Selfoss Campsite
Selfoss
About This Campsite
A central campsite in Selfoss beside the Ölfusá river with easy access to South Iceland and Golden Circle routes.
Details
Selfoss Campsite is located in the town of Selfoss on the banks of the Ölfusá river, the largest river in Iceland by volume. Its location makes it one of the most convenient overnight stops for travelers exploring South Iceland, the Golden Circle, and routes toward the South Coast. The campsite is within walking distance of restaurants, grocery stores, geothermal swimming pools, and the Selfoss town center food hall area. Because Selfoss functions as a major service hub for the region, visitors have easy access to fuel stations, transport connections, and travel services. Selfoss Campsite is also well positioned for day trips to nearby attractions such as Þingvellir National Park, Kerið crater, Reykjadalur hot spring valley, and the geothermal town of Hveragerði. Its combination of accessibility and facilities makes it a practical base for exploring the southwest region of Iceland.
🌿 Environment & Surroundings
Selfoss lies beside the wide glacial river Ölfusá and is surrounded by farmland landscapes typical of South Iceland. The nearby countryside includes geothermal valleys, volcanic hills, and river plains shaped by meltwater from inland glaciers. Walking paths along the river provide scenic views across the lowland region.
📍 Nearby Attractions
Ölfusá River Walkway
Riverside walking paths beside Iceland’s largest river by volume.
Kerið Crater
Colorful volcanic crater lake located along the Golden Circle route.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Valley
Popular geothermal hiking area near Hveragerði.
Þingvellir National Park
UNESCO World Heritage site about 40 minutes away.
Hveragerði Geothermal Town
Town known for greenhouses and geothermal activity nearby.
👻 Folklore & Local Stories
The Ölfusá river has long played an important role in settlement history in South Iceland and appears in several traditional travel stories connected with early river crossings. Before bridges were built, crossing the river was considered difficult and sometimes dangerous, which contributed to local storytelling traditions about the powerful forces of nature in the region. Like many river plains and geothermal areas in South Iceland, the surrounding landscape is also associated with folklore about hidden people (huldufólk) believed to live in nearby lava fields and hills.