Things To Do
in Selfoss
Selfoss is a lively market town in southern Iceland set on the banks of the Ölfusá river, serving as a convenient base for exploring the Golden Circle and the south coast. It blends a compact town center of shops, cafés and cultural venues with easy access to dramatic Icelandic landscapes like geothermal valleys, craters and waterfalls. The town is friendly and service-oriented, with a geothermally heated swimming pool, local galleries and family-run restaurants.
Selfoss is well connected by road to Reykjavík and regional attractions, making it a practical stop for both short visits and longer stays.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Keflavík International Airport and enjoy a scenic drive along the coastline to Selfoss. Stop at a local café to sample Icelandic pastries and fresh coffee while soaking in the crisp morning air. Unpack at your accommodation and take a short stroll around town to orient yourself.
Explore the lively center of Selfoss, visiting handcrafted souvenir shops and the charming riverside promenade. Enjoy a light lunch made with local ingredients at a cozy bistro near the Ölfusá River. Relax in the warm sunshine by the water as you plan the week ahead.
Dine at a family-run restaurant serving fresh Arctic char and locally sourced lamb. Take an evening walk along the riverbanks under the soft glow of the midnight sun or northern lights. Unwind in your room or join a local pub for storytelling and live Icelandic folk music.
Head out early to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site where tectonic plates meet. Hike the trails through rift valleys and see the historic Alþingi assembly grounds. Appreciate the clarity of Silfra fissure as sunlight filters through the moss-carpeted cliffs.
Drive to Geysir geothermal area and witness the mighty Strokkur geyser erupt in a dramatic burst of boiling water. Have lunch at the visitor center with views of steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs. Wander through bubbling mud pots and feel the earth’s heat beneath your feet.
Arrive at the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and watch it cascade in twin torrents, illuminated by the setting sun. Capture long exposure photos as mist rises from the canyon. Return to Selfoss for a hearty dinner, reflecting on the day’s natural wonders.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-25 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $4-6 |
| 🍺Beer (pub) | $8-12 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $6-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent base for exploring the Golden Circle and south coast
- Friendly town with good local services, shops and geothermal pool
- Easy road connections and shorter drives to many attractions
- High-quality local food, especially lamb and fresh seafood
- Can be expensive compared with many destinations
- Weather can change quickly—outdoor plans may be disrupted
- Limited nightlife and cultural offerings compared with Reykjavík
- Some attractions can be crowded in peak summer months
- "Halló / Hæ" - Hello
- "Takk" - Thanks
- "Takk fyrir" - Thank you
- "Góðan daginn" - Good day
- "Hvar er ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Geturðu hjálpað mér?" - Can you help me?
- "Færir þú að mæla með ...?" - Could you recommend ...?
Places to Visit in Selfoss
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside paths and bridges offer scenic views, reflections and dynamic skies—excellent at sunrise or sunset for long exposures and local life shots.
A volcanic crater with vivid red slopes and a green-blue lake at the bottom—photogenic from multiple viewpoints around the rim.
Steam vents, colorful rhyolite slopes and the steaming river provide dramatic landscape scenes; misty conditions add atmosphere.
Within comfortable drive, those iconic waterfalls reward photographers with opportunities for creative compositions and long-exposure work.
The pool complex, especially with steam rising on cool mornings, makes an atmospheric subject combining architecture and geothermal activity.
Food in Selfoss
Selfoss Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-roasted Icelandic lamb is a staple—tender and flavorful—served at many restaurants and farm-to-table eateries around Selfoss.
Must-Try!
Thick cultured dairy similar to yogurt, often served with local berries or honey; available in cafés, bakeries and supermarkets.
Locally sourced fish features on many menus, prepared simply to showcase freshness—try it grilled or pan-seared at seafood-focused restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal markets (check local listings) offer vegetables from geothermal greenhouses, artisan cheeses, baked goods and preserves—great for picnic supplies.
Small bakeries and takeaway spots sell pastries like vínarterta slices and cinnamon rolls, ideal for snacks during day trips.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Follow marked paths, do not disturb flora or wildlife, and never drive off-road—protecting fragile landscapes is a serious cultural norm.
Icelanders are friendly and informal but value personal space; greet people politely and avoid loud behavior in small-town settings.
Recycling, conserving water and using geothermal resources responsibly are expected—pack out what you bring and follow local waste rules.
If invited into a private home, it's polite to remove shoes unless hosts say otherwise and bring a small gift if appropriate.
Safety
Tipping in Selfoss
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not required in Iceland and service charges are usually included; rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated for exceptional service but not expected.
Card payments (chip/EMV and contactless) are widely accepted—even for small purchases—so you can travel with minimal cash. ATMs dispense ISK, and many places accept major credit/debit cards; mobile payment options are also common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours and mild temperatures (often 8–15°C / 46–59°F) make summer ideal for hiking, driving and late-night photography; expect more tourists during June–August and blooming lupines in fields.
Crisp days, fewer crowds and colorful lowland foliage make September–October good for photography and driving—weather can be changeable, with wind and rain.
Short daylight, cold temperatures and the possibility of snow and icy roads; great for northern lights viewing on clear nights but require winter tyres and cautious driving.
Melting snows and returning daylight bring migratory birds and newborn lambs; conditions vary rapidly, so layer and be prepared for mixed weather.
Selfoss at Night
Hiking in Selfoss
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular trail starting near Hveragerði that leads through geothermal areas to a natural hot river where you can bathe—moderate difficulty and very scenic.
Short hikes near Selfoss offering panoramic views of the Ölfusá valley and surrounding farmland; accessible and good for sunrise/sunset photography.
A short, easy walk around the crater rim with colorful volcanic rock and a photogenic lake at the base—suitable for families.
Nearby iconic waterfalls offer short to moderate walks and unique vantage points—Seljalandsfoss allows you to walk behind the falls when conditions permit.
Airports
How to reach Selfoss by plane.
The main international gateway to Iceland, about 1–1.5 hours’ drive from Selfoss depending on conditions; car rentals and airport buses connect to Reykjavík where you can continue to Selfoss by road.
A small airport closer to Reykjavík for domestic flights; useful for connections within Iceland but fewer international services. From Selfoss it is typically under an hour’s drive depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families who live and work locally or commute to Reykjavík—community-oriented with strong participation in local schools and sports.
Some residents commute to larger towns or Reykjavík; the local economy includes retail, hospitality and public services.
Tourism brings seasonal workers and visitors, especially in summer, contributing to cultural variety and international food options.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local football clubs and community leagues are popular, with youth and adult participation common throughout the region.
Team sports such as handball and basketball have strong local followings and community facilities.
Horse riding on the Icelandic horse is a beloved pastime and tourism activity, with many farms offering rides and lessons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Selfoss.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in cafés and restaurants—expect salads, vegetable mains and cheese dishes; always state your preferences clearly and ask staff for recommendations.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited than in larger cities. Bring snacks and check menus or call ahead; many places can adapt dishes if asked.
Gluten-free options are common for breads and desserts; bakeries and restaurants typically label or can advise on safe choices. Cross-contamination can occur, so mention important allergies.