Lögberg, Basalt cliff at Þingvellir National Park, Iceland.
Lögberg is a basalt cliff within the Almanagjá fault in Þingvellir National Park, featuring distinct geological layers created by tectonic movement. The rock formation marks a prominent location in this rift valley landscape, where the ground opens along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
From 930 to 1262, this location served as the gathering site for Iceland's Althing parliament, where major decisions shaped the young nation. The Lawspeaker would announce laws and rulings from the cliff to crowds below.
The cliff served as a gathering place where Icelanders came together to make important decisions and shape their laws. These assemblies became central to how Icelanders understood themselves and their approach to shared decision-making.
A marked trail leads visitors through the national park to reach the site, with informational signs explaining the location's significance. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the ground can be uneven, and weather changes quickly in this exposed location.
Experts continue to discuss which of two possible locations represents the original assembly site, as the rift valley has shifted over centuries. This ongoing debate keeps research and interpretation of the area dynamic and evolving.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
