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Iceland [1 of 5]: Thingvellir National Park

Iceland Thingvellir National Park

The fifth and last destination of our Europe + Iceland trip was the legendary Iceland! This post is the first of five, because there are so many geographically and visually distinct landmarks within Iceland that we visited. We stayed in Reykjavik, rented a car, and drove as far as we could to see as much as we could. Our first stop: Thingvellir National Park.

driving in Iceland
driving in Iceland
driving in Iceland
driving in Iceland

The drive from Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park, or anywhere in Iceland, is otherworldly beautiful. We pulled over all the time just to take in the views! The land is so uninhabited, lush, and fascinating.

Driving suggestion: vehicles in Iceland are pricey to rent, and SUVs are double the price. If you go in the summer and just plan to stay on the Ring Road (rather than off-roading), then the roads are paved and pretty easy to drive. Save some money and go for a sedan. (We rented our car online from Enterprise and picked it up at the Reykjavik airport – super easy.)

Iceland Thingvellir National Park
hiking Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, most notable for the tectonic activity in the rift valley. You can see what I’m wearing, and that was totally fine for the amount of hiking we did. We spent a few hours at Thingvellir, but I want to spend a serious day or two hiking next time we visit!
Iceland Thingvellir National Park
Iceland Thingvellir National Park
The continental drift between the North American and Eurasian Plates can be seen in the cracks throughout Thingvellir, which is mind-blowing to witness! Next time, we want to hike to canyons and rifts that are full of sparkling, clear water.
(Husband is usually risk-adverse, but when in Iceland, he threw caution to the wind and hopped on out on that rock — haha don’t try this at home, kids.)
Iceland Thingvellir National Park
Iceland Thingvellir National Park
Iceland Thingvellir National Park

(If you watch Game of Thrones, we joked that we had come across the Wall! You know nothing…) Iceland, I already cannot wait to return.

Check back next week for more Europe + Iceland posts! Also, I redesigned my Travel page so that it’s easier to navigate — hope that helps!

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58 Comments

  12. Coco Cami
    August 6, 2015 / 11:18 pm

    These photographs are beautiful, thank you for sharing this post! If you ever get a chance to visit my blog I would be delighted, thanks!

    Best Wishes from England,

    Camille xo

    http://www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  14. Carina G.
    August 7, 2015 / 12:07 am

    Such a gorgeous place !
    xoxo,

    atwednesdaysiwearpink.blogspot.com

    Reply
  18. Lauren Johnson
    August 7, 2015 / 2:08 am

    Wow, these pictures are breathtaking. I'm so inspired by this post and your outfit looks so comfortable and chic!

    Lauren | Disco Daydream

    Reply
  23. Life's a shoe
    August 7, 2015 / 8:54 am

    Beautiful phtos! Icelaand has been high on my bucket list for the longest time, I have got to go soooon!

    lifeisashoe

    Reply
  26. Tash Collier
    August 7, 2015 / 1:09 pm

    Oh my gosh so gorgeous!! Love these shots!

    Would you like to follow eachother on G+ & bloglovin?
    RedLip&Love

    Reply
  27. Audrey Adair
    August 7, 2015 / 1:47 pm

    What beautiful pictures! Looks like you had the entire place to yourself! I've never been to Iceland – can't wait to read your other posts! xx

    Audrey Adair | http://www.happilyaudrey.com

    Reply
  34. The Fashann Monster
    August 8, 2015 / 1:15 am

    Gorgeous photos! The scenery is unbelievable. I also can’t imagine how cold it is there because it actually looks freezing from the photos. This has always been one of those places I’ve wanted to go to that you don’t hear about many people visiting. It looks so natural & surreal how empty it is. Must have made for some amazing exploring. Going back to check out your other travel posts now!

    TFM BLOG

    Reply
    • Carolyn
      August 8, 2015 / 6:55 pm

      Thank you! And you're so right – the scenery is unbelievably surreal. Many times I was like, "Is this real life?!" As with weather, if you go during their summer, it's not too cold. When we were there, it was about 55F (13C).

      Reply
    • Carolyn
      August 8, 2015 / 6:53 pm

      Hi Tina! Yes, we spent half a day at the Blue Lagoon! I have a separate post for that. It's so amazing!

      Reply
  42. Gabrielle
    August 8, 2015 / 2:39 pm

    What a fantastic place and you've captured it wonderfully through your camera – everything seems to.. raw, in a very positive way! I really love 'back to nature' posts like this 🙂

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
    x

    Reply
  55. Jess
    August 10, 2015 / 5:58 am

    Wow!!! Iceland is definitely on my bucket list and your pics are just making my wanderlust flare up big time! Love your blog! So happy I stumbled upon it. 🙂

    xx Jess
    http://www.goldenswank.com/

    Reply
  56. Lauren Dimesky
    August 10, 2015 / 7:55 pm

    Fabulous photo diary! I'm now intrigued to see Iceland! You look gorgeous in front of the big blue door! xo

    (='.'=)
    -Lauren
    adorn la femme

    Reply

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