Tourist surge and festivities at Þingvellir

Einar Á. E. Sæmundsen, park manager at Þingvellir National Park, says visitor numbers have noticeably increased so far this year.

“There’s been about a 5–6% increase in visitor numbers according to our counters in Almannagjá,” Sæmundsen told Morgunblaðið , adding that the area remains manageable despite the growth. During the peak summer hours, around 4,000–5,000 people pass through the rift each day, with the busiest period between 10 a.m. and noon.

“Everyone comes to Þingvellir—whether they know the history or not,” he said, noting that many visitors are from Europe and the United States. He also observed that tourists from Asia are beginning to return in greater numbers.

American podcast sparked interest

According to figures from the Icelandic Tourist Board, about 28% of visitors to Iceland are from the U.S. Several American tourists at Þingvellir told Morgunblaðið they were drawn to Iceland after listening to a podcast.

Keith Nelson, Emily Miner, and Ken Nelson from the U.S. were excited to visit the historic site after exploring parts of the Golden Circle. “After traveling across the desolate southern coast, I was honestly surprised to see trees,” said Emily Miner.

Their interest in Iceland was piqued after listening to Saga Things , a podcast about the Icelandic sagas. “A friend of mine who’s into powerlifting is really looking forward to trying the Húsafell Stone,” said Keith Nelson.

Events and activities ahead

A busy summer lies ahead at Þingvellir, according to Sæmundsen. Among upcoming events are a cycling race and a cross-country half-marathon. On Thursday, the Ásatrúarfélagið (Icelandic neopagan association) will hold a traditional gathering at the old assembly site, as they have done for years.

In addition, the youth wing of the Independence Party (SUS) will celebrate its 95th anniversary with an event at the Valhöll site. Plans are also in place to open the area to musicians and performers who want to showcase their work in the national park’s unique setting.

Guided Thursday walks featuring local scholars—including Dagrún Óskarsdóttir—are among regular events at Þingvellir.

Drone use remains a challenge

One of the more challenging aspects of managing the park, says Sæmundsen, is dealing with unauthorized drone use. “We don’t spend whole days chasing them, but it can be difficult. The pilot can be far away and out of sight,” he said.

Standard drone regulations issued by the Icelandic Transport Authority apply at Þingvellir, including restrictions on flying over crowds. There are no specific penalties for violations, but park rangers usually approach drone operators and inform them of the rules. “They’re generally receptive,” he added.

“Drones are fantastic tools, but understandably, people in Almannagjá or on nearby ridges may not enjoy having one buzzing overhead.” He recommends drone operators visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid disturbing others.

On-site medical response every day

Sæmundsen said the park has placed strong emphasis on safety in recent years. “We’re likely the only place of our kind in the country with a paramedic on duty every day.”

The medic is stationed near the popular Silfra fissure but is available to respond throughout the park. “Anything can happen—people can fall, get injured, or suffer a heart attack,” Sæmundsen noted.

Last year, the park’s medic and rangers responded to 220 emergency calls.