Where to see tectonic plates in Iceland?

Where to see tectonic plates in Iceland?

You might have heard that Iceland sits on two tectonic plates. But which tectonic plates does it sit on? Iceland sits on the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It is the only place in the world where you can see those two tectonic plates and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge above ground. That is pretty neat, in our opinion.

So, where are the best places to see it? Well, look no further for we have made a handy list of three of the best places to see the phenomenon!

Snorkeling in Silfra fissure

Þingvellir National Park – Where You Can Swim Between Continents

Þingvellir is probably the best-known place to see the tectonic plates. When you stand in Almannagjá, you are standing between the two continents! And if that wasn’t enough, you can go snorkelling in Silfra between the tectonic plates!

Þingvellir National Park in Iceland

Þingvellir National Park is just one of those fantastic places. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the biggest part of it is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The park is technically getting larger every year since the Eurasian and North American plates are pulling the country apart by a few centimetres every year!

Gunnuhver - Reykjanes peninsula

Reykjanes Peninsula – Where the Tectonic Plates Reach Land

Reykjanes Peninsula is a little less known place to stand between the tectonic plates, but there is a bridge for that great photo moments! Reykjanes Peninsula is the place where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge comes above ground which is very cool!

Laki craters in Iceland

Lakagígar Volcanos – In the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Ok so not technically the tectonic plates but the volcanos Lakagígar and Bárðarbunga, which erupted a couple of years back, are in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. As we said above; the country is being pulled apart, which explains the high volcanic action in Iceland and why all active volcanos in Iceland are in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The Lakagígar area is only opened during the summer months. It cannot be accessed on any car, but if you have a chance to check it out, we highly recommend it.

These are just samples of what Iceland has to offer. There are many other natural wonders in Iceland and we recommend getting to know them as well. More importantly be prepared and get the best rental car for exploring the tectonic plates in Iceland by booking with Blue Car Rental. 

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