Selfoss (town) Travel Guide

Selfoss is a town of about 7,000 people located in South Iceland, by the banks of the river Olfusa, one of the largest rivers in the country.

Located 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Reykjavik, Selfoss is one of the largest towns in Iceland outside of the capital area. It sits by the Ring Road that encircles the country and acts as a gateway towards the South Coast.

The name Selfoss, which translates to "seal waterfall," is somewhat of an anomaly. The word "foss" in Icelandic means "waterfall," as can be seen in the names of beautiful waterfalls such as Gullfoss, Godafoss, and Svartifoss - there is even a waterfall in the north of Iceland which is also called Selfoss. There's no waterfall by the town, however, making its name a bit of a confusing matter.

The town has recently undergone renovations in the form of a new town center, making it a great place to stop by if you're exploring southern Iceland on a rental car. There are also many great options for accommodation in Selfoss which can serve as a great base of operations if you're exploring the region.

History of Selfoss

Records of the lands near Selfoss date back to the first man to permanently move to Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarson; it was said he spent the winter of 873 to 874 AD here, beneath the mountain that overlooks the town, Ingolfsfjall. However, it was not permanently settled, according to the Book of Settlements, until just after 1000 AD.

For a long time, Selfoss remained a rather typical farming community until the late 19th century when a suspension bridge was built over the river Olfusa in 1891, connecting the agricultural south to the capital.

This bridge was so important to the country’s infrastructure and economy that it was guarded by British troops in World War Two after the Allies invaded Iceland following the fall of its colonial ruler, Denmark, to the Nazis.

After the bridge was built, Selfoss began developing into a town. At the beginning of the 20th Century, it had just around 40 inhabitants but had exponential growth over the next decades, which came from the rise in trade due to the bridge and the establishment of a large dairy farm and local store that needed employees. 

Things to Do in Selfoss

Selfoss is a cultural hub with plenty of diverse attractions for visitors to check out. The new town center is the highlight here, sporting multiple shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in buildings that showcase the charming classic style of Icelandic architecture.

The project began in 2018 when over thirty buildings that had been damaged or fallen into disrepair were reconstructed while others were built from scratch. The renovation is an ongoing project so that the town center will expand further in the coming years. 

The heart of the new town center is at the Old Dairy, which once was a large industrial hub for the town, but now features a slew of modern restaurants in the form of a food court. 

At the cellar of the Old Dairy, you can quite fittingly find the Skyrland Exhibition, where you can learn about the all-Icelandic superfood in a fun and interactive way.

The town also has many other interesting sites of note, such as a museum dedicated to chess-legend Bobby Fischer Centre. Find all about it in our list of the top things to do in Selfoss.

Where to Stay in Selfoss

Photo from 360 Hotel.

If you're looking to stay in Selfoss, there are a number of great options available depending on what you're looking for. 

Hotel Selfoss is a comfortable 4-star hotel that features a geothermal spa and is situated in the town's center, along the Olfusa River banks. Offering comfortable facilities and a convenient location, it stands as a superb lodging choice in Selfoss.

Another notable 4-star hotel in the heart of Selfoss is Hotel South Coast. It boasts spacious, cozy rooms and a spa, serving as an ideal launching point for those exploring the southern attractions of Iceland.

Approximately a 15-minute drive from Selfoss,  360 Hotel provides a high-end experience in a more rural setting. True to its name, the 360 Hotel presents breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes, along with snug accommodations.

Photo from Klettar Tower Guesthouse.

Klettar Tower Guesthouse is a truly unique and luxurious accommodation. Sleeping in a tower is usually the stuff of fairy tales, making this an adventurous way of staying in Iceland and will make a memorable trip even more memorable.

Selfoss Hostel is a good choice if you're looking for a budget option. The hostel offers rooms in different sizes with well-maintained communal areas, including a hot tub in the backyard - a perfect place to relax after a long day of traveling.