Drekkingarhylur at Þingvellir

Suðurland · Island · Natural site

Visitors at dusk tell of soft weeping by the water — at least eighteen women were drowned here, forced under in sacks before the assembly.

Visitors to Drekkingarhylur at dusk have told of soft weeping by the water and of shapes moving in the mist above the gorge. The pool has earned its name: between 1618 and 1749 at least eighteen women were drowned here, condemned for infanticide, adultery or witchcraft and forced under the surface in sacks before the assembled court.

The 'drowning pool' is a deep, clear-green pool in the river Öxará where it runs through the Almannagjá gorge at Þingvellir — the site of Iceland's ancient parliament and the nation's most sacred ground. A memorial plaque marks the spot today. The contrast between the national park's beauty and what took place in the water makes this one of Iceland's most sobering places.

FAQ

Hvor ligger Drekkingarhylur at Þingvellir?

Drekkingarhylur at Þingvellir ligger i Suðurland, Island.