Back in the 800's, Iceland was settled, and as it grew, they came together to create laws and a government. They would meet at Pingvellir annually and read the laws to the citizenry, work out problems, and socialize. They were of the opinion that problems should be solved by talking, and for many years, that was how they did it. As always happens, however, someone gets stubborn, and it falls apart. Generally, however, it worked.
Pingvellir celebrates the heritage by allowing visitors to see where the meetings were held. It is a fascinating area, complete with a gorgeous waterfall,
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Water was diverted here so that it would be used for the annual meetings
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a fissure that is the place where two tectonic plates are up against each other and where the plates are spreading 2 cm per year,
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| Yes, that is a walkway in the fissure |
and beautiful views of the valley and the church below.
We understand a lot more about the Icelanders now, and had a wonderful walk learning about them.
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