Alþingishúsið is Iceland's parliament building — a relatively modest two-storey basalt-and-rhyolite stone house on Austurvöllur square completed in 1881, housing the Alþingi (one of the oldest parliaments in the world, founded in 930 AD at Þingvellir and moved to Reykjavik in 1844 after centuries of Danish rule). The building's restrained Neoclassical design reflects the pragmatic modesty that Icelanders prize in their institutions — the parliament has 63 MPs, works part-time, and is still approachable enough that Icelanders routinely protest on the square outside.
The flower garden behind the parliament (Alþingisgarðurinn) is Iceland's first public garden, opened in 1895, and contains a statue of Hannes Hafstein (Iceland's first prime minister). The square in front, Austurvöllur, centres on a statue of Jón Sigurðsson (Iceland's 19th-century independence hero) and is used for the annual Independence Day celebrations on 17 June.
Verified Facts
The parliament building was completed in 1881
The Alþingi was founded in 930 AD at Þingvellir
The parliament moved to Reykjavik in 1844
The Alþingi has 63 MPs
Get walking directions
Austurvöllur, Reykjavik
