Þingvellir, anglicised as Thingvellir, is a beautiful national park in the municipality of Bláskógabyggð in southwestern Iceland, about 40 kilometers northeast of Iceland's capital, Reykjavík. Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological significance, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. The park lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. To its south lies Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland.
Þingvellir is associated with the Althing, the national parliament of Iceland, which was established at the site in 930 AD. Sessions were held at the location until 1798.
Þingvellir National Park (þjóðgarðurinn á Þingvöllum) was founded in 1930, marking the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. The park was later expanded to protect the diverse and natural phenomena in the surrounding area, and was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2004.
Information from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Eingvellir
Tags: Iceland Ísland Southern Region Suðurland Þingvellir Thingvellir Þingvellir National Park Bláskógabyggð UNESCO UNESCO World Heritage Sites Waterfalls National Parks Landscapes Europe Europa Northern Europe Nordic Countries IS
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Hallgrímskirkja, or church of Hallgrímur, is a Lutheran (Church of Iceland) parish church in Reykjavík, Iceland. At 244 feet (74.5 meters) high, it is the largest church in Iceland and among the tallest structures in the country. The church is named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614–1674), author of the Passion Hymns.
Designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, the church was founded in 1945 and completed in 1986. Stunning views of the city can be enjoyed from its clock and bell tower, as seen here.
Information from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallgr%C3%ADmskirkja
Tags: Iceland Ísland Europe Europa Capital Region Greater Reykjavik Greater Reykjavík Höfuðborgarsvæðið Reykjavik Reykjavík Landscapes Downtowns Northern Europe Nordic Countries IS
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As seen from the region of Höfuðborgarsvæðið between Reykjavík and Þingvellir National Park in the neighboring Suðurland Region
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Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It is located in the southwestern corner of the island nation, on the southern shore of Faxa Bay. Its latitude is 64°08' N, making it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. With a population of around 123,300 (and over 216,940 in the Capital Region), it is the heart of Iceland's cultural, economic and governmental activity, and is a popular tourist destination.
Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, which, according to Ingólfr Arnarson, was established in AD 874. Until the 19th century, there was no urban development in the city location. The city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the following decades, as it transformed into a regional and later national center of commerce, population, and governmental activities. It is among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.
Information from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reykjav%C3%ADk
Tags: Iceland Ísland Europe Europa Capital Region Greater Reykjavik Greater Reykjavík Höfuðborgarsvæðið Reykjavik Reykjavík Northern Europe Nordic Countries IS
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The Blue Lagoon (Bláa lónið in Icelandic) geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland in a location favorable for Geothermal power. It is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station. Bláa lónið is situated approximately 12 miles (20 kilometers) from the Keflavík International Airport and 24 miles (39 kilometers) from the capital city of Reykjavík, roughly a 21-minute drive from the airport and a 50-minute drive from Reykjavík.
Information from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Lagoon_(geothermal_spa)
Tags: Iceland Ísland Southern Peninsula Suðurnes Reykjanesskagi Reykjanes Region Blue Lagoon Bláa lónið Landscapes Europe Europa Northern Europe Nordic Countries IS
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