Silfra Fissure, Iceland

Silfra fissure is the only place on earth where you can swim between two continents. Located in Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, it lies within a submerged rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Fed by the Langjökull ice cap, Silfra’s water is filtered through porous lava fields, giving it visibility of more than 100 m (328 ft). Temperatures remain a steady 2–4°C (35–39°F) year-round, so you can snorkel and dive here in every season.

Here are the most important things to know about Silfra before you visit.

• Silfra is a freshwater fissure in the rift valley of UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park in Iceland.

• Earthquakes in 1789 widened fissures in the area and helped shape the Silfra seen today.

• Filtered glacial water provides visibility of more than 100 m (328 ft).

• Silfra lies on Iceland’s Golden Circle route, about 53 km (33 mi) from Reykjavík.

• The fissure has four main sections: Silfra Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon.

• Snorkeling and diving are the best ways to experience Silfra’s underwater landscape.

Silfra is located in Thingvellir National Park, about 53 km (33 mi) from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, and about 171 km (106 mi) from Vík on the South Coast. It sits at the northern edge of Lake Þingvallavatn (Thingvallavatn), near the center of the park.

Silfra GPS Coordinates: 64.255° N, −21.123° W. 

Driving time from Reykjavík: 45–60 minutes

Silfra is famous for its remarkable water clarity and its location within Iceland’s tectonic rift valley. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) included Silfra, Iceland, in its 2024 list of 17 best dive sites in the world. In some areas, underwater visibility is like seeing across two Olympic-size pools placed end to end. This lets you admire the fissure’s rugged volcanic rock formations and the neon-green algae known as “troll hair.”

Before reaching the fissure, glacial meltwater from Langjökull, about 60 km (37 mi) north, is filtered through porous lava fields. This natural process takes decades, as the water travels nearly 50 km (31 mi) through volcanic rock before emerging at Silfra. It’s nature’s own lava filtration system. In fact, the water is so pure that you can drink it.

You can get to Silfra by car from various regions of the country: 

• From Southwest Iceland (Reykjavík), take Route 36 through Mosfellsbær and Mosfellsdalur valley, driving towards Þingvellir National Park.  

• From East Iceland (Egilsstaðir), follow Route 1 (Ring Road) through Vík to Selfoss. Then, turn onto Route 35 until the Þrastarlundur bus stop, and switch to Route 36.  

• From North Iceland (Akureyri), head south on Route 1 through Borgarfjörður toward the capital area. Drive through Hvalfjarðargöng Tunnel, then continue toward Mosfellsdalur and take Road 36 to Þingvellir. 

You can leave your car in the P5 parking lot in Thingvellir National Park. Parking costs about 1,000 ISK per day (~$8) (rates checked in March 2026). From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the Silfra meeting point and huts. How to get there (short video). 

If you don’t have a rental car (or prefer not to drive), our guided Silfra tours include round-trip transportation. You can also join a Golden Circle and Silfra tour combo, and visit famous nearby attractions like the 10,000-year-old Geysir and the Gullfoss waterfall. For a different kind of contrast, the Black & Blue tour combines Silfra snorkeling with a guided walk through a lava tunnel.

Silfra snorkeling in Iceland is open to most travelers who can swim and feel comfortable in water—no dive certification required.  

Many describe this experience as the closest thing to flying. You can see for tens of meters in every direction, with visibility so crisp it feels unreal. The glacial water wraps around you as the gentle current carries you forward, making your body feel nearly weightless. The world becomes so quiet you can only hear your heartbeat. Some say it’s meditation. 

Since Silfra is a protected site, guided tours are the best way to access it. Otherwise, you must obtain a permit from Thingvellir National Park. The safest way to snorkel in Silfra is with a certified operator.  

The time spent in the water is usually 30–40 minutes, with the whole experience taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Tours include free photos taken by your guide, so you can fully dip into the silence and beauty of this extraordinary place. 

Arctic Adventures provides expert guides and all necessary gear, including a dry suit, thermal underlayers, hood, gloves, and fins.

Learn more about our guide training and qualifications.

Rated as one of the best PADI dive sites in Iceland, Silfra allows certified dry suit divers to explore depths up to 18 m (59 ft). The underwater route is divided into four main sections:

• Silfra Crack—where you can touch both continents at once. 

• Silfra Hall—a majestic blue corridor. 

• Silfra Cathedral—an expansive blue chamber. 

• Silfra Lagoon—known for its extraordinary visibility.  

To dive Silfra, you’ll need a valid dry suit certification or written proof of dry suit experience. Arctic Adventures operates under strict international safety standards, providing expert guidance and specialized gear for a secure Silfra diving exploration.

Silfra’s volcanic geology, glowing aquatic colors, and unmatched clarity make it a true diver’s paradise.

The best time to visit Silfra fissure depends on the kind of experience you want. The water temperature stays around 2–4°C (35–39°F) year-round, while daylight, weather, and the surrounding scenery change with the seasons.

• Summer (April–September): These months are often the easiest for first-time visitors. Milder temperatures onshore, around 10–13°C (50–55°F), make gearing up easier. Long daylight hours increase your chances of catching sunlight that enhances underwater visibility and color. 

• Winter (October–March): Winter visits feel quieter and more atmospheric. Onshore temperatures drop to around 0 °C (32 °F). Snow-covered lava fields, fewer visitors, and soft seasonal light create a very different mood around the fissure. Tours run daily, but it’s best to book earlier in the day to make the most of the limited light and leave time for other Icelandic winter activities.

Accommodation near Silfra is available in Þingvellir and the Laugarvatn area—excellent bases for exploring the Golden Circle. You’ll find modern hotels, cozy guesthouses, and private lakeside cabins, all within up to an hour’s drive of the site. 

Here are some of the best Silfra accommodation options: 

Hotels near Thingvellir 

• ION Adventure Hotel—Upscale and modern hotel with a spa and restaurant. Located about a 30-minute drive from Silfra. 

• Borealis Hotel—Comfortable, cozy, and affordable hotel located approximately a 28-minute drive from the fissure. 

• Hotel Grímsborgir—A luxury hotel in Selfoss, 33 minutes from Silfra, great for combining Golden Circle stays.

Guesthouses and Hostels 

• Héraðsskólinn Boutique Hostel—Stylish and historic guesthouse, located in Laugarvatn, about 30 minutes from Silfra. 

• Laugarvatn Hostel—Welcoming stay with lake views and geothermal baths nearby, about 30 minutes from the fissure. 

• Selfoss Hostel—Nature-inspired lodging with a warm, homey atmosphere and a strong focus on guest hospitality. Around a 45-minute drive from Silfra. 

Cabins and Cottages 

• Þingvellir Lake Cottage—Private, scenic cottage accommodation steps away from the park and about 22 minutes from the fissure. 

• Austurey Cottages—Lakefront cabins with minimalist design, a 35-minute drive from Silfra.

The best camping near Silfra Fissure is inside Þingvellir National Park, where the main seasonal campsites are located close to the Silfra snorkeling and diving area. The two main camping areas are Leirar and Vatnskot.

Leirar is the park’s main camping area and includes several sections, such as Nyrðri-Leirar, Syðri-Leirar, and Fagrabrekka. It is located near the Þingvellir service center. Vatnskot, along Road 361, is a quieter campsite about a 10-minute drive from Silfra and offers more basic facilities.

The camping season runs from June 1 to September 15. During this time, campsites are generally fully open and offer amenities such as restrooms, showers, sinks, and electricity. From September 16 to May 31, winter camping is available at Nyrðri-Leirar, although some service buildings or camping areas may close during severe weather.

Camping fees vary by age and service type. Adults pay 1,800 ISK (~$14) per night, while seniors and people with disabilities pay 900 ISK (~$7). Electricity costs 1,100 ISK (~$9) per unit, and an overnight tax of 400 ISK (~$3) per unit also applies (prices checked in March 2026).

Silfra is surrounded by some of Iceland’s best-loved natural and cultural landmarks. Many of these attractions are part of the Golden Circle route and are easily accessible on a day trip from Reykjavík.   

• Þingvellir National Park: The birthplace of Iceland’s first parliament and a rift valley where tectonic plates separate. 

• Gullfoss waterfall: A powerful two-tiered waterfall, which plunges into a deep canyon on the Hvítá river. 

• Geysir Hot Springs Area: Geothermal field with steam vents, bubbling mud pools, sulfur-rich soil, and Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes. 

• Öxarárfoss: A picturesque waterfall within Þingvellir National Park. Öxarárfoss waterfall is easily reached by a walking path.

Lake Þingvallavatn: Iceland’s largest natural lake, known for its clear waters and volcanic origins. Lake Thingvallavatn is a peaceful spot for kayaking, fishing, or birdwatching.