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Selfoss — travel, stays & events guide
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Selfoss city overview
Selfoss is a city in Iceland shaped by its region, population, local economy, landmarks, climate and civic history. This overview summarizes the city itself: where it sits, what defines it, which places anchor its identity and why it matters within the wider country.
City facts
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 is a practical Selfoss planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Selfoss town centre
Selfoss town centre is a practical Selfoss planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Golden Circle trips
Golden Circle trips is a practical Selfoss planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Kerid crater
Kerid crater is a practical Selfoss planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Eyrarbakki
Eyrarbakki is a practical Selfoss planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Hveragerdi hot springs
Hveragerdi hot springs is a practical Selfoss planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Stay overview
Compare Selfoss before booking Selfoss hotels. Start with the places you will repeat most, then check airport timing, parking, nightly price and event demand before choosing the final base.
Hotels & areas
Compare accommodation options in and around Selfoss by area, not only by nightly price. A cheaper room can become expensive when airport transfers, parking, attraction routes, late arrivals or event-week demand add time and cost.
Compare stays in Selfoss, IcelandFlights & airports
Main airport TBC arrival plan
- Selfoss airport accessMain gateway TBC.
Compare airport access against hotel location, arrival time, rental car pickup, late flights and onward driving before choosing the first night base.
Rental cars
Selfoss day-trip car use
Compare rental cars when airport arrival, day trips, parking, luggage, theme parks, coastal routes or nearby regions matter more than staying fully on transit.
Compare rental carsTravel tips
Best time to visit
Check weather, school holidays, daylight, local festivals and major event calendars before locking in hotel rates or non-refundable tickets.
Transport notes
Choose a base around the trips you will repeat most: airport, station, old town, waterfront, venue district or day-trip route.
Crowds
Prices can jump around festivals, conventions, school holidays, cruise days, ski weeks, race weekends and large sports events.
Booking detail
Compare total cost with taxes, breakfast, parking, resort fees, transfer timing and cancellation terms before choosing the cheapest room.
Upcoming events
No upcoming Selfoss events in the shared event index yet.