Land & Saga

Beschreibung

Iceland is unique in many ways among the nations of the world. Situated at the intersection of continents, it is a land of volcanic eruptions, as well as glaciers and the northern lights. This youngest landmass on Earth, a place of dramatic natural beauty, is in constant transformation, and so too is its nation—its culture, history, and natural forces are of such diversity that they can only be described as extraordinary.

The history of Iceland is one of major events, starting with the settlement of the land by Ingólfur Arnarson and Hallveig Hródmarsdóttir in 874. At Thingvellir, the Althingi, the world’s first parliament, was founded in 930, and Christianity was adopted as the national religion in the year 1000. A central church was built at Skálholt in the 11th century. Reykjavík gained municipal rights in 1786 and became the capital. The Althingi parliament building was erected at Austurvöllur in 1882, near where the first cathedral was built. The nation achieved freedom with home rule in 1904, sovereignty in 1918, and full independence in 1944 during World War II, ushering Iceland into modernity.

The fishing industry flourished, and the nation secured its territorial waters in the heroic cod wars from 1958 to 1976. Hallgrímskirkja, one of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks, was built on Skólavörduholt, and Christ the King Cathedral at Landakot—home to the only basilica in the Nordic countries—was completed.

This exquisite book provides a glimpse into Iceland’s remarkable history, exploring the people, events, and issues that defined its path. It also takes readers on a journey to extraordinary art museums in Reykjavík and across Iceland. The book traverses the countryside, visiting the regions of the West, the Westfjords, the North, the East, the South, and the Reykjanes Peninsula. It celebrates the magical, untouched, and unique highlands and examines towns and villages, their unique characteristics, architecture, and history.