- Getting around
- Selfoss is about 60km east of Reykjavik, a straightforward 45-minute drive on Route 1, and a rental car is the practical choice for reaching the Golden Circle and south-coast sights, which are spread out and poorly served by public transport. Straeto buses (routes 51 and 52) connect Selfoss with Reykjavik and nearby towns, but they are infrequent and will not reach Thingvellir, Geysir or Gullfoss directly. Many visitors instead join guided Golden Circle coach tours that pick up in the region. The town itself is compact and walkable, especially the new old-town square. Fuel and charging are easy in Selfoss, with several stations and a large supermarket, so stock up here before venturing out.
- Money
- Iceland uses the Icelandic krona (ISK) and runs almost entirely on cards, so contactless payment covers fuel, restaurants, the Secret Lagoon, museum entries and Kerid's crater fee; cash is rarely needed. Tipping is not expected, as service is included in prices. Selfoss is a good base for saving money, since it has full-size supermarkets like Kronan where self-catering costs far less than restaurant meals or roadside grills. Some attractions such as Kerid and the Secret Lagoon charge modest entry fees, and fuel pumps may require a card PIN, so have yours ready.
- Safety
- Selfoss and its surroundings are very safe, with crime rare, so the main risks are natural and weather-related. At geothermal sites like Geysir and Reykjadalur, the ground and water can be scalding, so stay strictly on marked paths. Waterfall viewpoints at Gullfoss are slippery and partly unfenced, so keep back from wet edges. The Olfusa is a powerful glacial river, so admire it from the banks. Winter brings icy roads and reduced daylight, so drive carefully and check road.is. Highland routes toward Kerlingarfjoll are 4x4-only and closed outside summer.
- Best season
- Summer (June to August) offers long daylight, open highland roads and the easiest Golden Circle touring, though it is the busiest and dearest season. Late spring and early autumn are quieter with generally good conditions and thinner crowds at Geysir and Gullfoss. Winter has northern lights, snow-dusted waterfalls and cosy hot-spring soaks, but short days and icy driving. Book accommodation and popular restaurants like Tryggvaskali and Fridheimar ahead in summer, and reserve any highland or guided tours in advance, as they fill quickly.
- Where to stay
- The Selfoss town centre and its new old-town square are the most convenient base, with restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and the river all within walking distance and quick ring-road access in every direction. The countryside around Arborg, Grimsnes and toward Fludir is dotted with guesthouses, farm stays and cottages that offer dark skies for the aurora and a peaceful rural feel while keeping the Golden Circle close. Nearby Hveragerdi, with its geothermal park, makes another handy base if you want the hot-spring hike and greenhouse dining on your doorstep.
Iceland
