Thingvellir became a national park in 1930. And when Iceland became an independent nation in June 1944, that, too, was marked at the Law Rock.

Today, Thingvellir is prized almost as much for its beautiful setting as its historical significance.

One of the first laws enacted there forbade the importation of horses, to prevent the watering-down of the genetic line of the Viking horses. It's still on the books, which has led to not only a unique breed but a unique place for horses in Icelandic society.

Horses are frequently seen in fields and farmsteads along the road. Every town has a community horse barn, where townspeople can keep their animals; horseback riding and trekking are favorite pastimes.

The horses are small in stature but are not ponies. They have shaggy manes, often of strikingly different colors than their coats. They are also known for their five gaits: walk, trot and canter, but also movements known as jolt and flying pace. Take one look into their soft, brown eyes, and you'll likely fall in love.

Eirikur: Rabble-rouser

Eric the Red, as he is more commonly known, may be one of Iceland's most famous Vikings — but probably not the man you'd want for a neighbor. After he was kicked out of Norway for killing a couple of people, he and his parents settled on a farmstead in the Haukadalur Valley in western Iceland.

When Eric decided to marry the daughter of a nearby farmer, the man was not thrilled. Neighborhood squabbles eventually escalated to the point that the farmer killed two of Eric's slaves, and Eric retaliated by killing two of the farmer's sons.

Thus in 982, Eric was banned from Iceland for three years — so he went off to find Greenland. Three years later he was back, telling tales of a wonderful, green land, persuading other settlers to go back with him. It wasn't all that wonderful, nor that green, but Eric was the No. 1 guy, and he was happy. It was from Greenland that Eric's son, Leif, or Leifur the Lucky, as he is known, sailed to the Americas.

These are the stories that you can hear at Eiriksstathir, a replica of Eric's home. In 1895, archaeologists first uncovered the foundation of the house where they believe Eric lived and Leif was born. It was again excavated in 1997-2001.

The rectangular longhouse was about 13 feet wide and 39 feet long. In the replica, you can see how the dirt-floor interior was divided into areas for cooking, sleeping and storage. Costumed interpreters tell you about daily life in those times.