Stays in Iceland
Selfoss · X0

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.

Updated October 13, 2026

Selfoss in numbers

28
stays
9.3/10
average guest rating
7 043
traveller reviews
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SelfossCenter flatFamily
Selfoss

SelfossCenter flat

★★★★★5.0(5)
Family

Spacious family apartment with a garden and modern amenities in Selfoss

Why guests love it

SelfossCenter 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.

5.0Guest score
Available
Luxury Family GetawayFamily
Selfoss

Luxury Family Getaway

★★★★★4.9(21)
Family

A spacious family home with private spa facilities and mountain views

Why guests love it

Three 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.

4.9Guest score
Available
Ásgarður Farm Stay apartmentFamily
Selfoss

Ásgarður Farm Stay apartment

★★★★★4.9(17)
Family

Modern farm stay apartment with garden, play areas, and EV charging

Why guests love it

Ásgarður 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.

4.9Guest score
Available
Mountain View VillaWaterfall view
Selfoss

Mountain View Villa

★★★★★4.9(15)
Waterfall view

Spacious villa with private sauna, hot tub, and mountain views

Why guests love it

Four 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.

4.9Guest score
Available
Urriðafoss Waterfall LodgesFamily
Selfoss

Urriðafoss Waterfall Lodges

★★★★★4.9(87)
Family

Apartment-style lodges with hot tub and views near Urriðafoss waterfall

Why guests love it

I 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.

4.9Guest score
Available
Kerbyggd: Luxury house and cottage in golden circleFamily
Selfoss

Kerbyggd: Luxury house and cottage in golden circle

★★★★★4.9(364)
Family

Luxury houses and cottages in the Golden Circle, some with private hot tubs

Why guests love it

Kerbyggd 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.

4.9Guest score
Available
Bjarmaland Cottages - LaugarásFamily
Selfoss

Bjarmaland Cottages - Laugarás

★★★★★4.9(70)
Family

Cozy cottages with garden views, perfect for families and pet owners

Why guests love it

I 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.

4.9Guest score
Available
Luxury Villa in Golden Circle with hot tubFamily
Selfoss

Luxury Villa in Golden Circle with hot tub

★★★★★4.9(56)
Family

Elegant villa with a hot tub, perfect for Golden Circle explorations

Why guests love it

I 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.

4.9Guest score
Available
The Angel's HouseWaterfall view
Selfoss

The Angel's House

★★★★★4.9(43)
Waterfall view

Comfortable holiday home with scenic views and modern amenities near Selfoss

Why guests love it

The 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.

4.9Guest score
Available
Aurora Cottage on the Golden CircleNorthern Lights
Selfoss

Aurora Cottage on the Golden Circle

★★★★★4.9(124)
Northern Lights

A cozy cottage with a terrace, perfect for aurora viewing and couples

Why guests love it

Aurora 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.

4.9Guest score
Available
Torfhús RetreatGeothermal
Selfoss

Torfhús Retreat

★★★★★4.8(55)
Geothermal

Elegant retreat with hot spring bath and local cuisine in Selfoss

Why guests love it

Torfhús 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.

4.8Guest score
Available
Apartment 19Family
Selfoss

Apartment 19

★★★★★4.8(162)
Family

Spacious apartment with a private garden, perfect for families and couples

Why guests love it

I 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.

4.8Guest score
Available
Nyibaer studio apartmentCouples
Selfoss

Nyibaer studio apartment

★★★★★4.8(304)
Couples

Modern studio apartment with private entrance and free parking in Selfoss

Why guests love it

I 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.

4.8Guest score
Available
Ásahraun GuesthouseCouples
Selfoss

Ásahraun Guesthouse

★★★★★4.8(952)
Couples

Comfortable guesthouse with a hot tub and shared kitchen near Ljosifoss

Why guests love it

Ásahraun 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.

4.8Guest score
Available
Giltún Warm and Scenic Cottage In The Heart of SouthFamily
Selfoss

Giltún Warm and Scenic Cottage In The Heart of South

★★★★★4.8(32)
Family

Spacious cottage with a hot tub, garden, and pet-friendly amenities

Why guests love it

Giltún 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.

4.8Guest score
Available
The Old School House - GaulverjaskoliFamily
Selfoss

The Old School House - Gaulverjaskoli

★★★★★4.8(146)
Family

Family-friendly guest house with a hot tub and mountain views near Selfoss

Why guests love it

I 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.

4.8Guest score
Available
Valhalla Yurts FreyaFamily
Selfoss

Valhalla Yurts Freya

★★★★★4.8(104)
Family

Luxury yurts with mountain views and a serene garden near Selfoss

Why guests love it

I 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.

4.8Guest score
Available
EYVÍK Cottages - Private HOT TUB!Couples
Selfoss

EYVÍK Cottages - Private HOT TUB!

★★★★★4.8(173)
Couples

Private cottages with hot tubs, perfect for couples exploring the Golden Circle

Why guests love it

EYVÍK 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.

4.8Guest score
Available
Guesthouse Bitra B&BNorthern Lights
Selfoss

Guesthouse Bitra B&B

★★★★★4.7(1072)
Northern Lights

Family-run guesthouse with homemade breakfast and countryside views

Why guests love it

Guesthouse 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.

4.7Guest score
Available
Thoristun ApartmentsRing Road
Selfoss

Thoristun Apartments

★★★★★4.7(620)
Ring Road

Self-catering apartments in central Selfoss with free WiFi and BBQ facilities

Why guests love it

Thoristun 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.

4.7Guest score
Available
Thingvellir Cabin/ChaletFamily
Selfoss

Thingvellir Cabin/Chalet

★★★★★4.7(69)
Family

Spacious cabin with a private hot tub and garden near Thingvellir

Why guests love it

I 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.

4.7Guest score
Available
Gamla Húsið - The Old HouseFamily
Selfoss

Gamla Húsið - The Old House

★★★★★4.7(43)
Family

Spacious holiday home with garden views, perfect for families and pets

Why guests love it

Gamla 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.

4.7Guest score
Available
Hólar countryside cabin 1Couples
Selfoss

Hólar countryside cabin 1

★★★★★4.6(172)
Couples

A cosy countryside cabin with a terrace, ideal for couples

Why guests love it

I 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.

4.6Guest score
Available
South Central GuesthouseFamily
Selfoss

South Central Guesthouse

★★★★★4.6(816)
Family

Comfortable guesthouse with a seasonal pool and hot tub in Selfoss

Why guests love it

South 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.

4.6Guest score
Available
Svala GuesthousesWaterfall view
Selfoss

Svala Guesthouses

★★★★★4.4(5)
Waterfall view

Spacious apartments with terraces and mountain views near Selfoss

Why guests love it

Svala 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.

4.4Guest score
Available
Hotel HjardarbolGeothermal
Selfoss

Hotel Hjardarbol

★★★★★4.1(921)
Geothermal

A practical base for Golden Circle adventures with a warm welcome

Why guests love it

Hotel 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.

4.1Guest score
Available
Golden Circle Domes - Glamping ExperienceFamily
Selfoss

Golden Circle Domes - Glamping Experience

★★★★★4.0(399)
Family

Luxury glamping tents with fireplaces and private bathrooms near the Golden Circle

Why guests love it

I 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.

4.0Guest score
Available
ByggðarhornFamily
Selfoss

Byggðarhorn

★★★★★3.6(196)
Family

Spacious family apartment with a hot tub and mountain views

Why guests love it

Byggðarhorn 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.

3.6Guest score
Available

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.

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