History Timeline
Key events in Iceland's history — from settlement to modern times
Settlement — Ingólfur Arnarson arrives in Reykjavík
The Norse chieftain threw his high-seat pillars and settled where they washed ashore.
Alþingi founded at Þingvellir — world's oldest parliament
The assembly met annually for two weeks. Law Rock was the center of law and judgment.
Christianity adopted — peacefully
Law-speaker Þorgeir ruled that Icelanders should adopt Christianity to avoid civil war.
Old Covenant — Iceland submits to Norwegian king
End of the commonwealth. The king promised law and peace.
Iceland falls under Denmark with Norway
The Kalmar Union unites the Nordics under one king.
Reformation — Lutheranism adopted
The last Catholic bishop, Jón Arason, was beheaded with his sons.
Skaftá fires — largest eruption in Iceland's history
Laki fissures erupted for 8 months. ~20–25% of the nation died from famine and poisoning.
Alþingi re-established as advisory assembly
Jón Sigurðsson led the independence movement. The assembly reconvened in Reykjavík.
Millennium celebration — first Icelandic constitution
Iceland received a limited constitution from Denmark. A parliamentary government was established.
Iceland becomes sovereign kingdom in union with Denmark
The Union Act made Iceland a sovereign state — the Danish king remained head of state.
Republic founded — Iceland becomes independent
While Denmark was under German occupation, Iceland declared full independence at Þingvellir.
Iceland joins NATO
Contentious — protests in Reykjavík. Iceland had no army, but became part of the Western bloc.
Cod Wars — fishing rights dispute with Britain
Three disputes over fishing. Iceland extended its fishing zone to 200 nautical miles.
Eruption on Heimaey — island covered in ash and lava
Eldfell erupted for 5 months. 5,300 people evacuated to the mainland. Lava nearly closed the harbor.
EEA agreement — Iceland joins European single market
Iceland joined the EEA but not the EU. Access to the single market without full membership.
Bank collapse — Icelandic banks fail, economic crisis
Three largest banks fell in days. The króna dropped ~50%. International bailout followed.
Eyjafjallajökull erupts — European air travel disrupted
Ash clouds closed airports across Europe for days. The word "volcano" became famous.
Fagradalsfjall erupts — first eruption on Reykjanes in 800 years
The Geldingadalir eruption became a mass spectacle. A new volcanic period began on Reykjanes.
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