Iceland is well-known for its stunning natural landscapes and hot springs; however, once you arrive in this fantastic country, never limit yourself to the natural sights.
Iceland also has an unparalleled history, distinct culture, and a unique tradition of democracy. The local parliament likely embodies all three of these aspects. Thus, it is 100% worth to visit Þingvellir with a campervan from Campervan Reykjavik to explore these aspects from different sides. Be sure that the information you will receive after your short trip to the local parliament will impress you. We will unveil some of the details in this brief review without spoiling the most interesting and stunning facts about this exceptional place.
Origins of the Althing Assembly
The Althing is the local Iceland’s parliament. It is categorized as one of the oldest surviving parliaments in the world, having been formed in 930 AD! It was initially created as an outdoor assembly where chiefs and people gathered to discuss and enact laws, resolve disputes, and settle all other matters related to life in the Icelandic Commonwealth. It was created in the form of an amphitheater, making it perfect for hosting large numbers of people.
Over the centuries, the Icelandic parliament has faced numerous challenging times and many changes in its structure and functions. In particular, it has lost its judicial powers and nowadays concentrates primarily on legislative work.
Where is Althing?
The capital city of Iceland, Reykjavík, hosts the building of the country’s assembly, the Althing. It is located at Austurvöllur square, where it has been since the 19th century. If you want to visit this amazing place, there will be no difficulties at this point. It is situated in the city center. Notably, historically, the oldest parliament in history was situated not far away from its current location, in Þingvellir (Thingvellir). We will share with you more details about this place shortly.
Þingvellir: Cradle of the World’s Oldest Parliament
As you may guess, this is no longer a functional parliament but a historical site located not far from the capital city. The distance from Reykjavík is only 45 kilometers (around 28 miles). Now, this is a national park that is open to visitors who want to immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural heritage of Iceland.
The Thingvellir parliament is an ancient open-air assembly that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its significant historical and cultural importance. No wonder here. Once again, this is the oldest parliament in the world that has survived, can you imagine that?
Comparatively not so long ago, considering the large historical perspective, Þingvellir (Thingvellir) played a pivotal role in Iceland’s declaration of independence. It was proclaimed in 1944 and marked the completion of Denmark’s rule over Icelandic territories. Let’s bring extra details about this important chapter in the life of this amazing country.
Iceland during Monarchical Rule
Many people have become accustomed to speaking about Iceland as an independent state. Few people know the history of this amazing country deeply. In fact, Iceland was governed by Norway and then Denmark for many centuries!
A surprising fact is that Iceland was independent until 1262, when it entered into a union treaty with the Norwegian monarchy. In the late 14th century, Norway and Denmark created another union which Iceland joined automatically. In 1845, the Icelandic parliament, Alþingi, was reestablished and regained its powers as an advisory body to the Danish crown.
In 1865, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden formalized one more union that was called Scandinavia and was governed by King Christian I at that time. However, Iceland never opted for any of these unions voluntarily, which was among the factors that ultimately led to its future campaign for independence.
Iceland’s Journey to Independence
Nationalist movements across Europe overall marked the 19th century. It also touched Iceland, which strived to get much greater autonomy first. As a result, in 1845, the Althing (Iceland’s parliament) was restored as a consultative assembly. In 1874, the country gained its own constitution.
1904 marked another milestone in the history of this amazing state, related to establishing its home rule and becoming the Kingdom of Iceland. This new format envisaged a sovereign country co-existing in union with Denmark. Practically, this shift implied the independence of Iceland but the protectorate of the Danish monarch at the same time.
The Danish influence was over in 1940 when Germany occupied Denmark. Iceland, on its part, took control over all its affairs and held a referendum in 1944 to irrevocably vote for its independence.
Developments Following Independence
After finally proclaiming its full independence in 1944, Iceland underwent remarkable social and economic transformations. In particular, the country emphasized fisheries and power production, making them pillars of the local economy. Iceland has also leveraged its strategic location by entering into numerous treaties, including the world-renowned military alliance – NATO, which it joined in 1949.
Nowadays, Iceland is a republic with all of its attributes, including a parliament. It now has formalized a multi-party system with various political parties represented in its general assembly, the Althing.
Parliament Relocation to Reykjavik
This event took place in 1881. The Icelandic general assembly made a transition from the Thingvellir parliament to the new Parliament building located in Reykjavik. Thus, a movement was made to solidify the country’s efforts for greater autonomy and unite the forces interested in this endeavour.
The Reykjavik Parliament Building
The building of the Iceland parliament is ranked not only among the oldest across the globe. It is also among the most elegant ones. It was designed by the Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl and was entirely made of Icelandic stone. The outer surface of the modern assembly looks stunning because of the numerous intricate decorative elements, including the national guardian spirits of Iceland: a giant, a dragon, a great bird, and a bull.
The initial building of the assembly was accompanied by two additional ones: the Rotunda and Skálinn, built in 1908 and 2002, respectively. Behind the Icelandic parliament building, members of the parliament and guests may also enjoy walking through a small yet stunning garden. It is among the oldest ones in the entire country, by the way.
Bottom Line
The Iceland parliament is one of the most astonishing places of its kind. It has a rich history and numerous legends associated with it.
Visit this unparalleled location during your trip to Reykjavik. It will be no less impressive than any of the hot springs that are also very worthy to see and feel on your own! Explore the numerous exclusive locations across Iceland, which are abundant.