Selfoss
When travelling in the South of Iceland it is almost impossible not to make a stop in Selfoss as the Ring Road nr 1 goes straight through the town which is only about 50 km away from the capital city Reykjavik. Selfoss is a part of the municipality Árborg along with the historical town Eyrarbakki, Stokkseyri and Sandvíkurhreppur.
Right before arriving in the town the mountain Ingólfsfjall rises up in front of the town. The Icelandic Sagas mention that Ingólfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland, stayed under the mountain during the winter of 873-74. However it was Þórir Árnarson who settled Selfoss sometime after the year 1000.
The river Ölfusá is Iceland’s largest river by volume and runs through the town. In the summer of 1891 the first suspension bridge was built over the river and was a breakthrough in infrastructure for Iceland and marked the beginning of the town as a successful service centre of trade and industry. In 1944 the bridge collapsed when two heavy trucks drove over the bridge at the same time. Building of a new bridge began right away and the new bridge was opened in 1945, still serving icelanders and visitors today.
Today Selfoss is the largest town in South Iceland with population of about 7.000 people and is the main service centre of trade and industry. Employment is known to be good and Selfoss is considered a great place to live. Variety of service is provided in the town with many stores serving the residents and surrounding towns.
Selfoss offer many good accommodations including a recently renovated Hotel, Guesthouses, Camping area, Apartments Hotel and Homestay. Selfoss has a great variety of restaurants, coffeehouses, bars and clubs. Tryggvaskáli is one of the best restaurant in Iceland located by the Ölfusá bridge and on the other side of the bridge is the famous “Pylsuvagninn” where you can try the traditional icelandic Hot dogs.
Selfoss is the ideal place to stay as it is nearby the most popular tourist attractions in South Iceland like the Golden Circle route.
The town also offers other things to do like a good 9 hole golf course, hiking trails to Helliskogur forest along the Ölfusá river or up the mountain Ingólfsfjall, good swimming pool with outdoor pool, water slides, sauna, hot tubs and excellent fitness center. Selfoss also offers good public health service and a hospital.
From Austurvegur road, the heart of the town, almost everything is in walking distance. The grocery stores Krónan and Bónus can both be found in Selfoss.
The church of Selfoss during winter in Iceland
The view over Ölfusá river to Ingolfsfjall mountain in Selfoss
Tryggvaskáli restaurant in Selfoss
Selfoss offers very good swimming pool and gym
The camping ground in Selfoss
Good facilities at the camping ground in Selfoss
Pylsuvagninn Selfossi - Must try the famous Icelandic Hot Dogs
Selfoss Iceland
Accommodation in Selfoss
Fully featured hotel especially recommended for spa hunters. Spa area has a sauna, a steam room and hot water tub. On-site restaurant offers local cuisine. Cozy hotel bar can be a good place to spend time on a cold night.
This property overlooks river Ölfus and located near the most lively part of Selfoss. Rooms are apartment-like and suit travellers who need comfort but at the same time spend more time outside exploring.
Quick info
Selfoss: 63°56'01.1"N 21°00'03.2"W
Population: Around 7.000
Distance from Reykjavik: About 50 km
Accommodation: Hotel, Hostel, Guesthouse and Camping area
Service: Restaurants, Gas Station, Grocery store, Hospital, Post Office and a Bank
Good Outdoor Swimming Pool
Tours Available
Step into the wonders of the Black Beach in Iceland and ride on an ATV along the black volcanic beach in Þorlákshöfn, Iceland
Want to try snorkeling in Silfra the crack between two tectonic plates, filled with the clearest water on our planet.
2 hour organized tour with guide paddling along a lake, through narrow canals, down the river and out to sea. Ideal for groups fro...