Dive into the Crystal Clear Waters of Silfra in Þingvellir National Park

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Have you ever dreamed of immersing yourself in the world's clearest waters? Well, there's a place in Iceland that will make that dream come true - Silfra. Located in the breathtaking Þingvellir National Park, Silfra is a diver's paradise like no other.

Silfra is an actual crack between the North American and Eurasian continents, where you can dive right between the two continental plates. These plates drift apart by two centimeters each year, creating a unique and awe-inspiring underwater experience.

The waters of Silfra are known to be some of the clearest, purest, and most beautiful in the world. In fact, it is regarded as one of the planet's top cold water dive sites. Divers enter the water at one end through a steel ladder, and then exit on the far side using another ladder.

The Four Sections of Silfra -

Silfra Big Crack -

Located underneath the platform is the first part of Silfra called the Silfra Big Crack, where visitors engaging in diving and snorkeling enter the water. Even though this is only the first part of Silfra, it is still a majestic spot to get great pictures.

Silfra Hall -

As divers venture further into the Silfra Fissure, they reach the Silfra Hall, a wider section characterized by towering rock formations on either side. The Hall offers a stunning display of natural beauty, with sunlight filtering through the water and illuminating the underwater world. This section is often referred to as a cathedral due to its awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Silfra Cathedral -

Deeper into the Silfra Fissure lies the Silfra Cathedral, an awe-inspiring section known for its incredible clarity and mesmerizing blue hues. Here, divers can witness the full extent of the fissure's depth, as well as explore intricate rock formations and crevices. The Cathedral is a favorite among experienced divers, as it offers a truly immersive and otherworldly experience.

Silfra Lagoon -

At the end of the Silfra Fissure, divers reach the Silfra Lagoon, a shallower and wider area compared to the previous sections. The Lagoon provides a perfect spot for divers to relax and take in the surrounding beauty. It is here that the water from the fissure finally mixes with the nearby lake, resulting in a unique blend of freshwater and glacial meltwater.

Snorkeling in Silfra -

Snorkeling in Silfra fissure is a highly enjoyable activity, but you must meet some prerequisites to be able to join.

Diving in Silfra -

Diving through Silfra gives an extra dimension to its beauty, as you will be able to look up and see the sun glistening upon the surface as you cruise through the crystal-clear waters. 

Things to Do Near Silfra -

As Silfra is part of the Thingvellir, there is no shortage of interesting attractions located within the national park nearby. Oxararfoss Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down a series of rocky ledges, surrounded by lush greenery. The gorge of Almannagja is a place where you can see the boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge above ground and is a place of great cultural and historical importance to the Icelandic people.  

Outside Thingvellir, the other attractions of the Golden Circle are located nearby. Geysir Geothermal Area is home to the erupting Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. Gullfoss Waterfall is one of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders, with powerful cascades plunging into a narrow canyon. 

Geography -

The site is approximately 42 meters deep in places, with a long canyon flanked by vertical rock walls on both sides, spanning about 20 to 50 meters. What makes Silfra's waters exceptionally clear is that they are meltwater from the Langjökull glacier. Usually, glacier meltwater can be murky, but the water in Silfra is filtered through approximately 50 kilometers of underground lava rock for 30 to 100 years before welling up from an underground spring directly into Silfra.

Another reason for Silfra's crystal-clear visibility is the super cold water, which maintains a temperature between two to four degrees Celsius all year round. Despite Þingvallavatn Lake being home to various fish species, they rarely venture into Silfra due to the temperature. This lack of fish contributes to the water's exceptional clarity. The visibility in Silfra is so remarkable that you can see all the way to the far end over 100 meters away. This is the longest recorded natural underwater visibility anywhere in the world.

The force of the filtered spring water creates a current that runs through Silfra. When you enter the water, you'll be equipped with big, thick dry suits that protect you from the freezing cold temperatures. However, there's no need to swim or dive. Simply let the slow current push you along for about 35 to 40 minutes of blissful floating in crystal-clear water. It's an experience akin to flying, as you almost feel suspended in air.

One of the unique features of Silfra is that it does not freeze over, even in winter. Thanks to the constant slow-moving current, the site is available for diving all year round. This accessibility makes Silfra a perfect destination for anyone, regardless of sailing, deep diving, snorkeling, or swimming experience. As long as you are healthy, adventurous, and know how to swim, you can try this incredible adventure.

Conclusion -

So, if you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime diving experience in the clearest waters on Earth, Silfra in Þingvellir National Park is the place to go. Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Silfra, and let the stunning underwater world take your breath away.