Stays in Selfoss
Selfoss, a charming town in southern Iceland, serves as a gateway to the country's natural wonders. It offers a blend of local life and convenient access to major attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the Golden Circle and the South Coast.
Selfoss, the largest town in South Iceland, offers a welcoming atmosphere and a strategic location for travellers eager to explore the region. Situated along the banks of the Ölfusá River, it provides a peaceful retreat while being well-connected to Iceland's most iconic sights. Visitors will find a range of accommodation options, from cozy guesthouses to modern apartments, catering to various preferences. The town itself boasts local shops, restaurants, and a relaxed pace of life, making it a pleasant place to return to after a day of adventure. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate convenience and a touch of local charm.
Selfoss in numbers
FamilySelfossCenter flat
Spacious family apartment with a garden and modern amenities in Selfoss
Why guests love itSelfossCenter flat is a spacious two-bedroom apartment in Selfoss with a fully equipped kitchen, a terrace and a garden. Free WiFi, streaming services and a TV cover the evenings. The listing places Thingvellir National Park and Ljosifoss within easy reach, so a family can base itself here for the Golden Circle. Guests rate it a perfect 10 from 5 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a roomy, self-catered base for a family on a road trip.
FamilyLuxury Family Getaway
A spacious family home with private spa facilities and mountain views
Why guests love itThree bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living area give a family room to breathe at this holiday home near Selfoss, and the private sauna and hot tub are what I would plan the evenings around. The terrace looks out to the mountains, and the fully equipped kitchen covers meals after a day in South Iceland. Þingvellir National Park is within easy reach for a day trip on the Golden Circle. Guests rate it 9.8 from 21 reviews, one of the higher scores around Selfoss.
FamilyÁsgarður Farm Stay apartment
Modern farm stay apartment with garden, play areas, and EV charging
Why guests love itÁsgarður is a recently renovated farm-stay apartment near Selfoss with play areas both indoors and outdoors, which makes it one of the easier places in South Iceland to stay with young children whatever the weather. The garden, terrace, outdoor fireplace and barbecue set up the evening, and private parking comes with an electric car charging station. Þingvellir National Park is 28 km away. Guests rate it 9.8 from 17 reviews, and I would put it high on a family shortlist.
Waterfall viewMountain View Villa
Spacious villa with private sauna, hot tub, and mountain views
Why guests love itFour bedrooms and two bathrooms give a family or a group of friends real space at Mountain View Villa near Selfoss, and the private sauna and hot tub are the reason I would choose it. The terrace looks toward the mountains, the garden has a barbecue and outdoor seating, and the fireplace in the living room carries the evening indoors. A fully equipped kitchen and streaming services cover the rest. Guests rate it 9.8 from 15 reviews.
FamilyUrriðafoss Waterfall Lodges
Apartment-style lodges with hot tub and views near Urriðafoss waterfall
Why guests love itI would choose Urriðafoss Waterfall Lodges for a family or couple who want apartment-style space near Selfoss. Each unit has a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony or terrace with garden and mountain views. A hot tub, free Wi-Fi and on-site private parking are included. Guests rate it 9.7 across 87 reviews. It is a quiet spot, so I would pick it for days out and calm evenings, not for nightlife.
FamilyKerbyggd: Luxury house and cottage in golden circle
Luxury houses and cottages in the Golden Circle, some with private hot tubs
Why guests love itKerbyggd offers modern houses and cottages in the Golden Circle region, some with a private hot tub. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine and dryer, and a private terrace with mountain views. Hiking is nearby, which makes it a practical base for the area. With a 9.7 score from 364 reviews, I recommend it to families and couples who want a whole house and, if possible, a private hot tub.
FamilyBjarmaland Cottages - Laugarás
Cozy cottages with garden views, perfect for families and pet owners
Why guests love itI would choose Bjarmaland Cottages in Laugarás for a self-catering stay near Geysir and Gullfoss, with or without a pet. The holiday homes have a garden and terrace with outdoor seating, a kitchenette, a private bathroom, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, with garden and mountain views. Guests rate it 9.7 across 70 reviews. With a kitchenette rather than a full kitchen, I would plan simple meals, and pick it for families and couples.
FamilyLuxury Villa in Golden Circle with hot tub
Elegant villa with a hot tub, perfect for Golden Circle explorations
Why guests love itI would choose this villa in Selfoss for a family or couple who want a hot tub and a large garden on the Golden Circle side of the south. It has three bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchenette and a private bathroom, with a terrace, free Wi-Fi and private parking. Guests rate it 9.7 across 56 reviews. With a kitchenette rather than a full kitchen, I would plan simple meals, and I would pick it for relaxed stays with day trips.
Waterfall viewThe Angel's House
Comfortable holiday home with scenic views and modern amenities near Selfoss
Why guests love itThe Angel's House gives a family three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a terrace with views, which is all I look for in a Golden Circle base. One bathroom for three bedrooms means some planning in the morning with several children. Free private parking keeps the car close for early starts to Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. With a 9.7 from 43 guests, guests clearly rate it highly, and I would book early.
Northern LightsAurora Cottage on the Golden Circle
A cozy cottage with a terrace, perfect for aurora viewing and couples
Why guests love itAurora Cottage is a two-bedroom holiday home in Selfoss with a private entrance, parquet floors and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests also get a terrace, a balcony, free WiFi and streaming services. The house sits on the Golden Circle route and is well placed for waterfalls and other natural sights. Guests rate it 9.7 across 124 reviews. The kitchen makes longer stays easy.
GeothermalTorfhús Retreat
Elegant retreat with hot spring bath and local cuisine in Selfoss
Why guests love itTorfhús Retreat suits families and couples who want a quiet base in Selfoss rather than a busy hotel. The hot spring bath, garden and terrace give the stay its character, and the family rooms and child-friendly buffet keep mornings easy with children. I like the private check-in and the on-site restaurant, which spare you a drive after a long day on the Ring Road. With a 9.6 rating from 55 reviews, I would book it for the setting, not for nightlife.
FamilyApartment 19
Spacious apartment with a private garden, perfect for families and couples
Why guests love itI recommend Apartment 19 to couples and small families who want a spacious one-bedroom apartment in Selfoss. It has a living room, a fully equipped kitchenette and a washing machine, with free WiFi, a private garden and free on-site parking, and cycling activities nearby. Selfoss is a handy base for South Iceland. Guests rate it 9.6 across more than 160 reviews, an outstanding score.
CouplesNyibaer studio apartment
Modern studio apartment with private entrance and free parking in Selfoss
Why guests love itI recommend the Nyibaer studio apartment to couples who want a private base for the Golden Circle. It is a one-bedroom apartment with a modern kitchen, a dining area and a private entrance, and it includes a washing machine, free WiFi and free private parking. Thingvellir National Park and Ljosifoss waterfall are nearby. Guests rate it 9.6 across more than 300 reviews, a top score that fits a clean, practical, self-contained stay.
CouplesÁsahraun Guesthouse
Comfortable guesthouse with a hot tub and shared kitchen near Ljosifoss
Why guests love itÁsahraun is a lodge-style guesthouse in Selfoss with a sun terrace, a garden and an outdoor fireplace, and the hot tub is the feature people remember. A shared kitchen lets guests cook their own meals, and WiFi is free. Ljosifoss waterfall is 3 km away, an easy detour. Communal spaces make it social rather than private. A good fit for couples and relaxed families who cook for themselves.
FamilyGiltún Warm and Scenic Cottage In The Heart of South
Spacious cottage with a hot tub, garden, and pet-friendly amenities
Why guests love itGiltún is a three-bedroom cottage near Selfoss that suits a family well: a hot tub for the evening, a garden and sun terrace where children can play, and barbecue facilities for summer dinners. The kitchenette and laundry cover a self-catering week, though big meals will be easier to keep simple. Pets are welcome, so the dog can come along. I would book it as a family base for the Golden Circle and the south coast.
FamilyThe Old School House - Gaulverjaskoli
Family-friendly guest house with a hot tub and mountain views near Selfoss
Why guests love itI recommend The Old School House to families, couples and pet owners who want a guest house with a hot tub near Selfoss. Family rooms have private bathrooms and garden views, and the property has a sun terrace, a garden, an outdoor fireplace and barbecue facilities, with a shared kitchen, free WiFi and free private parking. Guests rate it 9.5 across almost 150 reviews, a top score for a friendly, rural guest house.
FamilyValhalla Yurts Freya
Luxury yurts with mountain views and a serene garden near Selfoss
Why guests love itI would choose Valhalla Yurts Freya for a different kind of night near Selfoss, a luxury tent with mountain views. There is a sun terrace, a garden and free Wi-Fi, and breakfast is brought to the room. Thingvellir National Park is the nearby landmark for day trips. Guests rate it 9.5 across 104 reviews. It is a tent rather than a hotel room, so I would pick it for couples or families who want something distinctive and are happy to skip a lobby.
CouplesEYVÍK Cottages - Private HOT TUB!
Private cottages with hot tubs, perfect for couples exploring the Golden Circle
Why guests love itEYVÍK Cottages are holiday homes in Selfoss, each with a private hot tub, a sun terrace and a garden. Wi-Fi is free and check-in and check-out are private. The cottages work as a base for the Golden Circle, with hiking opportunities nearby. Guests rate them 9.5 across 173 reviews, and I would recommend them to couples who want privacy and the independence of a self-contained stay.
Northern LightsGuesthouse Bitra B&B
Family-run guesthouse with homemade breakfast and countryside views
Why guests love itGuesthouse Bitra B&B is a family-run guesthouse 400 metres off Route 1 and 15 km from Selfoss. Simple rooms look out to Mount Hekla or the surrounding countryside, and Wi-Fi and a terrace are included, with homemade breakfast items. It works as a base on the Ring Road and for watching the northern lights. Guests rate it 9.4 across 1,072 reviews, and I would pick it for a quiet, rural night.
Ring RoadThoristun Apartments
Self-catering apartments in central Selfoss with free WiFi and BBQ facilities
Why guests love itThoristun Apartments offer self-catering accommodation in central Selfoss, with well-equipped kitchens and free Wi-Fi. Each unit has a seating area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom, some apartments have a private terrace, and BBQ facilities are available on site. Guests rate it 9.4 across 620 reviews, and I would pick it for travellers who want a kitchen in a central Selfoss location.
FamilyThingvellir Cabin/Chalet
Spacious cabin with a private hot tub and garden near Thingvellir
Why guests love itI would choose Thingvellir Cabin/Chalet for a family or couple who want a private hot tub near the national park. The cabin has two bedrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, plus a private garden, a sun terrace and barbecue facilities. Guests rate it 9.3 across 69 reviews. Thingvellir National Park is the nearby landmark, and I would plan simple evenings at the cabin rather than nights out in town.
FamilyGamla Húsið - The Old House
Spacious holiday home with garden views, perfect for families and pets
Why guests love itGamla Húsið gives a family two bedrooms, family rooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen, so meals and evenings stay easy. The garden and terrace look out on the mountains and give children space outside, and the washing machine helps on a longer trip. Pets are accepted, which suits families travelling with a dog. Selfoss is a practical start for the Golden Circle. I would confirm the exact bed layout if you travel with more than four.
CouplesHólar countryside cabin 1
A cosy countryside cabin with a terrace, ideal for couples
Why guests love itI recommend Hólar countryside cabin 1 to couples and small families who want a nature-centred stay near Selfoss. The cosy holiday home has two bedrooms, a bathroom and a spacious living room, with a private terrace, a fully equipped kitchen and free WiFi, and free private parking on site. It is a quiet base for the South Iceland countryside. Guests rate it 9.2 across more than 170 reviews, a very high score.
FamilySouth Central Guesthouse
Comfortable guesthouse with a seasonal pool and hot tub in Selfoss
Why guests love itSouth Central Guesthouse in Selfoss has rooms with private bathrooms, some with garden or mountain views. A seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub and a sun terrace sit in a lush garden. Wi-Fi is free in public areas, and guests share a kitchen and a lounge. Guests rate it 9.2 across 816 reviews, and I would pick it for couples and families who want a pool and hot tub in summer.
Waterfall viewSvala Guesthouses
Spacious apartments with terraces and mountain views near Selfoss
Why guests love itSvala Guesthouses offers apartment-style accommodation in Selfoss, each unit with a kitchenette, a private bathroom, air-conditioning and a terrace. From the terrace there are garden and mountain views, and free private parking and WiFi are included. Selfoss is a handy base for the Golden Circle and the South Coast. Guests rate it 8.8 from 5 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a quiet, self-catered stop for families and couples driving the south.
GeothermalHotel Hjardarbol
A practical base for Golden Circle adventures with a warm welcome
Why guests love itHotel Hjardarbol is a base for the Golden Circle and the South Coast, 7 km from Hveragerði and Selfoss. Rooms come with private or shared bathrooms, and Wi-Fi and on-site parking are free. A communal lounge with hot drinks and a souvenir shop are available. Guests rate it 8.2 across 921 reviews, and I would pick it for road trippers who want a practical stop outside town and check which bathroom type they book.
FamilyGolden Circle Domes - Glamping Experience
Luxury glamping tents with fireplaces and private bathrooms near the Golden Circle
Why guests love itI recommend Golden Circle Domes to couples and families who want to try glamping rather than a standard room near Selfoss. The luxury tents look onto the garden and terrace, and each has a kitchenette, a private bathroom and a cosy fireplace. A family-friendly restaurant, a minimarket and a tour desk sit on the property, with free WiFi and private parking. Guests rate it 7.9 across almost 400 reviews.
FamilyByggðarhorn
Spacious family apartment with a hot tub and mountain views
Why guests love itByggðarhorn in Selfoss is a spacious four-bedroom ground-floor apartment with two bathrooms and a private entrance. It has a terrace with garden and mountain views, a hot tub, free WiFi and a children's playground. Thingvellir National Park is within reach for day trips. The 7.2 score from 196 reviews is modest, so I would set expectations at practical rather than polished, and I recommend it mainly to larger families.
What to expect
- Strategic location for Golden Circle and South Coast tours.
- Variety of local shops and dining options.
- Peaceful atmosphere by the Ölfusá River.
- Good base for day trips to natural attractions.
Local tips
- Consider renting a car to fully explore the surrounding areas, as public transport can be limited.
- Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season, as Selfoss is a popular base.
- Explore the local restaurants for authentic Icelandic cuisine and fresh produce.
- Take advantage of the town's central location to visit nearby towns like Hveragerði for hot springs.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
What are the best areas to stay in Selfoss?
Selfoss is a compact town, and most accommodations are centrally located, offering easy access to local amenities. Staying near the main road (Route 1) provides convenience for exploring, while properties closer to the river offer a more tranquil setting.
What types of accommodation can be found in Selfoss?
Selfoss offers a diverse range of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments. Many options provide amenities like free Wi-Fi and parking, catering to both short stays and longer explorations of the region.
What is the best time to visit Selfoss?
The summer months (June to August) are ideal for exploring the Golden Circle and South Coast with long daylight hours. Winter (October to March) offers opportunities to see the Northern Lights, though some roads might be challenging.
How to get around Selfoss and the surrounding area?
While Selfoss is walkable, a car is highly recommended for exploring the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and other attractions. Parking is generally free and readily available at most accommodations and points of interest.