PLACES IN ICELAND

HISTORICAL PLACES IN ICELAND

Ever since Iceland became inhabited history has been an essential part of our culture. Many of you may recognize the Sagas that are the foundation of our heritage. Due to the seclusion of the island it was more or less cut of from the mainland for centuries. Boat trips where few and far between. This meant that many of our characteristics remained untouched through centuries, our language, traditions and ways of life. Even our animals kept certain trades that are now lost to the rest of the world.

Many places therefore have historical importance ranging back as far as to the first settlers. Their memory has been preserved either through the Sagas or as national treasures. Thingvellir is the home of the oldest parliament in the world. For centuries it served as the main meeting place for the whole country, the main court was formed and set there, people came to settle claims and matters, new laws were passed there, to trade and bear news from other parts of the country.

Many places are also connected to the Sagas, such as Reykholt, the home of Snorri Sturluson. A famous writer of his time (and still today) and lawyer, a chieftain and some might say a hero.