At Þingvellir, Alþing - general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. All major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir. Today Þingvellir is a national park where the protected area shall always be the property of the Icelandic nation, under the preservation of the Alþing.

Research has made it clear that Þingvellir is a natural wonder on a international scale, with the geologic history and the biosystem of Lake Þingvallavatn forming a unique entity. The faults and fissures of the area make evident the rifting of the earth's crust and the ecosystem of Lake Þingvallavatn is a perfect example of species evolution in nature.

The Convention conserning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, an international agreement adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO in 1972, was founded on the premise that certain placed on Earth are of outstanding universal value and as such should form part of the common heritage of humankind.

Þingvellir is one of the most frequently visited tourist sites in Iceland. Each year, thousands of visitors go there to become better acquainted with Iceland's greatest historical site and jewel of nature. Visitors can get interpretation on the history and nature of Þingvellir and find hiking trails, camping grounds in Þingvellir National Park.