Selfoss (town) Travel Guide
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.
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.
Top Things to Do in Selfoss (town)
All Attractions ›
- 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.
Best Time to Visit Selfoss (town) #
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 compact and easy to walk in the town centre. It’s a transport hub for the south; regional buses connect to Reykjavík and towns along the ring road, and there are taxi and car-rental services. If you’re planning to explore nearby natural attractions, having a car is very convenient as public transport can be infrequent outside peak times.
Where to Stay in Selfoss (town) #
- Guesthouses & self-catering (Selfoss) - Many budget guesthouses nearby.
- Airbnb options in Selfoss - Affordable rooms, handy for short stays.
- Hotel Selfoss - Comfortable hotel with spa and restaurant.
- Fosshotel Selfoss - Modern rooms, convenient location for sightseeing.
- 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.
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.
