Grundvallarstefnu

Grundvallarstefnu, also known as the Grundvalla Charter, is a significant document in Icelandic history. It was signed on June 17, 1262, by the Icelandic Common Law, a group of Icelandic chieftains and bishops, and King Haakon IV of Norway. The charter is named after the Grundvalla farm in the Skagafjörður region of Iceland, where it was signed.

The Grundvalla Charter is a pivotal document in Icelandic history as it marked the beginning of the establishment of the Althing, the Icelandic parliament, which would later become a model for democratic governance. The charter granted the Icelanders a degree of self-governance and autonomy, allowing them to elect their own representatives and make laws without interference from the Norwegian king.

The charter also established the rights of the Icelanders to free trade and the protection of their laws by the Norwegian king. It is considered one of the earliest examples of a written constitution and a significant step towards the development of democratic principles in Europe.

The Grundvalla Charter is preserved in the National Archives of Iceland and is a symbol of Icelandic independence and self-governance. It is celebrated annually on June 17, the anniversary of its signing, and is an important part of Icelandic national identity.