- Best time to visit
- All year
- Coordinates
- 63.93176, -21.00014
- Distance from Reykjavík
- 60 km (37.2 mi)
Welcome to Selfoss, Iceland
The history of Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest town in the region known as South Iceland. It sits on the southwest bank of the Ölfusá river, in the heart of some of Iceland’s best agricultural land.
Over the years, it’s been that industry that’s turned Selfoss into the large and vibrant place it is today. As in much of the rest of Iceland over the centuries, agriculture has been one of the most important employers. Agriculture and fishing, of course—however, at 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from the coast, Selfoss didn’t benefit much from the latter.
The town of Selfoss gets a mention in some of the oldest histories of Iceland. It’s thought that the very first person to permanently settle Iceland—a Viking named Ingólfur Arnarson—spent a winter in the Selfoss area, camping out beneath the Ingólfsfjall mountain in 873-874. While he didn’t leave a permanent settlement here (he later moved on to Reykjavík), he did give his name to the local mountain.
Instead, the first permanent settlers of Selfoss arrived sometime in the 11th century. Their arrival was recorded in the famous mediaeval Icelandic book, Landnámabók, the “Book of Settlements”.
Of course, it was agriculture that these settlers relied on to make a living ever since. But it wasn’t until much later that Selfoss grew into the important town it is today. That happened due to a bridge. In 1891, the first bridge over the Ölfusá river was built at Selfoss, making it much easier for people to get around the country. Next to the bridge, a school, bank, and hotel all sprung up.
Today, Selfoss still benefits from that bridge. Route 1, Iceland’s famous “Ring Road” now passes through the town, connecting it to Reykjavík and the rest of Iceland’s south coast. With 10,000 inhabitants, a university, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s one of the most exciting and authentic places to stay in Iceland.
What to do in and around Selfoss town
Selfoss is at the heart of Iceland’s south coast. As such, it’s really conveniently located—and makes for a great base for you to explore the best sights in the area.
Most famous of the nearby sights is no doubt the Golden Circle. It’s probably the best-known travel itinerary in all of Iceland, and it should definitely be on your list of things to do when you’re in the area.
The Golden Circle is made up of three main sights. Firstly, Þingvellir National Park is home to glorious scenery, the deep Silfra trench, and the site of Iceland’s first parliament. Then there’s Gullfoss, the mighty waterfall. Geysir and its geothermal area are the final destination on the Golden Circle, where you can watch water shoot into the sky thanks to geothermal energy.
That’s the classic Golden Circle route, but there are other destinations in the area to add to your itinerary. For example, the Kerið crater, an extinct volcano that’s now home to a gorgeous lake, is often included on the route. Friðheimar is too—it’s a farm and restaurant on the Ölfusá river using some of the most innovative methods in Iceland.
From Selfoss, you’re also only a very short distance from the south coast of Iceland. The cute village of Eyrarbakki sits on the shore less than 20 minutes from town, for example. Meanwhile, route 1 can take you along the south coast to destinations such as Skógar and Vík, and to volcanoes and glaciers like Eyjafjallajökull.
Of course, there’s plenty to do in Selfoss town itself. For example, take a stroll along the river Ölfusá, or climb to the top of Ingólfsfjall, where Ingólfur Arnarson is said to be buried.
How to visit Selfoss
Selfoss is very easy to access no matter which direction you’re coming from. That’s thanks to route 1, the Ring Road that links Selfoss with Reykjavík and the rest of the south coast.
If you’re coming from Reykjavík, the journey is about 60 kilometres (37 miles). In a car, the journey takes about 50 minutes. If you’re coming from Vík, the journey is 130 kilometres (80 miles), and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
While visitors often explore Iceland by car, there are easier and more sustainable ways to get around. One of these is the Highland Bus, which takes you from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, and Skógar throughout the summer. It leaves everyday in the summer and passes through the town of Selfoss. The journey from Reykjavík takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
You can also see Selfoss in a guided tour of Iceland. Wherever you want to visit on the south coast of Iceland, you can add a stop in the town to any of our tours.
Frequently asked questions
The “Ring Road” passes by Selfoss. This is route 1, the road that loops around the whole island of Iceland, connecting Selfoss with other towns and villages along the south coast.
It makes Selfoss a really convenient place to stop when you’re travelling around Iceland—whether as a pitstop for lunch or a place to sleep.
Selfoss has a strange name. “Foss” usually means waterfall—such as in Gullfoss, Skógafoss, or Dettifoss. But there is no waterfall in Selfoss, so it’s unclear why it took this name!
Selfoss is the largest residential area in the region of South Iceland. It has a population of about 10,000, and has more than doubled in the last couple of decades.
As a fairly large town by Icelandic standards, Selfoss makes for a really interesting place to stop. You’ll find many hotels, restaurants, shops, and more.
Some of the attractions you can find in and around Selfoss include:
- The Golden Circle. This is the breathtaking itinerary that takes you through Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and the Þingvellir National Park.
- The south coast of Iceland. Iceland’s south coast is one of the most scenic areas of the country, including sights such as Vík, with its black-sand beach.
- Reykjadalur, the “steam valley”. Imagine a river whose waters are warmed by natural geothermal energy. You’ll find it just outside Hveragerði.
- Selfoss itself. With its riverside location and views over the surrounding hills—such as Ingólfsfjall—it’s a beautiful place for a walk.
Selfoss is a town in southern Iceland. The town sits on the southern bank of the Ölfusá river, which journeys down to the south coast from the Icelandic highlands.
To reach Selfoss, you’ll likely use route 1, Iceland’s “Ring Road”, which passes close to the town. This is the road that connects Reykjavík with other places in southern Iceland, such as Hella, Hvolsvöllur, and Selfoss.
In the heart of Iceland’s south coast, Selfoss is surrounded by volcanoes.
For example, to the southwest, it’s only a short distance to the volcanoes on the Reykjanes peninsula, including Fagradalsfjall—a very active volcano. In the opposite direction, you’ll find Hekla, the mighty volcano whose past eruptions have impacted the entire planet.
A short distance further along route 1, there’s also Eyjafjallajökull. When this volcano erupted in 2010, it caused widespread travel disruption across Europe.
Very close to Selfoss is the Kerið crater, an extinct volcano that now hosts a beautiful lake.
Selfoss is not far from Reykjavík. The centre of the capital city is about 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Selfoss, and the drive between the two places takes about 50 minutes.
You can visit by car, by taking route 1. Or you can join a tour of the south coast, which will usually pass through Selfoss.
Selfoss is a great place to visit all year round. That’s because it’s such a great place from which to visit the rest of the south coast of Iceland—which is stunning in any season and weather.
So the choice is yours. Would you rather see Iceland in its golden autumnal colours, covered in snow, or in sunshine? It’s beautiful at any time of the year.
As one of the largest towns in Iceland, Selfoss and the surrounding area offer plenty to do.
Firstly, it’s worth exploring the town itself. It’s a beautiful place with opportunities for riverside walks and views over the surrounding landscape. In 2021, a new pedestrian area was opened in the town, including replicas of historic buildings from across the country.
Alternatively, head to some of the famous sights outside of town. The Great Geysir in the Golden Circle—often known as the Selfoss Geysir—is very close by. The Kerið crater, a sunken volcano with a lake in the middle, is a gorgeous sight just a short drive from Selfoss.
You can head down to the south coast from here too. For instance, the village of Eyrarbakki is a delightful spot, full of old picturesque houses.
Selfoss isn’t typically part of the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most famous travel itinerary. That said, it can be a great base from which to explore the Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle is made up of three of Iceland’s main sights—Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and the Þingvellir National Park—that showcase the country’s natural beauty at its best. Selfoss is less than an hour away from all three sights.
Selfoss is a great place to use as your base to explore the rest of the region. With the Golden Circle and the south coast close by, there’s plenty to do. That’s why many visitors often spend a good amount of time in the town.
Selfoss is in a really strategic place to see the best sights in South Iceland. But it’s also a large, thriving town with plenty to do and see.
That means that it’s a great destination throughout the year, even in the winter when the weather is not at its best.
Selfoss has been mentioned in Icelandic history since the time of the country’s settlement.
The first man to ever permanently settle in Iceland—Ingólfur Arnarson—spent the winter of 873-874 beneath the local mountain Ingólfsfjall. However, there wasn’t a permanent town here until the 11th century.
After that, Selfoss has consistently been a centre for agriculture. But it didn’t become the important town that it is today until 1891, when the first bridge was built over the Ölfusá river. This made the town an important hub for the people living in the area.
Throughout the 20th century, the town has grown thanks largely to its proximity to Reykjavík, as well as its well-regarded university.
