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 Reykjavik 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 Springs, 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 Hveragerdi 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.