A Guide to Things to Do in Selfoss, Iceland

Must-see landmarks in Selfoss 

Ölfusárbrú

Ölfusárbrú is an imposing suspension bridge that straddles the Ölfusá river. The 84-metre-long structure has been in place since 1945, but it’s not the first bridge to be here. The original one was constructed in 1891 with the help of British labour but had to be replaced after suffering irreparable damage following a road traffic accident. Prior to that, ferries had been considered and ruled out.

The Old Dairy

If you’ve spent any time in Reykjavik you’ll have noticed how popular food halls have become and how many of them repurpose redundant buildings, such as the post office and the old bus terminal. In Selfoss, it’s the old dairy that has been given a new lease of life as the Mjólkurbúið Mathöll. This heritage building, which dates from 1929, now contains a number of popular eateries.

Skyrland

Skyrland is located within the Mjólkurbúið Mathöll but deserves its own mention. Skyr is a quintessentially Icelandic dairy product; foreign visitors sometimes misidentify it as yoghurt. Though it has a similar consistency to Greek yoghurt, it’s distinctly different. Trace its thousand-year-old story as you discover the hows and whys in this interesting place.

Fischersetur Selfossi

This museum is dedicated to the life of Bobby Fischer, an American chess player who became the youngest ever grandmaster. He’s perhaps best known for beating Russian rival Boris Spassky at the 1972 World Chess Championships in a Cold War grudge match. Yet, his life was mired in controversy. Facing jail time in the United States, he wound up in Reykjavik, died an Icelandic citizen and is buried down the road. 

Handverksskúrinn Selfossi

As the local centre of commerce for the surrounding area, Selfoss has a decent array of shops. If you only visit one, make it this one: the home of a handicraft organisation. This cooperative brings together local makers who are skilled at a number of crafts, including knitting, textiles, glassware, jewellery making, and pottery. It’s a great place to learn more about crafting and pick up an authentically Icelandic souvenir to take home.

Things to do and places to visit near Selfoss

Hellisskógur

You don’t have to drive far in your rental car to reach Hellisskógur. Known as the Cave Forest, at its heart is a cave formed after the last Ice Age when the sea level was significantly higher. Some of the basalt here, the rock from which the cave was eroded, is thought to be more than 3 million years old. Over the years, it has also been used by farmers as an animal shelter, but today it’s a good bet for travellers caught out by Iceland’s changeable weather.

Stokkseyri

The village of Stokkseyri sits by the sea about 20 minutes south of Selfoss. Follow a good road flanked by mountains to reach the oceanfront restaurant Fjöruborðið. Its stellar reputation has spread throughout Iceland and beyond. Its menu centres around langoustines, served fried with sautéed potatoes or as a delicious soup. It’s also worth seeking out Þuríðarbúð Folk Museum, a turf and stone cottage that provides an insight into the past.

Eyrarbakki

The nearby village of Eyrarbakki is where you’ll find the equally fascinating Árnessýsla Heritage Museum. Exhibits are housed across four separate buildings, one of which is called the Merchants House which was erected in 1765. It tells the stories of the Danish merchants who, centuries ago, used to spend the winters in this region. The furnishings and other items reflect this facet of Icelandic heritage.

Hveragerði 

Hveragerði lies just ten minutes by car west of Selfoss, so it’s an easy excursion during your stay here. It’s known for its geothermal energy. One of the most unusual visitor attractions is found a few kilometres out of town. Hike along the Reykjadalur valley at the foot of the Hengill mountains to reach a spot where the warm water is just the ideal temperature for a dip. This hot river is a little more rustic than Iceland’s famous luxury spas, but it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.

The Golden Circle

The landmarks of the Golden Circle are within easy reach of Selfoss, and they make a super day out if you’re using Selfoss as a base. Kerið, a volcanic crater, is one of the closest attractions; its colourful rock and vibrant water add to its appeal. Laugarvatn Fontana is also an enticing prospect, marrying geothermal pools with the chance to eat tasty rye bread as it’s pulled out of the hot sand and served, still steaming, out of the tin.

Why stay in Selfoss rather than Reykjavik?

It takes about an hour and a quarter to drive to Selfoss from Keflavik Airport compared to about 45 minutes to reach the Icelandic capital. But basing yourself further east can be beneficial if you’re road tripping along the south coast, and travellers are increasingly choosing to spend time here. You’ll find a selection of hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering options to suit a range of budgets.

By choosing overnight accommodation in Selfoss, you’ve positioned yourself closer to other must-see destinations such as the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss as well as Vik and its surroundings. You’ll approach the Golden Circle from the south instead of the west, but you are fractionally closer to Thingvellir National Park. When you do want to visit Reykjavik, it’s still easily accessible for a day out.

The town itself has plenty of amenities. Families will enjoy the indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a nine-hole golf course that runs along the river. It’s easy to arrange activities such as kayaking and horse riding nearby. Selfoss has plenty of places to eat, including the fine dining restaurant Tryggvaskáli, which occupies the town’s oldest building. If fast food will suffice, grab a hot dog from Pylsuvagninn Selfossi.

It’s definitely worth stopping in Selfoss as you drive through South Iceland, and we have a choice of rentals that will get you there, so why not get in touch?