The Althing, an open-air assembly, which represented the whole of Iceland was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798. Located on an active volcanic site, the property includes Thingvellir National Park and the remains of the Althing itself.
This volcanic island approximately 32 km from the south coast of Iceland, is a new island formed by volcanic eruptions that took place from 1963 to 1967. Free from human interference, is has remained a pristine natural laboratory. Scientists studying the island have observed the arrival of seeds carried by ocean currents, the appearance of moulds, bacteria and fungi, followed in 1965 by the first vascular plant, of which there were 10 species by the end of the first decade. By 2004, they numbered 60 together with 75 bryophytes, 71 lichens and 24 fungi. Eighty-nine species of birds have been recorded on Surtsey, 57 of which breed elsewhere in Iceland. The 141 ha island is also home to 335 species of invertebrates.
This volcanic region covers nearly 14% of Iceland's territory, 1,400,000 ha. Volcanic areas are home to endemic groundwater fauna that has survived the Ice Age.
Last updated: August 19, 2021