Add dates

Things to do in Selfoss

Our most recommended things to do in Selfoss

Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates, Meet on Location

1. Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates, Meet on Location

Enjoy a snorkeling tour of the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the wonders of the famous Golden Circle route. Float between two tectonic plates in the clearest water in the world with 300 feet, or 100 meters, of visibility. Once you arrive at Silfra, you will be divided into groups of 6 people, one group per guide. Gear up in a wetsuit to keep you warm and comfortable in the cold water. After a safety briefing, make your way to the entry platform to spend about 45 minutes in the water. Float through what is called the Big Crack, Silfra’s narrowest section where the continental plates are so close you can almost touch them. The fissure then widens into Silfra Hall. If you look from the right angle, you can see all the way to lake Thingvallavatn, over 150 meters away.  Enter the Silfra Cathedral at the depth of 23 meters and feel like you’re flying over the boulders and glacial silt. End the snorkeling adventure at the Silfra Lagoon. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies to warm up. Chat with your guide and ask any questions you might have.

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: Underground Expedition

2. Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: Underground Expedition

Begin the experience at Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel and explore one of the longest and best-known lave tubes in Iceland. As the tunnel is a work of nature, the terrain can be quite rough and hard to maneuver. Follow the route of the footbridge with your guide as they explain the geological formations. Marvel at the ever-changing colors, landscape and geological formations. Hear entertaining tales of Hollywood adventures, its ties with the ancient Indian tribes and other enjoyable tidbits. Enjoy approximately 1 hour of pure adventure.

Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos

3. Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos

Snorkel at a site that National Geographic called one of the top dive sites in the world with this tour of the Silfra Fissure in Þingvellir National Park. Stay warm as you explore this magical underwater glacial world with a high-quality dry suit. Swim through pure, filtered glacial meltwater. Keep your eyes peeled for local plant species and marine life like the dwarf char. Explore the valley where the tectonic plates of North America and Europe drift further apart every year, located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir National Park.

Hellisheiði Geothermal Plant: Exhibition with Audio Tour

4. Hellisheiði Geothermal Plant: Exhibition with Audio Tour

Discover how Iceland produces green, sustainable energy at the Hellisheiði Geothermal Energy Exhibition in Selfoss. This self-guided tour will allow you to see the front lines of Iceland‘s work toward environmental sustainability and the history of geothermal energy in the country. Your experience begins at the Hellisheiði Power Plant, located roughly 20 minutes outside of Reykjavík. The power plant is located beneath Mount Hengill and is surrounded by lava fields, moss, and scenic mountain landscapes. Start your self-guided tour by making your way through the interactive exhibition with commentary from your informative audio guide. Experience first-hand how green, sustainable energy is produced at the largest single-site geothermal power plant in the world. Included in your tour is a stop in the Carbfix room, where you will learn about the plant‘s partnership with Carbfix. Carbfix is one of the leading solutions for the climate crisis and global warming. Throughout your visit, take advantage of the viewing platforms inside the exhibition that let you get an even better look at the beautiful Icelandic nature. You are also welcome to ask the on-site staff any questions you might have during your tour.

From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar Hiking and Hot Springs

5. From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar Hiking and Hot Springs

Journey through the beautiful countryside of Southern Iceland and into the highlands through Þjórsárdalur valley and visit Hjálparfoss waterfall. Depart from Reykjavik and head to the Landmannalaugar geothermal area often referred to as “The Pearl of the Central Highlands.” Landmannalaugar’s colorful mountains are formed by centuries of volcanic activity in the area and the picturesque natural landscape in this raw climate is simply breathtaking. Enjoy a relaxing bath in a natural warm pool which was created by the combination of the area's hot and cold springs, or take a leisurely hike in the surrounding rhyolite mountain paths. Your tour continues west and past Iceland’s most infamous and active volcano, Hekla, which was believed to be the gateway to hell during the Middle Ages. After exploring Iceland's unique volcanic landscapes, return to Reykjavík over Hellisheiði Mountain heath.

Volcano Exhibition and Cinema - Lava Centre Iceland

6. Volcano Exhibition and Cinema - Lava Centre Iceland

Journey through the geological history of a nation as you explore the fiery heart of Iceland at awarded Lava Centre overlooking the great volcanoes of Eyjafjallajökull, Katla and Hekla. Learn by using interactive displays and videos. Become immersed in an experience that blends education with artistic displays of the various natural forces that created Iceland. Go to the Trembling Earth section and learn how diverging tectonic plate movements and rising magma cause frequent earthquakes. Experience the drama of a simulated earthquake. In front of the Fiery Heart of Iceland display, learn about the normal up-flow of magma at the diverging plate boundaries and how they interact with a mantle plume (hot spot) beneath Iceland, pin-pointed in the central highlands. Once the gaseous molten rock in the earth’s crust and mantle, known as magma, is expelled during a volcanic eruption, it is termed lava and tephra (airborne material). There are 30 volcanic systems in Iceland containing many types of volcanoes, with a strong impact on nature and the rapidly developing landscapes. In the Magma Learning Center, get an insight into many volcanic structures. Tephra forms when magma encounters water or ice, or if the gaseous magma is very viscous. The magma splinters into pieces of various sizes that may spread over large areas. Get a panoramic view of 4 large, active but dormant volcanoes and a group of volcanic islands in the Local Volcano section, or from the viewing deck. All are of a different type and nature, and two of them are among the most active and productive volcanoes in Iceland!   

From Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Geothermal Energy Tour

7. From Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Geothermal Energy Tour

Develop an understanding of the Icelandic way of life and sustainable living on this guided tour. See some of the country's most iconic sights as you visit highlights of the Golden Circle, a route that loops from Reykjavik through the countryside as well as places related to green living.The tour will begin by heading from Reykjavik to Hellisheiðarvirkjun, The Geothermal Energy Exhibition. This exhibition is located at the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant where visitors can learn about how Icelanders have been using geothermal energy for hundreds of years.The next stop is at Ljósafossvirkjun, a hydro-based power plant. This is a perfect spot for photos of water running down with tremendous force.Then you'll be heading down to Sólheimar Eco Village where you'll be getting a very insightful lecture about sustainable development in Iceland. Afterward, you'll have some time to walk around the area as well as visit a greenhouse.After spending the first part of a day learning and understanding Icelandic sustainable living we'll be heading towards the most iconic Golden Circle's "must-sees" - visiting the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall. Check out the geyser Strokkur located in the Geysir area, with shoots of boiling water rising between 66 to 131 feet high. Last but not least, pay a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the home of the first Icelandic parliament.

From Reykjavik: Vestmannaeyjar Private Tour

8. From Reykjavik: Vestmannaeyjar Private Tour

Journey to Vestmannaeyjar, just of the south coast of Iceland and discover thebeauty of landscapes sculpted by volcanic activity on this private tour with hotel pickup in Laugarvatn. Start early, so you have time to s enjoy the islands and their wildlife and epic landscapes. Board a ferry from the harbor Landeyjahöfn and take in the sea views. Try to spot some puffins, which are plentiful in the summer. Go to a museum in a town on the island of Heimaey that was partially buried by a eruption in 1973. Take a few scenic hikes through the landscapes and go to see the beautiful work done at the Beluga Whale Sanctuary.

Selfoss: Golden Circle Small Group Rafting Tour

9. Selfoss: Golden Circle Small Group Rafting Tour

Discover a mix of serene canyons and adrenaline pumping waves and rapids on this group rafting tour in the Golden Circle from Selfoss. Enjoy the natural wonder of Gullfoss waterfall and Brúarhlöð canyon on this 7 kilometer route. See views that you can only get by boat. Stay warm with a wetsuit and safe with a life-jacket. Navigate the water with trained guides that can cater to all levels of rafting expertise, so no previous rafting experience is required. Try an exhilarating cliff dive into the river. Bask in epic views of the Icelandic wilderness before warming up in a Finnish sauna and hot tub. Choose to order a cold beverage, or grab a bite to eat at the River restaurant after working up an appetite paddling.

Iceland: Complete Island Self-Guided Audioguide

10. Iceland: Complete Island Self-Guided Audioguide

With the Iceland complete audio guide, you get all the information that a tour guide would otherwise give you. Using GPS, the app recognizes where you are on your round trip and provides you with exciting information in the right places. So nothing stands in the way of your individual rental car tour. Your digital Iceland travel guide for the whole island of fire and ice! This audio guide offers more than 340 stations (7.5 hours of playing time) worth knowing about the country, people, and sights in all parts of the country. It includes not only the Ring Road and the Golden Circle but also the Reykjanes and Snaefellsnes Peninsulas, the Westman Islands, the East and West Fjords, and the wild Icelandic Highlands.

11 activities found
Sort by:

Frequently asked questions about Selfoss

What are the best inexpensive tours in Selfoss?

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Selfoss?

Other Sightseeing Options in Selfoss

Want to discover all there is to do in Selfoss? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Selfoss

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 1,540 reviews

It was great! It was a cloudy - and I mean we were in the clouds - kind of day, and I was worried visibility would be terrible, but it was crystal clear and colorful - beautiful! The water was freezing, but the dry suits worked great; with two layers of wool from head to toe, I was happy the whole time. Also, hint for when you get dressed: if the stirrups to the liner they give you are wet, don't put then around your feet. It worked for me to keep my feet both dry and warm.

I have never been so cold in my life, but it was totally worth it. The views down into the tunnels and the cathedral were breathtaking.

Fun tour and guide. I accidentally double booked and GetYourGuide was extremely helpful with remedying the situation upon discovery.

Make sure you get there early as the lines get long fast, we go there at 8:20am and we still waited 2 hours to get in.

Luce was an amazing guide and the whole experience was everything we hoped for and more!