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.

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
$353 nightly
The price is $399 total per night from Oct 9 to Oct 10
$399 total
Oct 9 - Oct 10
Total with 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! (392 reviews)
"Great location for the Golden Circle."

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2025

ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir, a Member of Design Hotels
Hotel Grimsborgir by Keahotels

Hotel Grimsborgir by Keahotels

4 out of 5
Asborgir 30, Selfoss, Southern Region
$213 nightly
The price is $243 total per night from Oct 13 to Oct 14
$243 total
Oct 13 - Oct 14
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Selfoss. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attraction ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (468 reviews)
"En el cuarto hacía calor y los alrededores estaban sin arreglar"

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2025

Hotel Grimsborgir by Keahotels
Minniborgir Cottages & Restaurant

Minniborgir Cottages & Restaurant

3 out of 5
Minni-Borg, Selfoss
$120 nightly
The price is $140 total per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
$140 total
Oct 15 - Oct 16
Total with taxes and fees
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! (383 reviews)
"The Girl that checked us in, served the food and checked us out the next day was great. I feel like she’s the only person that works there lol. It was great to have a private hot tub. Only complaint was the kitchen area in the cabin smelt like seafood but at least the sleeping areas did not."

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2025

Minniborgir Cottages & Restaurant
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! (383 reviews)
"The Girl that checked us in, served the food and checked us out the next day was great. I feel like she’s the only person that works there lol. It was great to have a private hot tub. Only complaint was the kitchen area in the cabin smelt like seafood but at least the sleeping areas did not."

Reviewed on Oct 5, 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (15 reviews)
"Good house and management"

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2025

SAGA Circle Villas
South Central Apartments

South Central Apartments

3 out of 5
Brautarholt, Skeiða- & Hrunamannavegur, Selfoss, South Iceland
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Selfoss. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
"House keeping is included, they will come to collect trash and any dirty towels on the floor."

Reviewed on May 14, 2025

South Central Apartments
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Selfoss

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
48
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
40
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The information center in the town hall was excellent. The worker there arranged for the Bobby Fischer Center to be opened for us and we had a wonderful experience there as well going south to the coast for beach hiking.

5/5 - Excellent

Rebecca

Loved Selfoss, quaint town and relaxing.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Growing, a lot of construction. Very good dinner at Cafe Kruz. New Almar Bakery very popular; good coffee and baked good for breakfast to go We went to Geysir and Gullfoss on way here from Vik; both destinations very worthwhile.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Centrally located for daily driving excursions.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great place!

5/5 - Excellent

TMAK

Selfoss is a great stop along the way. We liked that the town has convenient stores and restaurants: Jysk, Pizza Hut, Quiznos, etc. It feels like a little civilization along the beautiful Route 1!

Cities near Selfoss

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