The New Old Town of Selfoss is a lively town center offering a mix of shopping, great food, and plenty of activities. Selfoss is within the Golden Circle route, in the heart of the South Coast, and is a great base for exploring the surrounding region.
This downtown area is known as the Selfoss New Old Town, as it's actually brand new and features recreated historic buildings from all around Iceland, which don't exist anymore.
Each house has its own rich history, and they feature stores, cafés, restaurants, and more. It's a must-visit stop when exploring the region, and there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The shopping area in the Selfoss New Old Town has a variety of stores, from local boutiques to popular brands, offering clothes, jewelry, books, art, home goods, and souvenirs. Whether you're looking for new pieces for your wardrobe or want to pick up something unique from Iceland, you'll find plenty of options!
The most iconic building of the Selfoss New Old Town is undoubtedly the Old Dairy Factory. The Icelandic name of the building is "Mjólkurbú Flóamanna," and the name decorates one of the curved statement windows of the building.
It was originally built in 1929 as the first dairy factory in Iceland, but it was demolished in 1954 as there was a need for bigger facilities. It was rebuilt in 2021 as part of the new old town project, bringing new life to the town of Selfoss.
Today, the Old Dairy houses a lively food hall featuring eight restaurants and two bars with great seating areas. Grab a bite to eat while taking in the busing atmosphere of the food hall, or enjoy the view over the town square. The outdoor seating area is also very popular when the weather is nice!
Photo from Entrance to the Skyrland Exhibition in Selfoss in South Iceland
In the basement of the Old Dairy Food Hall, you can visit the Skyrland Exhibition, an interactive showcase of Iceland's iconic dairy product, skyr.
Learn about its history, production process, and cultural significance, with a chance to sample fresh skyr at the end. It's a fun and informative stop in the Selfoss Center and a great way to gain insight into Icelandic food culture!
Enjoy a stroll through this beautiful town square and visit the unique shops along its streets. Then, it's well worth taking the time to grab a delicious lunch or dinner.
In total, there are over 20 restaurants, cafés, and bars to choose from in the New Old Town of Selfoss to soothe any craving. It's also the perfect spot to enjoy some tasty ice cream, especially after a day of exploring!
Selfoss is only a 50-minute drive from Reykjavik with a rental car, and you'll pass through as you drive along the Ring Road.
This makes Selfoss an easy addition to any South Coast or Golden Circle itinerary, so make sure to enjoy a visit to the beautiful New Old Town in Iceland!
