Silfra Fissure | Thingvellir

The Silfra Fissure is one of the most remarkable and unique natural features in Iceland, located in Þingvellir National Park. It is renowned for its crystal-clear water and as a prime location for snorkeling and diving, where visitors can experience the extraordinary feeling of swimming between two tectonic plates. Here's a detailed look at the Silfra Fissure:

Geological Significance

Tectonic Plates:

• Silfra lies between the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate, making it one of the few places in the world where you can visibly experience the rift between two tectonic plates.
• The plates are slowly pulling apart, causing the fissure and creating a dynamic geological environment in the region.

Formation of Silfra:

• The fissure was formed by the tectonic activity that has been happening over thousands of years. The land between the plates is gradually sinking, creating fissures like Silfra.
• The Silfra fissure is a direct result of the shifting of these plates and is an active part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Water Characteristics

Clarity:

• The water in Silfra is incredibly clear, with visibility exceeding 100 meters (328 feet) in certain conditions. This unparalleled clarity is due to the water's long journey through underground lava fields before entering the fissure.

Source of Water:

• The water in Silfra comes from the Þingvallavatn Lake, which is fed by meltwater from Iceland's glaciers. The water undergoes a natural filtration process as it seeps through the lava fields, removing impurities and creating the astonishing clarity.

Temperature:

• The water temperature is consistently around 2–4°C (36–39°F) year-round. While this may seem cold, participants in snorkeling or diving excursions are provided with specialized dry suits to stay warm during their activities.

Snorkeling and Diving in Silfra

Unique Experience:

• Silfra is famous for offering one of the only places in the world where you can swim between two tectonic plates. This offers a truly unique underwater experience, with visitors floating through the narrow fissure while surrounded by vivid, clear water and striking underwater landscapes.

Snorkeling:

• The shallow sections of the fissure are perfect for snorkeling, making the experience accessible even for beginners. The crystal-clear water allows snorkelers to get close to the geological formations, including vibrant moss-covered rocks and underwater columns of basalt.

Diving:

• For certified divers, Silfra offers a deeper experience. Divers can explore the fissure’s deeper sections and enjoy the incredible visibility and unique geological formations, including underwater canyons and rock formations.

Safety and Gear:

• All snorkeling and diving tours are guided, and participants are provided with dry suits, gloves, and hoods to keep warm. The dry suits allow participants to stay completely dry while enjoying the water.

Environmental and Conservation Efforts

Protected Area:

• Silfra is located within Þingvellir National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation helps protect the area’s natural beauty and its unique geological and ecological features.

Sustainable Tourism:

• Operators are committed to responsible tourism, ensuring that the activities do not harm the delicate ecosystem. Visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines that minimize their impact on the environment, such as avoiding touching the delicate underwater life and staying within designated routes.

Access and Tours

Location:

• Silfra is easily accessible from the Þingvellir Visitor Centre in Þingvellir National Park. The site is located about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, making it a popular stop on the Golden Circle route.

Guided Tours:

• There are several companies offering guided snorkeling and diving tours in Silfra. These tours usually include all the necessary equipment, safety instructions, and a guide who is familiar with the area's geology and history.

Best Time to Visit:

• Silfra can be visited year-round, though the best conditions for clear water and accessibility are typically in summer when the weather is milder. However, winter visits are also popular, especially for the unique atmosphere of the icy landscape.

Interesting Facts

World-renowned Diving Location:

• Silfra is often ranked among the best dive sites in the world due to its clarity, geological importance, and unique setting between two tectonic plates.

Diver's Paradise:

• Silfra is a popular spot for divers who want to experience something truly unique. Many divers report that the sensation of floating between two continents is an unforgettable experience.

UNESCO World Heritage Site:

• As part of Þingvellir National Park, Silfra contributes to the park’s UNESCO World Heritage status due to its geological and cultural importance.

Conclusion

Silfra Fissure is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Iceland, offering visitors a rare opportunity to swim or dive between two tectonic plates in crystal-clear waters. Its geological significance, combined with the beauty of the underwater landscape, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in Iceland. Whether you’re snorkeling or diving, Silfra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those looking to explore the natural wonders of the world.