Alþingi Parliament House
Compact basalt Parliament House completed in 1881 and still serving as the home of Iceland’s Alþingi.
About Alþingi Parliament House
Alþingishúsið stands on Austurvöllur and was constructed in 1880–1881 from Icelandic basalt quarried at Skólavörðuholt. Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl designed the building. Four of Iceland’s traditional guardian spirits — a giant, bird, bull and dragon — appear in relief above its second-floor windows. Behind the building is Alþingisgarðurinn, Iceland’s oldest public garden.
Our practical tips
✓Look above the windows for the four Icelandic guardian spirits.
✓Walk around the building to see Alþingisgarðurinn behind it.
✓Combine the stop with Austurvöllur and Reykjavík Cathedral.
Getting there and visiting
Visit notes
Most casual visitors view Parliament House from Austurvöllur. Internal public access depends on parliamentary activity and current arrangements.