The Althing and Þingvellir
The Althing was founded at Þingvellir in 930 and is one of the oldest parliaments in the world still in operation. Þingvellir is the most sacred place of the Icelandic nation – the scene of the greatest events in its history, a national park since 1930 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.
The founding of the Althing
Around 930 it was decided to establish a general assembly for the whole country. Úlfljótur was sent to Norway to study the law, and on that basis the Úlfljótur laws were drawn up. Grímur geitskör travelled around the country to find a site for the assembly, and Bláskógar, later Þingvellir, was chosen. The site was central for the most populous districts, had plenty of water, grazing and firewood, and its natural setting was well suited to an assembly.
Assemblies at Þingvellir
The Althing met for two weeks each June. Members and their followers stayed in booths – turf walls roofed with tents. The remains of about 50 booths can still be seen. At the Law Rock (Lögberg) the lawspeaker recited the law, and announcements and pleadings were made. The Althing was also an important social gathering: people met to trade, arrange marriages, exchange news and enjoy themselves.
After the country came under the king, the role of the Althing changed and it became primarily a court. The Althing met at Þingvellir for the last time in 1798 and was abolished by royal decree in 1800. It was replaced by the High Court in Reykjavík.
Restoration and the Parliament House
After campaigning by Icelanders, the Althing was restored as an advisory assembly by royal decree in 1843 and first met in Reykjavík on 1 July 1845. With the constitution of 1874 it gained legislative power. The Parliament House on Austurvöllur was completed in 1881. It was built of Icelandic dolerite and designed by the Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl. The Althing had two chambers until 1991, when it became a single chamber.
The Althing today
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of members | 63 |
| Constituencies | 6: Reykjavík North and South, Southwest, Northwest, Northeast, South |
| Term | 4 years |
| Voting age | 18 |
| Speaker | Elected by the members |
| Women's suffrage | 1915 (initially 40 and over), equal rights 1920 |
The Althing holds legislative power in a parliamentary republic. The government governs with the support of a parliamentary majority. Sessions are open to the public and broadcast live.
Þingvellir as a national park
Þingvellir was protected as "a sacred place of all Icelanders" in 1928, and the national park was founded in 1930, on the thousandth anniversary of the Althing. Þingvellir is also geologically unique, as it shows how the North American and Eurasian plates are moving apart. Almannagjá, Peningagjá, the Öxarárfoss waterfall and Lake Þingvallavatn are among its main features. Þingvellir was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004.
Great events at Þingvellir
- 930 – The Althing founded.
- 999/1000 – Christianity adopted by law.
- 1874 – Festival celebrating a thousand years of settlement; Christian IX becomes the first king to visit Iceland.
- 1930 – The Althing Millennial Festival.
- 17 June 1944 – The republic founded.
- 1974 – 1,100 years of settlement celebrated.
- 1994 and 2000 – Celebrations of 50 years of the republic and 1,000 years of Christianity.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Althing the oldest parliament in the world?
The Althing is one of the oldest national parliaments still in operation, founded in 930. Tynwald on the Isle of Man and the Faroese Løgting also claim great age.
How many members does the Althing have?
The Althing has 63 members elected from six constituencies for four years.
When did Þingvellir become a national park?
Þingvellir National Park was founded in 1930 and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004.