Selfoss is a town of about 7000 people in South Iceland, by the banks of the river Olfusá, one of the largest rivers in the country. The town is a centre of commerce, farming, horticulture and small industries in South Iceland.
Located just 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Reykjavík, it is the largest town outside of the capital area in the southwest. It sits on the Ring Road that encircles the country, and is one of the last stops en route to the South Coast.
Selfoss is a cultural hub in the southwest. Every year it has the Sumar á Selfossi festival, which translates to Summer in Selfoss, which includes a fete, musical performers, and an evening bonfire. The town also has the Bobby Fischer Centre, a museum on the life of chess champion. The Center also serves as a club house for the local chess club SSON and others that want to play chess, offers chess classes, and hosts chess tournaments.
A few hundred meters away from the Center, the grave of Bobby Fischer is located at the Laugardælir cemetery.
Selfoss is the ideal place to stay as it is nearby the most popular tourist attractions in South Iceland like the Golden Circle route. Varied options are offered, for anyone who wants to stay in this friendly town. Diverse restaurants and cafés are situated in the heart of town, along with various kind of shops. The town also offers other things to do like a good 9 hole golf course, hiking trails to Helliskogur forest along the Ölfusá river or up the mountain Ingólfsfjall, good swimming pool with outdoor pool, water slides, sauna, hot tubs and excellent fitness center. Selfoss also offers good public health service and a hospital.
