Visitig Silfra By Car, Camper or RV - Silfra Fissure

Visiting Silfra by Car

Driving yourself to Silfra Fissure is one of the easiest ways to experience Iceland’s most famous snorkeling site on your own schedule. Silfra sits inside Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and is an easy day trip from Reykjavík. Expect about 45–60 minutes each way depending on traffic and weather, which makes Silfra a natural add-on to a Golden Circle self-drive.

Where to Park (and why “P5” matters)

If you’re meeting a tour on location, do not park in the small Silfra operations area—it’s reserved for commercial vehicles. Instead, park in the P5 “Valhöll” lot, which is the designated public parking closest to Þingvellir Church and Silfra. From P5, you’ll walk ~400 m along the road to the smaller lot where the snorkel and dive vans stage; plan to be there 15 minutes before your tour time.

Meeting your guide on location (self-drive)

Most operators offer a “meet-on-location” option. You’ll park at P5, then follow signs/guide instructions to the staging area with the vans. Operators commonly state “Silfra car park → walk ~400 m to the vans” and to arrive 15 minutes early so you’re suited up on time.

Parking fees & how to pay

Thingvellir charges a day parking service fee (camera-based license-plate system). In 2025, the official fee for Category A passenger cars (≤5 seats) is 1,000 ISK; other vehicle classes have different rates. You can pay online at Checkit.is, at the Visitor Centre, and at pay machines (including P5)—the system records your plate on entry/exit. One payment covers all paid lots (P1–P3 and P5) for that day.

Paying & validating your parking

Because the park uses automatic plate recognition, pay before you leave the area to avoid fines. If you forget or lose cell service, you can pay at the Visitor Centre or at P5’s pay machine (cards accepted). Keep your license plate number handy; you’ll need it when paying via Checkit.is or at a kiosk.

Visiting Silfra by Camper or RV

Silfra is located about 50 kilometers (45 minutes) from Reykjavik, right in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fissure is easily accessible by road, with paved routes leading directly into the park.

Once you arrive, you’ll find the Silfra car park, which is where all snorkeling and diving tours begin. The parking lot is paved and well-maintained, with enough space for campervans and RVs. Larger motorhomes can fit without issue, though in the peak summer season spaces may fill quickly. It’s best to plan your arrival early in the day if you’re driving a bigger vehicle.

Parking Rules for Campers and RVs

You are welcome to park your camper or RV at Silfra during your snorkeling tour. The lot has direct access to the tour meeting point, changing facilities, and restrooms. This makes Silfra a perfect day trip stop along your campervan itinerary, especially if you’re traveling the Golden Circle route.
However, it’s important to note:

Overnight parking is not allowed in Thingvellir National Park. Iceland enforces strict rules against wild camping in protected areas.
The Silfra car park is day-use only, so you’ll need to move to an official campsite if you plan to spend the night nearby.

Joining Silfra Snorkeling and Diving Tours

Even if you arrive by camper, you cannot snorkel or dive Silfra independently. All participants must join a licensed tour operator for safety and conservation reasons.

When booking your tour, you can simply choose the “meet-on-location” option instead of Reykjavik pickup. That way, you can park your RV in the Silfra lot and meet your guide directly at the fissure. Most tours last about 2–3 hours, with around 30–45 minutes in the water.

Tours provide everything you need, including:

Dry suit, fins, snorkel, mask, and thermal layers.
Safety briefing with certified guides.
Hot chocolate or light snacks after your swim.
Professional underwater photography (in many cases).

Camping Near Silfra

While you can’t stay overnight at Silfra, there are excellent campsites nearby that are well-equipped for RVs:

Thingvellir Campground – Located just a few minutes from Silfra, this official site welcomes both tents and RVs. Facilities include restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups. Staying here means you can enjoy a relaxed evening in the park after your snorkeling tour.
Reykjavik Campsite – About 45 minutes away, this is a good option if you’re returning to the capital. It has extensive facilities for motorhomes, including dump stations and laundry.
Golden Circle Campsites – Along the Golden Circle route you’ll find multiple RV-friendly campgrounds, making it easy to combine Silfra with stops at Geysir and Gullfoss.

Seasonal Considerations

Traveling by camper or RV to Silfra is possible year-round, but conditions vary:

Summer (June–August): Warmest air temperatures and long daylight hours. Campsites are open and often busy, so book ahead.
Autumn (Sept–Oct): Crisp air, colorful landscapes, and fewer crowds. Campsites may begin to close in late autumn.
Winter (Nov–Mar): Snowy landscapes and short days. Roads to Thingvellir are usually cleared, but driving an RV requires extra caution. Some campgrounds may be closed, so check availability.
Spring (Apr–May): Melting snow, longer days, and open roads. A great time for camper travel with fewer crowds than summer.

Visiting Silfra with a campervan or RV is one of the most rewarding ways to experience this unique snorkeling destination. You’ll enjoy the freedom of Iceland’s open roads, the convenience of having all your gear and comforts close by, and the unforgettable thrill of swimming between tectonic plates in crystal-clear glacial water.

Just remember: no overnight parking at Silfra itself, book a licensed tour, and choose a nearby campsite for your stay. With those details sorted, your campervan journey to Silfra will be as smooth as it is unforgettable.

Silfra Fissure - Iceland