As one of Iceland’s most unique natural wonders, Silfa Fissure has been attracting adventurers and nature lovers from around the world. Located in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, this breathtakingly beautiful place is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Iceland.
Getting There and Around
Starting from Reykjavik, follow the road Þingvallavegur towards Thingvellir National Park, then take the road 49 until the National Park (53.4 km, 50 minutes). Several parking lots are available on site, from which you can walk to Silfa Fissure. The closest one is Parking P5 (400 meters, 5 minutes), followed by Parking P2 (1 km, 12 minutes).
In bus, several companies organize tours for Silfa with departure from Reykjavik, including the Golden Circle and Thingvellir National Park in a day. Typically, they depart at 8:00 am and return in the late afternoon. We mention Reykjavik Excursions, Sterna, and Iceland Excursions.
Timings and Prices
Opening hours from March to November: 9:00-17:00, from June to August: 9:00-19:00
Best time to avoid queues is at 9:00 am, the opening hour, when you can get in the first available slot. Free admission to the area, snorkeling or diving activities are paid based on the package chosen (transportation from Reykjavik, photographs, duration) starting from €80.00 – discover the packages.
What to See and How to Visit Silfa Fissure
Silfa is a breathtakingly beautiful place that appeals both to snorkeling enthusiasts and geology experts. Located in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, specifically on the beautiful Lake Thingvallavatn, the fissure is situated between two continental plates, the Eurasian and the American one.
This certainly makes its exploration even more attractive: visiting Silfa means making a true journey between continents! It’s indeed the rift that divides the North American plate from the Eurasian one. Moreover, the water itself of the lake is crystal-clear and icy, allowing for almost perfect visibility up to 100 meters of depth.
The most experienced and courageous can visit all parts of Silfa: Hall, Cathedral, Great Gorge, and Bay. Snorkeling sessions typically last between 6/8 hours (depending on time and season).
Useful Tips for Visiting Silfa Fissure
Wake up early – the ideal time is to reach the entrance by 9:00 am
Keep an eye out for restrictions – snorkeling is allowed only to certified sub-aquatics with their equipment, through a permit on the official website or through organized tours and local guides certified
Fishing permits are sold at the Service Center and cost 1500 ISK per day
Minimum time – it’s best to dedicate a full day Visiting the surrounding area this zone is rich in unmissable attractions. Dedicate one or two days to the entire Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Golden Circle geysers. Nearby are also the volcanic lake Keldur, the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and Thor’s Forest.
There are no camping facilities inside the park, but the park rangers at the information center will be able to direct you to the area.
Accommodation is only allowed in two areas of the park. Leirar (5 minutes on foot from the information center) and Vatnskot on Lake Þingvallavatn. Camping permits and fishing licenses must be obtained at the information center upon arrival. Cost: 1300 ISK per night (€8.10).
Climate
Tendentially, this park enjoys the best climate of the island. However, it has a rapid variability and the temperature difference between day and night is very significant. During winter, it can snow heavily.
Brief Historical Notes, Curiosities, and Practical Information: What You Need to Know
Silfa Fissure is located in an area of great natural and geological interest: precisely here the continental plates meet and every year they move apart by about 2 centimeters, causing earthquakes with frequency decennial.
The Thingvellir National Park was declared a national park in 1930 thanks to a special law that made it “sacred national protected for all Icelanders” as well as non-transferable or mortgage-able territory. The area is not inhabited and you cannot stay there permanently, nor can you create structures.
The landscape of the Thingvellir Park is of volcanic type, with several faults and valleys that testify to the natural phenomenon of continental drift. One of these faults, the beautiful Silfa Fissure itself, hosts in its canyon the stunning Öxarárfoss waterfall. It originates from the picturesque Oxara river, which affects the entire Thingvellir National Park.
The Lake Thingvallavatn is rich in Arctic salmon and is where you can practice snorkeling and diving, admiring thus the incredible Silfa Fissure.
But it’s also one of the most important places in Iceland from a historical perspective. Precisely at a few kilometers distance from Silfa, in fact, the first parliament (Althing) of Europe was born in the X century, which lasted until 1262, when the island passed under Norwegian and then Danish rule.
In addition, always in this location, two significant events took place: around the year 1000, the leaders of the Icelandic tribes met to accept Christianity as their primary faith; on June 17, 1944, the official ceremony was held to proclaim Iceland’s Independence to the world.
As a beautiful location, it is no surprise that it has become part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2004. In addition, recently this zone has been chosen as the setting for numerous film and television productions, including several scenes from Game of Thrones.
- Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
- Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
- Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...
Assurance of Travel: Our Advice
We always rely on [insurance company], which provides a complete coverage at competitive prices.
In addition, they provide an assistance client, a 24/7 call center and medical insurance with telephonic consultation without limit. We know that when you are abroad in emergency situations, finding a consultant who is always available to respond is the most important thing.
Visit their website and receive a 10% discount on your policy reserved for Travel365 users.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: What is Silfa Fissure?
A: Silfa Fissure is a breathtakingly beautiful place located in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, specifically on the beautiful Lake Thingvallavatn. -
Q: How to get there?
A: You can follow the road Þingvallavegur towards Thingvellir National Park, then take the road 49 until the National Park (53.4 km, 50 minutes). Several parking lots are available on site. -
Q: What is the best time to visit Silfa Fissure?
A: The best time to avoid queues is at 9:00 am, the opening hour, when you can get in the first available slot. -
Q: Can I snorkel or dive into Silfa Fissure?
A: Yes, snorkeling and diving activities are paid based on the package chosen (transportation from Reykjavik, photographs, duration) starting from €80.00 – discover the packages. -
Q: What is the minimum time required to visit Silfa Fissure?
A: It’s best to dedicate a full day Visiting the surrounding area this zone is rich in unmissable attractions. -
Q: Can I stay overnight at Silfa Fissure?
A: No, accommodation is only allowed in two areas of the park: Leirar (5 minutes on foot from the information center) and Vatnskot on Lake Þingvallavatn. -
Q: What is the climate like at Silfa Fissure?
A: Tendentially, this park enjoys the best climate of the island. However, it has a rapid variability and the temperature difference between day and night is very significant. -
Q: Are there any restrictions on snorkeling or diving into Silfa Fissure?
A: Yes, snorkeling is allowed only to certified sub-aquatics with their equipment, through a permit on the official website or through organized tours and local guides certified.
Additional Tips and Recommendations
- If you are planning to visit Silfa Fissure in winter, make sure to bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes.
- It’s recommended to hire a guide who is familiar with the area and can provide valuable insights into its history and geology.
- Be aware of your own physical limitations and don’t attempt any activities that may put you at risk.
- Respect the natural environment and other visitors, and follow all rules and regulations in place.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected medical or travel-related expenses.
Conclusion
Silfa Fissure is a truly unique and breathtakingly beautiful destination that offers an unforgettable experience for those who visit it. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and opportunities for snorkeling and diving, Silfa Fissure is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Iceland. By following our guide and tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to this incredible natural wonder.
Additional Resources
- Official website of Silfa Fissure: www.silfa.is
- Icelandic Tourist Board: www.visitsouthceland.com
- Lonely Planet Iceland Guidebook
- TripAdvisor reviews and ratings
Safety Reminders
- Always follow local regulations and guidelines for snorkeling and diving.
- Be aware of your own physical limitations and don’t attempt any activities that may put you at risk.
- Respect the natural environment and other visitors, and follow all rules and regulations in place.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected medical or travel-related expenses.
Final Thoughts
Silfa Fissure is a truly unique and breathtakingly beautiful destination that offers an unforgettable experience for those who visit it. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and opportunities for snorkeling and diving, Silfa Fissure is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Iceland. By following our guide and tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to this incredible natural wonder.
We hope you have enjoyed our guide to Silfa Fissure and that it has been informative and helpful in planning your trip. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Happy travels!