Thingvellir National Park
Thingvedlir is a national park in the southwestern part of Iceland, established in 1928. The park is located among a large number of volcanoes, among which it is worth noting Hengil near Lake Tinguadlavatn. The Eksara River flows through the park, forming the Eksaraurfoss waterfall. This area is characterized by frequent tectonic shifts, so earthquakes often occur. In 2004, Tingvedlir was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as evidence of the era of Icelandic democracy.
In 930, the Althing, the oldest parliament in Europe, which performs legislative and judicial functions, met for the first time in Thingvedlir. The meeting was held a couple of times a year in the summer, so that as many residents as possible could get to the meeting place. In the year one thousand, they voted for the adoption of Christianity here. In the 16th century, according to Danish law, witches were drowned there, and men were beheaded.
Tinguedlir National Park is unique both in terms of history and geology. The park is located on the crack of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which greatly influenced the terrain. By the large number of cracks, you can clearly see how the continents were moving away from each other. There are lakes with the purest water formed at the site of faults. In one of these lakes, located in Peningagya Canyon (translated as "canyon of pennies"), according to legend, you can make a wish by throwing a coin into the lake. And if a person sees his coin at a depth of several meters, then the wish will undoubtedly come true. The park also has Lake Tingvedlir, which contains 3 of Iceland's 5 water varieties. There is also Iceland's largest natural lake, Tinguadvatn, which is popular with fishermen. It occupies an area of 84 km2, and the greatest depth is 114 meters. The rivers in the vicinity of the park are favored by diving enthusiasts. The Silfra Gorge, located in the rift, is also popular among divers, so there are many underwater caves. The depth of the lake reaches 50 meters and the water is kept at 1-3 ° C heat all the time.
Tinguedlir Park is best visited in summer during the tourist season. Hotels are closing in September and the number of public transport flights is decreasing. During the summer, you can watch the "white nights", which amaze with their beauty.
