Selfoss is a key town in southern Iceland and an ideal base for exploring the Golden Circle and South Coast. Located along the mighty Ölfusá River, it blends authentic local culture with excellent connectivity.
1. Capital of the Ölfus Region
Selfoss serves as the main administrative, commercial, and service hub for the Ölfus region. Roads from here lead to Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast – a natural transportation nexus.
2. Ölfusá River – A Force of Nature and Its Inhabitants
Ölfusá is one of Iceland’s most voluminous rivers by water flow. A walk along its banks and bridge is an essential part of any visit.
Nature Trivia:
- Fish: Atlantic salmon, sea trout, and brown trout – a paradise for anglers, season from June to September.
- Birds: White-tailed eagles (Iceland’s largest eagles), black-backed gulls, barnacle geese – often spotted along the shore.
- Plants: Icelandic willows (low shrubs), marsh grasses, and sphagnum moss – typical southern Iceland tundra.
- Bonus: Seals occasionally swim up to Selfoss, hunting salmon.
The river was historically vital for trade and settlement.
3. Bobby Fischer Center and His Grave
Selfoss houses a center dedicated to Bobby Fischer, 1972 world chess champion – after his famous match against Soviet grandmaster Boris Spassky, a Cold War showdown for the ages. His grave lies in nearby Laugardælir, just a few km away.
4. Dairy Tradition and Skyr
The Selfoss region has been a hub for milk and skyr production for decades. Try desserts made with local skyr, ice cream, and other dairy specialties in shops and restaurants.
5. Hellisskógur Park and Lava Formations
Hellisskógur city park (Stóri-Hellir) hides remnants of ancient volcanic eruptions – caves and lava rocks. Perfect for geology enthusiasts, accessible on foot from downtown.
6. Ölfusá Bridge History – Symbol of Resilience
The first bridge over Ölfusá was built in 1891 – destroyed by ice floes in 1895. The 1944 bridge was damaged by an explosion during WWII construction work. The current concrete bridge from 1945 has survived floods and eruptions. A tale of Icelandic grit against a river that shaped the town’s fate.
7. Summer Car Shows and Festivals
In summer, Selfoss buzzes: classic car rallies (Chevrolets, Mustangs, VW Beetles), fairs, outdoor concerts, and sports events – drawing plenty of tourists then. Chance to mingle with locals.
8. Golden Circle Within Easy Reach
From Selfoss, you’ll quickly reach:
- Þingvellir – tectonic rift and world’s oldest parliament (Alþingi, 930 AD).
- Haukadalur – Strokkur geyser (erupts every 5-10 min, up to 30m).
- Gullfoss – two-tiered waterfall plunging into a canyon.
9. Famous Figures from Selfoss
- Davíð Oddsson – Iceland’s longest-serving PM (1991–2004), former fisheries minister. Spent his childhood in Selfoss with grandparents in a simple house by the Ölfusá, learning hard work and local pride. Led Iceland’s “prosperity era” – Nordic Tiger – through liberalization and privatization, though criticized for the 2008 banking crash.
- Bjarni Harðarson – politician (former Progressive Party MP), writer, and co-owner of Selfoss bookstore-café Bókakaffið. Author of bestselling historical novel Mörður (2014) about a medieval killer from the region and Mensalder (2012). His books weave local history with literary flair, capturing southern Iceland’s essence.
- Vésteinn Hafsteinsson – Iceland discus record holder (67.64m, 1989), 4 Olympiads, 5 World Championships. As coach, trained Gerd Kanter (Olympic gold Beijing 2008) and Daniel Ståhl (Olympic gold Tokyo 2021). Regarded as one of the greatest throws coaches in athletics history.
Around Selfoss – Authentic Iceland Off the Beaten Path
Selfoss stands out where southern Iceland’s history meets everyday life. Experience provincial rhythms – from Þingvellir’s parliamentary cradle to Hafsteinsson’s methods reshaping global sports. Perfect Golden Circle base with accommodations and skyr-serving restaurants, away from Reykjavík’s mass tourism.