SELFOSS TOWN IN ICELAND: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE

This guide will delve into the town’s history and culture, outline nearby attractions and explore the town’s vibrant dining and shopping scene. You’ll also find practical travel advice on the kind of accommodation and eateries Selfoss offers, as well as a roundup of transport options to help you understand how to best include the town in your Icelandic itinerary.

In some ways, the history of Selfoss, Iceland can be traced back as far as that of the country. In the 9th century, Iceland’s first settler, a Norseman called Ingólfur Arnarson, overwintered beneath the mountain Ingólfsfjall, which sits right next to the town. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be until a few centuries later that someone would stay in the area permanently – that person was Þórir Árnarson.

Fast forward a thousand years and with a population of 8.832 people Selfoss is the largest town in the South Iceland region. It’s the focal point of trade and industry and its sphere of influence includes many smaller villages and hamlets in this part of the country. Many travellers will pass through it at some point, either on their way between Reykjavik and south coast destinations such as Vik and beyond or as they turn inland to tour the Golden Circle.

Selfoss straddles the Ölfusá River and as you approach the town you can’t fail to see one of its most prominent landmarks. Ölfusárbrú is a suspension bridge that spans the water. A bridge has stood here since 1891, when British workers helped assemble what was then an ambitious structure. The current bridge dates from 1945. It’s an impressive 84 metres long and carries a considerable amount of traffic.

Once you arrive in the town, you’ll find some leisure facilities. These include a pool complex with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. There are slides to keep the kids happy as well as a sauna and hot tubs. Golfers are similarly well catered for: a nine-hole golf course extends alongside the river. Kayaking, horse riding and hiking are all possible in the surrounding area.

Many tourists who pass through Selfoss take advantage of its shops and supermarkets to stock up on provisions. While you’re here, you might also wish to call in at Handverksskúrinn Selfossi. This arts and handicrafts organisation brings together a bunch of talented people who create handmade knitwear, pottery, textiles, glassware and jewellery. If you’re on the hunt for a distinctly Icelandic souvenir, this is the place to look for it.

In the immediate vicinity of Selfoss is Hellisskógur, a small woodland. Within it, you’ll find a cave that was eroded by the sea. Yet, the cave and forest are considerably inland of the current coastline. There’s a simple explanation: the sea level was once much higher than it is today, enabling the waves to erode this cave. More recently, it was used by local farmers as a dry place to store hay and for their sheep to shelter.

Selfoss forms part of the municipality of Árborg, together with villages such as Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri. It’s well worth making a detour to the latter as this off the beaten track coastal community is where you’ll find Fjöruborðið. This restaurant specialises in langoustines, particularly langoustine soup, which earns rave reviews. While you’re visiting Stokkseyri, call in at the Þuríðarbúð Folk Museum, a turf and stone cottage once the home of a 19th century woman who made her living out at sea.

Eyrarbakki boasts the Árnessýsla Heritage Museum, a collection spread across four buildings. The Merchants House was constructed in 1765. At that time, Iceland formed part of the kingdom of Denmark and Danish merchants often needed to spend the winter in their distant territory. Today, the property has been converted into a museum which tells the story of the merchants and of the furnishings, fashion, music and literature associated with that period.

Within the town of Selfoss an old dairy has been reimagined as a contemporary food hall. Known locally as Mjólkurbúið Mathöll, it is a delightful place to dine, with eight different eateries housed inside a building dating from 1929. Inside, Skyrland tells the story of Iceland’s most famous dairy product, a superfood that’s been made and consumed here for centuries.

The restaurant Tryggvaskáli occupies the oldest building in Selfoss, close to the town’s suspension bridge on the banks of the Ölfusá River. Beautifully presented dishes complement the charming, homely décor. Order Icelandic classics from its menu: lobster soup, fresh fish such as salmon or ling, locally-reared lamb and skyr.

You might also choose to grab a hot dog, a local favourite. The country’s hot dogs mix Icelandic lamb with pork and beef, so they might taste a little different – better! – than the ones you are used to from home. Pylsuvagninn Selfossi was founded in 1984 and the business quickly went from strength to strength. Have your hot dog precisely the way you like it: traditional, deep-fried or vegan.

Selfoss has a variety of accommodation options. Hotel South Coast is a sophisticated option in the downtown area. Guests will appreciate the chic contemporary vibe coupled with attentive service and facilities such as a restaurant, sauna, hot tubs and fitness rooms.

Hotel Selfoss is close by, enjoying an equally convenient town centre location. Travellers on a tighter budget might opt for comfortable Gesthús Selfoss or a dorm bed in the Selfoss HI Hostel. Stylish cabins, huts, domes and pods litter the countryside surrounding Selfoss, particularly inland in the direction of the Golden Circle.

Basing yourself in Selfoss means you’re within easy reach of many other South Iceland visitor favourites slightly further afield, so you can minimise travelling time without having to pack up and move on each morning. For instance, the Reykjadalur geothermal river just outside Hveragerði can be reached in around 20 minutes by car, while Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal spa is about a half hour drive.

Continuing east along the ring road, Selfoss is an hour or so from Seljalandsfoss waterfall, itself an easy drive from Skógafoss. Urriðafoss is closer still. Vik, another south coast hub popular for its black sand beaches and glacier excursions, is about an hour and a half away. Before you get to Vik you’ll pass the turnoff for the Sólheimasandur plane wreck, a crashed DC-3 that came down in bad weather five decades ago.

Fitting Selfoss into your Icelandic itinerary makes a lot of sense. Reykjavik, with its plethora of museums and visitor attractions, is reachable from the town in under an hour. From Selfoss, you can also turn inland and travel up to the Golden Circle area via route 35. Explore Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss without having to backtrack towards the capital. It’s a wonderfully scenic route, passing Kerið crater on the way.

Regardless, if you’re planning to explore some of the Icelandic countryside you’ll find yourself in Selfoss at some point. Year-round, the town is open and ready to extend you a warm welcome.