On 7 August 2002, Mr. Kristinn Magnússon became the second man in history to swim across Lake Thingvallavatn.
“The swim across Lake Thingvallavatn was supposed to be my final training swim before my swim to the Vestmannaeyjar islands later in the summer of 2002. During that year I swam to: Engey island, Videy island, across the Hvalfjordur fjord, Drangey island and across the Lake Thingvallavatn. I had to postpone my swim to the Vestmannaeyjar islands due to inclement weather.
I began my swim across Lake Thingvallavatn from Nesjavellir in the south of the lake. Mr. Fylkir Þ. Sævarsson who was the first person to swim across the lake from north to south. I would be the first person to swim across the lake from south to north.
I made good progress with the swim until about midway across the lake when I encountered a strong opposing current that came from the depths. It took all of my effort to overcome this current. During my swim heavy waves overturned me a few times. At last I reached the shore at the tip of the Mjoanes peninsula in the north of Lake Thingvallavatn.
The Lake Thingvallavatn swim was the toughest and at the same time the most pleasing open water swim that I have ever swam. The water was crystal clear and tasted good. The swim was a very moving experience for me that I will never forget.
I want to thank Mr. Hrafnkell Marinósson and the Hafnarfjordur Search and Rescue Service for being present during the swim to ensure a high level of safety.”