Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir is known for two things. First, and foremost to me, is that this is where a major rift between the Eurasian tectonic plate and the North American tectonic plate is opening up.

In other words, the world is tearing itself apart here. Each continent is determined to go it’s own way. Between them, the Earth’s Mantle is dangerously close to the crust.

Iceland in general is covered in lava. In this particular spot, it is welling up, then splitting apart. I forget how many inches per year the gap spreads, but it’s enough to leave room for an impressive walk way. More on that in a minute.

The parking lot is to the left in the picture to the right. In the background is the welcome center where there are displays showing things like how many inches and how close the mantle.

Of course, fool that I am, the first thing I did was run off to where all the people were looking over the railing at scenery that pretty much matches what we’d been seeing all along. Iceland, you know.

By the time I figured out I’d made a tactical error our group was done with the science and history stuff and on it’s way down to where I was, and from there the impressive walk way.

This was our first stop in the Golden Circle area of Iceland, which is just East of Reikjovik. It’s one of the most populated places in Iceland. Populated by tourists, that is.

It’s a good walk – maybe a mile or two – that lets out into the second claim to fame. Maybe more claim then the first. This, of all places, is where the worlds oldest parliament was formed. It could be because of the natural amphitheater formed by those moving plates, but I think it’s ironic they would pick a spot that is so symbolic.

Everyone just had to walk up the steps set where the members of parliament sat in debate. That included me. Apparently only the chosen few could occupy this part of the rift. The rabble had to stand around or sit on the grass in the area surrounding them. So I guess government was pretty much a summer time activity.