Brúartorg in Selfoss Centre
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Selfoss Old Town

4.5
·116 reviews·Selfoss, Iceland

Explore a unique reconstruction of historic Icelandic buildings, now a vibrant hub of shops, cafes, and eateries in South Iceland.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Brúartorg in Selfoss Centre

Selfoss Old Town

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a unique reconstruction of historic Icelandic buildings, now a vibrant hub of shops, cafes, and eateries in South Iceland.

4.5
(116 reviews)

"Selfoss Old Town: a must-visit for its unique renewal project and culinary delights on the South Coast."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Free Parking Available

Plenty of free parking makes exploring Selfoss Old Town a breeze. 🚗

🍽️ Diverse Dining Options

From casual bites to upscale meals, the Old Dairy Food Hall and surrounding eateries offer something for everyone. 🍴

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 116 reviews

Type

Community Center

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Selfoss Old Town Reconstruction

Selfoss Old Town Reconstruction

Town Center

Step back in time with 50 recreated historic Icelandic buildings, now vibrant with modern shops and eateries.

The Old Dairy Food Hall (Mjólkurbúið Mathöll)

The Old Dairy Food Hall (Mjólkurbúið Mathöll)

Old Dairy Building

A bustling hub with diverse food stalls offering everything from quick bites to fine dining experiences.

Ölfusá River Walk

Ölfusá River Walk

Riverfront

Enjoy scenic views along the Ölfusá river, offering a peaceful escape and pleasant strolls.

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Planning Your Visit

Don't Just Drive Through!

Selfoss Old Town is more than a pit stop. This unique project recreates historic buildings, now housing modern eateries and shops. Plan to spend a few hours exploring its colorful streets and unique atmosphere.

Timing is Key for South Coast Exploration

Selfoss is a strategic base for exploring the Golden Circle and South Coast. Beat the crowds by visiting popular attractions early or late. The town itself offers a pleasant respite with free parking and diverse food options.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, dining
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Is Selfoss in your travel plans for Iceland? 🚗✨🏘️ If you’re road-tripping along the South Coast, Golden Circle, or Ring Road, don’t just pass through—stop and explore! 👀 📍 Selfoss New Old Town is a must-visit! This unique renewal project is recreating 50 historic Icelandic buildings, now home to modern restaurants, cafés, and shops. 🛍️ Stroll the colorful main street, browse local boutiques, and p...
@guidetoiceland
22.9K likes • 1.5M views

🚗 Free Parking Available

Plenty of free parking makes exploring Selfoss Old Town a breeze. 🚗

🍽️ Diverse Dining Options

From casual bites to upscale meals, the Old Dairy Food Hall and surrounding eateries offer something for everyone. 🍴

Is Selfoss in your travel plans for Iceland? 🚗✨🏘️ If you’re road-tripping along the South Coast, Golden Circle, or Ring Road, don’t just pass through—stop and explore! 👀 📍 Selfoss New Old Town is a must-visit! This unique renewal project is recreating 50 historic Icelandic buildings, now home to modern restaurants, cafés, and shops. 🛍️ Stroll the colorful main street, browse local boutiques, an...
guidetoiceland
2.1K likes • 72.6K views
Welcome to Selfoss 🇮🇸 Selfoss is a pretty town in the Southwest of Iceland. It sits on the banks of the Ölfusá river and every year hosts the cultural festival Sumar á Selfossi (Summer in Selfoss). There are around 6500 inhabitants. The Old Dairy is a three-floor reconstruction of the town's former dairy and is now home to a bustling food Hall with a variety of different dishes served. 🥘 To vi...
leisurelypaice
10 likes • 422 views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Colorful Streets

Wander through the charming, colorful streets of the reconstructed old town. 🌈

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

The unique architecture and vibrant colors make for fantastic photo ops. :camerawithflash:

New old houses = New Town Centre! 🏘️🇮🇸🏠 We visit one of the main towns of South Iceland; Selfoss. In Selfoss the past connects with the present in unique way. Thirty-five historic buildings that had been fire damaged or had fallen into disrepair now have a new life. The locals reconstructed the buildings to serve as a new beautiful cultural center in the downtown area. Do you love the architectur...
icelandtravel
461 likes • 11.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Free Parking Available

Plenty of free parking makes exploring Selfoss Old Town a breeze. 🚗

🍽️ Diverse Dining Options

From casual bites to upscale meals, the Old Dairy Food Hall and surrounding eateries offer something for everyone. 🍴

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Colorful Streets

Wander through the charming, colorful streets of the reconstructed old town. 🌈

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

The unique architecture and vibrant colors make for fantastic photo ops. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(116 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Selfoss Old Town is appreciated for its unique architectural reconstruction and as a convenient base for exploring South Iceland. Visitors enjoy the diverse food options at the Old Dairy Food Hall and the pleasant river walks. However, some find the town's main road detracts from its charm and note that beyond the Old Town and food hall, tourist activities are limited.

"It is a beautiful town and great food. Great if you are a photographer but currently there is a lot of construction near the main areas. I was recommend waiting till this is completely. Definitely worth a visit."

Geovanny Monterroso

"Selfoss is a good base for anyone wanting to explore the sights of Golden Circle by car. The centre has some nice shops and a food court, and the river offers some nice views. There is also a development project ongoing in the centre for expanding the pedestrian area . The main road through southern Iceland runs through Selfoss centre ruining the most pleasantness."

Viliina Lilja

"Excellent little town outside Reykjavík. The town has really embraced Christmas and you feel it with the lighting and decor instantly. There is plenty of free parking and decent variety of food options."

Travelling Gillespie

What People Like

Unique old town reconstruction
Convenient base for tours
Diverse food hall options

What People Dislike

Main road impact
Limited tourist activities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Selfoss Old Town is easily accessible by car, located about a 45-minute drive southeast of Reykjavik. If you're on the Ring Road or exploring the Golden Circle, it's a convenient stop. Public transport options include buses, though driving offers the most flexibility for exploring the South Coast. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Selfoss is an excellent base for exploring the Golden Circle attractions like Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. It offers a good range of accommodations and amenities. Reddit

Absolutely! The Old Town area is designed for walking, with colorful streets and pedestrian-friendly zones. It's a great place to explore on foot. TikTok

While the main road through southern Iceland runs through Selfoss, the Old Town area is a distinct section that requires a slight detour from the main Ring Road path. It's easily accessible from the Ring Road. Reddit

Yes, the Ölfusá River walk offers pleasant and easy strolls suitable for families with young children. It's a great way to enjoy the natural surroundings without strenuous hiking. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting and exploring the streets of Selfoss Old Town is free of charge. You only pay for purchases within the shops and restaurants. TikTok

The town itself is always accessible. Individual shops and restaurants within the Old Town have their own operating hours, which typically align with standard business hours, often extending into the evening. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to enter the Old Dairy Food Hall. You can browse the various food stalls and decide what you'd like to purchase. Instagram

Selfoss hosts events like the 'Summer in Selfoss' cultural festival. It's worth checking local listings for any ongoing events during your visit. Instagram

The town center has undergone development to expand pedestrian areas, suggesting improved accessibility. However, it's always a good idea to check with specific venues for detailed accessibility information. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The colorful, reconstructed historic buildings themselves are prime photo spots. The Ölfusá River also offers scenic backdrops. Look for unique architectural details and vibrant street scenes. Instagram+1

Yes, Selfoss is known for its festive Christmas decorations and lighting, making it a wonderful place for holiday-themed photos. Reddit

Drone regulations in Iceland can be strict. It's advisable to check current local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Selfoss Old Town. TikTok

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide beautiful lighting for the colorful buildings. Midday offers bright, clear light for capturing details. Instagram

The entire concept of the 'New Old Town' is photogenic. Pay attention to the unique facades of the reconstructed buildings, especially those housing shops and cafes. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Selfoss Old Town, particularly the Old Dairy Food Hall, offers a wide variety of options, from casual sandwiches and drinks to more upscale dining experiences. InstagramReddit

While specific menus vary, the diverse food hall setting usually provides multiple stalls, increasing the likelihood of finding vegetarian or vegan choices. It's best to inquire at individual stalls. Reddit

Prices can vary depending on the stall and the type of meal. You can find budget-friendly options like sandwiches and pastries, as well as higher-end dining. Reddit

Mars restaurant has been specifically mentioned for fantastic food. The Old Dairy Food Hall itself is a collection of eateries, offering a great variety. Reddit

Yes, numerous cafes and food stalls within the Old Town and the Old Dairy Food Hall offer coffee, pastries, and other light refreshments. TikTok

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