Discover Selfoss

Selfoss is the most important transport hub in South Iceland, and the Ölfusá River flows through the town. Local themes range from Icelandic food culture and city history to guided activities. If you are considering a hotel stay in Selfoss, you can tailor your stay to these varied interests. Routes and schedules may change; check the latest information when planning your specific trip.

River, bridge and city history

The Ölfusá River flows through Selfoss and is a geographical feature of the town. Ölfusárbrú is an 84-metre-long suspension bridge in Selfoss, first built in 1891. Selfosskirkja also offers a clearly dated connection to the town’s history: it was built from 1952 to 1956 and consecrated on Palm Sunday, 25 March 1956.

At the Bobby Fischer Center, the score sheets from the Spassky–Fischer match and a replica of the chessboard used in the match are among the objects on display. The current exhibition may change. The new Selfoss Centre opened in 2021 and houses shops, restaurants, hotels and various cultural activities. Individual businesses and programmes may change.

Skyr, food and guided tours

Skyrland presents Icelandic food culture as a multisensory experience, with a particular focus on skyr, the country’s national dish. The Old Dairy Selfoss – Mjólkurbúið offers another perspective on the subject, with an exhibition on the history of skyr. The building also houses a food hall with eight restaurants; the restaurant line-up may change.

Selfoss Town Tours specialises in history and culinary tours of Selfoss with an experienced local guide. The tours stop at places of interest and include tastings at restaurants in town. As the offering may change, check availability before booking.

Walks and swimming

The forest of Hellisskógur, near Selfoss, is located outside the town. It has trails, walking paths and benches where visitors can stop and enjoy the surroundings. Selfoss Swimming Pool offers other ways to spend your time: facilities include a 25-metre outdoor pool, a children’s pool with three slides, a steam room, a sauna, and hot and cold bathing pools. Check the current access conditions before your visit.

Events and activities

Selfoss hosts the annual Brúarhlaup run, which attracts people from all over Iceland. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the current events programme. Skyrland also offers groups a short guided walk through the new town centre. It covers the history of Selfoss and the history of the town centre’s buildings; confirm group availability before booking.

Hornið Creative Studio in the town centre offers pottery workshops and activities for children. Formats and booking arrangements may change. Together with the tours, skyr offering and annual run, these provide a range of activities to suit different interests.

Information for your stay

South Center is a tourist information centre in central Selfoss. The Selfoss Information Office is located in the Árborg Town Hall at Austurvegur 2 and serves residents and tourists. Opening hours and facilities may change. When choosing a hotel in Selfoss, you can use your trip’s themes—such as city history, food culture, events or walks—as a guide, without assuming that a particular hotel service is available.

Discover more destinations: Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Grafarkirkja, Hruni, Búðarhólshverfi, Kálfafell, Laugarás, Ólafsvellir, Úlfljótsvatn.

See the regional travel overview: Sudurland.