Selfoss
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)
Historical Site
Þingvellir
Rift valley national park and historic Icelandic parliament site
Lake
Þingvallavatn
Iceland's largest natural lake within Þingvellir National Park
Mountain
Hengill
Volcanic massif and geothermal area near Reykjavik
Lake
Apavatn
Freshwater lake set among lava fields
Waterfall
Öxarárfoss
Waterfall in Þingvellir National Park cascading over lava
Crater
Kerið
Volcanic crater lake in Iceland with vivid colors
Lake
Laugarvatn
Lake and village with geothermal baths in Iceland
Mountain
Lögberg
Historic assembly site in Þingvellir national park
Selfoss (town) Bucket List
Don't Miss
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.
Hidden Gems
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.
Day Trips
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.
Nearby Cities #
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.
Winter
Short, damp winters with variable weather; road trips can be slippery but geothermal pools are wonderfully atmospheric. Aurora sightings possible on clear nights.
Spring
Thawing rivers, longer daylight and unpredictable showers; quieter roads make sightseeing pleasant, though pack rainproof layers and flexible daily plans.
Summer
Mild, breezy and sunny enough for long hikes and waterfalls; expect tourist crowds near popular sites but comfortable weather for outdoor adventures.
Selfoss'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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 117 mm | overcast | 92% | 8.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.4h |
| February | Poor | -2° - 2° | -7° | 125 mm | overcast | 91% | 8.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.4h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 3° | -6° | 124 mm | overcast | 89% | 8.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | 0° - 6° | -2° | 88 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 14.7h |
| May | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 3° | 86 mm | overcast | 82% | 6.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 17.8h |
| June | Poor | 7° - 12° | 6° | 83 mm | overcast | 81% | 6.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 19.8h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 88 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.7 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 18.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 116 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 15.9h |
| September | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 109 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 122 mm | overcast | 90% | 7.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 4° | -4° | 117 mm | overcast | 92% | 7.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 123 mm | overcast | 92% | 8.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.2h |
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)
Budget
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.
Mid-Range
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.
Luxury
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’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
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.
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.