Selfoss: The Perfect Base for Exploring South Iceland

About Selfoss

Selfoss has a rich history dating back to the 9th century, with early records mentioning Iceland's first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, wintering in the area around 873-874. Despite its name meaning "Seal Falls," you won't find any waterfalls in town - an odd contrast to other Icelandic place names.

The town we see today began taking shape in the late 19th century, with a key moment being the construction of the first suspension bridge over the Ölfusá River in 1891. This bridge, championed by Alþing member Tryggvi Gunnarsson, connected the region and sparked growth. After the original collapsed, the current bridge was built in 1945 and still serves as a vital link.

Selfoss Today

Today, Selfoss works as the commercial and industrial hub of South Iceland. With about 10,000 residents, it offers city conveniences while keeping a small-town feel. Recent developments include the Selfoss New Old Town, a modern center that combines rebuilt historic buildings with new designs, making it more appealing to both locals and visitors.

Why is Selfoss Worth Visiting?

Many travelers rush through Selfoss, stopping only for gas or groceries before continuing on to more famous destinations. That's a mistake. Here's why you should give Selfoss more attention:

Strategic Base Camp

Selfoss sits at the crossroads of Iceland's most popular routes. From here, you can easily access:

• The entire Golden Circle route
• The South Coast's waterfalls and black sand beaches
• Lesser-known gems away from tourist crowds

By staying in Selfoss, you'll spend less time driving back and forth from Reykjavík and more time enjoying Iceland's natural wonders.

Local Amenities

Iceland is all about nature, but I can assure you that after a day of hiking in changing weather, you'll be glad to return to a town with:

• Multiple restaurant options
• Well-stocked supermarkets
• Pharmacies and medical facilities, if needed
• Local swimming pools with hot tubs for relaxing
• Gas stations and car services

Authentic Iceland

Selfoss offers a glimpse into everyday Icelandic life away from the tourist centers of Reykjavík. The pace is slower, the prices are often lower, and you'll have more chances to interact with locals.

Location & How to Get There

Selfoss sits on the banks of the Ölfusá River in South Iceland, about 57 kilometers (35 miles) from Reykjavík. It’s right off the Ring Road (Route 1), making it easy to reach.

By Car

The best way to reach Selfoss is by renting a car (or a campervan), taking about 55 minutes from Reykjavík via Route 1. The drive takes you through scenic areas including the Hellisheiði plateau and the town of Hveragerði.

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By Bus

Public buses regularly connect Selfoss to Reykjavík and other towns. The Strætó bus service runs multiple times daily between Reykjavík and Selfoss. Many Golden Circle tour buses also pass through Selfoss, although they typically do not stop for long.

From the Airport

Keflavík International Airport is about 79 kilometers from Selfoss. There's no direct public transportation, so if you want to go straight from there to Selfoss, you'll need to either:

• Rent a car at the airport
• Take a bus to Reykjavík, then connect to Selfoss
• Arrange a private transfer

Things to Do in Selfoss

While many use Selfoss mainly as a base, the town itself offers many cool things to do.

Selfoss Swimming Pool

Icelanders love their swimming pools, and the local pool in Selfoss is a great place to experience this cultural institution. With indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs of varying temperatures, a sauna, and a water slide, it's perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The entry fee is 1,750 ISK ($14) for adults and 350 ISK ($3) for children under 18, and you can rent towels if needed

Hellisskógur Recreation Forest

North of town, this forest area offers scenic footpaths alongside the Ölfusá River. It's perfect for a morning jog or casual walk before heading out to more famous attractions.

Selfoss Centre

The newly developed center showcases Icelandic architecture and houses over 20 restaurants, cafes, and bars. The Old Dairy food hall, located inside, offers Icelandic cuisine alongside international options.

Bobby Fischer Center

Chess fans should visit this small museum dedicated to the famous chess champion who lived in Iceland during his later years. Located at Austurvegur 21, it offers insight into Fischer's life and legacy.

"Sumar á Selfossi" Festival

If you're visiting in early August, don't miss this annual summer festival. Running for four days (typically around August 4-7), it features fireworks displays, streets decorated with colored ribbons, local craft stalls, music performances, family concerts, evening bonfires, and sports events including the Brúarhlaup running event. It's a great way to experience local culture and community spirit.

Photo credit: Facebook

Places to Visit Nearby

Selfoss's greatest strength is how close it is to many of Iceland's most famous attractions.

Þingvellir National Park (Þingvellir)

Approximately 40 km (25 miles) from Selfoss, Thingvellir is one of the three national parks in Iceland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site marks the point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. Beyond its geological importance, it's also where Iceland's first parliament was established in 930 AD. Walking through the rift valley is a must-do experience.

Geysir Hot Springs

Approximately 60 km (37 miles) from Selfoss, this geothermal area is home to the impressive Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters high. The surrounding area features bubbling mud pots and steaming vents, and has a rather pungent smell.

Gullfoss Waterfall (Gullfoss)

Around 70 km (43.5 miles) from Selfoss, Gullfoss is a powerful two-tiered waterfall that drops into a canyon. Various viewing platforms offer different perspectives of the falls, which are especially impressive when the sun creates rainbows in the mist.

Kerid Crater

Just 10 miles north of Selfoss, this volcanic crater lake has striking blue water surrounded by red volcanic rock. A walking path circles the rim, offering great views, while another path leads down to the water's edge.

Reykjadalur Valley

About 11 miles northeast of Selfoss, this geothermal area features a hot spring river where you can bathe in naturally heated water. The hike to reach the bathing area takes about 45-60 minutes each way through beautiful scenery.

Seljalandsfoss

This unique waterfall, located approximately 70 km (43.5 miles) from Selfoss, allows you to walk behind the cascading water for a unique perspective. Bring a waterproof jacket, as you'll definitely get wet!

Skálholt Cathedral

Just 40 km (25 miles) from Selfoss, this historic site was the center of Christianity in Iceland for centuries. The current cathedral dates back to the 1950s but stands on grounds rich in Icelandic history

Lesser-Known Gems

As I just showed you, Selfoss is super close to most of the must-visit places in South Iceland. And yeah, they are called “must-visit” for a reason. However, Selfoss is also close to hidden gems that are as cool as the popular ones.

Eyrarbakki Village

This small coastal village, about 15 minutes from Selfoss, features well-preserved timber houses and a beautiful black sand beach. The Húsið museum showcases traditional Icelandic life, and the local restaurant Rauða Húsið serves excellent seafood.

Stokkseyri

Another coastal village near Selfoss, known for its ghost center (Draugasetrið) and lobster restaurant Fjöruborðið, which is considered one of the best seafood places in Iceland.

Best Time to Visit Selfoss

Selfoss, like most of Iceland, experiences distinct seasons that significantly impact your travel experience.

Summer (June-August)

Summer is the most popular time to visit Selfoss and for good reason. You'll enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight in June, letting you sightsee without worrying about darkness. Temperatures are mild, typically ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F), making outdoor activities comfortable with the proper clothing. During summer, all attractions and hiking trails are open, and the countryside turns lush green. The highlight of summer is the "Sumar á Selfossi" festival in early August, where you can experience local culture firsthand. Remember that summer also brings more tourists and higher prices throughout Iceland.

Shoulder Seasons (May and September)

The shoulder seasons often provide the best balance for travelers. You'll see fewer crowds while still having enough daylight for sightseeing. Temperatures drop slightly compared to summer, but the weather is generally good for exploring. These months offer better deals on accommodation and car rentals compared to peak season. Most attractions remain open during these months, although some Highland roads may close in late September as winter approaches. These months are great for photography, with dramatic lighting and the possibility of early auroras in September.

Winter (October-April)

Winter changes Selfoss and the surrounding countryside completely. This season gives you the best chance to see the Northern Lights, especially from November through March. The landscapes become beautiful with snow and frozen waterfalls. You'll meet far fewer tourists, allowing for more authentic experiences with locals. Accommodation prices drop a lot, making longer stays more affordable. However, be ready for limited daylight (only 4-5 hours in December), possible road closures due to weather, and some attractions being closed. Winter driving needs extra care and sometimes special vehicles.

Where to Stay

Selfoss offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences.

Camping

If you’re a true adventurer, traveling with your campervan or with your camping gear in your car, you’ll be happy to know that Selfoss has a place for you.

Gesthús Selfoss

Located at Engjavegur, this campsite provides a convenient base for exploring. Facilities include toilets and showers, kitchen facilities, electrical hookups for campervans, and it's within walking distance to town amenities. The campsite is typically open from May to September, with prices around 2800 ISK ($22) per person per night.

This place also offers bungalows with kitchenettes and private bathrooms for those seeking a bit more comfort, as well as summerhouses with fully equipped kitchens and space for up to 6 people, ideal for larger groups.

Hotels and Guesthouses

For those with an adventurous spirit but with a taste for comfort, Selfoss also has something for you.

Hotel Selfoss

A comfortable option with a riverside location, spa facilities, and an on-site restaurant..

Bella Apartments & Rooms

Central location with clean, modern rooms and kitchenettes in some units.

When booking accommodation, remember that Selfoss is part of the Árborg municipality, which includes nearby villages like Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri, offering more options just a short drive away.

Where to Eat

Selfoss has a surprisingly diverse dining scene for a small town. Here are some standout options:

Upscale Dining

For fancy eaters with money to spend.

Tryggvaskáli

Located in a historic house by the bridge, this restaurant serves authentic Icelandic cuisine, including fresh seafood and lamb. The building itself dates back to 1890 and was originally built as lodging for workers constructing the first bridge.

Samúelsson Matbar

Found inside the food hall at Eyravegur 1, this highly-rated (4.8/5) establishment offers vibrant dishes and an interactive dining experience. Open until 9:00 PM most days.

Casual Options

If you want something tasty but don’t want to

Kaffi Krús

A cozy café at Austurvegur 7, serving excellent burgers, artisan pizzas, and homemade cakes in a charming setting.

Fröken Selfoss – Icelandic Food & Drinks

Basing their cuisine on locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant offers a taste of authentic Iceland at reasonable prices.

Budget-Friendly

We know that Iceland can be quite expensive, so we won’t judge you if you opt for the most affordable option.

The Old Dairy Food Hall

Inside the Selfoss Centre, this food hall features multiple vendors offering everything from Icelandic specialties to Asian and Italian cuisine, perfect for groups with different tastes.

Local Specialties to Try

While dining in Selfoss, look for these Icelandic specialties: fresh-caught Arctic char, Icelandic lamb dishes, skyr (a soft cheese similar to yogurt), kleinur (twisted doughnuts), and rúgbrauð (geothermally baked rye bread).

Conclusion

Selfoss might not have the immediate wow factor of Iceland's waterfalls or geysers, but what it offers is perhaps more valuable: convenience, comfort, and a strategic position that maximizes your exploration of South Iceland. By basing yourself here, you'll save driving time, experience authentic small-town Iceland, and have all the amenities you need after days spent in nature.