Around The World
Iceland Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Iceland's history.
850-875
The first Viking settlers arrive, bringing Irish slaves with them.930
Chieftains from across Iceland gather in Thingvellir to form the Althing, the world's first parliament, or congress.1200s
Icelanders begin to write down the Old Norse sagas for the first time. Until now, the epic poems, legends and historical tales were memorized and recited.1264
After many attempts, Norway takes control of Iceland. The move ends bloody civil wars between settlers.1380
Norway and Iceland come under Denmark's control.1402 – 1404
The Black Death plague devastates Iceland.1600s
Pirates from England, Spain and Algeria raid the coasts and ruin Iceland's trade economy.1800
The Althing, the world's first parliament, is abolished.1915
Iceland gets its current flag. It is a blue flag with a red and white Scandinavian Cross.1917
Women get the right to vote in national elections.1918
Iceland becomes a self-ruled state, but is still in a union with Denmark.1944
After Icelanders vote to end the union with Denmark, Iceland is proclaimed an independent republic on June 17. Sveinn Bjorrnsson is the first president.1973
A massive volcanic eruption on Heimaey forms Eldfell (fire mountain). Lava flows for sixth months.1975
Iceland bans foreign fishermen from a 200-mile zone beyond its coastline. British fishermen especially resent the restriction.
TIME GRAHAM—GETTY IMAGES
1980
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir becomes Iceland's president. She is the first woman ever elected president of a republic.2000
Mount Hekla's most recent eruption shakes the region outside Reykjavik in February. Since 1970, Hekla has erupted every 10 years.
HALLDOR KOLBEINS—AFP/GETTY IMAGES
2003
In August, Iceland embarks on its first whale hunt in 15 years. Its government says the hunt is being conducted to study the mammals' impact on fish stocks.2006
The country ends its 21-year ban on commercial whaling.
TONY PROWER—GETTY IMAGES