Travel bucket list idea:
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
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40km from Reykjavik, this landscape of lake, lava and rock is a geological wonder. It sits astride the divide between the North American and European tectonic plates, and in many places you’ll be able to see the geological stress at work in the form of steaming fissures, hot water spouts and cracks. If you feel up to it, you can even snorkel or dive down into the Silfra divide.
It also provided the backdrop for one of Iceland’s most important historical events. A thousand years ago, Icelanders gathered here to found the Althingi, the world’s first democratically elected parliament. You can still see the Logberg (Law Rock), where the parliament gathered and the lawspeaker recounted the agreed rules.
Iceland
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Dive or snorkel between two continental plates in this strikingly unique gorge, filled with pure and crystal-clear glacial meltwater.
Adult price: £80
Min age 6
Best for ages 8+
Duration: 4-8 hours
Thingvellir is about 40km east of Reykjavik. There’s no public transport, but most tour buses on the Golden Circle stop here. The easiest way to reach the park is to drive yourself: there is an informative visitor centre next to the main car park which gives background on the history of the site, including a bird’s–eye scale model of the entire park.
From here, various trails lead out across the park: the main one to the Althing and the Oxara waterfall is well signed and easy to follow. For the others, you can pick up trail maps from the visitor centre.
If you want to dive or snorkel in the Silfra rift, you need a permit, so it’s best to do this with an accredited operator.
As elsewhere in Iceland, summer is busiest, and it’s the most practical time for diving and snorkelling in the Silfra Rift (most operators don’t offer tours in winter). Spring and autumn are also good times to visit, especially if you’re keen to avoid crowds.
Thingvellir remains open year-round, however, and winter can be a magical time to explore the craggy Althing amphitheatre – it looks like a set from Game of Thrones.
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Iceland
From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.
