Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Selfoss?
What to see and do in Selfoss
About 30 miles from Reykjavik, tucked along the banks of the Ölfusá River, Selfoss is much more than a quick stop on the Golden Circle route. This small town in the heart of southern Iceland was long overlooked by travelers. Today, it’s showing a surprising new side, with a growing food scene and lively cultural energy. Here are some of the best things to discover in and around town.
1. Stroll through the redesigned downtown
The newly completed downtown district is a beautiful example of Icelandic-style urban renewal: charming, design-forward, and people-centered. Inspired by traditional architecture, it blends colorful wooden houses, local craft shops, cozy cafés, and green spaces that open onto the river. Wander the paved lanes, sip coffee roasted on-site, and admire the suspension bridge over the Ölfusá as it glimmers in the light.
2. Get inspired at the Listasafn Árnesinga, LÁ Art Museum
This contemporary art museum, tucked away about 15 minutes by car in Hveragerði, is worth a visit even if you’re not an art buff. The bright, minimalist space highlights works by Icelandic artists, often exploring environmental or cultural themes. The temporary exhibitions are bold, thoughtful, and accessible. It’s a place many travelers miss, where the quiet makes room for rare, unhurried contemplation.
3. Explore Hellisskógur Forest
Five minutes by car from the center, on the other side of the Ölfusá, this small forest offers a refreshing contrast to the region’s wide-open landscapes. Pines, birches, and gentle trails wind through flower-filled clearings and platforms overlooking the river. In spring, you’ll hear migratory birdsong; in fall, the ground is dotted with wild blueberries. It’s perfect for a nature break, a meditative walk, or an Icelandic-style picnic: simple, warm, and with a skyr tucked into your backpack.
4. Try langoustine soup at Fjöruborðið
You can’t talk about Selfoss without mentioning this must-visit food stop. Technically located in Stokkseyri, about 15 minutes away by car, Fjöruborðið’s langoustine soup is famous across Iceland. In a yellow house by the sea, with views of marshes and wild swans, you’ll savor a creamy, gently spiced broth filled with tender langoustine tails. Pure comfort, especially in rainy or windy weather, which means often.
5. Step back in time at the Heritage Museum (Byggðasafn Árnesinga)
This small local museum is a gem for anyone interested in everyday Icelandic history. Set in a former school and four separate houses, it presents rural life from past centuries: farming tools, period furniture, and recreated interiors. You’ll discover the ingenuity of residents facing a harsh climate, along with a deep commitment to preserving the region’s stories. The museum is in Stokkseyri, about 15 minutes from Selfoss.
6. Relax at Sundlaug Selfoss pool
In Selfoss, as in most Icelandic towns, the swimming pool is a true community hub. Sundlaug Selfoss is modern, spacious, and surrounded by trees. Its water comes from natural sources, and you’ll find several pools at different temperatures, a steam room, and a waterslide for kids. At the end of the day, slip into a hot tub heated to 108°F, close your eyes, listen to the Icelandic conversations around you, and let the warmth wrap around you like a local wool sweater.
7. Go birdwatching in the Flói wetlands
A few miles south of Selfoss, the Flói Nature Reserve is a paradise for amateur birdwatchers. Far from everything, at the end of a small dirt path, a vast landscape opens up: wetlands, grassy islets, and salty pools. In spring and summer, hundreds of birds nest here, including Arctic terns, avocets, and European golden plovers. Climb onto the wooden observation platform, lift your binoculars, and take the time to do nothing but listen and watch.
8. Take a geothermal bread-baking masterclass
In Laugarvatn, about 35 minutes away by car, you can try a truly one-of-a-kind experience: learning how to make the famous rúgbrauð, Icelandic rye bread baked with geothermal steam. Buried underground for 24 hours beside a bubbling hot spring, this dense, slightly sweet bread is a symbol of traditional Icelandic cooking. A local artisan guides you through the process, and you’ll leave with your own warm loaf, ready to be slathered with salted butter.
Selfoss is a town of quiet stories. It’s not a destination that shouts for attention, but a place to pause, connect, and taste the local rhythm. The kind of place you discover one step at a time.
Stop in Selfoss on a tailor-made trip to Iceland
Traveling with Evaneos means planning your trip hand in hand with a local, English-speaking expert based right in Iceland. These specialists live there, know the destination inside and out, and share their favorite places with you, from smart tips to hidden corners far from the usual main routes.
Want to discover Selfoss, hike on a glacier, or unwind in a natural hot spring? Your local expert will design a 100% tailor-made itinerary around your interests, pace, and budget. It’s Iceland shaped entirely around you.
