Althing's Parliament House in Reykjavik has a history that reaches from its building to its parliamentary use, with visitors able to watch parliament.
The building on Austurvollur
Althingi's Parliament House stands on Austurvollur square in Reykjavik.
The Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl designed Althingi's Parliament House.
The building was built of hewn basalt from Skolavorduholt hill, the site of the present Hallgrimskirkja church.
Over four of the second-floor windows, Iceland's guardian spirits are shown in low relief.
The guardian spirits are a giant, a great bird, a bull and a dragon.
The garden of Althingi's Parliament House is Iceland's oldest public garden.
From Thingvellir to Reykjavik
The assembly was established at Thingvellir in 930.
Since Parliament House was inaugurated, all meetings of Althingi have been held there, except ceremonial meetings held at Thingvellir.
Thingvellir is the site of the ancient Althingi.
Watching parliament
Meetings of Althingi can be observed from the public gallery.
Meetings of Althingi are also broadcast on TV and on the Internet.
The gallery entrance of Althingi's Parliament House is on the east side of the building.
Use the Weather Forecast to help plan your trip.
Comparing Reykjavik tours
You can compare Reykjavik tours to see the current options at Reykjavik tours.
