Iceland Cave Tower

LANDMARK + VISTOR CENTRE

 

Despite its humble height, the red structure that marks the spot is clearly visible from a distance. This landmark is a perfect matrimony between a tower and a bridge. It spans the fissure without an actual connection, and for a good reason. After walking the slope at the covered path visitors find themselves directly over the fissure, the edges of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. As a visitor you have to focus on the fault line as you step over to the other section of the tower bridge. Although constantly in motion the fissure appears frozen in time. Over the years, each bridge section will move along with the plate it represents. This shifting is made visible with a simple ruler at the edges of the floor. Which for a fact makes the landmark a measuring instrument. The highest point of each section offers a wide view of the surrounding scenery. The tower bridge also serves as intersection for a couple of the region’s hiking trails. The design of the small visitor centre also refers to the fissure and caves at Grjótagjá. On the outside two sloped parts of unequal hight are discoverable. They shape the angled interior walls of the café creating a similar feeling as being inside the fissure.