Thingvellir

The site that have the most of historical, cultural and geological importance in Iceland is without a doubt Þingvellir. No single place epitomizes the history of Iceland and the Icelandic nation better than Þingvellir, The Parliament Plains.

Þingvellir National Park was founded in 1930, it was the first national park in Iceland.    It was done to protect the remains of the parliament site and the natural phenomena in the surrounding area. Þingvellir is the site of a rift valley and home to Þingvallavatn which is the largest natural lake in Iceland.

Alþingi (Parliament) was established at Þingvellir in the 930 and remained there until 1789. This laid the foundation for the Icelandic Commonwealth, which was mainly  controlled by Goðar (chieftains) with some participation by ordinary people. Þingvellir was a meeting place for everyone in Iceland, laying the foundation for the language and literature that have been a permanent part of the peoples lives till this day