Selfoss

Planning Your Trip to Selfoss, Iceland

Essential Travel Information

• Country: Iceland
• Timezone: GMT +0
• Languages Spoken: Icelandic
• Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Icelandic Weather & Climate: When to Visit Selfoss

• January-March: Cold, dark, frequent snow/ice. -2°C to 3°C (28°F to 37°F). Great for Northern Lights viewing.
• April-May: Transition period. Increasing daylight, slightly warmer. 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
• June-August: Mild summers, long daylight hours. 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). Perfect for hiking.
• September-October: Autumn colors, cooling temperatures. 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). Chance of Northern Lights.
• November-December: Shorter days, colder, more snow. -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F). Ideal for winter scenery.

Selfoss City Overview

Selfoss, a lovely town on the Ölfusá River in South Iceland, is a fantastic base for exploring the famous Golden Circle and the dramatic southern coast. You’ll find modern amenities combined with stunning natural beauty here, offering a more relaxed vibe than the busier tourist spots. The town has grown quite a bit and now features a variety of shops, restaurants, and recreational activities. Its strategic location makes it a superb starting point for adventures like glacier hiking and whale watching. It’s a comfortable and friendly place to experience Icelandic culture.

Best Time to Visit Selfoss: A Season-by-Season Guide

• Summer (June-August):
  • Pros: Endless daylight! Milder temperatures, easier access to the highlands.
  • Cons: Peak season. Expect higher prices and more crowds. Book accommodations and tours well in advance.
• Winter (November-March):
  • Pros: The Northern Lights are calling! Stunning snowy landscapes, fewer tourists.
  • Cons: Limited daylight, colder. Some roads might be closed due to weather.
• Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-October):
  • Pros: A sweet spot! Decent weather, fewer crowds, possibility of the Northern Lights, reasonable prices.
  • Cons: Weather can be unpredictable. Some seasonal activities might not be available.

Getting to Selfoss & Visa Information

• Flights: Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Rent a car or take a bus to Selfoss (about 1 hour 15 minutes by car). Consider pre-booking airport transfers.
• Trains: No passenger trains in Iceland.
• Visa Details: Iceland is in the Schengen Area. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Check your specific requirements.

Discovering Selfoss: Facts & Highlights

Fun Fact About Selfoss

The town is named after the “Selfoss” waterfall (meaning “seal falls”), though the waterfall itself isn’t *in* Selfoss. It’s believed seals used to swim up the Ölfusá River to reach it in search of tasty fish.

Famous People From Selfoss

Selfoss is a relatively small town, and doesn’t have many widely known personalities from here. Most Icelandic figures are from larger cities, like Reykjavik.

Top 10 Attractions in & Near Selfoss

• Selfosskirkja (Selfoss Church)

  A modern, architecturally interesting church. It’s a nice, quiet place for a visit.

  • Austurvegur 22, 800 Selfoss, Iceland
• Bobby Fischer Center

  A museum about chess legend Bobby Fischer, who lived his last years in Iceland.

  • Austurvegur 21, 800 Selfoss, Iceland
• Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

  Geothermal baths near Selfoss (about 30 minutes drive) using the earth’s natural heat. Book your tickets online!

  • Hverabraut 1, 840 Laugarvatn, Iceland
• Kerið Crater

  A stunning volcanic crater lake near Selfoss (about 20 minutes) with vivid colors. A must-see!

  • Route 35, 801 Grímsnes og Grafningshreppur, Iceland
• Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)

  Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, fed by natural hot springs, close to Selfoss (about 30 minutes). Book in advance!

  • Hvammsvegi, 845 Fludir, Iceland
• Golden Circle Route

  Selfoss is a great starting point for the Golden Circle. Don’t miss Gullfoss Waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, and the Geysir Geothermal Area.

  • Varying Locations, Accessible from Route 1, Selfoss
• Friðheimar Tomato Farm

  A unique greenhouse restaurant where you can dine amongst the tomato plants. (about 30 minutes away). Book a reservation!

  • Reykholt, 801 Selfoss, Iceland
• Urriðafoss Waterfall

  One of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. A quick drive from Selfoss.

  • Þjóðvegur, Route 1, Iceland
• Sólheimar Eco-Village

  Eco-village near Selfoss (short drive) dedicated to sustainable living and art. Visit the cultural center and gallery.

  • Sólheimar, 801 Grímsnes og Grafningshreppur, Iceland
• Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel

  Explore one of Iceland’s largest lava tunnels. Guided tours are highly recommended.

  • Raufarhólshellir, 816 Ölfus, Iceland

Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems Near Selfoss

• Knarrarósviti Lighthouse

  A cool Art Deco lighthouse on the coast. A worthwhile stop if you’re heading toward Vik.

  • Knarrarós, Iceland
• Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

  Hike to a naturally heated river where you can take a dip! It’s a moderate hike, about 40-60 minutes from Selfoss, near Hveragerði.

  • Reykjadalur Hot Spring Trail, Hveragerði, Iceland

Local Culture: Festivals & Events in Selfoss

• Sumarsólstöðurhátíð á Selfossi (Selfoss Summer Solstice Festival): Held every June. Celebrate the summer solstice with music, food, and fun!
• Jólamarkaður á Selfossi (Selfoss Christmas Market): A festive market in December with local crafts, food, and holiday cheer.

Day Trips From Selfoss: Explore Iceland’s Wonders

• Þingvellir National Park (approx. 45 minutes): Historical and geological significance.
• Gullfoss Waterfall (approx. 1 hour): A must-see iconic Icelandic waterfall.
• Geysir Geothermal Area (approx. 1 hour): See Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes!
• Vik i Myrdal (approx. 2 hours): Black sand beaches and basalt columns await.
• Skógafoss Waterfall (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes): Hike to the top for amazing views!

Picture Perfect: Photography Spots Near Selfoss

• Kerið Crater: The colorful volcanic crater lake makes for amazing photos.
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: Walk *behind* the waterfall for a unique shot!
• Skógafoss Waterfall: Capture the powerful waterfall and maybe a rainbow.
• Þingvellir National Park: Dramatic landscapes and historical sites.
• Black Sand Beaches near Vik: Reynisfjara beach with basalt columns is incredible.

Accommodation & Transportation in Selfoss

How Long Should You Stay in Selfoss?

• 2-3 days is perfect to explore Selfoss and the surrounding area.

Top Places to Stay in Selfoss (By Budget)

Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Selfoss HI Hostel
  • Austurvegur 22, 800 Selfoss, Iceland
• Gesthús Selfoss
  • Eyravegur 8, 800 Selfoss, Iceland

Mid-Range Hotels & Apartments

• Hotel Selfoss
  • Eyravegur 2, 800 Selfoss, Iceland
• 360 Hotel & Thermal Baths
  • Nesjavellir, 801 Selfoss, Iceland
• Riverside Apartment Selfoss
  • Fossheiði 12, 800 Selfoss, Iceland

Luxury Hotels Near Selfoss

• Ion Adventure Hotel
  • Nesjavellir, 801 Þingvellir, Iceland
• Frost and Fire Hotel
  • Hverhamar 3, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland (Near Selfoss)

Getting Around Selfoss

• Car Rental: Highly recommended for exploring the Golden Circle. Book in advance, especially in peak season.
• Walking: Selfoss town center is easily explored on foot.
• Public Transport: Limited within Selfoss. Buses connect Selfoss to Reykjavik and other towns.
• Taxis: Available but less common than in bigger cities.

Prepare for Your Selfoss Adventure

What to Pack for Iceland

• Layers: Essential for unpredictable weather!
• Waterproof Outerwear: Jacket and pants are a must.
• Warm Hat, Gloves, and Scarf: Especially for colder months.
• Hiking Boots: For exploring trails and natural attractions.
• Swimsuit: Don’t forget it for geothermal baths!
• Camera: To capture those amazing landscapes.

Useful Travel Apps for Iceland

• Vedur: The best weather forecast app.
• Maps.me: Offline maps are great for navigating.
• Aurora Forecast: Chase the Northern Lights!
• Parka: A parking app.

Local Tips & Cultural Etiquette in Iceland

• Do: Be prepared for all types of weather. Respect the environment. Take off shoes when entering a home.
• Don’t: Stray from marked paths in geothermal areas. Litter. Expect shops to be open late on weekends.
• Scams to Avoid: Be cautious of exaggerated road condition reports. Book tours through reputable companies.
• Respectful Behavior: Be mindful of Icelandic culture. Avoid loud behavior in residential areas.

Food, Fun & Finds in Selfoss

Top Restaurants in Selfoss

• Tryggvaskáli Restaurant

  Upscale restaurant serving delicious Icelandic cuisine with quality ingredients and a elegant atmosphere.

  • Tryggvagata 8, 800 Selfoss, Iceland
• Riverside Restaurant

  Enjoy views over the Ölfusá River while dining on international and Icelandic dishes.

  • Eyravegur 2, 800 Selfoss, Iceland (Located in Hotel Selfoss)
• Kaffi Krús

  Cozy cafe with light meals, cakes, and coffee.

  • Austurvegur 10, 800 Selfoss, Iceland

Must-Try Icelandic Dishes

• Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa): A hearty and flavorful Icelandic classic.
• Skyr: Thick and creamy yogurt-like dairy treat.
• Pylsur (Icelandic Hot Dog): Topped with crispy onions, raw onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade.
• Plokkfiskur: A comforting fish stew.

Nightlife & Entertainment in Selfoss

• Jungle Bar

  A popular nightclub with music and drinks with the locals.

  • Eyrarvegur 4, Selfoss 800 Iceland

Souvenirs & Markets in Selfoss

• Icelandic Wool Sweaters (Lopapeysa): Traditional hand-knitted sweaters made from Icelandic wool.
• Icelandic Salt: Gourmet sea salts flavored with local herbs.
• Lava Jewelry: Unique jewelry made from volcanic lava.
• Selfoss Market: Check for seasonal local markets for crafts and produce.