The Four Protectors of Iceland – Folklore Friday

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. What Makes a Nykur Different than a Normal Icelandic Horse? Nykur is a water horse that is a gray color but it can shape shift into other things, living or dead. However, it’s said that it can’t take the shape of lambswool or peeled barley.In most stories, when the Nykur shows up it is normally around water. It lures people in to ride it. The Nykur specifically hangs out around rivers or lakes that are difficult to cross so that you do want to mount it. When you approach it, the Nykur acts super docile and calm. You first think it is a wild horse that is just out and about minding its own business.The Nykur is hoping that when you see that the river or lake is hard to cross that you jump on it to get a ride across. However, as soon as you mount the horse it immediately starts to gallop into the water. In the water, it turns on its side in the deep area, which catches you off guard. The Nykur uses its body weight to sink you deeper into the water and holds you down there until you drown. Definitely not a fun experience. How to Avoid Being a Victim of a Nykur One very obvious difference between a Nykur and a regular horse is that it has inverted hoofs. Yes, their hoofs are literally backwardIf you have already mounted the Nykur and it starts to gallop towards the water, saying its name “Nykur” will immediately make it throw you off of its back because it hates the sound of its name. It will then head into the water without you.One story of a child that was able to survive a Nykur is that a young girl was sleeping out in the Icelandic wilderness near some water. A Nykur saw her and started to drag her into the water. She woke up and realized what was happening. Luckily, she was able to say “Leave me alone, Nykur”. Once it heard its name, the creature released her and raced back into the water.Another way is to make the sign of a cross on the backside of the Nykur is another way to protect yourself. Random Fact of the Episode A Nykur can mate with another horse that is not one of them and create offspring. The offspring look like a regular horse. A big difference is said to be that when water is poured on that horse, it will lay on it side and let the water be poured all over it. Also, if it is going to a river or a lake, it will want to roll over on its side. Icelandic Word of the Episode Nykur can mean neck in Icelandic but in this context it is a water demon. Share This With a Friend Facebook Email Twitter Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

This is the fourth episode for my segment “Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland”. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions. If you want to submit a question, you can do it here.You can check out previous Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland episodes here. Answers to the Questions That Were Submitted 1. Stephanie J. asked: "What is the tipping culture in Iceland?" Tipping in Iceland is not expected, nor is the service you get dependent on it. While you can tip if you want to, it is certainly not a part of the culture, and some might even tell you that they don’t accept tips due to workers being paid a livable wage. 2. Ana R. asked: "What are your favorites pools and spas around Iceland? Cheers from Brazil!" My favorite high end pools and spas are:Sky LagoonGeo SeaForest LagoonWhen it comes to natural hot pools, my favorites are in the West fjords. They are as follows:Laugarnes on Birkimelur hot poolHeydalur hot pools and indoor pool in a greenhouseKrossneslaug poolFor local swimming pools, I really like Lágafellslaug in Mosfellsbær and Laugardalslaug in Reykjavík. 3. Caroline said: "I’m traveling to Iceland from the US and I was curious if I should get some Icelandic kronar before I come to have on hand. I know Iceland prefers cards, but would having cash on hand be helpful?" Because Iceland is becoming an almost cashless society, using cash is not necessary. Even really small vendors take debit and credit cards. You are more than welcome to take out Icelandic Kronar if you want to but you don’t need cash. 4. Caroline said: "What is the tipping culture for tour guides? For example, is it customary to tip the guide and/ or driver if you do a whale watching or glacier lagoon tour?" There is no expectation or encouragement to tip your tour guide. Of course you can if you want to but it is not a custom in Iceland to do that. 5. Stephanie said: "I traveled to Iceland in March 2017 and flew Icelandair. The programming on the flight included tv episodes of an Icelander who had moved to a small town and talked about the life and activities in that town. It was great and I haven't been able to find it again! Do you happen to know what the show is, or can you recommend other shows about life in Iceland? Thank you!" Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find the show you watched on Icelandair. You can find some shows on RÚV that have English substitles. There is also a channel on RÚV that has educational content. However, it is only in Icelandic. 6. Kelly N. said: "What's a good way or place to get a daily summary of current events in Iceland (in English! ;) )...as I'm sure you know, the daily morning and/or evening New York times is what I use in the US...love your show! :)" Here are the Icelandic news outlets online that are in English:RUV EnglishIceland ReviewThe Reykjavík GrapevineIceland Monitor 7. Mariana said: "Have you ever been to the Inside the Vulcano Tour? Is is worth it? Thanks!" Yes, I have been to Inside the Volcano some years ago. I think the experience was unique and interesting. I know it looks quite pricey, but I felt like it was worth it. The inside of the lava chamber was mind-blowing to me. 8. Chrissy P said: "Hi, Jewells! I’m a new listener and fan of the pod. My partner and I are visiting Iceland for the first time at the start of June and will be spending 2 weeks camper vanning it up! We’re birders and overall lovers of nature and are thinking of renting cameras instead of packing and bringing our own. Do you have thoughts or recommendations for renting cameras while we’re in Iceland? I know camera rentals can get pretty pricey quickly. Also, we too are East coast vegans! Thanks so much for all the plant based recs you’ve given on the pod! A bonus question, if it’s okay, would be for your favorite vegan-friendly hot dog spot in Iceland :’) Thanks so much!!" Here is one place that I found where they rent cameras.

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. A Tale from Grímsey Island I’m sharing about a man and a polar bear in Grímsey, which is the northernmost inhabited island in Iceland. It is the only part of Iceland that is the Arctic circle. I’ve not been there yet, but I have heard it is beautiful. This story takes place many years during a harsh winter.On this day, no one on the island could keep a fire lit. It seems that they were in short supply of resources for it, which was major problem since it was so cold. The intense cold froze the water in the sound between mainland Iceland and the island, which made it impossible for a ship to get to the island to provide more fire. Heading Out into the Harsh Winter in Search of Fire One solution was to walk on foot to mainland Iceland to get fire but doing that is a long journey that required resilience and endurance. They decided to pick three of their strongest men to make the journey. Early one morning the men set off on their way. Most of the journey was uneventful until they are halfway across the sound. There, they encounter a big gap in the sound. They are not sure how long and wide it is but it looks like it would be difficult to jump across. Two of the men jump and barely make it. The last guy does not feel confident he can make the jump so he just stands there. The other two who made the jump suggest that he go back to the island because they need to keep going. Not wanting to give up so easily, the guy walks along the big crack looking for a place that might be easier for him to jump across. Encountering a Polar Bear As the time passes, it gets darker and colder. Also, a storm rolls in as well. That storm brings southerly winds that blow warmer air, which starts to melt the ice. He gets caught on a big piece of ice that broke off in the sound between the mainland island and Grímsey. That piece of ice just drifts off in the water. Eventually, the storm stops and the piece of ice he is floating on crashes into a large ice sheet.At this point, he is really hungry, tired and he has no idea how he will get back home. To make matters worse, he encounters a polar bear. For those that do not know, Polar Bear are normally vicious hunters and will not hesitate to kill a person or another animal if they are hungry.Rightfully so, he is scared. The polar bear has cubs and she looks up at him as he stands there stopped in his tracks. She gives him the once over and starts to circle around him. How the Polar Bear Saved the Man's Life When it seems that he is getting stronger after a couple of days, the bear is walking along with him the bear puts her head down and gestures for him to get on her back. When he does, she shakes violently, which makes him fall off immediately. He has no idea why she did that but just left it alone. For the next few days, she continues to gesture for him to get on her back and shakes so hard that he falls off. At night, she keeps him warm and provides nutrition At one point, he is on her back and she shakes but he is able to hold on. That is when the bear jumps into the water with him on her back and starts swimming to Grímsey. When they arrive to the island, the man wants to show his gratitude so he gives her milk from his best cows and slaughters some of his best sheep for her to take back to share with her cubs. She is grateful for that and she heads back to her cubs with food. Everyone in the town is shocked that he had befriended a polar bear. Right after the bear left, they see a ship in the distance and the two guys from earlier in the story were on that ship. They were bringing supplies for fire back to the island. Random Fact of the Episode According to a webpage about Grímsey, about 100 people live there but it is home to about 1 million sea birds. Icelandic Word of the Episode Ísbjörn – Ice bear is the literal translation but it i...

At the beginning of 2025, a new travel authorization system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will come into effect. This new requirement aims to bolster security across Europe, addressing concerns related to terrorism and the influx of migrants and refugees.Non-EU visitors who previously didn't need a visa will now have to apply online for ETIAS, which will screen applicants against a database for criminal activities, prior overstays in the EU, and other security issues. Iceland and the Schengen Zone While Iceland is not part of the EU, it is a member of the Schengen zone, along with countries like Norway and Switzerland. The Schengen zone has uniform rules regarding entry and stay duration.Therefore, Iceland will implement the same ETIAS requirements as other Schengen countries. This means that if you plan to visit Iceland and then travel to other European destinations, you will need an ETIAS authorization before landing in Reykjavik.Upon arrival, your passport will be stamped for a maximum stay of 90 days, allowing you to travel freely within the Schengen zone during this period. Do You Need an Iceland ETIAS Visa Waiver? As long as Iceland remains in the Schengen zone, the ETIAS rules will apply. Whether you need to apply for ETIAS depends on your nationality. Citizens of EU countries will continue to enjoy unrestricted travel across Europe, including Iceland. Non-EU citizens are divided into two categories:Visa-Exempt Travelers: This includes citizens from North America, Australia, and other countries who previously only needed a valid passport for short visits to Europe. Starting in 2025, these travelers must apply for ETIAS approval. The application fee is €7, and the authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.Visa-Required Travelers: Citizens from countries not covered by the visa waiver will continue to need a full visa to enter Iceland, as is currently the case. When Do You Need to Have ETIAS? The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is set to launch in early 2025. Following its implementation, there will be a 180-day grace period.During this six-month grace period, non-EU travelers who previously did not need a visa will need to fill out an ETIAS application form. This period will allow travelers to become familiar with the new requirement and give European travel authorities time to train on the new protocols and address any technical issues that arise.After the grace period ends, all third-country nationals will be required to have ETIAS approval to enter the Schengen zone. What will be asked on the ETIAS Application form? The ETIAS online application will ask for basic information as part of the pre-screening check. Below is the information that is said to be required:Valid passport / Travel document informationFull nameCurrent addressCitizenship statusSexPreferred genderDual citizenship statusEmail addressTelephone numberDate of birthFinal destination member stateEducational backgroundOccupational backgroundDuring the ETIAS application or appeal process, you may be asked about your:Criminal historyPast incarcerationFelon statusPast European travelDrug useHealth history How Long does Approval of ETIAS applications Take? According to the website about ETIAS applications, it will only take a few minutes for an application to be approved once the payment is completed. While that sounds great, I would not leave applying for ETIAS to the last minute to avoid any possible issues. Discovering Iceland's Natural Wonders Iceland is a treasure trove of unique geological features, offering an abundance of geysers, bubbling mud pots, volcanoes, and lava fields. The country's geothermal activity makes it a fascinating destination, even in winter,

This is part of my Folklore Friday Series, where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024. A King's Decree Leads To Iceland's Land Spirits Being Discovered In the Heimskringla saga of King Olaf Tryggvason, there is a captivating tale of King Harald Bluetooth's failed attempt to invade Iceland. According to the saga, Harald tasked a sorcerer who transformed into a fearsome whale, with finding the island’s vulnerabilities. However, each time the whale-sorcerer tried to land, he was repelled by supernatural beings known as Land Spirits, Iceland’s guardians. A Sorcerer Encounters Iceland's Land Spirits The whale-sorcerer's first attempt to land was in the Eastern Fjords, where he encountered a ferocious dragon. This dragon was so powerful that it is said that its fiery breath could make the ocean burn. To add to that, the flaps of its wings sounded like thunder. Alongside the dragon were terrifying snakes, lizards, and slithering spirits. Fearing for its life, the whale retreated farther back into the ocean.A little shaken but still determined, the sorcerer/whale found himself in the north of Iceland, aiming to land in Eyjafjörður. Here, a massive griffin with an immense wingspan descended from the skies. Countless birds with razor-sharp talons and beaks like battle axes came with it. Together, they drove the whale-sorcerer away.For his third attempt, the whale tried to land in the Westfjords of the country, specifically Breiðafjörður, where an enormous bull awaited him. Unlike other bulls, this one was said to have a body as solid as the earth, bronze horns, and a hide as tough as stone. To add to its insane exterior, one bellow from the bull made the mountains shake. and a body as solid as the earth, the bull’s bellowing made the mountains tremble. Not surprisingly, the whale-wizard had no intention of going head-to-head with the bull, so it fled.In a final desperate attempt to find a vulnerable spot on the island to report back to the King, the sorcerer aimed for the Reykjanes peninsula. Here, he faced an enormous giant whose head towered above the hilltops. Armed with an iron staff and with a formidable army of other giants, the giant sent the whale-sorcerer fleeing back to the sea, thwarting King Harald Bluetooth’s invasion plans. Random Fact of the Episode These guardians protect Iceland, each overseeing a quarter of the island. To this day, these Land Spirits are deeply respected and are featured on the Icelandic coat of arms, as well as the Icelandic króna coins. They symbolize the protection and prosperity of Iceland’s land and its spiritual and physical inhabitants. Icelandic Word of the Episode Landvættir is the Icelandic word for land spirits. Share This With a Friend Facebook Email LinkedIn Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega

Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. This unique geographical setting has led to some fascinating geological features and dynamic landscapes.In this episode, I go over the geology a little bit, the main reason why Iceland does not split in two even though the tectonic plates are slowing moving apart, and where in the country you can enjoy seeing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in the country. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Iceland’s Unique Position The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a submarine mountain range that runs down the center of the Atlantic Ocean, marking the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. In most places, this ridge lies deep underwater, but in Iceland, it rises above the sea, creating a rare opportunity to observe tectonic activity on land.Iceland owes its existence to this tectonic setting. The ridge is characterized by divergent boundaries, where the plates are moving away from each other. As these plates diverge, magma rises from the mantle to fill the gap, creating new crust. This process is responsible for the volcanic activity that has shaped Iceland's rugged terrain. The Nature of Tectonic Plates The movement of tectonic plates is a slow and gradual process. The Eurasian and North American plates are drifting apart at an average rate of about 2.5 centimeters (.9 inches) per year. While this may seem significant, it's important to put it in perspective. Over millions of years, this movement will indeed widen the Atlantic Ocean, but the effect on Iceland is much more subtle.The divergence of these plates does cause fissures and rift valleys, such as the Þingvellir National Park, where the rift between the plates is visible. However, this does not mean Iceland will split in half. Instead, the country is constantly being reshaped and reformed by volcanic activity and the upwelling of magma, which fills in any gaps created by the diverging plates. Volcanic Activity and Land Formation One of the key factors that prevent Iceland from splitting is its volcanic activity. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active regions in the world, with eruptions occurring roughly every four to five years. In most recent years, we have seen an increase in volcanic eruptions with them happening multiple times in a year just in 2024. These eruptions are part of the same process that forms the mid-ocean ridges.When magma from beneath the Earth's crust reaches the surface, it cools and solidifies, forming new land. This continuous creation of new crust compensates for the divergent movement of the tectonic plates. Instead of splitting apart, Iceland is actually growing larger over time as new volcanic material is added to its landmass. The Role of the Icelandic Mantle Plume Adding to the volcanic activity is the presence of the Icelandic mantle plume, a column of hot, molten rock that rises from deep within the Earth. This plume provides a steady supply of magma, which fuels Iceland's numerous volcanoes. The mantle plume is thought to be responsible for the high levels of volcanic activity and the formation of Iceland itself.The mantle plume’s upwelling helps to reinforce the island’s structure. As magma rises and cools, it forms new rock that acts to fill in and stabilize any fractures or rifts caused by the diverging plates. This process ensures that while fissures and rifts are part of Iceland’s landscape, they do not lead to the island splitting apart. Geophysical Studies and Predictions Extensive geophysical studies have been conducted to monitor Iceland's tectonic activity. Seismologists and geologists use a range of tools, including GPS measurements, seismographs, and satellite imagery, to track the movement of the plates and the activity of the mantle plume. These studies provide valuable insights into the dynamics at play.The data shows that while there are indeed rifting events and volcanic eruption...

This is part of my Folklore Friday Series, where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024. A Magical Woman from Norway Migrates to Iceland In the book of the Icelanders, or Landnámabók, is a person named Þuríður syndafyllir and her son Völu-Steinn. They immigrated from Northern Norway and settled in Bolungarvík in the Westfjords of Iceland.It was rumored that Þuríður had incredible powers. One story about her when she lived in Norway was that she cast a spell that filled all the straits with fish. Fighting Over Land – Petty or Justified? This particular Folklore story is about a quarrel she had with her brother Þjóðólfur. One day her brother asked Þuríður to give him land at Bolungarvík. She agreed to letting him have the land he could fence in on his own in a day.While Þjóðólfur had planned to fence off land that started at Stigi and included Hlíðardalur, and Tungudalur, he only made it about half way to the middle of Tungudalur. Even though the deal was pretty clear, Þjóðólfur was not happy that his sister would not allow him to also have Tungudalur included as part of his land.To get back at her for denying him, he decided to steal one of her ox that she kept at Stigihlíð. To Þjóðólfur´s suprise, his sister caught him trying to steal the ox and ran after him. He was quick but she caught up to him at Ófæra and tried to get the animal back. However, her brother won that battle.Not one to be outdone, Þuríður cast a spell upon Þjóðólfur that would turn him into a stone that many birds would defecate on. The part about being pooped on is specifically part of this story. LOL. Well, her brother was magically inclined as well, and he cast a spell for her to be turned into a rock that is placed where the highest winds blow. Turning Each Other to Stone Well, both of their spells worked and each turned into stone. Þjóðólfur became a rock that rolled into the water but was never full submerged. A variety of birds would land on it and leave behind their waste. Apparently, the locals knew of this story and the stone.They called in Þjóðólfur after the brother and would talk about it when walking by. It is said that in 1936, the stone vanished probably because the end of the spell had been reached. Þuríður became a stone at the northern part of Óshlíð and might still be there to this day. Make Your Own Itinerary with My Iceland Map Another great resource is to grab full access to my Iceland map. This map was created for those who want to pick out places and hidden gems around Iceland to make up their own itinerary or add to one that they already created.With full access, you get over 280 places that I recommend in Iceland, along with four itineraries to use for planning your trip. Those itineraries include a 10-day Ring Road trip, a 3-day South Iceland trip, The Famous Golden Circle and a Reykjanes Peninsula Day Trip.A one-time purchase gives you lifetime access, which includes any updates I make to the map.Here is a link to my Iceland map: rexby.com/jewells/Iceland. Random Fact of the Episode Óshlíð, the historical road connecting Bolungarvík and Hnífsdalur, began construction in the 1950s and was once the sole link for Bolungarvík residents to Iceland's road network. As of 2010, the route no longer accommodates vehicle traffic due to the opening of the new Bolungarvík tunnel. However, Óshlíð has been repurposed as a scenic outdoor area for recreation. The smooth pavement provides ideal conditions for cyclists and runners seeking a nature immersion. The imposing cliffs towering 300 to 400 meters above can make one feel quite diminutive.Óshlíð is notorious for its challenging road conditions, with frequent avalanches, rockfalls, and debris. Parts of the road have deteriorated due to harsh weather and coastal erosion. Consequently, tourists are urged to exercise caution and park their cars at either end of the pass.

Rökkvi Vésteinsson was born in 1978 in Iceland. He had a multicultural upbringing, living in Chicago at age 11, and spending summers in Denmark and Sweden during his teens. By age 20, he was fluent in four foreign languages, thanks to his travels and a stint as an au pair in Germany.Rökkvi began his professional journey guiding one-day tours from Reykjavík to Kulusuk, Greenland at 23, leveraging his language skills in English, German, and Danish. He simultaneously embarked on a career in stand-up comedy starting in 2003.After completing degrees in Biochemistry and Computer Science at Háskóli Íslands, he worked in Montreal as a programmer and software tester from 2004-2005, where he continued his comedy career. He also intermittently guided tours in Greenland and Iceland.In 2017, Vésteinsson transitioned to full-time tour guiding, leading a variety of tours across Iceland, including multi-day and cruise ship tours, distillery tours, and city walks in Reykjavík. His guiding languages expanded to include Icelandic, English, German, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Dutch, and French, reflecting his continuous language learning.Vésteinsson's passion for languages led him to LingQ in 2019, where he learned French and other languages to literacy. He collaborated with LingQ's CEO, contributing significantly to their Icelandic resources and successfully advocating for free Icelandic learning on the platform.Today, Vésteinsson continues to add educational content to LingQ and promotes language learning in Iceland. He also performs comedy in multiple languages across various countries, showcasing his diverse linguistic and cultural fluency. Have a Question for Rökkvi Through my link for "Ask Jewells Anything", feel free to submit a question for Rökkvi. Please add into the description box that it is for him. Learn More About Greenland During the interview, Rökkvi and I talked about Greenland. Here is an episode where you can learn more about modern Greenland and how some Greenlandic activist are working to reclaim their culture. Share this with a friend Facebook Email Twitter Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumsy fljótlega.

Where Iceland's Loch Ness Monster Lives Lagarfljot, nestled in eastern Iceland, is not just a lake but a river channel flowing from the majestic Vatnajokull glacier to the sea. This secluded area carries a mysterious aura, providing fertile ground for local folklore.Visitors from the east of Iceland or those who have journeyed to Reykjavik might share tales of a monstrous inhabitant lurking in the murky depths of the lake, reminiscent of Scotland’s famous Loch Ness monster.This creature, known as Lagarfljotsormur, a name that challenges even the bravest linguist, translates to "the Lagarfljot worm." Reported sightings by locals have captured this enigmatic being on film, where it appears as an elusive, moving shape beneath the water's surface. How Lagarfljótsormur Came to Be According to legend, the origins of this creature stem from a young girl’s encounter with greed. Gifted a gold ring by her mother, she sought advice on how to maximize its value. Her mother relayed a local myth: placing a worm on gold would make the gold multiply.The girl, hoping to increase her wealth, locked a worm in a chest with the ring. Contrary to her hopes, the worm grew exponentially. Overcome with fear upon discovering the worm’s transformation, she hurled the chest into the lake.Since that day, the creature, resembling a giant sea snake, has surfaced sporadically, captured in fleeting video glimpses that stoke the fires of legend and debate. To some, these images are proof of its existence; to others, they are mere fragments of myth. The true nature of Lagarfljotsormur remains shrouded in mystery, its legend undiminished by time. Random Fact of the Episode There have been numerous people that claim to have seen this giant worm and there was even a video that came out once that was said to be footage of it. Icelandic Word of the Episode Lagarfljótsormur - the Lagarfljot worm Share This With a Friend Facebook Email Twitter Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

Have you ever imagined swimming between two continents, touching the jagged edges of the earth’s crust beneath crystal-clear water? I had the unforgettable experience of snorkeling in Silfra Fissure, located in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, Iceland.This unique adventure is available all year round, and whether you visit during the chilly embrace of December or the milder days of April, like I did, it’s an exhilarating experience not to be missed.Arctic Adventures is a premier travel company in Iceland, offering a wide array of day and multi-day tours that showcase the breathtaking natural beauty of this volcanic island.From snorkeling and glacier hiking to exploring the eruptive landscapes, they ensure a memorable and safe adventure for all. I’ve partnered with them for this post, and by using my code Iceland10, you can save 10% on any of their tours. Check out their offerings at adventures.is and plan your next epic journey! What is Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park in Iceland? Silfra Fissure is a remarkable rift formed between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This gap widens slightly each year, filled with glacial meltwater that is filtered through underground lava for nearly a century before it emerges as some of the clearest and freshest water on earth. Snorkeling here, you are literally floating between continents, in water visibility that extends up to 100 meters (about 328 feet), making it one of the top dive sites in the world. My Arctic Adventure Begins My journey began in the historic Thingvellir National Park, just about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik. I chose to drive myself to the meeting point, parking in Lot 5 and walking a short distance to where Arctic Adventures had set up. It was a brisk 10 degrees Celsius in April—a perfect day for snorkeling.After a quick registration and waiver signing, the team helped us suit up. We were advised to wear thin thermal layers and thick wool socks under provided thick onesie thermal suits. Over these, they layered us into snug dry suits complete with gloves, a dry suit material face mask, snorkel mask, and fins.Given the water temperature hovers around 2-3 degrees Celsius, these dry suits were crucial for keeping our core body temperatures stable. And yes, take advantage of the restrooms before you suit up—it’s a lot easier! The Snorkeling Experience in Silfra Fissure The walk to the water’s edge was brief, and entering the water was seamless. Visibility was phenomenal; we could see the divers below us looking as if they were hovering just feet away due to the clarity of the water. A soft current gently pulled us through the fissure, meaning we could enjoy the surreal surroundings without much effort.The guide even snapped photos during our adventure, which were later available for download—truly epic shots that captured the ethereal blue of the waters, which are so pure you can drink from them. Warmth After the Chill Post-snorkel, we were treated to hot chocolate or tea and cookies, a welcome treat that helped warm us from the inside out. While the dry suits did an excellent job overall, my hands did feel the chill, especially my left one, which got uncomfortably cold. Fortunately, the sunny weather helped in warming up quickly once we were out of the water Overall Impressions Despite the minor chill, the experience was nothing short of magical. Snorkeling at Silfra with Arctic Adventures was a highlight of my adventures in Iceland—a truly unique experience where you can float between two worlds. It’s something I’d recommend to anyone visiting Iceland, no matter the season.For more information on booking your own adventure and to utilize discounts, check out the “Trip Planning Help” tab at the top of my website allthingsiceland.com. Don’t forget to use Iceland10 to save on your booking with Arctic Adventures.