reykjavik
Alþingi — Parliament of Iceland
About Alþingi — Parliament of Iceland
The Parliament House (Alþingishúsið) on Austurvöllur was designed by Ferdinand Meldahl and built 1881. The building is two storeys, built from black basalt and Icelandic stone, with a simple neoclassical facade. It houses the parliamentary chamber, committee rooms, offices and the parliamentary library. Alþingi has 63 members elected by proportional representation for 4-year terms. Iceland's political system is characterised by coalition governments, high voter turnout (85%+), and a culture of direct accessibility — MPs are famously approachable and the prime minister often bikes to work. The chamber is open to guided tours when not in session (book at althingi.is). The building is protected as a national heritage site.
🐉 The Smallest Parliament, The Oldest Democracy
For over 1,000 years Icelanders have gathered to argue, debate and govern themselves. Alþingi is the physical embodiment of that unbroken tradition.
📖 History of Alþingi — Parliament of Iceland
Alþingi founded 930 AD at Þingvellir, making it one of the world's oldest parliaments. Abolished 1800 under Danish rule, re-established 1845 in Reykjavík. Current building completed 1881. Iceland achieved home rule 1904, sovereignty 1918, full independence 1944. Women first elected to Alþingi 1922; today c. 48% of MPs are women.
💡 Did You Know?
Iceland's president doesn't live in a palace — Vigdís Finnbogadóttir (president 1980–1996) was famous for answering her own phone. Iceland's democracy is famously informal.
Key Facts
Founded 930 AD — one of world's oldest parliaments
Current building opened 1881
63 MPs elected by proportional representation
Women make up ~48% of MPs (one of highest rates globally)
Tours available when not in session
💎 Hidden Gems
The Parliamentary Library
The library inside Alþingi contains Iceland's legislative history dating back centuries — one of the tour highlights.
The MPs Walking to Work
Reykjavík is so small that MPs often walk or bike to Parliament. You'll see them in cafés around Austurvöllur having coffee before sessions.
🕐 Best Time
Book tour at althingi.is
🚗 Access
Austurvöllur square, central Reykjavík
⏱ Duration
1 hour
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit?▾
Yes — guided tours available when Parliament not in session. Book at althingi.is or call +354 563 0500.
How many MPs?▾
63 MPs elected by proportional representation. Coalition governments are the norm — no party has won an outright majority since 1927.
📍 GPS Location
Book a Tour to Alþingi — Parliament of Iceland
Find guided tours, day trips and activities. Compare prices and book instantly with free cancellation.
🌌 See the Northern Lights
Track real-time aurora activity and plan your Northern Lights trip with AuroraVision.