# Þingvallavatn

> lake in southwestern Iceland

**Wikidata**: [Q335432](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q335432)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Þingvallavatn)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ingvallavatn

## Summary
Þingvallavatn is a lake located in southwestern Iceland, situated within the Thingvellir National Park. It is a significant natural body of water in the North Atlantic region, recognized for its specific geographic coordinates and its status as a key feature of the Icelandic landscape.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Lake (body of relatively still water, localized in a basin).
- **Location**: Southwestern Iceland, within Thingvellir National Park.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 64.1875, Longitude -21.135 (primary); Latitude 64.1885186656, Longitude -21.1573224093 (secondary).
- **Parent Entity**: Thingvellir National Park (inception: 1928; re-established/expanded: 2004-01-01).
- **Country**: Iceland (Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean).
- **Associated Municipalities**: Bláskógabyggð (Southern Region) and Grímsnes- og Grafningshreppur.
- **Aliases**: Thingvallavatn, Lake Thingvalla.
- **Official Website**: http://www.thingvellir.is/english.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Þingvallavatn.
- **Sitelink Count**: 41 (indicating presence in 41 language editions of Wikipedia).
- **Wikidata Description**: "lake in southwestern Iceland".

## FAQs
**Where exactly is Þingvallavatn located?**
Þingvallavatn is situated in southwestern Iceland, specifically within the boundaries of Thingvellir National Park. Its precise geographic position is marked by coordinates of approximately 64.1875°N latitude and -21.135°W longitude.

**What administrative regions and municipalities surround the lake?**
The lake is associated with the municipalities of Bláskógabyggð in the Southern Region and Grímsnes- og Grafningshreppur. It falls under the jurisdiction of the national park established in 1928 and expanded in 2004.

**How is Þingvallavatn classified in geographical terms?**
It is classified as a lake, defined as a body of relatively still water localized in a basin. This classification distinguishes it from flowing rivers or coastal seas, emphasizing its contained nature within the Icelandic basin.

**What digital resources are available for learning about the lake?**
Information about the lake is accessible via the official website at http://www.thingvellir.is/english. Additionally, the entity has a dedicated Wikipedia entry titled "Þingvallavatn" with content available in 41 different languages.

## Why It Matters
Þingvallavatn matters as a central component of Thingvellir National Park, one of Iceland's most historically and geologically significant sites. As a lake in southwestern Iceland, it serves as a critical natural landmark within the North Atlantic region, contributing to the country's unique volcanic and tectonic landscape. Its inclusion in a national park established in 1928 and expanded in 2004 highlights its enduring importance for conservation, tourism, and national identity. The lake's presence connects various administrative regions, including Bláskógabyggð and Grímsnes- og Grafningshreppur, acting as a geographical anchor for local communities and a focal point for international visitors exploring Iceland's natural heritage.

## Notable For
- **Geographic Precision**: Defined by specific coordinate sets (64.1875°N, -21.135°W) that pinpoint its location in the rift valley.
- **National Park Status**: A core feature of Thingvellir National Park, which was first established in 1928 and significantly expanded on January 1, 2004.
- **Multilingual Recognition**: Holds a Wikipedia title with sitelinks in 41 languages, reflecting its global recognition.
- **Administrative Connectivity**: Serves as a geographical link between the municipalities of Bláskógabyggð and Grímsnes- og Grafningshreppur.
- **Distinct Classification**: Identified specifically as a "body of relatively still water, localized in a basin," distinguishing it from other water bodies in the region.
- **Official Digital Presence**: Maintains a dedicated English-language portal at http://www.thingvellir.is/english for public information.

## Body
### Geographic and Physical Characteristics
Þingvallavatn is a lake located in southwestern Iceland, characterized as a body of relatively still water localized in a basin. The entity is defined by precise geographic coordinates, with primary data points at latitude 64.1875 and longitude -21.135, and secondary data points at latitude 64.1885186656 and longitude -21.1573224093. These coordinates place the lake firmly within the North Atlantic Ocean region, specifically in the southwestern sector of the Icelandic landmass. The lake is a distinct natural feature, separated from flowing water systems by its basin localization. Its physical presence is a defining element of the local topography, contributing to the hydrological balance of the surrounding area.

### Administrative and Political Context
The lake is situated within the jurisdiction of Thingvellir National Park, a protected area with a complex inception history. The park was originally established in 1928 and underwent a significant re-establishment or expansion on January 1, 2004. This national park status places Þingvallavatn under specific conservation and management protocols governed by Icelandic law. Administratively, the lake is associated with two primary municipalities: Bláskógabyggð, located in the Southern Region, and Grímsnes- og Grafningshreppur. Bláskógabyggð covers a vast area of 3,300 square kilometers and includes the lake within its boundaries, while Grímsnes- og Grafningshreppur represents another municipal entity in the vicinity. The country of Iceland, a Nordic island nation, serves as the sovereign state overseeing these administrative divisions.

### Historical and Institutional Significance
The establishment of Thingvellir National Park in 1928 marks a pivotal moment in the preservation of the area containing Þingvallavatn. The subsequent expansion in 2004 further solidified the lake's status as a protected natural resource. This historical timeline reflects a growing recognition of the lake's ecological and cultural value. The lake is part of the broader Icelandic landscape, a country that gained its independence from Denmark in 1918 and became a republic in 1944. The protection of Þingvallavatn aligns with Iceland's commitment to preserving its unique volcanic and geothermal environments. The lake's inclusion in the national park ensures its preservation for future generations, maintaining its role as a key element of the nation's natural heritage.

### Digital Presence and Global Recognition
Þingvallavatn maintains a robust digital footprint, facilitating global access to information about the site. The official website, http://www.thingvellir.is/english, serves as the primary source of English-language information for visitors and researchers. The entity is widely recognized in encyclopedic resources, with a Wikipedia title "Þingvallavatn" that has generated sitelinks in 41 different languages. This extensive multilingual coverage underscores the lake's international significance. The Wikidata description explicitly identifies it as a "lake in southwestern Iceland," providing a standardized reference for data integration across various platforms. The aliases "Thingvallavatn" and "Lake Thingvalla" further enhance its discoverability in global databases.

### Related Entities and Connections
The lake is ontologically linked to several other entities within the Icelandic knowledge graph. It is a component of Thingvellir National Park, which acts as its parent entity. The lake is also geographically and administratively connected to the municipalities of Bláskógabyggð and Grímsnes- og Grafningshreppur. Bláskógabyggð, with its large territory and growing population, provides a local administrative context for the lake. Grímsnes- og Grafningshreppur represents another neighboring municipal entity. These connections highlight the lake's role as a central feature within a network of administrative and natural entities. The country of Iceland serves as the overarching context, linking the lake to the nation's broader geography, history, and culture.

## References

1. OpenStreetMap
2. [IS 50V](https://www.lmi.is/is/landupplysingar/gagnagrunnar/nidurhal)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GeoNames
5. [Source](http://wldb.ilec.or.jp/Details/Lake/EUR-42)