The increase in population in the municipality of Árborg is unique on a national scale in Iceland. The municipality, which was founded 25 years ago, when Selfoss, which is the most populous part of the municipality, merged with Eyrarbakki, Stokkseyri, and Sandvíkurhreppur county. At that time, the population was about 5,500. Now, a mere quarter of a century later, the population has more than doubled, with nearly 12,000 people now living in the municipality.
The appearance of Selfoss has also changed significantly with the new town center that began in 2015, and the first phase, with 13 houses, opened two years ago. This spring, the second phase began, with plans to build 40 more houses, including two hotels. In mid-June, the Road Administration opened a new section of Ring Road 1 between Hveragerdi and Selfoss, which facilitates the route between Reykjavík and Selfoss, with the distance to the capital being about 60 km. The next plans of the Road Administration are to build a new bridge over the Ölfusá river, moving Ring Road 1 north of Selfoss, so travellers can avoid the congested section through Selfoss on their way through the South. Icelandic Times visited the new town center of Selfoss and caught some vivid moments on film.
Selfoss 18/06/2023: A7RIV, A7C: FE 1.2/50mm GM, 2.8/21mm Z
Images & text: Páll Stefánsson
