Almannagjá

Almannagjá is a spectacular gorge and rift valley located within the Þingvellir National Park in southwestern Iceland. It serves as a visible boundary of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are actively pulling apart at a rate of approximately two centimeters per year. The gorge extends for nearly 8 kilometers and is characterized by steep basaltic walls that rise dozens of meters above the valley floor. Historically, Almannagjá is of immense national importance as the site of the Alþingi, the oldest surviving parliament in the world, which first convened here in 930 AD. The Lögberg, or Law Rock, situated within the rift, was the focal point where laws were recited and major announcements were made to the gathered assembly. Geologically, the formation of the gorge is linked to a series of seismic events and volcanic activity that have shaped the Reykjanes peninsula over millennia. The Öxarárfoss waterfall cascades into the gorge, its course having been artificially diverted in the 10th century to provide water for the parliamentary gatherings. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for both its unique tectonic features and its deep cultural heritage.

Nearby cities

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.

Kópavogur

Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.

Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.

Hafnarfjörður

A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.

Keflavík

Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.

Garðabær

Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.

Selfoss

Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.

Akranes

Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.

Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.

Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.

Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)

Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.

Grindavík

Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Hveragerði

Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.

Hveragerði

Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall

Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.

Hvolsvöllur

A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.

Þingvellir

Iceland's historical heart and national park, where the world's oldest parliament was founded.

Nature

Þingvallavatn

Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland.

More places

Þingvellir

This is the site of the Alþingi, one of the oldest parliaments in the world, founded in 930.

Thingvellir National Park

The national park protects a unique ecosystem in the rift valley between tectonic plates.