Ride With Locals Village
The magnificent and magnetizing Selfoss is one of Iceland’s oldest settlements, and after thousand years of development, it buzzes with more life and more culture than ever before. Wonderful animal-life in the surrounding nature combined with the tranquillity of the bountiful plains create a dynamic that harnesses the raw energy of Ölfusá. Combining this surrounding serenity with the shelter and protection of the great mountain Ingólfsfjall, certainly creates a stunning town which leaves you with a nourished mind, body and soul. This is Ride With Locals hometown and certainly a home that is deeply loved and for good reasons.
Ölfusá
Through Selfoss runs Iceland’s most massive river Ölfusá. This river is engulfed in raw power as it is a mixture of two mighty rivers, Hvítá and Sogið, coming together both forcefully and gracefully. One is composed of muggy glacier water and another of pure spring water. With the largest body of water in Iceland, the river runs through Selfoss with mesmerizing power. Its depth is up to 10 meters (30 feet), and its forces tend to swallow everything that may accidentally slip into it and, in many cases, never spit it out. This merger of the raw and refined creates this dynamic river that has touched every Icelander as the stories surrounding it are vast, deadly, and epic.
Ingólfsfjall
Ingólfsfjall, also known as Ingolfs-Mountain, is a stunning natural landmark that towers over the beautiful plains surrounding Selfoss. This famous mountain is named after Iceland’s most prominent settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, who is considered the first permanent settler of Iceland. The mountain has long been an important part of Icelandic folklore and is said to be the final resting place of one of Iceland’s most famous trolls, who was turned to stone by the rising sun. Ingólfsfjall is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. it offers a challenging but rewarding climb for those who are up for the challenge. From the summit, you can take in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Þingvallavatn lake.
Swimming Pool
Selfoss has a geothermal bathing resort with swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and steam baths. The hot water comes from deep underground and is expertly adjusted for relaxation. The water is rich in minerals and has healing properties. Make sure to try heating up until you are steaming before you then jump into the cold crater to really get the thrill of the elements. There are also fun features like water slides, a children’s pool, a café, and of course nice changing facilities. The resort is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike and is an ideal place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing or outdoor activities. Don’t miss this true Icelandic tradition!
Dining Out
Selfoss is a food lover’s paradise with a vast collection of exciting restaurants and menus to cater to every taste. With its recent phenomenal growth, the town is booming, and both its rooted inhabitants and newcomers are continually offering new and exciting things to the town. You can enjoy the original Icelandic cuisine or choose from an incredibly diverse range of international flavors, including Korean, Middle Eastern, Thai, American, Italian, and more. For a new and exciting experience, be sure to visit the brand-new food hall, which is housed in a beautifully renovated old cow farm. Visitors are constantly taking photos of the stunning architecture and ambiance. If you’re a beer lover, you’re in for a treat! Selfoss boasts a range of micro-brews on draft that are sure to impress. Whether you prefer a classic lager or a hoppy IPA, you’ll find plenty of options to keep you smiling. So why not take a culinary tour of Selfoss and discover the amazing variety of flavors on offer? With new restaurants and dining experiences popping up all the time, there’s always something new to try in this foodie’s paradise.
Hotels We Recommend
There is so much to experience, so much to learn, so much storytelling to listen to in regard to Selfoss. It is a town that is as old as the oldest rocks, a buzzing beehive of meaningful activity and is Iceland’s epicenter of the South. Whether you like culture, food, saga, or simply the beauty of nature, make sure to put Selfoss on your list of visits. And if you want to try to catch fish in the mightiest rivers of them all, be aware that its fish are not small and could drag you down into its cold depths. The largest salmon caught in it was only about 40 pounds!
Now giddy up and get yourself to Selfoss! We are waiting for you!