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Guide
Selfoss, Iceland 🇮🇸
#1545
,
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Selfoss is a town located in the South of Iceland, known for its natural beauty and proximity to the Golden Circle. |
👥 Population | Approximately 7,500 residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of around 100 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Icelandic Króna (ISK). 1 EUR ≈ 150 ISK. |
🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; Icelandic tap water is among the purest in the world. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type F sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Available from Síminn and Vodafone. Plans starting at ISK 2,000 for 10GB. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include Landsbankinn and Arion Bank, which offer services for expatriates. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals, with prices ranging from ISK 15,000 to ISK 30,000 per night. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short-term rentals. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Selfoss offers budget dormitory-style accommodation starting at ISK 5,000. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near the town center for easy access to shops and restaurants. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The residential areas near the main street provide a quiet environment suitable for work. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Einar's Coworking is a popular spot featuring high-speed internet and meeting rooms. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Tíu Dropar offers a cozy atmosphere with Wi-Fi and excellent coffee. |
💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at the Selfoss Community Center where locals and expats connect. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Selfoss Expat Network hosts regular gatherings and community events online and in person. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yego is the main ride-hailing app available in Selfoss. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at the local tourism office during summer months. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Selfoss is 45 minutes from the popular black sand beaches of Vík. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Iceland Connect services flights from Reykjavik to regional destinations. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Icelandair operates flights to various international locations from Keflavík Airport. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Located along Route 1, the Ring Road that encircles the country. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Selfoss does not have a train station; bus services connect to major cities. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single bus tickets cost around ISK 1,500, but no monthly passes are available. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently between Selfoss and Reykjavik, with a travel time of about 1 hour. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Selfoss Hospital provides general services, while more specialized care is available in Reykjavik. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Selfoss offers classes, workshops, and wellness activities. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Landsmot Gym features modern equipment and fitness classes. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Selfoss laundromat provides coin-operated machines and drying services. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rúpul consists of several local restaurants, offering delivery services within Selfoss. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Plokkfiskur (fish stew) is a must-try traditional Icelandic dish. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kaffi Krókur offers a good variety of vegetarian and vegan options. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Lindin Bakery is known for their delicious pastries and cakes. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Monthly farmer's market features local produce and handmade goods. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Many local shops have e-commerce options including local artisan goods. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Bonus offers a grocery delivery service through its website. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Selfoss has a few pubs, including the popular Eyrin Pub. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Ölvisholt Brewery is nearby and offers tasting tours. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Vínber is a great spot for sampling local and international wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food options are limited, but some food trucks operate on weekends. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Rómantík offers a variety of pizza and Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Selfoss Church is a notable landmark with impressive architecture. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The South Iceland Heritage Museum showcases local history. |
🏰 Historical Sites | St. Paul’s Church is an important historical site in the area. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Selfoss Church is the main place of worship with beautiful stained glass. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Selfoss Music Festival occurs every summer, attracting local and international acts. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The main street and waterfront area are bustling with shops and cafes. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Selfoss Theater hosts various performances and is well-loved by locals. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Every Saturday, the town hosts a market with local crafts and food. |
🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often host live music sessions featuring Icelandic artists. |
🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout town, particularly on the community center. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on traditional Icelandic cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery of Selfoss features local artists and exhibitions. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old Selfoss Railway Station is a preserved structure from the early 20th century. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Selfoss has a rich agricultural heritage reflected in its local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot springs are within a short drive. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Þingvellir National Park is approximately 45 minutes away. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Riverbanks Path is a scenic walking route along the Ölfusá River. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sky Lagoon offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Selfoss are ideal for birdwatching, especially during spring. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several designated areas along the riverbanks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Iceland Post handles parcel delivery, including express shipping options. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops provide repair services for smartphones and laptops. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community center provides ping pong tables for public use. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language school offers beginner Icelandic classes for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Selfoss Library is quiet and offers study spaces and free Wi-Fi. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Selfoss Community Center hosts various activities and classes for residents. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The local youth center has gaming consoles and hosts competitions. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Selfoss; however, nearby Reykjavik has options. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ISK 400,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ISK 16,000,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ISK 300,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ISK 12,000,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ISK 350,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ISK 21,000,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ISK 280,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ISK 16,800,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ISK 320,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ISK 25,600,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ISK 250,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ISK 20,000,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 20% corporate tax rate. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 22% on dividend distributions. |
🏦 Tax System | Iceland follows a progressive tax system based on worldwide income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 46.24% for high earners. |
🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax is 24%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules are in place regarding foreign subsidiaries. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is applicable at municipal discretion. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% tax applies upon property purchases. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits, but foreign income is generally tax-exempt under certain conditions. |