Things to Do in Selfoss, Iceland: Activities and Day Trips

Selfoss is South Iceland’s main service town — a practical, working place on the Ölfusá river that serves as the regional hub for the farming communities to the south and east. It lacks the dramatic scenery of the South Coast or the cultural weight of Reykjavík, but as a base for Iceland’s most popular day-trip circuit, it is genuinely useful. Staying here saves you the daily drive out from Reykjavík and puts the Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon, and upper South Coast within easy reach at lower accommodation costs.

Golden Circle Day Trip

The three-site circuit — Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss — is 30–45 minutes from Selfoss, compared to nearly 1.5 hours from Reykjavík. This makes Selfoss one of the closest practical bases for the Golden Circle.

Þingvellir National Park — Entry is free. Iceland’s first parliament (the Alþing) met here from 930 CE; the site also sits on the rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The Almannagjá canyon walk takes 30–45 minutes. Allow 1.5–2 hours. Parking fees apply (approximately ISK 750 as of 2026).

Geysir — Free to visit. The Strokkur geyser erupts roughly every 5–10 minutes to approximately 20–30m. The original Geysir geyser, which gave the world the word, erupts infrequently. The visitor centre and café at the site are mid-range priced. Allow 45–60 minutes.

Gullfoss — Iceland’s most famous waterfall, free to visit. The Hvítá river drops in two stages into a canyon below. The path to the upper viewing point takes 10 minutes from the car park. The spray is intense in summer — a waterproof layer is useful. Allow 45–60 minutes.

Secret Lagoon, Flúðir

Approximately 30 minutes from Selfoss in the village of Flúðir, the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool — it has been in use since 1891. Entry approximately ISK 3,200 adult as of 2026 (check fludir.is for current pricing). The pool sits at approximately 38–40°C year-round, surrounded by small geothermal vents and a geyser that erupts every few minutes. Far less crowded and less commercially staged than the Blue Lagoon. Changing facilities on site. Book ahead in summer.

Kerið Volcanic Crater

A red volcanic crater lake approximately 30 minutes north of Selfoss on Route 35. Entry approximately ISK 700 as of 2026. The path around the crater rim takes 15–20 minutes and gives clear views down into the blue-green lake below. The geology here is different from most Icelandic craters — the lake is not glacially formed but sits in an actual volcanic caldera. A good stop combined with a Golden Circle loop rather than a standalone trip.

Þórsmörk Valley

A dramatic mountain valley approximately 2 hours east of Selfoss at the end of Route F249. Access requires 4WD and river crossing — do not attempt in a standard hire car. Guided tours from Reykjavík and Selfoss run in summer. The valley is a hiking destination: the Fimmvörðuháls trail connects Þórsmörk to Skógar over the Eyjafjallajökull ice cap (1–2 days). In summer, the valley has mountain huts and camping — book through ferðafélag.is.

Landmannalaugar

Approximately 2.5 hours from Selfoss on F-roads, Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s most visually striking highland areas — multicoloured rhyolite mountains, geothermal rivers, and lava fields. The natural hot spring at the base camp is free. Access June–September only with 4WD (F-roads close in winter). Check road.is for current conditions. Guided day tours from Reykjavík and Selfoss are available for those without a suitable vehicle.

Selfoss Town

The town’s suspension bridge over the Ölfusá is a pleasant walk — the original 1891 bridge was the first suspension bridge in Iceland. The town has the best supermarket selection in South Iceland (Bónus and Krónan both have branches here), useful for stocking up before heading further east. The swimming pool and hot tubs on Bankavegur are open to the public (approximately ISK 1,000 entry as of 2026) and a good rest-day activity.

Getting Around

Selfoss sits on Route 1 (Ring Road), 50km east of Reykjavík. A hire car is essential for all the day trips listed above. No meaningful public transport connects Selfoss to the Golden Circle or the highland routes. The Reykjavík Excursions bus (Flybus) stops at Selfoss on some routes, but for exploring the area freely, you need your own vehicle.