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Die Silfra-Spalte ist der einzige Ort auf der Welt, wo Sie zwischen zwei Kontinenten tauchen können und das ist eine außergewöhnliche Erfahrung. Dieser Ort ist einer der gefragtesten Schnorchelspots der Welt!
Silfra in Island liegt mitten im Herzen des Þingvellir-Nationalparks (Thingvellir), wo die nordamerikanische und eurasische tektonische Platte etwa 2 cm pro Jahr auseinanderdriften. Die Unterwasserwelt von Silfra zu erkunden bietet Ihnen eine wahrhaft einmalige Aussicht auf unglaubliche Steinformationen. Es gibt vier Gebiete in der Spalte: der tiefe Silfra-Riss, wo Sie ein Foto zwischen den Kontinenten machen können, die Silfra-Halle, die einfach nur magisch ist, die unglaublich blaue Welt der Silfra-Kathedrale und die Silfra-Lagune mit einer unglaublichen Sichtbarkeit unter Wasser. Man kann hier bis zu 18 Meter tief tauchen.
Silfra befindet sich in Þingvatn, dem See in Þingvellir. Obwohl Fische fast nie in die Silfra-Spalte schwimmen, gibt es eine Vielzahl an Algen, inklusive des berühmten grünen „Trollhaars“. Die außergewöhnliche Anzahl an juwelblauen Tönen und Grüntönen ist absolut atemberaubend.
Das Schnorcheln im Schmelzwasser des Gletschers bietet eine Sichtbarkeit, die man nirgendwo sonst auf der Welt findet. Das Wasser fließt aus dem Langjökull (‚langer Gletscher‘) und wird auf seinem Weg durch Lavafelder für etwa 50 Jahre gefiltert. Es ist reich an vulkanischen Mineralien und so rein, dass Sie es trinken können.
Die Sichtbarkeit wird außerdem durch die stetige Temperatur zwischen 2-4°C gestärkt.
Schnorcheln in einem Unterwasser-Canyon in dem kristallklaren Wasser in Silfra nimmt Sie mit in eine magische und farbenfrohe Unterwasserwelt. Dies ist definitiv eine einmalige Erfahrung, die Sie Ihr ganzes Leben über begleiten wird!
Die Silfra-Spalte liegt im Þingvellir-Nationalpark. Sie müssen im Þingvellir-Nationalpark auf dem Parkplatz P5 parken. Sie können die Silfra-Hütte auf Ihrem Weg sehen und müssen dann etwa 400 Meter die Straße zurücklaufen. Die Entfernung von Reykjavík ist etwa 40 km. Wenn Sie aus dem Osten anreisen, ist Silfra etwa 178 km von Vík entfernt. Andere Attraktionen in der Nähe sind: der Goldene Kreis. Der Þingvellir-Nationalpark ist ein Teil davon! Der Gullfoss-Wasserfall ist etwa 70 km und Geysir ist 60 km entfernt.
One of the notable features about the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is that a deep rift valley is visible above sea level in Iceland, and you can see it in Thingvellir National Park as it’s the only place in the world to see such a geological spectacle. Silfra Fissure is a rift formed within this incredible feature and when you place yourself at Silfra, you are literally standing between two continents. The crack between two tectonic plates in Iceland causes frequent volcanic activities that formed and shaped a diverse range of amazing sceneries and landscapes in the area.
The water at Silfra Fissure is completely pure and clear. Its exceptional visibility can extend to over 100 meters (328 ft). Silfra’s water is essentially the meltwater originated from Langjokull glacier about 60 km (37.2 mi) north. It slowly flows into Silfra from beneath the ground after a lasting journey through the porous underground lava field in the area. Before the meltwater flows into the fissure, the lava field acts as a natural filter for the glacier meltwater to filtrate anything that could impair its crystal clarity. It takes 30 to 100 years for the meltwater to travel through about 50 km (31 mi) in the lava field, which is considered the finest filtration method on planet earth. The water is rich with volcanic minerals and is so pure that you can drink it.
Such outstanding visibility is further enhanced by the all-year-round low water temperatures that are between 2-4 °C (35 to 39°F) because the natural spring travels underground and does not freeze at its source, it’s able to maintain a constant temperature range. Furthermore, when the pure natural spring flows into Silfra, it’s strong enough to create a gentle current that keeps the water from being static. It’s another major reason for Silfra to have such excellent visibility since the flowing clear water never becomes dirty. The gentle force of the current is helpful for snorkeling at Silfra, too. It makes a meditation-like, effortless snorkeling experience in which you can rest on the water while the slight current takes you to its natural course along the fissure. These amazing factors together make Silfra Fissure an unrivaled snorkeling and diving location in the world.
GPS 64.1399° N, 21.8487° W
Silfra Fissure is located at Þingvellir National Park about 53 km (33 mi) from Reykjavík and about 171 km (106 mi) from Vík. Þingvellir National Park is one of the three stops making up the Golden Circle and once you are at Silfra you are only 63,2 km (39 mi) away from Gullfoss and 53,5 km (33 mi) away from Geysir.
Driving from Reykjavík to Silfra fissure is a short drive only about 50minutes through the town of Mosfellsbær and up the valley Mosfellsdalur, past fields of horses and Lake Þingvallavatn until making a turn once down to the lower plane of Þingvellir.
Driving from the East to Silfra fissure you will be driving along the South Coast and once you have entered Selfoss, the capital of the South you make a turn into road 35 marked Laugarvatn. Your next turn is on to road 36 leading the way to Þingvellir past Lake Þingvallavatn.
Driving from the North to Silfra fissure you will be passing through Borgarfjörður and likely going to want to go the shortest way there. The quickest way there is through the Hvalfjarðargögn tunnel and back into the capital area and through Mosfellsdalur back towards Þingvellir.
Once you have arrived at Silfra, Thingvellir National Park you will need to park your car at Parking lot nr. P5. You should be able to see the cars and huts marked Diving and Snorkeling on your way in and you will then need to walk back around about 400 meters
If you don’t have a rental car there are plenty of tour options taking you to Silfra fissure for a day of adventures. See the Silfra tour options below!
Snorkeling in Iceland is a captivating activity that has so many indescribable, exciting features. Silfra, as the most unique site, has unparalleled advantages. The lure of snorkeling in Silfra Fissure is the thrill of experiencing something so amazing on each move, while the depths of the earth gaze at you mysteriously.
Once it’s been said that snorkeling in Silfra Fissure is like flying, like a meditation in the remarkably blue and astoundingly pure water. In the water, you look at your surroundings completely differently; the sense of familiarity with land retreats while an unusual but amazing underwater sensation starts to take over, you feel weightless and perfectly free.
At Silfra, where the two continents being made, you are essentially swimming in the opening of the earth. You are in an uncommon natural setting where the rest of the world becomes so quiet that you could only hear your heartbeats as you drift forward. It’s the ultimate highlight of traveling in Iceland.
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is not only famous for its epic and cinematic landscapes and the indescribable wild nature, but also for the renowned spot for divers from all over the world. Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park is an unbeatable choice when it comes to geology and visibility. The submerged adventure of diving between tectonic plates is essentially taking the divers close to the ravine between two continents where you can stretch your arms to touch the borders of Eurasia and North American Continents.
The water in Silfra Fissure has the greatest underwater visibility than any other diving spots in the world. 10 to 30 meters (32 to 98 feet) are the most common visibility range for most popular diving sites globally, and Silfra Fissure exceeds 100 meters (328 feet). Some even say that the visibility can be far greater than that only if the fissure was long enough to testify!
Silfra is still in the making due to big or small changes in the area, which can further widen the fissure or reshape the underwater terrain. Many experienced divers would rank Silfra as a top 3 diving location after they tried out other diving spots around the world. The unique geological feature, the slight current, the indescribable colors of algae, and the exceptional visibility together make Silfra a diver’s paradise.
Due to the constant flow of the natural spring coming from underground, the temperatures of the water at Silfra remain stable between 2-4 °C (35 to 39°F), making the snorkeling and diving activities possible all year round. But there are a few tips we would like to share with you the best time to do those activities at Silfra.
June to September at Silfra have the best conditions for snorkeling and diving because the onshore temperatures are higher and it feels more pleasant than in winter. Situated at a latitude of 64°N, Iceland has more daylight hours in summer. More daylight hours means a better chance to have a pleasant sunlight condition that enhances the visibility in the water.
Winter in Iceland has fewer daylight hours – the daylight only lasts for 4-5 hours between November and February. As a result, there are fewer tours available daily than in summer. The upside about visiting Silfra in winter is there are fewer crowds, and winter’s serene vista is completely other-worldly at Silfra. It doesn’t really matter if the winter temperatures are relatively lower as long as Silfra’s water temperatures remain stable throughout the year.
Snorkeling and diving are two popular activities at Silfra that are operated all year round. Snorkeling in an underwater canyon in the crystal clear water that takes you into a magical and colorful sub-aquatic world is absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime experience! It’s very enjoyable and is considered 3 out of 5 in the level of difficulty. It offers an exceptional opportunity for anyone who is either serious snorkelers or beginners as long as you feel comfortable in the water and know how to swim.
Planning a romantic trip or an exciting family day at Silfra sounds brilliant. The geological singularity is a natural, romantic backdrop for you to drift in the crystal clear water and enjoy the enchanting moment – it’s one of the kind.
Silfra has earned legendary status among the international dive community. It’s where the two continents split further away and where two worlds collide. If you are a purposeful, experienced diver, you must not miss Silfra. Being on top of many diver’s bucket-list, Silfra’s exceptional visibility literally enhances the diving experience and makes it so much more captivating, and you are brought so close to the underwater world between two tectonic plates.
If you are uncertain about your abilities regarding diving in Silfra water then snorkeling is the best option and nothing short of fantastic.
At Silfra, snorkeling is usually done in dry suits. Because it best guarantees the snorkelers the most comfortable experience in the glacial water. After being fully geared up, your snorkeling guide will take you to an unparalleled floating adventure in the clearest water in the world. Snorkeling between tectonic plates is billed as the most charming and romantic experience Silfra Fissure can offer.
At Silfra, all snorkeling and diving tours are operated in dry suits due to the cold temperatures of the glacial water. In order to comfortably participate in snorkeling or diving tours, you need to bring the following pieces of clothing with you.
The first layer of clothing should be able to keep you warm and flexible. You can wear a thin thermal layer in wool, fleece or synthetic, and warm socks made of wool, fleece or neoprene. Due to the underperformance of cotton in this situation, it’s not recommended to wear layers made of cotton. Also, if you wear lens glasses, it’s best to switch to contacts before you go in the water.
Silfra is located in Þingvellir National Park, one of the most sought-after attractions in Iceland so one might not be surprised that accommodation options are quite a few: Here are some of the best accommodation options near Silfra fissure:
Hotels
Guesthouses and Hostels
Cabins and Cottages
There are two different camping grounds inside Thingvellir National Park near Silfra fissure. One is located next to the Information Center and the other one is at Vatnskot. Both camping grounds are open from the 1st of June to the 1st of October.
Leirar Camping site at Information Center
GPS; N 64°16’48.9426″ W 21° 5’17.4444″.
The Leirar campground is split into four different camping grounds: Fagrabrekka, Sydri-Leirar, Hvannabrekka, and Nydri-Leirar.
Camping site at Vatnskot
GPS; N 64°16’48.9426″ W 21° 5’17.4444″.
Silfra Fissure is located within Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site and a must-visit place in Iceland. The whole area is within 50 kilometers from the capital and only a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. You can go snorkeling and sightseeing in the area on a day tour. Besides, Silfra is neatly located close to multiple highlight attractions in Iceland, it would be impossible to miss other wonderful sights.
The pure glacial water coming into Silfra Fissure eventually flows into Thingvallavatn (Þingvallavatn in Icelandic), the largest natural lake in Iceland. Thingvellir National Park is on the lake’s north shore and is one of the three amazing attractions in the renowned Golden Circle.
In addition to the National Park, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall is another attraction in the Golden Circle and it’s listed as one of the top 10 waterfalls in the world by World of Waterfalls. The most dynamic and lively spots in the Golden Circle are the Great Geysir and Strokkur natural hot springs. They have completely different temperaments but are equally astounding when you see them gush up into the sky.
Since Silfra Fissure is within the Golden Circle, people usually plan a day trip to this area in which they always add a snorkeling or diving activity to enrich the itinerary and experience something unique. There are tours departing daily from Reykjavik that offer free pickups at most hotels and hostels.