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Selfoss — travel, stays & events guide
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Selfoss, IcelandOpen-Meteo forecast.
Selfoss city overview
Selfoss works best as a base in Iceland when you anchor days around Olfusa river, Selfoss town centre and Golden Circle trips. Use those sights to understand the city's history, street life and visitor rhythm. Selfoss International Airport handles the main arrival flow, so hotel choice should balance the centre, transfer time and day-trip plans.
City facts
Airport baseSelfoss International Airport
Known forOlfusa river, Selfoss town centre, Golden Circle trips, Kerid crater
RegionIcelandIceland
Time zoneAtlantic/Reykjaviklocal time
Founded1000historical origin
City history
Overview Selfoss was settled by Þórir Ásason sometime after 1000, but the sagas of Icelanders mention that Ingólfur Arnarson was there during the winter of 873-74, under the Ingólfsfjall mountain, which is west of.
In the summer of 1891, due to the lobbying of Tryggvi Gunnarsson, a member of the Alþing, the first suspension bridge was built over the Ölfusá.
The largest building is the reconstructed 'Old Dairy' building, a dairy processing plant constructed in 1929 and demolished in 1954, now in use as a food hall.
In 1931, the dairy firm Mjólkurbú Flóamanna and general store Kaupfélag Árnesinga were established.
The current bridge was built in 1945 after the original structure collapsed.
After the construction the building was used for travellers' accommodation and dining, until 1974.
Former World Chess Champion Bobby Fischer is buried near Selfoss at Laugardælir cemetery. 2008 earthquake According to the United States Geological Survey, an earthquake with a moment magnitude of 6.3 occurred near Selfoss on.
A number of sheep in the Selfoss area were killed. New town center In the summer of 2021, a new pedestrianised town center was opened.
As a result of its success, in 2022 it was decided to expand the project with 40 new houses, including two hotels.
The cabin built to house workers constructing the bridge is the oldest building in Selfoss, and was named Tryggvaskáli in honor of Tryggvi for his efforts to construct the bridge.
The two companies were the main employers in the area for several decades.
During World War II the British stationed troops at Selfoss to guard the strategic bridge. Population growth Today, with more efficient transportation, Selfoss benefits from its proximity to the Reykjavík area and is predicted.
The fete involves the selling of homemade goods on small stalls, performances by musicians and magicians on a temporary stage and in the evenings, the revelry continues with large bonfires and free fireworks display.
The earthquake was felt across southern Iceland, including in the capital Reykjavík and the airbase at Keflavik.
Worth seeing
Olfusa river
Olfusa river adds outdoor time to a Selfoss stay, with open space, views or waterfront breathing room between denser city sights.
Selfoss town centre
Selfoss town centre gives Selfoss a strong culture stop for museums, exhibitions or local collections, and works best as an indoor anchor in the day's route.
Golden Circle trips
Golden Circle trips is a named stop in Selfoss worth keeping on the route when it fits the day's transport, timing and neighborhood plan.
Kerid crater
Kerid crater is a named stop in Selfoss worth keeping on the route when it fits the day's transport, timing and neighborhood plan.
Eyrarbakki
Eyrarbakki is a named stop in Selfoss worth keeping on the route when it fits the day's transport, timing and neighborhood plan.
Hveragerdi hot springs
Hveragerdi hot springs is a named stop in Selfoss worth keeping on the route when it fits the day's transport, timing and neighborhood plan.
Stay overview
Start with City centre for the easiest first Selfoss stay, then compare Old Town and Waterfront when price, nightlife, quieter evenings or transfer timing matter more than being beside every major sight.
Hotels & areas
Selfoss hotel choice is mostly about repeat journeys: use City centre for sightseeing, Old Town for a different local base, and Waterfront or Airport area when views, parking, airport timing or longer stays matter.
City centre
City centre is the most practical first base in Selfoss, keeping main sights, restaurants and short local transfers close.
Best for: first visits, sightseeing, restaurantsCompare staysOld Town
Old Town is the most practical first base in Selfoss, keeping main sights, restaurants and short local transfers close.
Best for: first visits, sightseeing, restaurantsCompare staysWaterfront
Waterfront suits travellers who want views, evening walks and a calmer base while still keeping central Selfoss reachable.
Best for: views, quieter evenings, walksCompare staysAirport area
Airport area works mainly for early departures, late arrivals or car pickup, not for a first Selfoss sightseeing base.
Best for: early flights, late arrivals, car pickupCompare staysFlights & airports
Selfoss International Airport arrival plan
- Selfoss International AirportSelfoss International Airport, Selfoss, Iceland
Selfoss International Airport is the main air gateway for Selfoss; compare transfer time with your hotel base before locking the first night.
Rental cars
Selfoss day-trip car use
Do not rent a car for central Selfoss unless parking and traffic are part of the plan; use one mainly for regional day trips.
Compare rental carsTravel tips
Best base
Choose City centre for a first stay because it keeps main sights, restaurants and practical local movement close.
Airport timing
Leave extra time for Selfoss International Airport, especially for early flights, late arrivals, traffic or unfamiliar transfer routes.
Local movement
Plan each day in clusters around Olfusa river and Selfoss town centre so transfers do not consume the best sightseeing hours.
Day trips
Keep one flexible slot for nearby routes from Selfoss, checking weather, transport and opening hours before committing.
Nearby ideas
Nature
Olfusa river
Olfusa river works as a nature-focused side trip from Selfoss, especially when the day has enough daylight and a clear return plan.
Heritage
Selfoss town centre
Selfoss town centre is a heritage-focused side trip from Selfoss; check the route and opening hours before setting aside the day.
Heritage
Golden Circle trips
Golden Circle trips is a heritage-focused side trip from Selfoss; check the route and opening hours before setting aside the day.
Upcoming events
No upcoming Selfoss events in the shared event index yet.