Drekkingarhylur – The Drowning Pool at Þingvellir

Drekkingarhylur, often called the “Drowning Pool,” is a dark but significant historical site in Þingvellir National Park, Iceland. Located in the Öxará River, this deep pool was used as an execution site during the 16th and 17th centuries. Women accused of crimes such as adultery or infanticide were sentenced to death by drowning here, while men were executed by hanging or beheading elsewhere in the park.

Today, Drekkingarhylur is a peaceful and scenic spot, surrounded by the natural beauty of Þingvellir’s lava fields and flowing river. A viewing platform allows visitors to look down into the pool and reflect on this somber chapter of Iceland’s history. While it stands as a reminder of a harsh past, it is also part of the cultural heritage that makes Þingvellir such an important historical site.

For those visiting the Golden Circle, a stop at Drekkingarhylur adds depth and insight to the experience, connecting the dramatic landscapes with the stories of the people who once gathered, lived, and were judged in this area.