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'''Þingvellir''' (: 'parliament', ''vellir'': 'plains') is a place in the southwest of Iceland near the peninsula of Reykjanes and the Hengill volcanic area.
The valley is one of the most important places in Icelandic history. In the year 930, the ''Alþingi'', one of the oldest parliamentary institutions of the world, was founded here. The ''Alþingi'' met yearly, where the Lawspeaker recited the law to all of the gathered people and decided disputes as well. Criminals were also punished at these assemblies; to this day, visitors can see the ''Drekkingarhylur'' ('drowning pool') in the river, where female lawbreakers were drowned.


In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that, upon returning from the ''Alþingi'', Þorgeir then threw his statues of the old Norse gods into the waterfall that is now named ''Goðafoss'' ('Waterfall of the Gods'). At this historical place, the independence of the Republic of Iceland was proclaimed on June 17, 1944.

''Þingvellir'' became a national park in 1928 due to its historical importance, as well as the special tectonic and volcanic environment. The continental drift can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which are traversing the region, the biggest one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. This causes also the often measurable earthquakes in the area, see [1]. Some of the rifts are full of surprisingly clear water. One, ''Nikulásargjá'', is better known as ''Peningagjá'' ('penny canyon'), as it is littered with coins at its bottom. Throw in a coin, make a wish, and watch the coin carefully; legend has it that if you can see your coin hit the bottom it will come true.
''Þingvellir'' is situated on the northern shore of ''Þingvallavatn'' ('assembly plains lake'), the biggest lake of Iceland. The river ''Öxará'' traverses the national park and forms a waterfall at the ''Almannagjá'', called ''Öxaráfoss''. Together with the waterfall Gullfoss and the geysirs of Haukadalur, ''Þingvellir'' is part of the most famous sights of Iceland, the Golden Circle.
The park is also home to the summer residence of the Prime Minister of Iceland.
''Þingvellir'' is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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External links

External links

★ Official website

★ Photos from www.islandsmyndir.is

★ Photo

★ painting 1 by A. Jónsson

★ painting 2 by A. Jónsson

★ Andy Carvin's Thingvellir Gallery

★ Photos from www.icelandportfolio.com