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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
