The Land of Fire and Ice (Iceland) is dramatic in many ways: massive glaciers, volcanoes and icebergs. Another to add to the list is the fact that the country straddles two continents: the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. While you could go to somewhere like the Bridge between Continents, there is another option for those of you who like shopping: Sunnumörk.

Sunnumörk is a small shopping mall located in the town of Hveragerði in southeastern Iceland. It is the only known shopping centre that straddles both plates.

During construction in the early 2000s, workers stumbled upon the previously unknown fissure. This did not stop construction, rather adding a quirk to the facility. Glass was installed in the floor over the fissure so that visitors can look at it and marvel.

The fissure gained a new meaning on 29 May 2008, when southern Iceland experienced a 6.3-magnitude earthquake. While the epicentre was not far from Hveragerði, fortunately no one was injured and only a few sheep were killed. There was superficial damage to several buildings and farms.

This earthquake struck the most densely part of Iceland. In response Sunnumörk created an earthquake simulation centre and an exhibit for those visiting the fissure.

While Sunnumörk is small, it does host a couple of restaurants, clothing stores that are local to Iceland, a public library, and a souvenir store that sells local arts and crafts.

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