Camping

Camping in Þingvellir

Þingvellir National Park campsite is located at Leirar, by the park’s service centre and the junction of roads 36, 361 and 52.

Visitors choose their own camping location within the campsite boundaries. There is no formal check-in for the campsite, but the service centre is open from 09:00–18:00 in summer and 09:00–17:00 in winter. Those who arrive outside opening hours are asked to pay for their stay on the national park’s website on arrival, or at the service centre the following morning. There is no formal check-out, but visitors are expected to complete their departure before the next evening.

The campsite includes toilets and showers in dedicated service huts, as well as outdoor sinks, picnic tables, and facilities for portable grills. Showers are included in the price, but guests are asked to use water sparingly, as there is no geothermal heating in the area. Motorhomes can connect to electricity in certain locations.

Note: All campsites in the national park will be closed on 19th and 20th of June 2026.

Opening hours

Summer (1 June – 15 September)

All campsites in Þingvellir National Park (Nyrðri-Leirar, Syðri-Leirar, Fagrabrekka, and Vatnskot) are generally open during the summer season unless otherwise stated. Electricity for motorhomes is available at Nyrðri-Leirar and Syðri-Leirar. The campsites at Fagrabrekka and Vatnskot are for tents only. Park rangers monitor the campsite on evenings during the summer season.

Winter (16 September – 31 May)

The campsite at Nyrðri-Leirar is open year-round. Parking is available in front of the visitor center or along the campsite access road, where motorhomes can connect to electricity.

Outdoor sinks are not accessible during winter. Toilets, showers, and laundry facilities remain available. In heavy snow or thawing conditions, parts of the campsite may need to be closed.

Price List 

Adults (18–66 years) 1,800 ISK
Seniors (67+) and disabled visitors 900 ISK
Electricity for motorhomes 1100 ISK per 24 hours
Accommodation tax per unit (tent, motorhome, camper, etc.) 400 ISK
Laundry machine and dryer 900 ISK each
If three nights are paid for, the fourth night is free, and every second night thereafter is free (only available in the service centre).  
Groups (10 or more people) receive a 15% discount if payment is made in a single transaction at the service centre. The discount applies only to adults (18–66 years) and does not apply to electricity or accommodation tax.  
Advance booking is not required, but it is available on the national park’s website. Payment can also be made at the service centre at Leirar.  

Campsites in Þingvellir National Park

The campsite at Leirar is divided into three main areas: Nyrðri-Leirar, Syðri-Leirar, and Fagrabrekka. A fourth campsite operates at Vatnskot during summer.

A map of the national parks campsites.
Map of Þingvellir campsites

The illustration shows the campsites in Þingvellir National Park at Leirar and Vatnskot.

Nyrðri-Leirar

Nyrðri-Leirar is located next to the service centre north of road 36. A large grass field is available for all types of accommodation. Access is via a gravel track leading onto the field, where electricity outlets for motorhomes are located along the roadside. Waste sorting bins are located further inside the area.

A utility hut near the service centre includes four toilets, two showers, picnic tables, and grilling facilities. There is also a laundry room with a washing machine and dryer operated by special tokens sold at the service center. Nyrðri-Leirar is open year-round.

Service centre at Thingvellir by Nyrdri-Leirar. Near-empty parking lot. Campsite behind and Ármannsfell mountain in the background

Syðri-Leirar

Syðri-Leirar is located south of road 36, a few minutes’ walk from the service centre. A utility hut includes four toilets, two showers, picnic tables, and grilling facilities. Drinking water is available from a hose at the service building, and nearby are waste sorting bins and a chemical toilet disposal point. Syðri-Leirar is open only from 1 June to 15 September.

Fagrabrekka

Fagrabrekka is located opposite Syðri-Leirar by road 361. A utility hut includes two toilets, an outdoor sink, a picnic table, and grilling facilities. Fagrabrekka is open from 1 June to 15 September and is for tents only.

A walking path runs through Fagrabrekka south toward Þingvellir and takes about 30 minutes each way.

Vatnskot

Vatnskot is an abandoned farm located on the shore of Þingvallavatn, about five kilometres south of Leirar by road. A utility hut includes three toilets, grilling facilities, and picnic tables, as well as two outdoor sinks that are also used for cleaning trout caught in the lake. The Vatnskot campsite is open from 1 June to 15 September and is for tents only.

Rules of Conduct

Þingvellir National Park is a protected sanctuary of the Icelandic people. Everyone is welcome to visit and stay in Þingvellir, provided that national park rules and good conduct are respected.

  • All flora and fauna in the national park are protected. Do not disturb cultural or natural heritage sites.
  • Protect vegetation and do not light fires.
  • Keep the area clean and do not leave litter behind.
  • Do not drive or park vehicles off-road.
  • Dogs must always be kept on a leash and owners must clean up after them.
  • Many fissures and cracks are hidden in the area. Always proceed with caution and supervise children carefully.
  • Camping is only permitted in designated campsites. Respect quiet hours and keep noise to a minimum between 23:00 and 08:00.
  • Fishing permits are sold at the service centre. Launching boats from the national park shoreline is prohibited.
  • Contact park rangers or the service centre for assistance or information.
  • Þingvellir National Park is a peaceful sanctuary. Intoxication causes disturbance and disrupts the peace; intoxicated persons may be asked to leave the area.