Alþingishúsið, Parliament building in central Reykjavík, Iceland.
Alþingishúsið is the parliament building in Reykjavík, constructed in gray diabase stone with neoclassical design. It sits beside Austurvöllur square and houses the main debating chamber along with additional parliamentary offices in adjoining structures.
The building was completed in 1881 under Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl's direction. It marked Iceland's advancement toward modern parliamentary governance and democratic representation.
The building displays four beings from ancient Icelandic tradition in its window reliefs: a dragon, an eagle, a giant, and a bull. These figures reflect beliefs that have remained part of Iceland's identity for centuries.
The building sits in central Reykjavík and is easily reached on foot. The area around the square is straightforward to explore, with many other museums and shops nearby.
Between 1911 and 1940, the building served as home to the National Library, National Gallery, and University of Iceland. This varied use made it a cultural hub before each institution moved to separate facilities.
Location: Reykjavík
Inception: 1881
Architects: Ferdinand Meldahl
Made from material: diabase
Address: 14 Kirkjustræti, 101 Reykjavík
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00-17:00; Friday 14:00-16:00
Phone: +3545630500
Website: https://althingi.is
GPS coordinates: 64.14667,-21.94028
Latest update: December 16, 2025 15:15
Europe brings together signs of the past that tell thousands of years of human history. From Greek temples on the Acropolis in Athens to Roman arenas at the Colosseum, from the stone structures of Stonehenge to Renaissance palaces, each era has left buildings that still speak today. These sites help...
Hallgrímskirkja
852 m
Icelandic Phallological Museum
297 m
Harpa
551 m
The Sun Voyager
881 m
National and University Library of Iceland
661 m
Reykjavík Cathedral
45 m
Statue of Leif Erikson
787 m
National Museum of Iceland
653 m
Austurvöllur
61 m
Landakotskirkja
411 m
Reykjavik Art Museum
267 m
Culture House
397 m
National Theatre of Iceland
424 m
Reykjavík 871±2
143 m
Ráðhús Reykjavíkur
132 m
Reykjavik Maritime Museum
837 m
Reykjavík Municipal Archives
309 m
Arnarhóll
334 m
Fríkirkjuvegur 11
354 m
Embassy of Germany, Reykjavík
468 m
University of Iceland Main Building
808 m
Reykjavík Ingólfsgarði Lighthouse
713 m
Reykjavík Norðurgarði Lighthouse
790 m
Þúfa
895 m
Hafnarhús
260 m
National Theatre of Iceland
424 m
Icelandic tree of the year 1994
143 m
Icelandic tree of the year 1999
196 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes