Top Things To Do in Selfoss, Iceland
Selfoss is often called the "Gateway to South Iceland." For years, travelers on the Ring Road saw it as a quick pitstop for gas or groceries. Today, that has completely changed. Thanks to a massive historical reconstruction project, Selfoss has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub.
Starting your Golden Circle tour? Or heading down the South Coast? Selfoss town is now a mandatory stop for foodies and culture seekers alike.
A Brief History of Selfoss: From River Crossing to Cultural Hub
The history of Selfoss is tied directly to the mighty Ölfusá River. Long before it was a town, this area was a crucial crossing point for travelers. In the 19th century, the construction of the first suspension bridge over the Ölfusá, headed by Tryggvi Gunnarsson, changed everything. It turned a quiet farming region into a central trade post.
The town we see today grew largely around the dairy industry. In 1929, the Mjólkurbú Flóamanna (the local dairy) was founded, providing jobs and a sense of community. While the town has modernized, the recent New Old Town project has brought history back to life. How? By rebuilding replicas of historic Icelandic buildings that had been lost to time. It’s a place where the legacy of early settlers like Þórir Ásason, and even Ingólfur Arnarson, meets 21st-century Nordic design.
Fun fact: Interestingly, the town’s name can be a bit confusing for those who visit Iceland. While Selfoss translates to "Seal Waterfall," there’s no waterfall in the town itself. The famous Selfoss Waterfall is actually located in the North, near the powerful Dettifoss.
10 Best Ways to Experience Local Food and Culture in Selfoss
To experience the heart of South Iceland, you must dive into its flavors and traditions. Selfoss has evolved into a premier destination for those who visit Iceland seeking more than just landscapes. From modern culinary hubs to historic landmarks, here are the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture.
1. Explore the New Old Town (Miðbær)
The New Old Town (Miðbær), located right across from the bridge, is a masterpiece of urban planning. Developers used old blueprints to recreate over 35 historic buildings from across Iceland that were destroyed by fire or demolition. Walking through this area feels like stepping back into a more colorful version of the 1900s.
Behind these traditional facades are modern interiors housing over 20 restaurants, cafes, and shops. The area has quickly become the social heart of the town. With a wide variety of local businesses, you’ll find plenty of ways to taste and experience Icelandic culture.
While strolling the Selfoss’ New Old Town, check out:
Groovís: A trendy destination for those with a sweet tooth, specializing in fresh mini-donuts and creative ice cream.
Fröken Selfoss: A stylish restaurant and bar offering a diverse menu of modern Icelandic and international dishes.
Mar Seafood: A premier spot for fresh, locally sourced fish and seafood, showcasing the flavors of the North Atlantic.
Konungskaffi: A sophisticated coffee house perfect for a relaxing break with high-quality brews and light bites.
Listasel Gallery: A vibrant local art gallery featuring works by Icelandic artists, from paintings to unique sculptures.
Penninn Eymundsson: A classic Icelandic bookstore where you can find the latest titles, international magazines, and unique gifts.
A second phase of Miðbær is under construction. In 2028, more than 40 newly reconstructed houses will be revealed to the public. And that means new spots to eat, relax, and explore in the heart of Selfoss.
2. Grab a bite from the Mjólkurbúið Mathöll
Located in the center of the New Old Town, Mjólkurbúið is arguably the best food hall in South Iceland. It’s housed in the reconstructed 1929 dairy factory. Instead of typical fast food, you’ll find eight distinct vendors serving high-quality meals.
Grab a seat and taste the best-sellers from:
Romano Pasta: Fresh, authentic Italian pasta dishes made with high-quality ingredients.
Takko: A vibrant spot for flavorful tacos and Mexican-inspired street food.
Ísey Skyr Bar: The place to go for healthy, protein-rich skyr bowls and smoothies.
Menam Dim Sum: A station for steamed dumplings and Asian-inspired small plates.
Menam Thai Food: A local favorite offering traditional Thai curries and stir-fry dishes.
Röstí Burger & Beer: Known for gourmet smash burgers, crispy fries, and a great selection of local craft beers.
Flatey Pizza: Artisanal, Neapolitan-style pizzas featuring a signature thin, sourdough crust.
Samúelsson Matbar: A refined bistro experience focusing on seasonal Icelandic ingredients and small plates.
Risið Vínbar: Located on the upper floor, this sophisticated wine bar is the perfect spot to relax and watch the town move below.
3. Visit the famous Skyrland Exhibition
In the basement of the food hall, you’ll find Skyrland. This interactive exhibition tells the 1,000-year history of skyr, the Viking superfood. Skyr is a thick, high-protein dairy product that has sustained Icelanders since the days of the first settlers.
The tour is sensory and immersive. You can smell the herbs used in traditional recipes and learn why skyr is technically a cheese, not a yogurt. At the end, visit the Ísey Skyr Bar upstairs to try different flavors of this iconic Icelandic staple.
4. Dine at the Historic Tryggvaskáli
For a refined taste of the town’s heritage, visit Tryggvaskáli. Built in 1890, it’s the oldest building in Selfoss and originally housed the workers who constructed the first bridge. Today, it’s a premier dining destination that blends 19th-century charm with modern Nordic cuisine.
The menu focuses on high-quality ingredients, featuring Icelandic classics like slow-cooked lamb and fresh Atlantic seafood. Its historic interior offers a warm, sophisticated atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a memorable dinner in South Iceland.
Local tip: Visit Pylsuvagninn, the legendary hot dog stand by the bridge. Since 1984, it has been a local staple. For a unique twist, order your hot dog deep-fried, a specialty you won’t easily find in Reykjavik.
4. Check out the Bobby Fischer Center
For a quiet town in South Iceland, Selfoss holds a surprising piece of global history. The Bobby Fischer Center (Fischersetur) is a biographical museum dedicated to the American chess grandmaster. In case you didn’t know, he spent his final years as an Icelandic citizen. His connection to Iceland began in 1972, when he defeated Boris Spassky in the Match of the Century in Reykjavik.
In 2005, the Icelandic Parliament granted Fischer citizenship on humanitarian grounds. This special act allowed him to leave a Japanese detention center and live out his life in the Icelandic countryside.
The museum houses a unique collection of memorabilia, including the original chessboard used during his 1972 training. For those wishing to pay their respects, Fischer’s final resting place is a simple, quiet grave at Laugardælir cemetery. It's located just a short 2 km (1.24 mi) drive from the town center.
5. Stroll the banks of the Ölfusá River
To truly appreciate the volcanic landscape that defines this region, take a walk along the banks of the Ölfusá. Start at Selfosskirkja, the town’s iconic white church, and follow the path toward the Heilbrigðisstofnun Suðurlands hospital.
Along the way, you’ll notice unique features:
The lava pots: These are deep, natural potholes (skessupottar) carved into the basalt rock by the river's powerful currents over thousands of years.
Öndvegissúlur (Viking high-seat pillars): These massive wooden pillars represent the tradition started by Ingólfur Arnarson, Iceland’s first permanent settler. He threw his pillars into the sea and vowed to settle wherever they washed ashore.
The riverbanks are also a prime spot to see arctic terns and other local birdlife during the summer months. So, make sure to look up at the sky once in a while.
6. Join the Sumar á Selfossi Festival
If your visit to Iceland falls in August, you might catch the town’s biggest celebration: Sumar á Selfossi (Summer in Selfoss). This family-friendly festival turns the entire town into a rainbow of colors.
The town is divided into four color districts. Residents decorate their homes, fences, and even themselves in their neighborhood's assigned color (Green, Red, Pink, or Blue). The festival features:
The heart of the festivities is a lively fete on the public grassland behind the civic library. Here, you can browse small stalls selling homemade goods and local handicrafts while enjoying performances by musicians and magicians. As the sun sets, the celebration moves toward a dramatic conclusion. The evening features large, traditional bonfires and a free fireworks display that lights up the sky over the Ölfusá River.
7. Savor some meaty dishes at Kótelettan BBQ & Music Festival
For those who love the local food scene, Kótelettan is another highlight of the summer. Held in June, it’s the largest BBQ and music festival in the country.
The name Kótelettan refers to the lamb cutlet, a staple of Icelandic farming culture. During the festival, the town smells of grilled meats. All thanks to the professional chefs and locals who compete in the Stóra Grillsýningin (The Big BBQ Show). It’s the perfect place to sample traditional Icelandic lamb prepared with modern BBQ techniques while enjoying live outdoor concerts.
8. Watch Iceland’s Strongest Man Competition
Iceland is world-famous for its strongman culture, producing more "World’s Strongest Man" titles per capita than almost anywhere else. In recent years, Selfoss has often served as the final stage of Iceland’s Strongest Man competition.
Watching these athletes lift massive Atlas Stones or pull trucks is a visceral cultural experience. It’s a testament to the grit and strength required to survive in the rugged South Coast environment for centuries.
9. Soak in the Sundhöll Selfoss with the locals
In Iceland, swimming pools function as social hubs. Visiting the local pool is where you’ll find Icelanders decompressing after work and catching up on town news. Sundhöll Selfoss is one of the largest and best-equipped pools in South Iceland, offering an authentic glimpse into local life.
The facility has indoor and outdoor sections, making it a year-round destination regardless of the weather. If you’re seeking a quiet place to soak after exploring the South Coast, this center provides a range of wellness amenities:
A 25-meter outdoor lap pool
An 18-meter indoor children’s pool
Children’s pool with three water slides
Traditional wooden sauna and a steam bath
Two geothermal hot tubs at 100°C and 104°F (38°C and 40°C)
Friendly reminder: Like any other swimming pool in the country, Sundhöll Selfoss follows strict Icelandic pool etiquette. So, shower thoroughly before entering the water.
Where to Stay Near Selfoss, South Iceland
While the energy of Selfoss is exciting, many travelers prefer a more tranquil home base. If you want a peaceful base near Selfoss and the wider South Iceland, staying at a South Coast hotel is ideal.
Located where the Ölfusá River meets the North Atlantic Ocean, the Black Sand Hotel offers convenient access to Selfoss. The drive takes just about 15 minutes. So, it's easy to explore the town’s food hall and cultural sites, then return to the calm of the coast.
Beyond its location, Black Sand Hotel also offers:
Prime location: Situated along the shore, Black Sand Hotel is within an hour's drive of several South Coast attractions.
Scandinavian design: The hotel features 79 rooms and suites with a minimalist aesthetic. Each one features wide windows that frame the rugged South Coast environment.
Premium comfort: Every room includes high-end beds by DUX, Quagliotti linens, and luxurious bath products by Comfort Zone to ensure total relaxation.
Modern amenities: Rooms are equipped with smart TVs, L’OR coffee and tea sets, and high-speed Wi-Fi for a comfortable stay.
On-site dining: ÓMUR Restaurant serves a seasonally-driven Nordic menu. And the intimate bar is the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the Golden Circle.
Wellness & relaxation: A forthcoming on-site spa will offer treatments inspired by the local environment. It’s ideal for resting after a day of whale watching or snorkeling at the Þingvellir National Park.
Staying at the Black Sand Hotel creates a sense of balance. You enjoy Selfoss’ food and culture while remaining close to Icelandic nature.
Discover the Lively Town of Selfoss in South Iceland
Selfoss is no longer just a transit town. It has become a destination in its own right by blending rich history with a modern culinary scene. From high-energy summer festivals to quiet moments in a geothermal pool, there’s a layer of culture here to uncover.
Here for the Match of the Century history at the Bobby Fischer Center? Or a simple, delicious meal at the food hall? Selfoss invites you to stay a little longer. And with a stay at the Black Sand Hotel, you get the best of both worlds. You get to enjoy the vibrant life of the town and the peaceful, untamed beauty of the Icelandic coast.
FAQs About Selfoss in Iceland
Is Selfoss just a place to stock up on groceries?
It used to be, but that’s changed. With the opening of the New Old Town (Miðbær Selfoss), it’s become a destination for food and design. The town center features over 35 reconstructed historical buildings that now house the city’s best restaurants, bars, and shops, making it worth much more than a quick gas stop.
What is the "Old Dairy" everyone mentions in Selfoss?
The Old Dairy (Mjólkurbúið) is a food hall built inside a reconstructed dairy factory. It’s the heart of the Selfoss food scene, featuring 8 distinct vendors ranging from authentic Icelandic skyr bars to high-end burgers and tacos.
What is the Skyrland Exhibition?
Located in the basement of the Old Dairy, Skyrland is an interactive museum dedicated to Iceland’s 1,000-year skyr history. It’s a sensory experience where you learn how this Viking superfood is made and, more importantly, get to taste different varieties.
Who was Bobby Fischer, and why is there a center for him in Selfoss?
Bobby Fischer was a world chess champion who spent his final years in Iceland. The Bobby Fischer Center in Selfoss houses memorabilia from his life and the famous 1972 Match of the Century.
Where can I find traditional Icelandic food in Selfoss?
For a sit-down meal with history, head to Tryggvaskáli, located in the oldest house in Selfoss right by the bridge. They specialize in modern Icelandic cuisine using local ingredients like lamb and Arctic char.
Is the Selfoss Town Center walkable?
Yes, the entire Miðbær (New Old Town) area is a pedestrian-friendly zone. You can easily walk between the food hall, the shops, the riverbank paths, and the local swimming pool.
Are there any good cultural stops near Selfoss if I have extra time?
Just 15 minutes away are the seaside villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki. Eyrarbakki is famous for The House, one of Iceland’s oldest timber buildings, while Stokkseyri is known for its lobster soup.
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