Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National park. This national park is imprtant in an geological sense as well as a historical and cultural sense. Thingvellir sits in the rift valley that marks the boundary between the North-American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Continental drift is clearly visible here with the plates drifting apart by up to 2cm every year, resulting in a dramatic and unique landscape. A canyon called Almannagjá sits between the plates, allowing visitors to stroll leisurely back and forth between the two continents.

Geysir

One of the attractions most assosicated with our country, no visit to Iceland is complete without a stop at Geysir in Haukadalur valley. The very name for this type of geological marvel derives from the The original Geysir itself no longer erupts regularly. It is believed that it was damaged by human explotiation when locals threw a type of soap into the chasm to encourage eruptions on demand. Soap acts to lower the surface tension on the water thereby making it easier for the water to boil and erupt. But it is believed that the build up of soap deep below the surface blocked the the Geysir. But fear now as the nearby Strokkur Geysir erupts every 5 to 10 minutes. The surface water bubbles and boils for several minutes, building suspence for the wathing visitors. You will have plenty of time here to enjoy several eruptions. word. Geysir is Icelandic becomes geyser in English.