South Iceland service town on the Ölfusá river, useful for the Golden Circle and south coast.
Selfoss is the largest town in south Iceland, with around 7,000 inhabitants, sitting on the Ölfusá river about 60km south-east of Reykjavik. It is primarily a service town for the surrounding agricultural region — Iceland's most fertile farming area — rather than a tourist destination in itself. But its location makes it one of the most useful bases in Iceland: the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) is within easy reach to the north, the volcanic landscapes around Hekla lie to the east, and the south coast waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are not far beyond.
The town has good supermarkets, petrol stations, and services, which is why many self-drive travellers stop here to stock up. The Ölfusá River, Iceland's widest river, runs through the centre of town, and the old suspension bridge from 1891 is a local landmark. Eyrarbakki, a small fishing village 10km to the south, is older and more characterful, with a notable folk museum and a bird reserve on the tidal flats.
Note: there is also a waterfall called Selfoss in northern Iceland, in the canyon below Dettifoss — one of the finest in the country.
Guide
Day Trips
Selfoss is positioned at the hub of south Iceland's main attractions. The Golden Circle — Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss — lies to the north, with all three accessible in a full day. To the east, the volcano Hekla looms over the landscape; Landmannalaugar, the coloured rhyolite mountains and geothermal pools, is a few hours' drive on the F-roads (4WD required).
The south coast waterfalls are within easy reach: Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the falling water, and Skógafoss further east. Þórsmörk, the mountain valley carved by three glaciers, is a classic Icelandic hiking destination about 90 minutes away; the river crossings require a 4WD or the highland bus in summer.
Strandarkirkja, a white church on a headland south of Selfoss, is a pilgrimage site revered by Icelandic sailors who promised to build a church there if they survived a storm; it is small but moving, and the coastline around it is wild and scenic.
Guide
Getting There
Selfoss is 60 km from Reykjavik on Route 1, the Ring Road. By car, it is about 45 minutes. Buses run several times daily from Reykjavik's BSÍ terminal; the journey takes about an hour. The town is on the route for most south Iceland bus services, making it a natural stopping point.
If you are driving the Ring Road in either direction, Selfoss is the first or last major town depending on which way you are going. The surrounding roads are well maintained year-round, though winter conditions on mountain routes (to Þórsmörk, for instance) require caution.