Despite being an infamous town, Selfoss is a striking tourist destination in South Iceland that offers varied options for tourists and locals alike. It is situated in the southern region of Iceland on the banks of the Olfusa River, largest river in Iceland. People can take a walk on the interesting footpaths along the Olfusa River found in the woodland of Hellisskógur or play golf on the far side bank of the same river. The city is also home to one of the first suspension bridges in the nation, Olfusarbru Bridge, as well as other interesting attractions like the city’s beguiling volcanic landscape and Bobby Fischer Centre. It is a lovely town that attracts many during the summer months. Nature and adventure lovers will find this town intriguing. Keep reading to learn more about the top things to do in Selfoss, Iceland.
1. Play chess at Bobby Fischer Center
Bobby Fischer Center houses memorabilia of Robert James Fischer, the world chess champion, and it is also a club for chess players. The centre hosts chess tournaments and offers classes to those who want to learn about chess. You will also find a library of chess materials in the centre to help you in your learning process. Items belonging to Bobby Fischer are also on display. You can also pay your respects to the former world champion as his grave is located just a few meters from the house. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, Bobby Fischer Center has something for you.
Bobby Fischer Center
Address: Austurvegur 21 800 Selfoss Iceland
Website: Bobby Fischer Center
Opening hours: 7:30am - 9:30pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD
2. Marvel at the beauty of Ölfusárbrú suspension bridge
Ölfusárbrú suspension bridge, constructed in 1945 is the place you should not miss to visit while in Selfoss. It is an 84 meters (276 ft) long bridge constructed in 1945, over Olfusa River and serves as the town’s landmark. While here, you can have a look at the fascinating lava formations that take the form of circular pots just beneath Ölfusárbrú bridge. Do not forget to take a picture facing the bridge or in the ‘pots’ to document your visit to Selfoss.
3. Take a dip into the cool waters at Selfoss Public Swimming Pool
Posted by Sundhöll Selfoss on Thursday, 22 November 2018
This is a fantastic pool in the centre of Selfoss, featuring an 18-meter (59 ft) pool and a children’s pool inside the building and a 25-meter (82 ft) outdoor pool and a children’s pool with three slides outside the building. You will also find a wading pool, steam room, sauna, hot and cold tubs, four changing rooms, and a fitness centre. The location is close to shops and features ample parking space. The pool is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day or on those days you feel like relaxing.
Selfoss Public Swimming Pool
Address: Bankavegur 800 Selfoss, Iceland
Website: Selfoss Public Swimming Pool
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 9:30pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 7pm
Price: From 8 USD
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4. Ride horseback in the peaceful countryside of Selfoss
Solvangur is a family-run horse breeding farm situated in South Iceland. It offers a tranquil atmosphere to guests and locals who would like some adventure. Here, people meet the Icelandic horses at the stable. Those who would like to take a ride on the horse can take some lessons. A cafe is available in the area as well as a horse souvenir shop. Guests who would like to stay longer in this lovely ambience can stay at the cottages available. Visit Solvangur and become acquainted with the horses, trainers, and this peaceful environment.
Sólvangur Icelandic Horse Center
Address: Sólvangur, 801 Selfoss Iceland
Website: Sólvangur Icelandic Horse Center
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
Price: From 84 USD
5. Spend an afternoon at the magnificent Olvishot Brewery
Inspired by two farmers with a passion for beer, this small brewery uses this passion along with other fine ingredients as the secret to making their high-quality beers. It is located in a re-purposed barn. In the old barn is where you will find the brewmaster who conjures up some of the best beer in Iceland. Visit this side of Selfoss and get to see how their beer is brewed. Get to savour the beer afterward. If you cannot make it to the site, you can buy their beers at the high-end bars in Selfoss.
Ölvisholt Brewery
Address:Ölvisholt, Flóahreppur 801 Selfoss
Website: Ölvisholt Brewery
6. Catch up on your reading at Bókasafn Árborgar
If you love reading, make sure you head to Bókasafn Árborgar library. Here you can choose the book that matches your preferences, as well as some special selections such as Icelandic criminal stories and countryside stories to Nordic voltage books and ghost books. Teenage and children books are also available. A reading room, designed to ensure maximum concentration, is available as well as the option of borrowing. > #### Bókasafn Árborgar
Address: Austurvegi 2 Selfoss, Iceland
Website: Bókasafn Árborgar
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am-6pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)
7. Go camping at Thingvellir National Park
Þingvellir, pronounced as Thingvellir, is a place of great beauty and marks as an important part in Iceland’s history. It is the place where Christianity was made the official religion of Iceland, therefore, it is considered a sacred place. Located 50 km (31 mi) east of Reykjavik, this scenic landscape is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. You will find a visitor centre where you will gain insights into the park’s nature and history, the camping grounds, waterfalls, and hiking trails. You will also find the largest lake in Iceland, Þingvallavatn where you can enjoy fishing or scuba diving. Make sure this park is on your list of places to visit while in Iceland.
Thingvellir National Park
Address:Thingvellir, Iceland
Website: Thingvellir National Park
8. Bring your children for a fun time at Slakki petting zoo
Enjoy the beauty of the countryside in this lovely mini zoo situated only 100 km (62 mi) south of Reykjavík. It features a large outdoor area, a mini golf course, a restaurant, an arcade for children, a meeting facility, and of course, a variety of farm animals like rabbits, puppies, kittens, turkeys, foxes, geese, ducks, and chickens. Slakki is the ideal place for those who want to relax with their family or group of friends.
Slakki
Address: Asmyri, Blaskogabyggd 801, Iceland
Website: Slakki
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
9. Enjoy golfing at Selfoss Golf Course
This is a nine-hole golf course situated by the banks of Olfusa River in South Iceland. The golf course bots a picturesque scenery of mountains, the River and the landscape in general. Come with your friends and family and enjoy playing golf with challenges ranging from bunkers to ponds, ditches and the river. Even if you do not know how to play golf, just swing the club and say that you played golf while in Selfoss. While you are at it, do not forget to take a picture.
Selfoss Golf Course
Address: Svarfholsvollur, Selfoss 801, Iceland
Website: Selfoss Golf Course
10. Have a close look at erupting geysers at Strokkur
Strokkur is one of the major attractions in Iceland that features an active geyser which erupts every 5 to 10 minutes blasting water to heights of approximately 20 metres (65 feet). It is situated in the Haukadalur valley, which features other land forms like fumaroles, hot springs, mud pits, other small geysers and a ground dyed in sulfur (yellow), copper (green) and iron (red). The area makes for a perfect place to marvel at the beauty of nature.
Strokkur Geysir
Address: Borgartún 26 105 Reykjavík
11. Say a prayer amid the serene ambiance of Selfosskirkja
Selfosskirkja is a lovely church situated by Olfusa River. The church holds some uniqueness in terms of design which make it a point of interest for tourists and locals alike. A cemetery, established by the church, is situated close by. Visiting this area will give you a sense of calmness and a feeling of serenity.
Selfosskirkja
Address: Selfoss, Iceland
Website: Selfosskirkja
12. Have a look inside a turf house
A turf house is a unique building where nature is part of the house. At Austur-Meðalholt, you will find old turf houses which date to the late 1800s referred to as the old Icelandic Farmstead. These turf houses were designed to keep the cold outside. The homestead is now a privately owned museum where people get to marvel at these unique buildings
Turf house
Address: Austur-Meðalholtum, 803 Selfoss
Website: Turf house
13. Carve your initials at Paradisarhellir Cave
Paradisarhellir Cave
Posted by Thomas Lewthwaite on Friday, 9 June 2017
This is a popular cave in Iceland situated approximately two hours from Reykjavik. It is well-known because it was featured in the novel “Anna of Stóra Borg” by Jón Trausti. Although it takes some effort to get to the cave, a rope has been added to make the climb easier. The entrance is relatively narrow so one has to bend slightly to enter. It is, therefore, a good place to visit for those who need some adventure. While inside, be sure to engrave your initials on the walls.
Paradisarhellir Cave
Address: Route 1, Selfoss, Iceland
Website: Paradisarhellir Cave
14. Grab a bite at Pylsuvagninn Selfossi
Established in 1984, Pylsuvagninn serves its customers with fresh, tasty, and up-to-date fast foods. It features takeouts, outdoor seating, parking, and drive-thru. The menu offers a variety of dishes including hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken burgers, pita, and much more! If you are taking a walk in this area or looking for a place to grab a bite for lunch, try out Pylsuvagninn fast foods. You will not regret it!
Pylsuvagninn Selfossi
Address: Tryggvatorg, Selfoss 800, Iceland
Website: Pylsuvagninn Selfossi
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9:30am - 10pm; Fri: 9:30am - 11pm; Sat: 9.30am - 4pm
15. Enjoy creative flavors of ice cream at Huppu Isbuo
Tyggjókúlu shake er huppulega góður !! Tyggjó kúluís Kirsuberjasósa Huppu- eða sveitaís Skreytt með heitri karamellusósu Toppað með rjóma og hlaupperlum
Posted by Ísbúð Huppu on Wednesday, 19 April 2017
Located in Selfoss, this is the ideal spot for something sweet during a family hang-out or a night out with friends. They serve their ice cream in a cool and welcoming ambience. They offer a myriad of different flavours in a gelato style. You can also choose from a variety of toppings and sauces available in the shop. Do not be afraid to get creative with the way you want your ice cream to be served.
Ísbúð Hupp
Address: Háaleiti Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Ísbúð Huppu
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 11pm; Mon - Fri: 2pm - 11pm
Explore the serene Selfoss
Selfoss, a nature-filled city, has a lot to offer to guests and locals alike. Adventurers, history lovers, art lovers, and also food lovers have something to enjoy while in the city. With the list above, your trip to Selfoss will never be boring. Note down the activities you would like to engage in and get ready for a fun-packed trip.
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