Add dates

Things to do in Selfoss

Our most recommended things to do in Selfoss

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: Underground Expedition

1. 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

2. 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.

Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates, Meet on Location

3. 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.

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.

Volcano Exhibition and Cinema - Lava Centre Iceland

5. 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!   

Selfoss: Golden Circle Small Group Rafting Tour

6. 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.

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.

From Reykjavik: South Coast Private Tour

9. From Reykjavik: South Coast Private Tour

Hop in a comfortable Super Jeep for a private tour with a maximum of 7 people. Spend the day exploring the scenic South Coast of Iceland. Begin by visiting some of the areas that were most affected by the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, during which volcanic ash halted all air traffic between North America and Europe. Learn how volcanic eruptions have shaped the geology and culture of Iceland. Continue on to admire the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Follow your guide down the path directly behind the fall to reach the mighty Skógafoss waterfall. Walk and drive down black sand beaches pounded by the Atlantic surf. Check out the towering, bird-inhabited cliffs surrounding the quaint coastal village of Vík. Stop in at local restaurants and cafes in Vik to get a sense of Icelandic life.  Enjoy the flexible itinerary of this private tour and feel free to make requests or ask for suggestions from your guide. Rest assured that this personalized experience is the best way to get to know one of Iceland's most beautiful regions.

Volcano Movie - Experience the Latest Eruptions in Iceland

10. Volcano Movie - Experience the Latest Eruptions in Iceland

The movie starts with a historic overview of eruptions in Iceland and then goes through the latest eruptions in Iceland. Only footage in the highest possible quality is used, shot in 4K or better. There is no vocal narrative (voice-over) - only video and sound, presenting a story that will leave you breathless due to the forces of Icelandic nature. The movie starts with a short overview of the eruptions in Iceland, starting with the Katla eruption in 1918, Hekla in 1947, Askja in 1961, Surtsey in 1963, the Westman Islands in 1973, Krafla in 1975, and many more. Finally, you will learn about 2010 and the Fimmvörðuháls eruption followed by Ejafjallajökull which blocked all air traffic. You will also find out about the Grímsvötn eruption in 2011 and Holuhraun in 2014-2015 and the latest eruptions in Fagradalsfjall or Fagradalseldar as we call the series of eruptions. You will leave with a better understanding of the magnitude of these eruptions and what effects it has on the inhabitants of this rugged island.

Available activities

12 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

Fantastic experience! It was very cold (-18'C) but the Troll team did a great job getting us all kitted out as quickly as possible. They recommended at least 2prs of socks but there is plenty of room in the dry suit boots. After Juan's safety brief and geology lesson we needed hot water to melt the ice out of our masks and got in the water ASAP. Juan was right about many things; look around above the water as well as below, turn on your side to see under the surface, your hands do warm up inside the gloves and he took great pictures. The drysuits did a great job keeping us warm, although they had started to freeze before we walked back to the trucks. The team worked hard to get us out of the frozen suits. I loved every moment of the trip.

As a 50+ woman never having snorkelled before, let alone in Iceland in December, I was very apprehensive but this turned out to be the most amazing experience of a lifetime and once suited up I didn’t even feel the cold! Luce was an amazing guide and talked us through each step patiently.

This was an awesome experience! Our tour guide Juan was great & very funny. My husband & I & our 2 teens had an experience of a lifetime! Thank you to the entire Troll team.

Amazing experience and one you will never forget, Andreas was a fantastic guide and really knowledgable

Very informative. Excellent guide, not too many steps so kids will be fine doing this too.