Our last big hurrah in Iceland was visiting Thingvellir National Park. This proved to be probably our favorite attraction, due to the immense amount of history associated with the place. First of all, it's gorgeous. It's also historical, important in social, cultural, and geographic ways. It was the seat of Viking parliament, Althing, from 930 AD to 1798. Which is a long time. The park itself was founded on the 1,000 anniversary of Althing, or 1930, and it became a World Heritage Site in 2004.
This is a vista across the land, showing part of the rifts that line the valley. The views go on for as long as one can see, even on such a small island.
Here is Logberg, or Law Rock. It is where Viking lawmakers announced their decisions on cases, using the natural amphitheater created by the rocks to thunder their voices down on the people.
Do you need to drown a woman? Then come to Drekkingarhylur, the drowning pool for all your drowning needs. Apparently, up until the 18th century, a woman found guilty of adultery, incest, or murder (often of infants), were tied in sacks and drowned right here. Sometimes a woman was tied up and placed on a rock on one side while someone else (obviously a man) stood on the other, holding a rope to the woman, and pulled her into the water until she died. It's great to be a girl.
It wouldn't be Iceland without a gorgeous waterfall. This is Oxarafoss, on the Oxara river. It is a bit of a hike up into the rift above the valley, and just spectacular.
This demonstrates what I'll call classic Iceland. Lava rock, lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers, small mountains, water everywhere, and pine trees. It's all there.
This is a vista across the land, showing part of the rifts that line the valley. The views go on for as long as one can see, even on such a small island.
Here is Logberg, or Law Rock. It is where Viking lawmakers announced their decisions on cases, using the natural amphitheater created by the rocks to thunder their voices down on the people.
Do you need to drown a woman? Then come to Drekkingarhylur, the drowning pool for all your drowning needs. Apparently, up until the 18th century, a woman found guilty of adultery, incest, or murder (often of infants), were tied in sacks and drowned right here. Sometimes a woman was tied up and placed on a rock on one side while someone else (obviously a man) stood on the other, holding a rope to the woman, and pulled her into the water until she died. It's great to be a girl.
It wouldn't be Iceland without a gorgeous waterfall. This is Oxarafoss, on the Oxara river. It is a bit of a hike up into the rift above the valley, and just spectacular.
This demonstrates what I'll call classic Iceland. Lava rock, lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers, small mountains, water everywhere, and pine trees. It's all there.
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