Silfra Fissure - Diving Between the Continents

Up to 100 meters of visibility, water temperatures between 2 to 4 degrees Celsius, and lava rock formations. The Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park in Iceland is a unique natural wonder and a diver's paradise.

Those who dive along the Silfra Fissure plunge between two continental plates - specifically at the rift that is pulling Iceland apart. Let this unique and breathtaking hotspot inspire your next vacation.

The Silfra Fissure is a kilometer-long rock fault. It is formed by the drifting apart of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. On average, it widens about 1 cm each year; some experts even suggest up to 2 cm per year.

The Silfra Fissure runs through the entire Thingvellir National Park, which is located in the western part of Iceland about 40 km east of Reykjavik.

A large part of the fault is filled with earth. However, at one point, the Silfra Fissure, the meltwater from Langjökull - the second largest glacier in the country, surfaces. On its way to the fissure, the meltwater travels about 50 km through porous basalt rock before it emerges underground at the northern end of the fissure at Lake Thingvellir. This process takes between 30 to 100 years.

Due to the filtration through the basalt rock, the water is extremely pure and clear. It couldn't be any clearer. Additionally, the water measures only 2 to 4 degrees throughout the year.

This combination of purity and low temperature ensures that visibility in the Silfra Fissure can reach up to 100 meters or more! The fascinating visibility and the fact that you are diving between two continents make this place a highlight for diving enthusiasts.

Therefore, the Silfra Fissure is among the most popular diving regions in the world.

Those who wish to dive at the spot where the land of geysers and glaciers is drifting apart should not have a fear of tight spaces when diving in the fissure between the black, moss-covered lava rocks. The narrow waterway is at most 10 meters wide.

In some places, the fissure is so narrow that you can touch both sides with outstretched arms. The deepest point measures about 65 meters, where you can just glide over the rock formations.

However, this is nothing compared to its actual length. Strictly speaking, the Silfra Fissure extends for about 65,000 km. However, you can only see it at a few specific locations.

The Silfra Fissure in Iceland is not just a magnet for divers and nature enthusiasts due to its impressive geology. The fissure can also be explored in different sections, allowing both beginner divers accompanied by a guide and professional divers to dive through the Silfra Fissure.

At the end of the fissure, which flows into Lake Þingvallavatn, is the Silfra Lagoon. It is about 5 meters deep and spans approximately 120 meters. It becomes especially unique because of the many strands of algae that pass through it. These reflect the incoming light and bathe the lagoon in a blue-green shimmering light.

The Silfra Fissure is definitely an exciting and unique place. The continuously drifting continental plates create a particularly special landscape both on the surface and underwater. Clear water and its unique geology make the Silfra Fissure a hotspot for novice and professional divers from around the world.

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