The parliament at þingvellir

Iceland's þingvellir may feel as if it’s in the middle of nowhere, but 1,000 years ago it was the focal point of the country. For two weeks every summer Icelanders flooded into the valley to take part in or just watch the proceedings of the Alþingi (parliament).

Running the country

The position was perfect, with plenty of grazing land for horses, good tracks from the more populated parts of Iceland and a lake teeming with fish to feed the multitudes. Trading and socialising went on continuously while the leaders got on with the serious work of running the country. It was the job of the 36 chieftains from the various regions to agree on new laws, under the supervision of the ‘lawspeaker’. A Law Council, made up of four regional courts and a supreme court, dealt with infringements and disputes. Huge fines could be imposed and for the most serious crimes the offenders were outlawed from the country, but the system relied on the population to accept its authority voluntarily. It didn’t have the power to stop open warfare from breaking out when ­disputes couldn’t be resolved peacefully.

Increased power

From the mid-16th century the courts gained more power, and public executions took place. Men were beheaded, and women convicted of witchcraft or sexual offences were drowned in the river. Alþingi’s last meeting was held here in 1798. After that a national court and parliament was established in Reykjavík.

Like þingvellir? Explore the other fascinating sights of Iceland's southwest