Thingvellir National Park

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.