Selfoss: The Gateway to Iceland's Natural Wonders

• HelloHalló
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeBless
  [bles]
• YesJá
  [ya]
• NoNei
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeTakk fyrir
  [tahk fi-rir]
• Thank youTakk
  [tahk]
• Excuse me/SorryFyrirgefðu
  [fi-rir-gef-thu]
• How are you?Hvernig hefur þú það?
  [kver-nik he-vur thu thah]
• Fine. And you?Fínt. Og þú?
  [feent ogh thu]
• Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?
  [ta-lar thu en-sku]
• I don't understandÉg skil ekki
  [yeg skil ek-ki]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg vildi sjá matsedilinn, takk
  [yeg vil-di syah mat-se-dil-inn, tahk]
• I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt
  [yeg bor-tha ek-ki chot]
• Cheers!Skál!
  [skowl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÉg myndi vilja greiða, takk
  [yeg mun-di vil-ya gray-tha, tahk]

• Help!Hjálp!
  [hya-lp]
• Go away!Farðu í burtu!
  [far-thu ee bur-too]
• Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna!
  [hring-thu ee log-re-gluna]
• Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn!
  [hring-thu ee laek-nin]
• I'm lostÉg er týndur
  [yeg er teen-dur]
• I'm illÉg er veikur
  [yeg er vay-kur]

• I'd like to buy...Ég vildi kaupa...
  [yeg vil-di koy-pa]
• I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða
  [yeg er ba-ra ath sko-tha]
• How much is it?Hvað kostar það?
  [kva-th koh-star thah]
• That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt
  [thah er ov deert]
• Can you lower the price?Getur þú lækkað verðið?
  [ge-tur thu laek-kath ver-thith]

• What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?
  [kva-th er klu-kkan]
• It's one o'clockÞað er eitt
  [thah er ayt]
• Half past (10)Hálf tíu
  [howlf t-yu]
• MorningMorgun
  [mor-gun]
• AfternoonSíðdegis
  [seeth-deh-gis]
• EveningKvöld
  [kvuhld]
• YesterdayÍ gær
  [ee gair]
• TodayÍ dag
  [ee dahk]
• TomorrowÁ morgun
  [ow mor-gun]
• 1Eitt
  [ayt]
• 2Tvö
  [t-vuh]
• 3Þrjár
  [thryar]
• 4Fjórir
  [fyow-rir]
• 5Fimm
  [feemm]
• 6Sex
  [sehx]
• 7Sjö
  [syow]
• 8Átta
  [owt-ta]
• 9Níu
  [nee-u]
• 10Tíu
  [t-yu]

• Where's a/the...?Hvar er...?
  [kvar er]
• What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?
  [kva-th er hay-mil-iss-fang-ith]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?
  [ge-tur thu seent mair (ow kort-inu)]
• When's the next (bus)?Hvenær kemur næsta (strætisvagn)?
  [kver-nair ke-mur nai-sta (strait-is-vagn)]
• A ticket (to ....)Miði (til ....)
  [mee-thi til]

Selfoss, located in the southern part of Iceland, was established as a small agricultural settlement in the late 19th century. The town began to grow significantly after the construction of the bridge over the Ölfusá River in 1891, which connected it to the main routes of transportation and trade.

The construction of the Ölfusá Bridge in 1891 was a pivotal moment in Selfoss's history. This bridge was the first suspension bridge in Iceland and played a crucial role in the development of the town. It facilitated the movement of people and goods, linking the southern regions with Reykjavik, and spurred economic growth.

Agriculture has always been at the heart of Selfoss's economy. The fertile lands surrounding the town made it an ideal location for farming. Dairy farming, in particular, flourished, with many local farms producing milk and dairy products that supplied the entire region.

In the mid-20th century, Selfoss began to diversify its economy with the establishment of various industries. One of the most significant was the construction of a dairy processing plant in the 1950s, which provided jobs and boosted the local economy. This industrial growth marked the transition of Selfoss from a purely agricultural town to a more diverse economic hub.

Selfoss has also been a center for cultural development in the region. The town boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural events. The annual 'Sumar á Selfossi' festival, which celebrates the town's heritage and culture, attracts visitors from all over Iceland.

The establishment of educational institutions has been crucial to the town's development. The Selfoss College, founded in the 1970s, has played a significant role in educating the local population and attracting students from other parts of Iceland. This has fostered a well-educated community and contributed to the town's growth.

Today, Selfoss is a thriving town with a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. It serves as a regional center for commerce, education, and culture. The town's strategic location on the Ring Road, along with its rich history and vibrant community, makes it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

Selfoss is located in the southern part of Iceland, approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Reykjavik. The nearest international airport is Keflavik International Airport (KEF). From Keflavik, you can take a Flybus or Airport Direct shuttle to Reykjavik and then catch a bus or rent a car to drive to Selfoss. The drive from Reykjavik to Selfoss takes about 50 minutes via Route 1 (Ring Road).

Selfoss is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For exploring the surrounding areas, renting a car is highly recommended as it provides the flexibility to visit nearby natural wonders and attractions. Public buses operated by Strætó connect Selfoss to Reykjavik and other towns. Taxis are also available but can be expensive.

The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). Credit cards are widely accepted in Selfoss, including in restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are available throughout the town, and contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are also commonly accepted. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit more remote areas.

Selfoss is generally a very safe destination for tourists. The crime rate is low, and violent crime is rare. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended and being vigilant in crowded places. There are no specific neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, including police, fire, and medical services. The Selfoss Health Center provides medical care for non-emergency situations. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in town for over-the-counter medications and minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Avoid wearing heavy perfumes or colognes as Icelanders prefer a natural scent. Religion: Do respect local customs, although Iceland is largely secular. Public Transport: Do be on time for buses as they run on strict schedules. Don't talk loudly or disturb others. Greetings: Do greet people with a simple 'hello' or 'hæ'. Icelanders are generally informal. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as Skyr and Icelandic lamb. Don't tip excessively; service charges are usually included in the bill.

To experience Selfoss like a local, visit the weekly farmer's market where you can buy fresh local produce and handmade goods. Engage with locals at the cafés, and don't hesitate to ask for recommendations on hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path activities. For a unique experience, visit the nearby geothermal areas and hot springs, which are a favorite among locals.