Selfoss: Operation South Coast

Selfoss
is about 45-minute drive east of Reykjavik and is situated right on the
crossroads between the Golden Circle and the South Coast. So, if you are
planning to spend a few days exploring a bit of Iceland and maybe hunting for some
northern lights this town is a great alternative to staying in the city. You
are less than an hour away from either

hot spring area to the north. Also the black sand beaches and glaciers to the
east are not far. 

The
town offers a variety of accommodation of which the highlight is without doubt

. It is perfectly located on the banks of Ölfusá river right next to the
great bridge. Also offering comfortable rooms, the lovely Riverside restaurant, as
well as a spa and a well stocked bar. Just across the street is a supermarket
for your daily dose of rotten shark and pickled ram´s balls, as well as a pharmacy
for your immodium and ibuprofen. 

For
fine dining suggestions Tryggvaskáli Restaurant has been gaining a well earned
reputation as a culinary destination.  There are also several other
options for a good meal, for example Kaffi Krús for Italian and burgers and
Yellow for vegan and organic. For other alternatives there is the acme of
western civilization Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) which is conveniently located next
to the N1 gas station. And behind those lies Vinbúðin (the liquor store). 

Another
local attraction well worth checking out is the geothermal swimming pool with
its Jacuzzis and steam baths. A wonderful place to soak yourself in healing
glacial and volcanic waters with a good chance to wash away all your sins (it´s
only open 15 hours per day though).

Chess
legend and former world champion Bobby Fischer lived out the last days of his colourful
life in this town. On the main road there is also a small museum dedicated to
him. He is also buried in a cemetery close by. 

Sadly,
the tattoo parlour in town. which had an entire website dedicated to the
mistakes they had made through the years, has closed its doors to the public.

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All
in all, Selfoss is a fine base of operations if you are visiting this part of
country. Also if you are aiming for destinations such as
, Eyjafjallajökull and

as well as the above mentioned. Also, it´s a great location if the northern
lights are on your agenda. Since it´s easy to navigate in any direction
depending on the cloud forecast to try to find that ever so important clear sky. Under a clear you can wait with your fingers crossed for lady aurora to swing her
skirts and do the dance of all dances.