Iceland is home to the first parliament in Europe. In the year 930 AD, the first Parliament, known as Althingi, met in what is now Thingvellir National Park. In fact, the word 'Thingvellir' translates into 'Parliament Plains'.

Every year Icelanders from across the island met for two weeks in June, around the summer solstice. During these sessions the country's leaders created laws and served justice. The elected, 'speaker' of Althingi, served three year terms and was required to memorize all of the laws. He stood with his back to a massive stone known as the 'Law Rock. '

This site is located along Öxará, which translates into 'Axe River'. The location is believed to have been chosen do to its proximity to Thingvellir Lake, which is Iceland's largest and is teeming with fish and other wildlife. In 1798, the last Althingi took place in Thingvellir before it was disbanded in 1800. Today, this area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Iceland still refers to their parliament as the Althingi.