Thingvellir

Þingvellir lies in a rift valley beside Þingvallavatn, where cliffs and fissures mark the meeting of the North American and Eurasian plates. From 930 it was the gathering place of the Alþing, Iceland's general assembly. Chieftains and their followers came from across the island to settle disputes, hear the law and exchange news. Temporary booths of turf and stone sheltered visitors during the meeting.

The assembly continued to meet here after Iceland came under Norwegian and later Danish rule, although royal authority gradually narrowed its powers. The Law Council moved its meeting place as the river Öxará changed course, and in 1594 gathered at the foot of the Law Rock. The last Alþing session at Þingvellir was held in 1798, ending a tradition of gatherings that had lasted for centuries.