Selfoss

Selfoss is South Iceland's largest town, spread along the banks of the Ölfusá, Iceland's highest-volume river, where it crosses the Ring Road about 50 km southeast of Reykjavík. It grew up around a river crossing and a dairy cooperative in the late 19th century and has since become the commercial and service center for the entire southern lowlands.

Sitting right at the junction of Route 1 and the road up to Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, Selfoss functions less as a headline attraction in its own right and more as the practical hub travelers pass through, refuel in, or base themselves in while exploring the Golden Circle and South Coast. A revamped town center, riverside walking paths, and a handful of local sights give it enough character to justify more than a quick stop for gas.

Selfoss has a cool, damp maritime climate typical of Iceland's southern lowlands, milder than the country's interior but still wet and windy year-round.

Summer (June–August)

Daytime highs typically reach 13–15°C (55–59°F), with long daylight hours and the mildest, driest conditions of the year, though showers can still appear at any time.

Winter (December–February)

Highs hover around 3–4°C (37–39°F) with lows dipping below freezing, and snow is common, especially inland toward the Golden Circle route. Daylight is short in December and January.

Spring and Autumn

Temperatures climb or fall gradually, with a realistic chance of sun, rain, and even a dusting of snow within the same day.

Selfoss sits about 50 km (31 miles) southeast of Reykjavík on Route 1, making it one of the easiest South Iceland towns to reach, with a drive time of roughly 40–50 minutes.

• Self-drive: the most common way to arrive, following Route 1 southeast from Reykjavík or approaching from the Golden Circle via Route 35
• Scheduled buses: regular coach services connect Reykjavík and Selfoss, and many South Coast bus routes stop here
• From Keflavík International Airport: Selfoss is roughly an hour's drive, making it a practical first or last overnight stop for a South Iceland itinerary without doubling back through Reykjavík
• Winter driving: the Route 1 stretch near Selfoss is usually well maintained, but conditions further inland toward Þingvellir and Geysir can turn icy, so check road.is before heading out

Selfoss's own sights are modest compared to its surrounding landscapes, but the town center offers a pleasant stop between bigger excursions.

New Old Town and the Old Dairy Food Hall

Selfoss's rebuilt town center recreates several historic buildings, including the old Mjólkurbú Flóamanna dairy, now home to a food hall with multiple restaurants and a skyr exhibition tracing the history of Iceland's signature cultured dairy product.

Ölfusá River and Suspension Bridge

The 1891 bridge across the Ölfusá, since rebuilt, was once the largest in Iceland and remains a local landmark. A riverside path along the banks makes for an easy stroll or bike ride with views toward Ingólfsfjall mountain.

Bobby Fischer Center

A small museum dedicated to the American chess grandmaster, who was granted Icelandic citizenship late in life and is buried near Selfoss, with memorabilia from his famous 1972 World Championship match.

Selfoss Swimming Pool

A local geothermal pool complex with hot tubs, a sauna, and water slides, popular with residents and a low-key alternative to the region's larger spa attractions.

Hellisskógur Forest

A small planted forest just outside town with easy walking paths along the river, good for stretching your legs without a long detour.

Selfoss's location at the crossroads of Route 1 and Route 35 makes it the natural base for South Iceland's two biggest sightseeing routes.

The Golden Circle

Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall are all within roughly 40–75 km of Selfoss, making a full Golden Circle loop an easy day trip in either direction.

Kerið Crater

A volcanic crater with a striking turquoise lake and red-toned slopes, about 15 km north of Selfoss on Route 35, often visited on the way back from Gullfoss.

Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

Near the town of Hveragerði, roughly 15 km east of Selfoss, a hiking trail leads up a geothermal valley to a stretch of river warm enough to bathe in.

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss

Two of Iceland's best-known waterfalls lie along the South Coast route east of Selfoss, with Seljalandsfoss offering a path behind the falls and Skógafoss a dramatic straight drop, both reachable within about an hour to 90 minutes' drive.

Skálholt

A historic cathedral site and former episcopal seat that was once one of the most important places in Iceland, located a short detour off the Golden Circle route.

As South Iceland's largest town, Selfoss has the region's widest range of dining, much of it concentrated around the town center and the Old Dairy food hall.

• The Old Dairy food hall, with several restaurants under one roof spanning Icelandic and international cuisine, plus a beer garden and wine bar
• Sit-down restaurants serving Icelandic staples like lamb, fish, and soup, including options set in historic riverside buildings
• Casual cafés, bakeries, and an ice cream shop popular with both locals and travelers passing through
• Supermarkets and fuel-station food for self-catering or a quick bite before continuing on to the Golden Circle or South Coast

Selfoss offers a wider range of lodging than most South Iceland towns, generally at lower prices than comparable options in Reykjavík.

• Town-center hotels within walking distance of restaurants, the river, and local sights
• Countryside guesthouses and farm stays on the outskirts, often quieter and closer to the Golden Circle route
• Budget guesthouses and apartments geared toward travelers doing a multi-day South Iceland loop
• Booking ahead in summer is worthwhile, since Selfoss's central location makes it a popular overnight base for both Golden Circle and South Coast itineraries

Selfoss works as a base year-round, so timing mostly comes down to what you want from the wider South Iceland region.

Summer (June–August)

The mildest weather, easiest road conditions, and longest daylight hours, ideal for combining a Golden Circle day trip with South Coast waterfalls, though this is also the busiest and priciest season.

Shoulder Season (April–May, September–October)

Fewer crowds on the Golden Circle route and a decent chance at Northern Lights in the darker evenings, with most services still fully open.

Winter (November–March)

Selfoss's relatively low elevation keeps roads more manageable than in the highlands, making it a practical base for winter Golden Circle trips and aurora viewing, though conditions further inland should always be checked before setting out.