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Iceland's National Day
„Til hamingju með þjóðhátíðardaginn!“ (Happy National Day!)
In celebration of Iceland’s National Day, it’s the perfect moment to highlight one of the country’s most breathtaking natural marvels—its rift zones. Among them, the Siffra Rift stands out as a striking example of the raw power of geological forces. Located in North Iceland near Krafla and Lake Mývatn, within the Þingvellir Valley, the rift was created by the gradual divergence of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Its crystal-clear, ice-cold waters are not only drinkable but also remarkably vibrant—snorkelers and divers are treated to shimmering hues of green and gold beneath the surface.
As part of the Northern Volcanic Zone, the Siffra Rift is a dramatic reminder of the Earth's constant motion. Here, the plates are slowly pulling apart, creating a landscape of deep fissures, blackened lava fields, and bubbling geothermal features. It offers a rare opportunity to observe the continental drift unfolding in real time, above and below the waves! 💙 💚 💛 🖤 🌋 🌊 🇮🇸
One of a series of tartans illustrating the natural wonders and flora and fauna of Iceland, this tartan, by designer Carol A.L. Martin, represents the varied colours of the the surprising number of flowering plants that grow low to the ground in the harsh climate of the Arctic Tundra of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia.
In the otherworldly landscapes of North Iceland, near the geothermal hotspots of Krafla and the shimmering surface of Lake Mývatn, lies the Siffra Rift—a striking testament to the slow-motion drama of plate tectonics. This rift is part of the Northern Volcanic Zone, where the Eurasian and North American plates gradually pull away from each other, literally tearing the island apart at a rate of about 2 centimeters per year. But while that pace might seem glacial, the visual effects are anything but dull.
Above the waterline, the landscape is raw and surreal. Jagged lava fields stretch into the distance, coated in bright green moss that seems to glow against the stark black basalt. Steam rises from nearby vents and fumaroles, giving the area an almost prehistoric feel. Cracks and fissures in the earth form dramatic gorges, some of which are wide enough to walk through, while others are deep clefts that vanish beneath the surface of aquamarine pools.
Beneath the water is where the magic truly unfolds. The Siffra Rift contains some of the clearest water in the world—filtered naturally through layers of volcanic rock for decades, resulting in visibility that can exceed 100 meters. Divers and snorkelers often describe the experience as floating through a crystal cathedral. Towering rock walls flank narrow corridors of glowing blue water, and the light refracts in eerie, mesmerizing patterns. Algae cling to submerged stones in brilliant shades of green and gold, and even the occasional air bubble takes on a surreal, prismatic gleam.
Despite its stark beauty, the water is glacially cold year-round, which adds to the sense of purity and untouched wonder. It’s a place where you can literally swim between continents—an unforgettable, almost spiritual encounter with the restless geology of the Earth.
For more on this amazing natural feature, click the snorkeler.