Þingvellir

Þingvellir, written also as Thingvellir, is a national park and a rift valley in southwestern Iceland, about 40 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik. It is renowned as the site of the Alþingi, the Icelandic national parliament, established there in 930 CE.

Geography and geology: The landscape sits in the fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, a boundary within the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The rift forms steep walls such as the Almannagjá gorge, along with lava fields and crevices. The waterfall Öxarárfoss and the nearby lake Þingvallavatn are notable features.

History and culture: Þingvellir was the traditional assembly site for the Icelandic parliament for several centuries; the Law Rock, Lögberg, was where laws were proclaimed. The Alþingi continued there until 1798 when the assembly was discontinued, and a modern parliament was re-established in Reykjavik in 1845. The site remains a powerful symbol of Icelandic identity and democratic origins.

Protection and status: Þingvellir National Park was established in 1930 to protect the area, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 for its geological significance and historical importance. The park is a popular destination for visitors seeking both natural beauty and cultural history, with trails that pass through the rift valley and past Þingvallavatn.