"The First Parlament between Europe and America" Þingvellir by Cristian_Uluru

Þingvellir Travel Guide: 62 reviews and 313 photos

From 930, when people found Alping, Pingvellir (Plain of Assembly) is the most important historical place in Iceland. Nowhere in the world the break between the European clod and the North-american one is so evident. The wide plain is full of fissures and forests. In this plain there are canyons, caves, river, lakes and waterfalls. Near Pingvellir there is the biggest lake of Iceland: Pingvallavatn (84 km^2). In 1928 Pingvellir became National Park and you can find a lot of house of the people that leave Reykjavik during weekend. All historical place are situated in a small area and outside them there are a lot of paths carry you in the most important natural place.

History

Pingvellir

Sons of Ingolfur Arnarson, the first tenant farmer of Iceland, founded Alping in Pingvellir. The decided to found it here because the Almannagja fissure is an ideal place where people and legislator can speak about the laws of Iceland. The Alping was the most important event during summer season. In Pingvellir Iceland people decide to accept the Christian religion, to found Holar and Skalholt. In Pingvellir in 1262 Iceland lose the war against Norway and the Alping lose his autority. The Alping borned again in 1843 when Iceland became independent. In 1874 Christian IX King of Danmark was the first king to participate to the assembly and a lot of people came to see him. The 17th June 1944 more than 30000 people came to Pingvellir to celebrate the born of the Repubblic of Iceland.

Last visit to Þingvellir: Aug 2004
Intro Updated Oct 3, 2004
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Reviews (3)

Oxarafoss Things to Do (3)

Oxarafoss waterfall was create by people that diverted the Oxarar River. People thought that so the landscape was more... more travel advice

Pingvallakirkja Things to Do (3)

Pingvallakirkja is one of the first church build in Iceland and it is consacrate by the Norvegian bishop Bjarnhardur.... more travel advice

Almannagja Things to Do (3)

Almannagja is the most deep gorge of Pingvallir situate between Karastadastigur and Oxararfoss watarfall. There is a big... more travel advice

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Comments (4)

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Nemorino Oct 8, 2011 at 3:40 AM

Nice photos of this beautiful rugged area in Iceland.
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jumpingnorman Mar 9, 2009 at 11:54 PM

The waterfalls in Iceland are just stunning!
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Ekahau Jul 7, 2007 at 12:37 PM

Cristian --This is very interesting History
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ginte Sep 23, 2005 at 10:12 AM

Nice page on Unesco site. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes from Lithuania!