Beautiful like a vacuum world: Dutch woman in bikini does freediving at 2°C underwater in Iceland

"Silfra," meaning "silver lady" in Icelandic, refers to glacial meltwater that has filtered through rock layers, resulting in exceptionally clear water. (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

Diving in Iceland? Believe it or not. "Silfra" in Iceland's Þingvellir National Park is one of the cleanest dive spots in the world. Situated between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, its crystal-clear visibility makes this crack between continents a popular diving destination. A well-known Dutch nutritionist traveled to Silfra to take on the challenge of freediving — posing in a bikini while shooting footage in 2°C water. The crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs create a scene reminiscent of a "vacuum world."

"Silfra," which means "silver lady" in Icelandic, is a 63-meter-deep underwater cave formed by tectonic plate collision. Its walls lie along the boundary of the Eurasian and North American plates. The water temperature remains between -2°C and 4°C year-round. Melted glacier water filters through rock layers, creating incredibly pure and clear water. Although few aquatic animals inhabit the area, many visitors are drawn here to explore this mysterious and beautiful fissure.

Of course, diving in Iceland first requires overcoming the cold — wetsuits are a must. But one Dutch nutritionist took it up a notch by attempting to freedive in Silfra wearing just a bikini, capturing footage in 2°C water. The stunning, serene underwater glacial scenery led netizens to describe the experience as akin to a "vacuum world."

Additionally, she also tried walking directly into the icy water in minimal clothing under freezing conditions, using this to simulate plant-like biological capabilities. She studied how humans respond psychologically in extreme cold — how focus on mobility, thought processes, and mental stillness can help people stay present in the moment. This served as part of her more concrete psychological research on body and mind.

She and her partner have also launched an ocean storytelling project to raise funds for ocean-themed videos. Their next plan is to head to Ilulissat Icefjord, a glacier bay in Greenland, to attempt more freediving shoots — aiming to raise awareness about marine ecosystems and conservation.