Things To Do
in Selfoss
Selfoss is a town located on the banks of the Olfusa River in South Iceland. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including waterfalls, geysers, and volcanic landscapes. The town serves as a gateway to popular attractions like the Golden Circle and the Geyser Geothermal Area.
Selfoss offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, horse riding, and river rafting, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
- "Halló" - Hello
- "Takk fyrir" - Thank you
- "Góða ferð" - Safe travels
- "Afsakið" - Excuse me
- "Hvernig hefurðu það?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $20 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with breakfast at a local café. Take a stroll along the Ölfusá River to enjoy the scenic views.
Visit the nearby Selfoss waterfall and capture some stunning photos. Stop at local shops to browse unique Icelandic crafts.
Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant with traditional Icelandic dishes. Wrap up your day by relaxing in a hot tub under the stars.
Join a horseback riding tour through the beautiful Icelandic countryside. Experience the unique tölt gait of Icelandic horses.
After the ride, enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot. Explore nearby lava fields and take in the dramatic landscapes.
Head back to Selfoss and savor a delicious meal at a local bistro. Unwind with a walk through town before turning in for the night.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery, including waterfalls and geothermal features.
- Rich in local history and culture, with Viking heritage.
- Access to various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and snow sports.
- Small-town charm with a friendly community atmosphere.
- Proximity to other popular tourist destinations in Iceland.
- Limited amenities and services compared to larger cities.
- Potentially harsh weather conditions, particularly in winter.
- Higher cost of living due to its remote location and tourism-driven economy.
- Limited public transportation options, making a car necessary for exploration.
- Seasonal tourism can cause fluctuations in local economy and job availability.
Best Activities in Selfoss
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes and historical significance of Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
Visit the famous Geysir geothermal area to witness the Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes, along with numerous hot springs and steaming vents.
Take a trip to the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, where the Hvítá river plunges into a dramatic canyon, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Embark on a hiking adventure in the nearby highlands, where you can experience Iceland's rugged terrain, stunning landscapes, and unique volcanic features.
Enjoy horseback riding on Icelandic horses through scenic countryside and along the banks of the Ölfusá river, experiencing the unique gait of this sturdy breed.
Experience the thrill of river rafting on the Hvítá river, suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Take a short drive to see the spectacular Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls, where you can walk behind the falls for a unique perspective.
If visiting in winter, enjoy nights spent looking for the northern lights, with optimal viewing locations accessible through short drives from Selfoss.
Try your hand at fishing in the Ölfusá river, known for its salmon and trout, offering both relaxation and a chance for an exciting catch.
Selfoss is an ideal starting point for the famous Golden Circle route, where you can see multiple natural wonders including hot springs, waterfalls, and geysers.
Places to Visit in Selfoss
Visit one of these nice places.
The scenic Ölfusá River near Selfoss offers stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes, making it a perfect spot for photography, especially at sunset.
Located a short drive from the town center, Selfoss Waterfall presents breathtaking views and is ideal for capturing the power and beauty of nature.
Hiking up Ingólfsfjall Mountain provides panoramic views of Selfoss and the surrounding areas, ideal for landscape photography and scenic shots.
The Hengill volcanic area features dramatic landscapes and geothermal features, providing unique photo opportunities amidst rugged terrain.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir is a short drive from Selfoss, known for its stunning rift valleys and clear blue waters, perfect for photography.
Just a bit further from Selfoss, this iconic waterfall allows visitors to walk behind it, offering unique viewpoints for remarkable photos.
This less-crowded waterfall features beautiful cascades and the opportunity for close-up shots of the flowing water and surrounding nature.
Known for its hot springs, Reykjadalur Valley offers a spectacular hiking experience with picturesque views and the chance to photograph the steam rising from the ground.
Food in Selfoss
Selfoss Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Icelandic fish stew made with cod or haddock, potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce. Best enjoyed at Tryggvaskáli restaurant.
Must-Try!
Smoked lamb, typically served in thin slices. For an authentic taste, visit Kaffi Krús, a local cafe.
Dark, dense, sweet rye bread traditionally baked in a pot and buried near a hot spring. This local delicacy can be found at the Selfoss Farmers Market.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the heart of Selfoss, the market offers a variety of local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Don't miss the opportunity to try some freshly baked rúgbrauð.
This famous hot dog stand in Selfoss offers delicious Icelandic hot dogs known as 'pylsur', with toppings like crispy fried onions, raw onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting someone, a firm handshake is common. It is polite to greet with 'Halló' or 'Góðan daginn', which means 'Hello' or 'Good day'.
Icelanders value punctuality. Arriving on time for meetings, social events, or appointments is considered respectful and shows that you value others’ time.
Icelanders have a deep respect for their natural surroundings. When visiting natural sites, it’s essential to follow marked paths and avoid littering to preserve the environment.
Safety
Tipping in Selfoss
Ensure a smooth experience
In Selfoss, as well as in the rest of Iceland, tipping is not a common practice. Service charges are generally included in the bill at restaurants, and most staff are paid a decent wage. However, if customers feel that the service was exceptional, they may leave a small tip or round up the bill, but it is entirely optional.
Payment methods in Selfoss are quite modern and convenient. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases. Cash is not commonly used, and many businesses, including restaurants and shops, prefer card payments. Additionally, contactless payment options are available in many places, making transactions quick and easy.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
From December to February, Selfoss experiences cold temperatures, snow, and fewer daylight hours. This is a great time for winter activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and enjoying Iceland’s natural hot springs. Expect stunning winter landscapes and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Spring (March to May) brings gradually warming temperatures and longer days. The landscape starts to bloom with wildflowers, and it’s a good time for birdwatching as migratory birds return. Spring is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the Golden Circle.
Summer (June to August) offers mild temperatures and nearly 24 hours of daylight. It’s the peak tourist season, making it perfect for exploring the area's natural attractions, hiking, and engaging in festivals. Expect vibrant landscapes and lush greenery.
Autumn (September to November) features cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage. This season is less crowded, and it’s a great time to enjoy photography and hiking. Wildlife is active, making it possible to see migrating birds and other animals preparing for winter.
Selfoss at Night
Hiking in Selfoss
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and geological significance.
A popular hiking trail that leads to a geothermal area with hot springs, located about 20 km from Selfoss.
A prominent hiking destination offering panoramic views of the surrounding area, with trails suitable for various skill levels.
A volcanic crater lake with a walking path around its rim, providing unique geological views and a short, accessible hike.
A rugged area with numerous trails that lead to geothermal features and stunning vistas, located just north of Selfoss.
Aiports
How to reach Selfoss by plane.
The main international airport in Iceland, located approximately 50 km from Selfoss. It serves as the primary gateway for international travelers to Iceland.
A regional airport located in Akureyri, about 380 km from Selfoss. It offers limited international flights and is primarily used for domestic travel.
Located in East Iceland, about 650 km from Selfoss, this airport primarily serves domestic flights but does have some charter services.
Situated in the Westfjords, about 500 km from Selfoss, this airport mainly handles domestic flights but can support some international charter operations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group in Selfoss, consisting of individuals of Icelandic descent.
Includes residents of other Nordic countries, such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.
A diverse group comprising individuals from various European countries.
This group includes residents with origins from various Asian countries.
Includes individuals from non-European countries and various ethnic backgrounds.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Selfoss, with local clubs participating in various leagues.
Handball has a strong following in Selfoss, with many youth teams and a competitive senior league.
Basketball is enjoyed by many in Selfoss, with community and school teams regularly competing.
Athletics events are common in Selfoss, promoting fitness and competition among residents.
Swimming is popular in Selfoss, with several swimming pools and swimming clubs available for all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Selfoss.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Selfoss offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, including fresh salads, soups, and vegetable-based entrees. Kaffi Krús and Bella Napoli are good options for vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find gluten-free options at Bella Napoli, where the menu includes gluten-free pasta and pizzas, providing a dining experience suitable for those with dietary restrictions.