Things to Do in Selfoss

Iceland is quite famous for its tall sprouting geysers or ‘geysir’ as they are called locally. These wonderful natural wonders are widely found all over the country and are especially present near the Selfoss area. So a geyser is basically a spring, but in this case the water is ejected more turbulently and is accompanied by steam. The two most famous geysers out of them are The Great Geysir and the Strokkur geyser. The Great Geyser was formed in the 13th century and till the 19th century used to regularly spout hot water and steam 60-80 meters in the air up until 1916, when it stopped completely. Since then eruptions have been quite rare and uncommon. The nearby Stokkur geyser though still erupts at every 10 minutes or so and is able to reach 30 meters height. The area has many hot and cold springs, steam vents, sulphurous mud and unique plants in the vicinity which makes the view stunning and surreal. Also people have the choice to take a dip in one of the springs, but should not try to enter the geyser hole or touch the water. The area has good parking, toilets, souvenir store and food shops. It is a major ‘hotspot’ for all tourists. Pun intended.

The Kerid is a volcanic crater lake located in South Iceland and formed thousands of years back due to the eruption of a cone volcano and the emptying of its magma reserve which resulted in its eventual collapse and the formation of a hug crater. A lake was formed due to its eventual filling by underwater sources. Though the lake is shallow and aquamarine, because of its surrounding red walls the colors keep changing and are marvelous to view. People are free to roam around and inside the crater and when the weather is good, they can even climb inside the crater to explore the lake properly though the water is too cold to take a dip inside. Many concerts have taken place with the performers floating on a boat or raft on the lake and the audience seated on the surrounding walls. It makes up for a good round of exploring and trekking.

Shape of Lake: Oval

Dimensions: 55 meters deep, 170 meters wide and 270 meters across. 

The Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland courtesy it being featured on The Amazing Race 6. Iceland has lots of waterfalls, but the thing which sets Seljalandsfoss apart is that it is probably the only known waterfall to have a path behind it, which allows visitors to take a walk behind it! Because of this and its 60 meter height, the waterfall is a beauty to behold and is a favourite amongst photographers and tourists. At particular times like the sunset or sunrise the view becomes extremely beautiful and picturesque.

The Olfusa river is Iceland’s largest river and flows right through the city of Selfoss. Because of the many tributaries that add large amounts of spring water to it, the Olfusa has an even flow throughout the year. A walk along the banks of the river is a very pleasant experience and can be enjoyed in the sun or when it is dark. Because of the great amount of salmon fish in the river, the river is also a popular spot for enthusiastic anglers.

The Paradisarhellir Cave also popularly known as Paradise Cave is a famous attraction in South Iceland just near the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Reaching the cave requires a small hike and a little climbing. The cave is quite well known in Iceland for a 16th century love story that is associated with it. A young man named Hjalti was in love with a well off lady called Anna. Anna’s brother was against the relationship and tried his best to stop it, so Hjalti had to run off and hide for 4 years in the cave. Inside the cave one can find many inscriptions said to be from the 16th century. The cave is an ideal place for tourists who don’t mind getting their clothes dirty and want some hands on adventure.

The Tre Og List is a gallery unlike any other one might have visited in Iceland or anywhere else. This gallery is run by a third generation woodworker who makes the wooden artworks and mechanical inventions himself. Sometimes he himself guides the visitors around, explaining to them the idea behind an artwork or its significance. All the pieces in the gallery are astounding and a surreal example of the ingenuity of the artisans who worked here over the years. Apart from Iceland’s terrific natural sights this gallery is one attraction that shouldn’t be missed on a trip to the country.

The Selfosskirkja is an almost 60 year old church and the only one in Selfoss city. It is a quaint little building with a charming view and the river Olfusa running just next to it. Just sitting in the premises next to the river gives a sense of calmness and a feeling of serenity that can’t be just expressed in words. The architecture inside is also simple yet beautiful which makes sitting in the church quite a peaceful and spiritual experience.