelandic sheep graze the park’s meadows in the warmer months, part of the region’s agricultural heritage and landscape management practices.

Lemmings can occasionally be found in the park’s grassy and rocky areas, contributing to the biodiversity of small mammals.

Bird Species

Thingvellir National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with a wide variety of bird species thriving in its wetlands, forests, and rivers.

Whooper swans are large, elegant birds that frequent the park’s lakes, recognized for their graceful swimming and distinctive calls during the breeding season.

Eurasian oystercatchers are striking black-and-white birds often seen along the shores of Thingvallavatn, using their long red beaks to feed on shellfish and worms.

Gyrfalcons are powerful raptors commonly seen in the park, known for their speed and agility when hunting small mammals and birds in open areas.

Red-throated divers are elegant water birds that inhabit Thingvellir’s lakes, recognized for their distinctive red throats and ability to dive deep for fish.

Common snipes are wading birds found in the park’s wetlands, known for their distinctive drumming sound created by their tail feathers during mating displays.

Golden plovers are migratory birds that return to Thingvellir in the summer, often seen in meadows and grasslands feeding on insects and small invertebrates.

Merlins are small falcons that patrol the park’s open spaces, hunting smaller birds and insects with incredible speed and precision.

Ptarmigans are common throughout the park’s tundra and rocky areas, where they blend into the landscape with their seasonal plumage changes from brown to white.

Black-headed gulls are often spotted near the park’s rivers and lakes, known for their sharp calls and aggressive hunting of small fish and insects.

Great northern divers are large diving birds that frequent the park’s waters, using their powerful swimming ability to catch fish in Thingvallavatn’s deep, clear waters.

Þingvallavatn Lake

Þingvallavatn Lake is the largest natural lake in Iceland, located within Þingvellir National Park. Covering an area of 32 square miles (about 84 square kilometers), it is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, rich aquatic life, and its connection to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

The lake’s unique geology makes it a popular site for divers and snorkelers, particularly in the Silfra Fissure, where they can explore the underwater rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes and mountains, Þingvallavatn is a serene and beautiful destination that offers stunning views and is central to Iceland’s natural and cultural heritage.

Almannagjá Gorge

Almannagjá Gorge is a dramatic rift located in Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, formed by the divergent tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia. The gorge stretches for miles and showcases towering rock walls that symbolize the meeting point of these two tectonic plates.

Historically, it is a significant site where the Icelandic Parliament, or Alþingi, was established in 930 AD, making it a central landmark in Iceland’s political and geological history. Visitors can walk through the gorge, experiencing the breathtaking landscapes that include lava fields, waterfalls, and ancient rock formations, all while standing between two continents.