Razgledajte arhitekturu u centru (Alþingi, Dómkirkjan)

About

Quick facts: Iceland's parliament, Alþingi, is one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world, established in 930 AD at Þingvellir before moving to this Reykjavík building in 1881. Nearby Dómkirkjan, the cathedral, seats just 400 people and was the site of Iceland's conversion to Lutheranism in 1550.

Highlights: Alþingi's current building was carved from local dolerite stone by Icelandic masons, giving it a somber gray face that stands in deliberate contrast to the colorful wooden houses surrounding it. On summer solstice, the midnight sun pours through Dómkirkjan's stained glass windows, casting kaleidoscopic patterns across the simple white pews that have held worshippers since 1796.

Insider tips

• Arrive when Dómkirkjan opens at 10 AM to experience the organ practice sessions, often Bach preludes echoing through the nave.
• Look for the small bronze plaque on Alþingi's wall marking where Iceland declared independence in 1944.
• The grass hill sloping behind Alþingi is a perfect spot for a quiet picnic with a view of both buildings.
• Skip the interior of Alþingi on weekdays during parliamentary sessions unless you enjoy watching politicians debate in Icelandic.

More attractions in Reykjavík

Hallgrímskirkja

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Sun Voyager (Sólfar)

Perlan (The Pearl)