Rebirth of the Althing

In the early 19th century, Iceland's political landscape shifted dramatically under Danish rule. In 1800, the Alþingi (Althing), Iceland’s centuries-old legislative and judicial assembly, was dissolved by Danish authorities. This marked the end of a historic institution that had governed Iceland since its foundation in 930. In its place, Denmark established a High Court in Reykjavík, which assumed the judicial responsibilities previously held by the Alþingi's Lögrétta, or law council. This High Court remained the highest judicial authority in Iceland until the establishment of the Supreme Court in 1920.

For nearly half a century, Iceland was without its traditional legislative assembly. However, in 1843, the Alþingi was reestablished as a consultative body, though it lacked the legislative power it once held. The new Alþingi, which first convened in 1845, was based in Reykjavík. Its creation was part of a broader wave of nationalism and reform sweeping Europe, and it signaled the beginning of Iceland’s own independence movement. Nationalists like Jón Sigurðsson, a key figure in the push for Icelandic autonomy, viewed the return of the Alþingi as a crucial step toward self-governance.

The reformed Alþingi consisted of 26 members, with 20 elected and six appointed by the Danish king. Although its powers were limited to advising the Crown, this reestablishment marked a key moment in Iceland’s gradual movement toward greater autonomy, which culminated in significant legislative powers being restored to the Alþingi in 1874. This period laid the foundation for Iceland’s eventual independence from Denmark in the 20th century.