Althingishus (The Parliament House), Reykjavik

The Parliament House is one of the most historically and politically significant buildings in Reykjavík. Designed by Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl and completed in 1881, the building was constructed to house the Althingi, an institution first established in 930 AD and among the oldest parliamentary bodies in the world. Over the centuries, as meetings have been held here since 1884, the structure itself has been repurposed at different times—also housing the University of Iceland and the offices of the President—before focusing solely on parliamentary functions.

The building itself is modest in scale, reflecting Iceland’s preference for restraint. Constructed from hewn dolerite, a subvolcanic rock, it is one of the oldest stone buildings in the country. Its symmetrical, classical façade is enriched with the first major highlight: the Land Spirits reliefs. To find these, look specifically at the tympanums above the windows, which reveal Iceland’s four legendary protectors—a dragon, an eagle, a bull, and a giant—drawn from Norse tradition. On the north side, you can also spot the crown and crest of King Christian IX, linking the structure to Iceland’s period under Danish rule.

Inside, the parliament continues to function as the center of Iceland’s political life. The central debating chamber is located on the upper floor of the building, serving as the heart of the nation's legislative work. To find this highlight, visitors usually access the public gallery during sessions; it reveals the semi-circular seating where the Althingi convenes. Once you find yourself inside, look for the historic woodwork and the large windows that face out toward the square.

Beneath the main levels and behind the building lies a small garden, which represents the oldest public garden in Iceland. To find this highlight, walk around the side of the main stone structure to the rear of the property. Once you find yourself in this quiet space, look for the original 19th-century layout and the small pond once used as a peaceful retreat for parliamentarians.

Facing the building's entrance in Austurvöllur Square stands a bronze statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the revered leader of Iceland’s 19th-century independence movement.

Visitors should note that while the exterior is always accessible, interior access for the public is generally limited to scheduled tours or gallery sessions, so checking the session calendar ahead of time is advisable.