Sumar á Selfossi (Summer in Selfoss)
August town festival where the town is split into four colour districts and residents decorate their homes and themselves, with music, market stalls, a bonfire and fireworks.
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Selfoss has a rich history in dairy production; try local skyr-based desserts at the food hall.
Grab a hearty burger made with Icelandic beef at one of the bistros in the new downtown area.
Look for dishes featuring fresh salmon caught from the Ölfusá river in local restaurants.
A great spot to buy local delicacies, artisanal foods, and Icelandic culinary souvenirs.
Stock up on affordable road trip provisions here before heading further into South Iceland.
A peaceful trail along Iceland's most voluminous river, first-rate for a calming evening stroll.
A small, quiet wooded area near the town offering sheltered walking paths away from the wind.
Water temperature…
Selfoss is the largest commercial and service hub in Southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the powerful Ölfusá River. The town's development was catalyzed by the construction of the first suspension bridge over the Ölfusá in 1891, which transformed regional transport. Today, Selfoss is a key junction on the Ring Road (Route 1) and a mainstay of the Icelandic agricultural economy, notably housing the country's largest dairy cooperative. In recent years, the town center has undergone a major redevelopment project, featuring reconstructed historical buildings that aim to recreate a classic Icelandic urban aesthetic. Culturally, the town is notable for being the final resting place of the legendary world chess champion Bobby Fischer, buried at the nearby Laugardælir cemetery. Selfoss serves as a primary gateway for tourists exploring the Golden Circle and the attractions along the southern coast.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | -1 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 4 | 1 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 179 | 162 | 161 | 123 | 96 | 86 | 105 | 121 | 184 | 149 | 149 | 182 |
See what it looks like near Selfoss right now.
Selfoss: Selfossflugvöllur · 2.7 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your day in Selfoss begins in the new old town center, where historic charm meets modern Icelandic design. The morning is for exploring the banks of the mighty Ölfusá river, crossing the historic bridge and visiting the distinctive Selfosskirkja. The afternoon is dedicated to culture with a visit to the Bobby Fischer Center, followed by a relaxing walk in the Hellisskógur forest. The evening concludes with a hearty Icelandic dinner, reflecting on the day's experiences.
The day starts in the new Selfoss city center, where reconstructed historical buildings provide shelter from the Icelandic rain. At noon, we explore Skyr traditions and the modern church architecture. In the afternoon, the Bobby Fischer Center offers a dry and engaging haven for chess enthusiasts. The evening ends cozily in one of the warm local restaurants, away from the wet weather.
Selfoss transforms into a frosty fairytale landscape in winter. In the morning, hoarfrost glistens on the historical facades of the old town. At noon, we warm up with hot soup before visiting the snow-covered church. As the sun sets early, we take advantage of the golden light by the riverbank before retreating to the cozy Bobby Fischer Center.
On two wheels, you'll experience Selfoss from a completely different perspective. After starting in the old town, your route takes you over the impressive Ölfusá bridge. In the morning, you'll explore cultural highlights like Selfosskirkja and the Bobby Fischer Center. The afternoon is an active escape into nature, with a ride through the Hellisskógur forest and further along the river towards the majestic Ingólfsfjall mountain. The day ends where it began, with a relaxing dinner in the charming old town.
Despite the rain, Selfoss is easily explored by bike with the right gear. We start in the old town and cycle across the Ölfusá bridge, enjoying the view of the churning water. At noon, the church provides a quiet retreat. The afternoon leads us to the Hellisskógur forest, where the canopy shields us from the heaviest rain.
Winter cycling in Selfoss is an adventure for the brave. We start with a short tour through the festively lit old town. At noon, we warm up in the museums while the bike waits outside in the snow. As light is limited, we focus on the well-lit paths in the center and along the riverbank before it gets dark.
By car, you have the flexibility to discover both the heart of Selfoss and its beautiful surroundings. The day begins with the peaceful nature in Hellisskógur forest. Afterwards, you drive to the center, park your car, and explore the vibrant town core on foot: the old town, the iconic church, and the bridge. In the afternoon, a short trip takes you to the majestic Ingólfsfjall mountain for an unforgettable panoramic view before returning to town for a well-deserved dinner.
By car, Selfoss is especially comfortable in the rain. We start with a trip to Hellisskógur, where we enjoy the fresh forest air without getting soaked. At noon, we park right in the center to visit the museums and cafes of the old town. A detour to Ingólfsfjall offers dramatic views of the cloud-covered mountains before we round off the day with a culinary treat.
A winter road trip through Selfoss requires caution but offers unforgettable views. We start in snowy Hellisskógur before driving to the city center. The museums provide ideal breaks from the cold. A highlight is the drive to Ingólfsfjall during the blue hour, when the mountain glows mystically in the pale light, before heading to dinner in the cozy center.
