Whether you are aware that Iceland is located directly on top of the Mid-Atlantic ridge or not, the Reykjanes Peninsula is one place you won’t want to skip out on. This area is the only place in the world where you can see the ridge rise above sea level, meaning you can significantly view the boundaries between Europe and North America. The gap between these two continents is slowly increasing every year at almost 2cm per year. The Bridge Between Two Continents at Sandvík not only allows you to observe the tectonic plates drifting apart, but gives you the worldly experience to set foot in two different continents. Pretty cool huh?
The Bridge between two continents is also known as Leif the Lucky (or Miðlína) Bridge. Built in 2002 as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America and named in honor of the famous Icelandic explorer Leif Eriksson, who traveled 500 years earlier than Columbus from Europe to America.
Bridge Between Two Continents Directions
GPS POINTS N63° 52′ 5.558″ W22° 40′ 31.588″
ROAD NUMBER 425
Located at Sandvík, just off road number 425, you will find a small car park almost in the middle of nowhere. Within a short walking distance you will see the small footbridge that proudly lays over a major fissure. According to the continental drift theory, the fissures that are clearly evident here, are formed due to the stresses created by tension building up as the plates continuously move away from each other.
For those looking for a special keepsake, once you cross the bridge between two continents, you are able to take home a personalised certificate at the Reykjanes information centre or Reykjanes Geopark visitor centre.
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The Bridge Between Two Continents
Truth be told, there isn’t a great deal to do here, but if you are in the area it’s well worth a visit. It’s not every day you get the chance to easily walk from one continent to another, after all. The bridge itself is built using mesh steel so you can look down into the ravine as you walk. The depth is around 20ft so you don’t have to worry about heights, although is still very impressive.
A cold wind blown Kate at the Two Continents bridge
Obligatory photo – check ✓
We visited this during our last few hours being in Iceland, as it’s not that far from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and having just come from the Blue Lagoon.
To get here you will definitely need your own transport, but to really get a feel for this magical island and explore the real Iceland, car hire is a must.
6 Comments
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That is pretty cool! I had never thought of North America and Europe meeting in Iceland, but I guess scientifically it’s true! 😀
Hi Tim, this is just one of the many natural sights worth seeing in Iceland, well worth visiting this country if you haven’t already
That’s so amazing, guys!! in this way you can be on two continents in a short period of time!! <3 P.S. was it that freezing there?
Hi Agness, by the end of our time in Iceland we were used to the weather, seem to climatise quite quickly.. well I did anyway! It’s cold but with suitable clothing you can be pretty warm 🙂
Hi Agness,
I don’t want to destroy your dreams, but this bridge is just a symbolic boundary between Europe and North America. The real boundary between the two continents is about 5 km and it consists of several fractures.
Uwe
Great experience! Even though it is just a symbol of connection, just visiting it is already an achievement itself. Goodluck on your other adventures!