This is the plain of Þingvellir (Congress Courts). It was here in 930 that the Icelandic Parliament or Alþingi, was established, making it the oldest parliament in the world (sorry England). The first proceedings laid the foundations for a common cultural heritage and national identity. Once a year chieftains from all over the island would meet to make laws and settle disputes on the banks of the Öxará River. In the center of this image you can see a hotel which sits on the site of the Lögberg (Law Rock). This was the focal point of the Alþingi where Parliament met to hear speeches and debate issues. Parliament transferred to Reykjavik at the end of the 18th century but did meet at Þingvellir one last time in 1944 where Iceland declared its independence from Denmark. This was particularly advantagous for Iceland since Denmark was occupied by the Nazis at the time. To their credit, the Danes accepted the declaration with good grace. Þingvellir is also the site of the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is here where the North American and Eurasian Plates meet and can be clearly seen in the many faults that cover the region. The largest one, Almannagjá, can be seen in the lower left of this image. A national park encompassing the area was created in 1928. It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.