Þingvellir National park is interesting from many points of view, history, geology and ecology to name three perspectives. Þingvellir plays a major role in the history of Iceland and is in fact a cultural treasure on a global level concerning the history of democracy as such. The name Þingvellir refers to the old parliament established there circa 930, during an era when Europe was a continent of monarchs. Before the general assembly was established, district assemblies operated in the different regions of the island. Appointed representatives from all regions would take part in legislative and juristic acts at the assemblies in Þingvellir. The assemblies were held there for almost 900 years, with the last one held in 1798. 

In 1928, the parliament of Iceland, Alþingi, passed a law declaring Þingvellir a protected area that should be governed and preserved by Alþingi, and forever remain in ownership of the Icelandic nation. Two years later, in 1930, the National Park was founded, which was the first national park in Iceland. In July 2004, Þingvellir was designated by UNECO as a world heritage site of cultural importance.