Free Selfoss Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Selfoss trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Selfoss
Selfoss photo 2
Selfoss photo 3
All photos

Selfoss in Iceland offers riverside walks, local food, skyr culture and easy access to South Iceland’s waterfalls, volcanoes and scenic landscapes.

A Gateway to South Iceland

Selfoss stands beside the Ölfusá, one of Iceland’s largest rivers, at a strategic crossroads on the country’s southern lowlands. Although it is a small town rather than a traditional old city, Selfoss is an important service and trading centre for the surrounding farming communities and a practical base for exploring South Iceland. Route 1 passes directly through the town, linking it with Reykjavík to the west and the coast, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes to the east.
Read more about Selfoss

A Young Town with a Strong Local Identity

Selfoss developed around the river crossing and grew rapidly after Iceland’s first major suspension bridge over the Ölfusá opened in 1891. Its history is therefore tied less to medieval monuments than to transport, agriculture, commerce and the modern development of rural Iceland. The town’s riverside setting, low skyline and broad views towards the mountains give it a distinctly open character. The reconstructed Old Dairy, once associated with the local dairy industry, now forms part of a cultural and culinary centre, while Selfosskirkja provides a recognisable landmark near the centre.

Food, History and Everyday Iceland

Visitors can explore the Bobby Fischer Center, which recalls the celebrated 1972 chess match between American champion Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky, held in Reykjavík but associated with Selfoss through Fischer’s later life in Iceland. Skyr-focused exhibitions, cafés, food halls and independent businesses offer a more contemporary view of local culture. Selfoss is especially rewarding as a place to observe everyday Icelandic life: farmers’ markets, riverside walks, geothermal swimming, and the changing light over the South Iceland plain are as central to its appeal as formal attractions.

When is the best time to visit Selfoss?

Best: June–August · 14–17°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January150
February140
March335
April630
May1020
June (best)1415
July (best)175
August (best)1510
September1120
October625
November235
December045

Getting to and around Selfoss

How to get there

Selfoss is reached most easily by road from Reykjavík along Route 1, Iceland’s principal ring road, which continues east towards Hella, Hvolsvöllur and the South Coast. The journey from Reykjavík is straightforward in normal conditions, although wind, snow and icy surfaces can affect driving times. Keflavík International Airport is the main gateway for international travellers; visitors normally continue from the airport towards Reykjavík before travelling on to Selfoss. Reykjavík domestic airport is more relevant for internal flights, though Selfoss is generally approached by road. Strætó public buses connect the town with Reykjavík and other communities in southern Iceland, but services are less frequent than in the capital region, so check current timetables before relying on them.

Transportation

Selfoss is compact enough for many central journeys on foot, including the riverside, Old Dairy area, shops and several cafés. Local public transport is limited compared with Reykjavík, and visitors exploring waterfalls, beaches, geothermal areas or rural farms will usually need a hire car, a guided excursion or a pre-arranged taxi. Route 1 passes through the town, making driving convenient, but conditions can change rapidly in Iceland; check official road and weather information before setting out. Cycling is possible in and around the settlement during suitable weather, while winter darkness, strong winds and icy paths call for additional care. Parking is generally easier than in Reykjavík, though local signs should always be followed.

Best attractions in Selfoss

Selfoss’s attractions combine local history with the open landscapes of south-west Iceland. The Bobby Fischer Center presents the story of the chess grandmaster and his connection with Iceland, while Skyrland explores the history and production of skyr, the cultured dairy product closely associated with Icelandic foodways. The Old Dairy, or Mjólkurbú, has been adapted into a cultural and food destination where the town’s dairy heritage can be encountered in a contemporary setting. Along the Ölfusá, riverside paths provide views across the water and towards the broad agricultural plain, with changing light and weather shaping the experience. Selfosskirkja offers a quieter architectural stop near the town centre, and the local swimming pool reflects the everyday importance of geothermal bathing. Selfoss also works as a launching point for organised visits or self-drive journeys to Þingvellir, the Golden Circle and the waterfalls of South Iceland, although these lie beyond the town itself.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Selfoss

The Ölfusá is Selfoss’s defining natural landmark and the reason the settlement became important: its crossing shaped transport, trade and the town’s position on the southern route. The modern river crossing continues that practical legacy, while the surrounding banks offer a sense of the waterway’s scale. Selfosskirkja, the local church, is a recognisable civic and religious building near the centre and reflects the town’s modern development rather than Iceland’s medieval church architecture. The Old Dairy is significant as an industrial and agricultural landmark, preserving the memory of cooperative dairy production in a building now used for food and cultural purposes. The Bobby Fischer Center adds a more unusual cultural landmark, connecting a small South Iceland town with one of the most famous chess matches in modern history and Fischer’s later years in Iceland.

Show more landmarks

Explore Selfoss on the map

Plan your Selfoss trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Selfoss

Selfoss’s dining scene reflects its position among the farming communities of South Iceland, with dairy products, lamb, fish, rye bread and seasonal produce appearing alongside familiar international dishes. Skyr has particular local resonance, and Skyrland provides context for a food tradition that began as a method of preserving milk and remains part of modern Icelandic eating. The Old Dairy food hall brings several food styles together in a former industrial setting, while cafés and bakeries around the centre provide coffee, pastries, soups and light meals for residents and travellers. Supermarkets are useful for picnic supplies before excursions, and casual restaurants cater to people passing along Route 1. Menus can be seasonal and prices reflect Iceland’s import costs, but the town offers a more relaxed, locally grounded dining atmosphere than a major tourist resort.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Selfoss

Selfoss has a modest evening scene centred on restaurants, cafés, hotel bars and occasional live music rather than a concentrated nightclub district. The Old Dairy and central venues provide places for an early evening meal, drinks or informal conversation, while local events can bring music and community activity to cultural spaces. Travellers should not expect Reykjavík-style late-night variety, but the town’s smaller scale suits evenings shaped by conversation, geothermal swimming or views across the darkening Ölfusá. Some venues and events operate seasonally or change their schedules, so current local information is important. Alcohol is sold under Iceland’s regulated system, and drinking-and-driving limits are strict; visitors exploring the region after dark should arrange transport rather than rely on informal lifts.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Selfoss

Selfoss has a modest evening scene centred on restaurants, cafés, hotel bars and occasional live music rather than a concentrated nightclub district. The Old Dairy and central venues provide places for an early evening meal, drinks or informal conversation, while local events can bring music and community activity to cultural spaces. Travellers should not expect Reykjavík-style late-night variety, but the town’s smaller scale suits evenings shaped by conversation, geothermal swimming or views across the darkening Ölfusá. Some venues and events operate seasonally or change their schedules, so current local information is important. Alcohol is sold under Iceland’s regulated system, and drinking-and-driving limits are strict; visitors exploring the region after dark should arrange transport rather than rely on informal lifts.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Selfoss

Shopping in Selfoss is practical, local and geared towards both residents and travellers preparing for journeys through South Iceland. The central area has supermarkets, cafés, everyday services and independent businesses, while larger food shops are useful for assembling provisions before heading along Route 1 or into the countryside. The Old Dairy offers a more visitor-oriented setting for food and cultural browsing, and local markets or seasonal events may provide opportunities to buy baked goods, preserves, woollen items and small Icelandic craft products. Visitors seeking distinctive souvenirs should look for locally made woollens, design objects and regional food products rather than assuming that every Icelandic-labelled item was produced nearby. Selfoss is not a specialist luxury-shopping destination, but its retail character gives a clear sense of its role as a service town for the surrounding agricultural region.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Selfoss, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Selfoss essentials

Currency and Payment
Iceland uses the Icelandic króna, written as ISK. Debit and credit cards, including contactless payments, are widely used in Selfoss for accommodation, fuel, supermarkets, cafés and attractions, and many visitors need little physical cash. A card with a PIN and a reliable way to authorise payments is useful, particularly for unattended fuel stations or smaller businesses. ATMs are available in Icelandic towns, although travellers should not assume that every rural stop has one. Foreign-card providers may add their own conversion or transaction fees, so check the payment screen and consider whether to pay in Icelandic krónur rather than accepting an offered home-currency conversion.
Safety
Selfoss itself is generally straightforward to navigate, but the principal safety concerns arise from Iceland’s weather, roads and natural environment rather than from urban hazards. Strong winds can make driving difficult, and rain, ice, snow or poor visibility may change conditions quickly outside town. Keep valuables secure in vehicles and take ordinary precautions in busy cafés, supermarkets and transport areas. When walking near the Ölfusá, remain on established paths and observe warning signs, as riverbanks can be unstable and currents are dangerous. Before regional excursions, check weather and road conditions through official Icelandic services, and do not assume that a short distance guarantees an easy journey.
Emergency Situations
In Iceland, call 112 for police, fire and ambulance emergencies. The operator can coordinate the appropriate response and may be able to assist in English; give your exact location, road number, nearby landmark and a description of the situation. For incidents outside town, Icelandic road markers and the SafeTravel information service can help identify your position, but they do not replace a 112 call when there is immediate danger. Travellers needing non-urgent medical advice should seek guidance from local healthcare services or a pharmacy, while urgent illness or injury requires emergency assistance. Keep travel insurance details and essential medication information accessible during rural journeys.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect marked paths, fences and warning signs, particularly beside rivers and in open countryside where private farmland and fragile vegetation are common. At swimming pools, follow local changing-room and showering customs, including washing before entering the pool; this is a normal Icelandic hygiene practice rather than a ceremonial rule. Avoid driving or stopping on roads in unsafe places simply to take photographs, and never enter closed areas. Tipping is not generally obligatory in Iceland, though good service may be acknowledged. In cafés and restaurants, be patient with self-service arrangements and pay attention to local signs. Practise quiet, respectful behaviour in churches, museums and community spaces.
Local Tips
Selfoss is most useful when treated as a regional base rather than as a checklist of large-city attractions. The centre and Ölfusá riverside can be explored on foot, while a visit to the Old Dairy and the Bobby Fischer Center adds context to the town’s agricultural and cultural connections. Stocking up on fuel, food and supplies here can be practical before heading along the South Coast or into less-serviced rural areas. The town’s geothermal swimming pool is part of ordinary Icelandic life and offers a relaxed cultural experience, subject to current opening arrangements. For longer outings, allow generous margins for weather, daylight and road conditions.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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]

History of Selfoss

The Ölfusá Crossing

Selfoss emerged at an important crossing of the Ölfusá, a powerful river draining the volcanic and agricultural landscapes of south-west Iceland. Before a permanent bridge, travellers depended on boats or more hazardous crossings, making the river a significant obstacle on the route between Reykjavík and the southern districts. The opening of Iceland’s first major suspension bridge across the Ölfusá in 1891 transformed the site’s practical importance. It improved movement for farmers, traders and officials and helped establish Selfoss as a service point rather than simply a rural river location. The river remains central to the town’s identity, both geographically and historically, and the roads that converge here still reflect the importance of this crossing.

A Farming and Trading Settlement

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Selfoss grew alongside the agricultural economy of the surrounding lowlands. Shops, workshops, transport services and public institutions developed to serve dispersed farms, while the town’s position on the main route encouraged commerce. The establishment of the Selfoss dairy, associated with the cooperative development of Icelandic farming, reinforced the settlement’s role as a regional centre. Dairy production also shaped the town’s later cultural identity, with the former dairy buildings becoming part of the Old Dairy complex. Rather than growing from a royal court, church foundation or medieval market, Selfoss took its modern form through transport links, cooperative enterprise and the practical needs of southern Iceland’s farming communities.

Modern Infrastructure and Growth

Selfoss expanded during the twentieth century as roads, motor transport, electricity, schools and public services strengthened its connections with the rest of Iceland. Its location on Route 1 made it an increasingly important stopping point between Reykjavík and the southern coast, while nearby agriculture continued to support local businesses and employment. The town’s built environment is consequently modern and functional, with much of its development dating from the period after the early bridge and the growth of road travel. Events such as the 2008 earthquake, which affected parts of southern Iceland, also form part of the area’s modern experience, even though Selfoss was not the earthquake’s sole centre. Reconstruction and continued investment have helped maintain the town’s regional role.

Selfoss in Icelandic Popular Culture

Selfoss gained an unusual international association through Bobby Fischer, the American chess grandmaster who spent his later years in Iceland and died in Reykjavík in 2008. The Bobby Fischer Center in Selfoss preserves material connected with his life and career, including his relationship with Iceland and the famous 1972 world championship match against Boris Spassky. The centre’s presence adds an international cultural strand to a town otherwise known primarily for agriculture, transport and local services. It also reflects Iceland’s capacity to absorb global stories into small communities. The association should be understood alongside, rather than instead of, Selfoss’s deeper local history of river crossings, cooperative farming and regional commerce.

A Contemporary South Iceland Centre

In the twenty-first century, Selfoss has continued to develop as a residential, commercial and visitor centre for the southern lowlands. New public spaces, food venues and cultural displays have complemented established services, while the Old Dairy has been adapted for contemporary use. Tourism has increased the town’s visibility because travellers pass through it on routes towards Þingvellir, the Golden Circle, the south coast and the East. At the same time, Selfoss remains closely connected to nearby farms, schools and everyday Icelandic life. Its present character is therefore shaped by two overlapping roles: a convenient base for exploring the region and a working town whose identity rests on the Ölfusá, local enterprise and the wider agricultural plain.

Travel experiences inspired by this city

Explore more travel diaries

Selfoss in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Selfoss

The closest cities to Selfoss, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Iceland
More of the region

Explore more of Iceland

Discover Iceland, where glaciers meet volcanoes, Northern Lights dance in the skies, and natural wonders await at every turn.

Explore Iceland
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Selfoss, Iceland

Discover Selfoss like never before with Evendo, the 100% free travel guide app covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Selfoss, Iceland with Evendo - a comprehensive, free travel guide app that helps you discover the best attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and experiences. Download now!

  • History of Selfoss and travel essentials.
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions.
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases.

Welcome to Selfoss, Iceland - a picturesque town teeming with natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. With Evendo, your journey through Selfoss becomes seamless and unforgettable. Imagine strolling through the stunning Selfosskirkja church, marveling at the power of Selfoss Waterfall, or savoring exquisite dishes at Kaffi Krús, one of the town's most beloved restaurants.

Evendo provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Selfoss. Each location features rich descriptions, stunning images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

No more endless searching for what to see, do, and experience in Selfoss. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and more directly through the app. From the mesmerizing Ölfusá River to the cozy local bars like Hótel Selfoss Bar, Evendo ensures you don't miss a thing.

Our app also includes travel essentials and the history of Selfoss, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture. The 'Near Me' feature lets you discover attractions around you instantly, while curated local tips help you experience Selfoss like a true local. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.