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Selfoss

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Selfoss (Iceland)
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Practical info — Selfoss

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Selfoss is an excellent base for driving the Golden Circle; start your day early to beat the crowds at the main sights.
  • Check out the new town center (Mjólkurbúið), built in a traditional Icelandic architectural style and featuring a great food hall.
  • The local public pool, Sundhöll Selfoss, is a fantastic place to relax in hot tubs on chilly evenings.
  • Take a walk along the Ölfusá river, but bundle up as the riverside can get quite windy.

🍽 Food

🍽
Skyr

Selfoss has a rich history in dairy production; try local skyr-based desserts at the food hall.

🍽
Local Burgers

Grab a hearty burger made with Icelandic beef at one of the bistros in the new downtown area.

🍽
Fresh Salmon

Look for dishes featuring fresh salmon caught from the Ölfusá river in local restaurants.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Mjólkurbúið Food Hall

A great spot to buy local delicacies, artisanal foods, and Icelandic culinary souvenirs.

🛍
Local supermarkets

Stock up on affordable road trip provisions here before heading further into South Iceland.

🧘
Ölfusá riverside path

A peaceful trail along Iceland's most voluminous river, first-rate for a calming evening stroll.

🧘
Hellisskógur forest

A small, quiet wooded area near the town offering sheltered walking paths away from the wind.

Highlights of 2026

1

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.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1-103691110841-1
Rain mm1791621611239686105121184149149182

Live webcam – Selfoss

See what it looks like near Selfoss right now.

Selfoss: Selfossflugvöllur · 2.7 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
9,000
Coordinates
63.93330, -20.98330

Facts

  • Largest town in South Iceland, located by the Ölfusá River.
  • Major hub for the Icelandic dairy and agricultural industry.
  • The first bridge built in 1891 was vital for its urban growth.
  • Home to the Bobby Fischer Center dedicated to the chess champion.
  • The new town center features reconstructions of historic buildings.
  • Located directly on the Ring Road, about 50 km east of Reykjavík.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Selfoss (7)

The Bobby Fischer Center🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to Bobby Fischer, showcasing his life and the 1972 World Chess Championship.

🕒 May 15-Sep 15 Mo-Su 13:00-16:00; Sep 16-May 14 off💶

Litla leikhúsið við Sigtún🎭 culture

A small community theater hosting plays and cultural events.

Gallery Listasel🏛 museum

An art gallery showcasing contemporary Icelandic paintings and sculptures.

Selfosskirkja⛪ religious

Selfosskirkja church built in 1957 in Selfoss.

Laugardælakirkja⛪ religious

Wooden church in the Icelandic countryside near Selfoss.

Ölfusárbrú📍 landmark

Ölfusárbrú is a prominent suspension bridge crossing the Ölfusá river in Selfoss.

Ráðhús Árborgar

A key information center and administrative building located in the heart of Selfoss, providing local civic services.

Frequently asked questions

Is Selfoss a good base for the Golden Circle?
Absolutely, it is strategically located on the Ring Road (Route 1) near the main attractions.
Is there a Bobby Fischer museum?
Yes, the Bobby Fischer Center is dedicated to the chess grandmaster, who is buried here.
What can you do in the new town center?
The reconstructed historic center features cafes, restaurants, and shops in a classic style.
How big is the river at Selfoss?
The Ölfusá is one of Iceland's highest-volume rivers and dominates the town's landscape.
Are there good restaurants?
Yes, Selfoss is a culinary hub for the south with many modern Icelandic options.
Selfoss: where is it located?
Selfoss is located in Iceland.
Selfoss: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Bobby Fischer Center, Litla leikhúsið við Sigtún, Gallery Listasel.
Selfoss: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Selfoss: why is it worth visiting?
Selfoss is the largest commercial and service hub in Southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the powerful Ölfusá River.
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