Selfoss

Travel Guide

Selfoss featuring a cascade, rapids and a gorge or canyon
Skinnastadur which includes a gorge or canyon, a waterfall and a river or creek
Selfoss featuring a river or creek and a gorge or canyon
Skinnastadur featuring a gorge or canyon, a cascade and a river or creek
Selfoss featuring a gorge or canyon, rapids and snow
Trek around the mountains, active volcanoes and fjords in the varied terrain surrounding one of southern Iceland’s prominent towns.

The Ölfusá River flows through the town of Selfoss, where the skyline is dominated by the imposing Ingolfsfjall Mountain. With about 6,000 inhabitants, Selfoss is one of the most populated parts of southern Iceland and among the few trade and industry hubs in the country. Residents of ReykjavikOpens in a new window sometimes move to Selfoss for its slower pace of life.

Stroll along the Ölfusá River and enjoy the town’s tranquil setting. Capture photos of the Ingolfsfjall Mountain looming over the river at sunset. In winter, the mountain adopts a glowing pink hue when the sunset colors the snow.

Arrive in town in early August for the Summer in Selfoss Festival, where ribbons decorate residents’ gardens and a party takes place in a park. Walk around town and try some of the country’s specialties for a sense of Icelandic culture. These include saltfiskur, a dried fish, and a type of almond cake called mondlukaka.

Use Selfoss as a base for the many surrounding landmarks. Travel to Kopavogur in the northwest for its cultural highlights. Visit the Kopavogur Church for its atypical design with large arches. The concert hall and natural history museum are among the town’s highlights.

North of Selfoss lie the Geysir Hot SpringsOpens in a new window, where the impressive Strokkur erupts every few minutes. Stare at bubbling mud pits and capture photos of otherworldly natural features.

Fly to the airport at Reykjavik, which is 31 miles (50 kilometers) northwest of town. The drive from the capital to Selfoss, which is near the southern portion of the Golden Circle route, should take less than 1 hour. Nearby communes include HveragerdiOpens in a new window to the west, Eyrarbakki to the south and Hella to the east.

Stay at a hotel near the picturesque river and mountain of Selfoss before taking tours around its countryside.

Hotel Selfoss

Hotel Selfoss

3.5 out of 5
Eyravegur 2, Selfoss, Southern Region
$191 nightly
The price is $219 total per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
$219 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Selfoss. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (629 reviews)
"The room was comfortable and well equipped with two comfortable chairs, desk, a coffee maker, kettle, and a spacious bathroom. The lobby was very spacious as was the bar/restaurant with nice views."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Hotel Selfoss
Hotel South Coast

Hotel South Coast

3.5 out of 5
Eyrarvegur 11-13, Selfoss
$218 nightly
The price is $249 total per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
$249 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Selfoss. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (493 reviews)
"This was a great property to stay for our family. Conveniently located, modern and clean. Breakfast was great and the staff was courteous. Particular shout-out to the person who was on evening duty managing front desk during the first week of August when we were there. He helped with the late check-in ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Hotel South Coast
ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir, a Member of Design Hotels

ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir, a Member of Design Hotels

4 out of 5
Nesjavellir, Selfoss, South Iceland
$436 nightly
The price is $490 total per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
$490 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Selfoss. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (381 reviews)
"The staff was very kind and helpful. The restaurant was very good and the hotel was unique."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir, a Member of Design Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Minniborgir Cottages & Restaurant

Minniborgir Cottages & Restaurant

3 out of 5
Minni-Borg, Selfoss
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Selfoss. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 15 outdoor pools. Popular attraction Kerid Crater is located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (359 reviews)
"We enjoyed staying here! Great location, having a personal hot tub was great and the cottages are fairly large inside."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Minniborgir Cottages & Restaurant
SAGA Circle Villas

SAGA Circle Villas

2 out of 5
1 Ásborgir, Selfoss, Grímsnes- og Grafningshreppur
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Selfoss. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attraction Kerid Crater is located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Comvient distance from Selfoss village"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

SAGA Circle Villas
Heima Holiday Homes

Heima Holiday Homes

3 out of 5
Hraunvellir, Selfoss
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Selfoss. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (187 reviews)
"Quick response and great condition."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Heima Holiday Homes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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