Brúin milli heimsálfa - bridge

Iceland

Cross the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates on the bridge between two continents "Brúin milli heimsálfa" in Iceland.

The bridge between two continents on the Reykjanes Peninsula is supported on both sides by two high basalt walls. In the middle of the bridge is a panel that is supposed to serve as a boundary line between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Both sides are marked with signs: "Welcome to America" and "Welcome to Europe".

The island of Iceland straddles the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, whose dividing line is called the Mid-Atlantic Rift and runs north to south in the western part of the country. According to the theory of continental drift, it is said that the tectonic plates are continuously moving apart with great force. The bridge between two continents is a place where the plates move 2.5 centimeters away from each other every year. Normally this activity takes place in the depths of the ocean, but in this case the spectacle happens on a visible section of the trench on land, and it is precisely at this bridge that you can admire this natural spectacle.

The bridge is 15 meters wide and is located at the easternmost end of the Reykjanes Peninsula, about an hour's drive outside Reykjavik. It was built as a symbolic link between Europe and North America. Here you can now admire the natural spectacle: The two plates are several kilometers apart. The terrain around the bridge is covered with volcanic ash and the lava fields are a reminder of Iceland's fiery past and unpredictable future. Despite the seemingly desolate landscape, one can spot some wildflowers, grasses or moss. After crossing the bridge, one can follow the path down to take a closer look at the unique geology of the continental walls and walk among the massive basalt walls that emerge from the depths of the earth.

The bridge between two continents "Brúin milli heimsálfa" is an excellent place to learn about the geology of Iceland and provides clear evidence of the presence of a divergent plate margin.

Would you like to experience the magic of Iceland for yourself? Then join us on our next Iceland Tour. We look forward to seeing you!

Fun Fact

The bridge is also called "Leif the Lucky" to commemorate the famous explorer Leif Ericson, who was the first Icelander to set foot on North America over 1000 years ago. Symbolically, it is meant to connect the new and the old world.

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