Entry 2: June 26, 2008

Arguably the most historically significant place in Iceland is Þingvellier. Formerly property of an Icelandic citizen, the land was seized and given to the Commonwealth, which then took advantage of its central location and held the General Assembly there. This Assembly, also called the Alþing, was first called in 930. Each summer for two weeks local chieftains would ride to Þingvellier to hear the laws read, settle disputes, and socialize with one another. The Alþing is responsible for hosting numerous historical events in Iceland. In 1000, the entire country of Iceland was peacefully converted to Christianity at a meeting at the Alþing. And though the assembly lost its vigor when Iceland came under Danish rule national pride was revived when the declaration of independence was read at Þingvellier in 1944.

However, Þingvellier is more than just a historical hot spot; it is also full of natural beauty. It is the location of a rift valley caused by North American and Eurasian continental plates tearing apart. This rift spans the entire country but is most significant at Þingvellier where it is up to four kilometers wide. This breathtaking valley is also home to a large lake and a volcano to the northeast.

Þingvellier become a popular vacation spot for Icelanders which began to affect the landscape. In an attempt to protect the area, the Icelandic government, modeling the United States, created a national park at Þingvellier in 1930.

Entry 1: June 17, 2008

A striking feature that adds to the Icelandic landscape and has been on the island for nearly as long as the human inhabitants is the Icelandic horse. These rugged creatures are small in stature, which helps them better withstand the rough conditions where they live. They are also even tempered. The combination of these two elements has made them very reliable. Icelandic’s physical build and pleasant demeanor allowed people to use them are riding mounts, family companions, and work horses. They were even used in British coal mines.

There are many characteristics that distinguish this particular breed of horse from others around the world but there are two very important ones. First, the Icelandic horse is the purest breed in the world. In an attempt to stop the spread of equine diseases the Icelandic people banned the importation of horses to the island as well as prevented the return of horses that had left the country. Therefore the horses currently in Iceland have only been bred to other native horses. Unlike other breeds that have been crossed to perfect conformation and performance the Icelandic horses are pure and are the same as the first horses brought to the island.

Secondly, this breed possesses two additional gaits. The tolt, which is a “running walk”, is a very smooth, fast walk. The Icelandic horses’ fifth gate is rarely used because of its physical demand on both the horse and rider. Known as the flying pace, this gait is two beats and only used during racing. These special horses are not unlike the Icelandic people. Both have adapted and learned to live comfortably in their environment.