Selfoss (town) City
Town in South region, Iceland
On the banks of the Ölfusá, Selfoss is a service town for Golden Circle visitors, with guesthouses, trout restaurants and public swimming pools warmed by geothermal water; it's a good base for Gullfoss, Geysir and river fishing in the lowlands.
Selfoss (town) at a Glance#
Costs: USD 120-200 per day - typical Icelandic prices for food and lodging.
Safety: Extremely safe - very safe; low crime and helpful locals.
Best Time: May-September - summer for highland roads and day trips to waterfalls.
Why Visit Selfoss (town)?#
The town of Selfoss serves as a handy southern Iceland base for classics of the Golden Circle like Geysir and Gullfoss while also offering quiet riverside life on the Ölfusá. Ancient Skálholt lies a short drive away, giving a glimpse into Iceland’s medieval bishopric, and nearby Kerið crater provides easy volcanic drama. The town itself has a compact center of cafés, bakeries and geothermal pools, so travelers can mix natural landmarks with relaxed Icelandic small-town comforts.
Best Things to Do in Selfoss (town)#
Selfoss (town) Bucket List#
Selfoss Waterfall - Wide multi-terraced waterfall just upstream from the town centre, easily reached on foot.
Selfoss Church (Selfosskirkja) - Modern church with simple architecture overlooking the town and surrounding lowlands.
Selfoss Geothermal Pool (Sundlaug Selfoss) - Popular public thermal pool complex with hot tubs and family-friendly facilities.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm - Greenhouse restaurant serving tomato-based dishes and tours of geothermal-heated tomato production.
Skálholt historic site - Former episcopal seat with cathedral ruins, exhibits, and panoramic countryside views.
Eyrarbakki village - Short coastal detour to a preserved fishing village with museums and colorful houses.
Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) - Classic route including Þingvellir, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall, easily accessible.
Kerið Crater - Volcanic crater lake with red slopes and a scenic rim walk nearby.
Best Time to Visit Selfoss (town)#
Selfoss is most enjoyable late spring through summer for mild temperatures and easy access to the Golden Circle. Winters are milder but windy and often wet.
December - February
-2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F)
Short, damp winters with variable weather; road trips can be slippery but geothermal pools are wonderfully atmospheric. Aurora sightings possible on clear nights.
March - May
0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F)
Thawing rivers, longer daylight and unpredictable showers; quieter roads make sightseeing pleasant, though pack rainproof layers and flexible daily plans.
June - August
7°C to 14°C (45°F to 57°F)
Mild, breezy and sunny enough for long hikes and waterfalls; expect tourist crowds near popular sites but comfortable weather for outdoor adventures.
Selfoss (town)'s climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1298 mm/year), wettest in February, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (125 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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How to Get to Selfoss (town)#
Selfoss is a road-connected town on the southern route from Reykjavík; most visitors reach it by bus or private car from Reykjavík. It’s a convenient base for the Golden Circle and South Coast drives.
Keflavík International (KEF) / Reykjavík Domestic (RKV): Selfoss has no airport; most visitors arrive via Keflavík (KEF) or Reykjavík (RKV). From KEF use Flybus or Airport Direct to Reykjavík (≈45 minutes, roughly ISK 3,000-4,000) then transfer to a regional bus to Selfoss (see below). Domestic flights arrive at RKV; from there Selfoss is a road trip of about 45-60 minutes.
Train: There is no passenger rail network in Iceland.
Bus: Strætó operates regular services from Reykjavík (BSÍ terminal) to Selfoss; journey time is roughly 50-75 minutes depending on route and traffic. Expect fares in the range of ISK ~1,200-1,800 one-way; check the Strætó app or BSÍ for exact schedules.
How to Get Around Selfoss (town)#
Selfoss is reached by bus or car from Reykjavík; for sightseeing the most practical option is to rent a car, while local buses cover standard routes for non-drivers.
- Intercity bus (Strætó) (ISK 1,200-1,800) - Regular Strætó routes link Selfoss with Reykjavík (BSÍ) and towns along the South Coast. Buses are the sensible public option for most travellers; buy tickets via the Strætó app or on board where allowed.
- Coach & tour buses (ISK 3,000-12,000 (tours vary widely)) - Many day-trip operators and private coaches run to attractions around Selfoss (Golden Circle, waterfalls, South Coast). Tours are convenient if you don’t want to drive and include commentary and hotel pick-up.
- Taxi (ISK 2,000-10,000) - Taxis and private transfers serve Selfoss for short local journeys or connections to Reykjavík/Keflavík. Handy for early departures but noticeably more expensive than buses for longer trips.
- Car hire (ISK 6,000-18,000/day) - Renting a car is highly recommended if you want maximum flexibility to visit Golden Circle sites and the south coast. Roads are good on main routes; winter conditions require care and sometimes 4x4 vehicles.
- Bicycle / e-bike (ISK 500-2,000/day) - In summer, cycling around Selfoss and along the Ölfusá river paths is pleasant for local exploration. Distances to major attractions are long, so bikes are best for short rides and leisure.
- Walking - Selfoss town centre is compact and easy to walk; many cafés and sights are within a short stroll.
Where to Stay in Selfoss (town)#
Town Centre - $40-90/night
Small guesthouses and private rooms dominate the budget scene. No large hostels; good for road-trippers and short stops.
Guesthouses & self-catering (Selfoss) - Many budget guesthouses nearby.
Airbnb options in Selfoss - Affordable rooms, handy for short stays.
Central Selfoss - $100-170/night
Reliable mid-range hotels with pleasant rooms and onsite dining; convenient for exploring the South Coast and Golden Circle.
Hotel Selfoss - Comfortable hotel with spa and restaurant.
Fosshotel Selfoss - Modern rooms, convenient location for sightseeing.
Town outskirts / countryside - $170-300+/night
True luxury choices inside Selfoss are limited. Choose upscale nearby country hotels or stay in Reykjavík for more high-end options.
Hotel Selfoss (top local pick) - Best upscale option in town.
Nearby country estates and boutique stays - Limited luxury in town proper.
Where to Eat in Selfoss (town)#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Selfoss (town)’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Selfoss (town)#
Shopping is functional: supermarkets, chain stores and small local shops for supplies and souvenirs. You won’t find a wide range of boutiques, but basics and Icelandic food products are readily available.
Nightlife in Selfoss (town)#
Nightlife in Selfoss is limited to a few bars, pubs and restaurants; it’s suitable for low-key evenings but not for late-night clubbing. Most activity centres around dining and casual drinks.
