Thingvellir is the ancient seat of the Icelandic parliament (established in the year 930). This is the place where the settlers of the country met each year to ponder the law and settle disputes in the Commonwealth, which had no king or other ruler in the period from 874 to the 13th century.
It is a site of considerable beauty, especially in autumn colours. The area is a national park and has a special status in Icelandic culture.