Bridge Between Continents

Note: An increase in seismic activity has been on the Reykjanes Peninsula over the last weeks. As a result, new cracks have formed—or existing ones have reopened—in several locations, including near popular sites such as the Bridge Between Continents.

These cracks can be hard to spot and may pose a danger, especially near cliffs or unmarked areas. We strongly encourage all visitors to stay on marked trails and paths and to avoid getting too close to any visible cracks or edges.

A symbolic bridge between Europe and North America on the Reykjanes Peninsula.  

The lava-scarred Reykjanes peninsula lies on one of the world's major plate boundaries, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. According to the continental drift theory, the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are continuously drifting apart with great forces under the gaping rifts. As the plates diverge, linear fractures, known as fissures, form due to stresses created by the tension that builds up as the plates move away from each other. 

The Bridge between two continents at Sandvík is a small footbridge over a major fissure, which provides clear evidence of the presence of a diverging plate margin. The bridge was built in 2002 as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America.

One can cross the continental divide on Leif the Lucky's Bridge and take home a personalised certificate at the information center in the Folk museum in Gardur and the Reykjanes Geopark visitor center at Duus Cultural house.