Peningagjá
Peningagjá, officially known as
Nikulásargjá,
is a small but well-known fissure at
Þingvellir,
within
Þingvellir National Park.
The fissure is famous for the long-standing tradition
of visitors throwing coins into its clear water.
According to local folklore,
the custom is connected to
Saint Nicholas,
the patron saint of children and sailors.
Legend says that those who toss a coin into the fissure
while making a sincere wish
may be granted good fortune or protection,
provided the wish is made with good intentions.
Over time, countless coins have settled at the bottom
of the fissure,
shimmering through the exceptionally clear spring water.
This unusual sight has made Peningagjá
a popular stopping point for visitors,
despite its modest size.
Geologically, the fissure is part of the
Almannagjá
rift system,
formed by the separation of the
Eurasian Plate
and the
North American Plate.
The water flowing through the fissure
originates from the distant
Langjökull
glacier,
filtered naturally through lava fields
before reaching Þingvellir.
Today, visitors are encouraged to admire the fissure
without throwing coins,
as metals can harm the sensitive ecosystem
of the national park.
Nevertheless, the story lives on,
and Peningagjá remains a symbol of how folklore,
tradition and geology intertwine
in one of Iceland’s most historic landscapes.
Peningagjá stands as a reminder
that even the smallest natural features
can carry rich stories —
where ancient beliefs, human traditions
and powerful geological forces
meet in the heart of Iceland.
Peningjagjá er áhugaverður staður á Íslandi sem vert er að heimsækja.