Traveling in the Selfoss Area
Located an hour's drive east of Reykjavik is the town of Selfoss, the largest town in southern Iceland. The town has a population of over 4,000 people and is situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River, a one-hour drive from the capital city, Reykjavik. The town is ideal for day trips in the area, and you will find everything you need there: restaurants, hotels, shops, a supermarket, pharmacies, a hospital, banks, swimming pools, a cinema, a golf course, horse farms, and more.
Recommended Tours in the Selfoss Area:
♦ Recommended guided tours of the Hekla and Kerið volcanoes available for purchase from the Viator website:
Mount Hekla
This is a very active volcano that rises to a height of 1,491 meters. The volcano last erupted in the year 2000, but its history shows that an eruption occurs every ten years. The volcano is located on the geological fault line that crosses Iceland, and surrounding it is the largest lava field in the world, measuring 8 square kilometers. The volcano's many destructive eruptions earned it the nickname "Gateway to Hell." Those interested in enjoying the volcanic landscape can embark on a regular hike that lasts about 4 hours and leads to the top of the mountain. Anyone wishing to keep their feet on safer ground is welcome to visit the Hekla Center visitor center, where you can learn about the volcano, the destructive eruptions, and the surrounding environment. To get there, drive on Route 1 toward the town of Hella, located about 36 km east of Selfoss. Immediately after the town, turn onto Route 26 and from there turn right onto Route F115 toward Landmannalaugar.
Kerið Volcanic Crater
It is part of a group of volcanic hills called Tjarnarholar and is currently filled with water. The depth of the crater is 55 meters, and it was formed by an eruption about 3,000 years ago. To reach the crater, continue about 12 km from Selfoss. Continue on Route 35 for about a quarter-hour drive until you reach the signs for the site. On the way to the crater, on the left side of the road, there is a small forest where it is worth stopping for a picnic or a short, relaxing walk (circling the forest takes about 10 minutes). The wooded and green landscape is very unique and different from the volcanic and gray landscape that characterizes northern and eastern Iceland.
For those arriving in Iceland outside the tourist season (starting from the end of August) - the dog sleds move to another location, close to Selfoss. From Selfoss, continue south on Route 34, then turn east onto Route 33, which later turns into Route 305, until the Holmasel farm. The drive takes about half an hour.
Urriðafoss Waterfall
The impressive waterfall is located in the Þjórsá River, which is 230 meters long and the longest in Iceland. To reach the waterfall, continue on Route 305 for a few minutes from the dog farm. The Icelandic government has plans to build a dam at the site to generate hydroelectric energy from the movement of the water. Construction and water use will cause the waterfall to dry up within three years. It is sad to think that soon the impressive waterfall will disappear, along with the many salmon fish in the area.
The Town of Hveragerði
Located 13 km west of Selfoss, with a population of about 2,300 residents. The most popular site in the town is the hot springs area, located right next to the backyards of the town houses. The hot springs in the town are numerous, and in fact, the town is known as the "Greenhouse Town." The greenhouses are operated thanks to hot water flowing from a geothermal spring and ensure the growth of many vegetables in the area. In May 2008, an earthquake was felt in southern Iceland, creating an additional hot water spring near the town. Next to it, mud craters were formed that allow a peek into life beneath the ground surface. You will find the hot springs site on the outskirts of the town – follow the signs to the Grýla geyser. At the site, you will also find a large mud pool where you can dip your feet and enjoy a relaxing treatment. A completely different experience can be tried in the nearby pool, where you can boil eggs or bake bread using the traditional local method. The site is open during the summer months only, 6/1-9/15. Admission is free.
♥ Recommended Accommodation in the Selfoss Area and Surroundings:
Selfoss
Hotel Selfoss
A 4-star hotel in the town of Selfoss near the river. Private bathrooms. Free internet and parking.
Guesthouse Garun
Located in Selfoss, rooms with and without private bathrooms to choose from. Shared kitchen.
Free internet and parking.
Guesthouse Garun Selfoss
Located in Selfoss, shared bathrooms and kitchen, free internet and parking.
The Town of Hella
Hotel Ranga
A 4-star hotel in Hella, which is about a hundred kilometers southeast of Reykjavik. A variety of luxurious rooms. Free internet and parking.
Hótel Lækur
A hotel located a 10-minute drive from Hella. The place has a horse farm and you can go on riding activities. Private bathrooms. Free internet and parking.
Guesthouse Nonni
Located in Hella. Shared bathrooms. Free internet and parking.
The Town of Hveragerði
Hotel Ork
A 3-star hotel. Private bathrooms, refrigerator, free internet and parking.
Frumskogar Guesthouse
Apartment + rooms. The rooms have shared bathrooms, the apartment has a kitchen and private bathroom. Free internet and parking.
Horse Riding
Right next to the town of Hveragerði is the Eldhestar horse farm, which offers daily horse riding tours of varying difficulty levels. The farm offers organized tours that also include admission to the Blue Lagoon or a "Golden Circle" tour and lunch on site.
♦ Horse riding across Iceland (booking via the Viator website):
♦ Booking recommended 6-8 day guided tours in Iceland from Viator