Alþingi (Parliament of Iceland)

Background

History & Background

The Alþingi parliament was originally founded in 930 at Þingvellir, making it one of the oldest parliaments in the world. Early Icelandic leaders gathered there each summer to create laws and resolve disputes. In 1845 the parliament was re-established in Reykjavik after several centuries of Danish rule. The current Alþingi building at Austurvöllur square was completed in 1881 and has served as the seat of Iceland’s parliament ever since.

Alþingi, the Parliament of Iceland, is one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world. It traces its origins back to the year 930 when Icelandic leaders gathered at Þingvellir to create laws and resolve disputes. Today the parliament sits in a historic stone building at Austurvöllur square in the center of Reykjavik. The building, completed in 1881, was constructed from Icelandic dolerite stone and remains the heart of Iceland’s political life. Visitors exploring downtown Reykjavik often stop by Alþingi to see the historic parliament building and the statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the leader of Iceland’s independence movement. The surrounding Austurvöllur square is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.