Selfoss: Gateway to South Iceland

Selfoss (population approximately 7,000) is the largest town in South Iceland and sits on the Ölfusá river at the junction of Route 1 and Route 35 (which leads to the Golden Circle). It’s primarily a service town — Iceland’s agricultural south produces dairy and lamb, and Selfoss is the commercial hub. For travellers, it’s a practical base for the Golden Circle and South Coast with accommodation notably cheaper than Reykjavík.

Getting There

By car: 58km from Reykjavík via Route 1. Allow 45–55 minutes.

By bus: Strætó route 51 connects Reykjavík and Selfoss in approximately 1 hour. Several departures daily — check straeto.is.

What to Do Near Selfoss

Hveragerði — 15km west of Selfoss on Route 1. A geothermal town built on an active hot spring field — greenhouses grow tomatoes and bananas using geothermal heat, and small fumaroles are visible in gardens throughout. The Ölver hot spring valley (20-minute walk from the town centre) has a natural river pool at around 38°C. The NLFI Health and Rehabilitation Clinic uses the geothermal springs for therapeutic bathing.

Golden Circle — The classic Iceland day trip: Þingvellir National Park (where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet), the Geysir geothermal area (Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes), and Gullfoss waterfall. The route is accessible directly from Selfoss on Route 35. Allow a full day.

Flúðir — 45km north of Selfoss. A small farming village known for Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin), Iceland’s oldest swimming pool (1891), now a visitor attraction. A geothermal pool with natural pools and a small geyser nearby. Entry approximately ISK 3,000 adult as of 2026.

Kerið Crater — A volcanic crater lake, approximately 3,000 years old, 15km north of Selfoss on Route 35. Vivid red and black volcanic rock surrounds a teal-blue lake at the bottom. Entry approximately ISK 800 adult. Allow 30 minutes.

Þórsmörk Valley — 2.5–3 hours from Selfoss (F249 mountain road requires a 4WD). A highland valley between three glaciers, famous for hiking and the endpoint of the Laugavegur trail. Several operators run guided day trips or provide bus transport.

Where to Stay

Hótel Selfoss — The main hotel in town, on the river. Doubles from approximately ISK 28,000–40,000.

Gesthús Selfoss — Budget guesthouse. Doubles from approximately ISK 18,000–25,000.

Selfoss HI Hostel — The Reykjavík hostel network affiliate. Dorms from approximately ISK 5,500, private rooms from ISK 16,000.

Several farmstays and guesthouses are available in the surrounding rural area — search for ‘South Iceland guesthouse’ on booking platforms.

Where to Eat

Krúsin Restaurant — Selfoss’s best restaurant. Lamb, fish, and burgers with good quality. Mains approximately ISK 2,800–4,500.

Menam Thai — A Thai restaurant in Selfoss that locals recommend above the standard tourist fare. Mains approximately ISK 2,200–3,500.

Kaffi Krús — A long-established café-restaurant on the main street. Icelandic comfort food: lamb soup, fresh fish, and homemade cakes. Mains approximately ISK 2,500–4,000. Popular with locals for weekend brunch.

Tryggvaskáli — In a 1930s heritage building on the main road. A more upscale dining option with a focus on local lamb and fresh fish. Mains approximately ISK 3,500–5,500. Worth a stop for dinner if staying overnight.

Bonus supermarket — Selfoss has one of the best-stocked Bonus supermarkets outside Reykjavík. Krónan supermarket is also in town. For self-catering travellers, these are practically a reason to route through Selfoss.

Swimming and Geothermal Pools

Selfoss Swimming Pool (Sundlaug Selfoss) — One of Iceland’s larger municipal pools, on the north side of town. Outdoor pool, waterslide, hot tubs ranging from 38°C to 44°C, and a steam room. Entry approximately ISK 1,100 adult as of 2026. Open year-round. Swimming pools are central to Icelandic culture — this is where locals gather and socialise, not a tourist attraction.

Practical Information

Selfoss as a base vs Reykjavík: Accommodation in Selfoss is typically 20–40% cheaper than equivalent options in Reykjavík. The Golden Circle is closer from Selfoss (Þingvellir is approximately 50km north, Geysir approximately 70km northeast). The South Coast waterfalls are closer too — Seljalandsfoss is approximately 65km east. The trade-off is fewer restaurants and no city nightlife.

Supermarkets: Bonus and Krónan are both on the main road. The Krónan in Selfoss is particularly well stocked — travellers heading to the highlands or South Coast should buy supplies here rather than relying on smaller shops en route.

Petrol stations: N1 and Olís on Route 1. Selfoss is the last full-service town before the South Coast — Vík (130km east) has limited supplies.

Bobby Fischer connection: The American chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer lived in Iceland from 2005 until his death in 2008. He is buried in Selfoss at Laugardælir church cemetery, a few kilometres outside town. The grave is marked with a simple headstone. Fischer chose Iceland because of its connection to his 1972 World Championship match against Spassky, held in Reykjavík.

Ölfusá River: The Ölfusá flowing through Selfoss is Iceland’s largest river by volume. The bridge over it is the first thing most visitors see. In spring the river carries significant glacial melt — the views from the bridge are worth pausing for.

Browse Golden Circle tours — guided day trips covering Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss from Selfoss or Reykjavík.

Pre-book Keflavík airport transfers — Flybus and private options for the 45-minute route to Reykjavík.

Compare car hire in Iceland — a 4WD or campervan gives the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Explore Selfoss Further

• Things to Do in Selfoss — Þingvellir, Geysir, Kerið crater, and the Golden Circle day trips from Selfoss
• Where to Stay in Selfoss — Hotels and guesthouses with prices compared to Reykjavík
• Golden Circle road trip — Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss — the classic Iceland day trip route from Selfoss
• South Coast drive — Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara — the next section east along Route 1
• Þórsmörk valley hikes — The highland gateway accessible as a day trip from Selfoss with 4WD
• Reykjavík city guide — 58km west — the capital for day trips, airport access, and city amenities