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.

Bonus supermarket — Selfoss has one of the best-stocked Bonus supermarkets outside Reykjavík. For self-catering travellers, this is practically a reason to route through Selfoss.