The Selfoss Triathlon, held just outside the small town of Selfoss in southern Iceland, is an invigorating challenge set against a backdrop of raw Nordic landscape. This triathlon offers a distinctive mix of swim, bike, and run segments that push endurance and demand respect for Iceland's fiercely elemental environment. The course starts with a swim in the chilly, clear waters of the nearby River Ölfusá, whose currents dare you to maintain steady pace in this cold and fast-moving water. The bike leg takes you through undulating rural roads and gravel paths, where open Icelandic fields spread beneath a sky often alive with shifting clouds and light. Finally, the run offers a rugged trail through patches of birch woodland and rough-hewn lava rock, with elevation gains of approximately 200 meters that challenge your stamina without overwhelming.

Total distances align with sprint triathlon standards: a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike leg, and a 5-kilometer run. Terrain varies but remains accessible to athletes with moderate experience; however, the weather can turn suddenly, demanding flexible gear choices and readiness for wind or rain. Expect rock and gravel surfaces on the bike course and uneven footing on the run, making footwear choices critical for traction and support.

Hydration is not just a recommendation here; it’s essential. Iceland’s unpredictable weather can mask dehydration risks, and the effort of this triathlon will drain you sooner than it feels. Early summer, from June through August, offers the most reliable conditions—cool but not icy waters, long daylight hours, and minimal rain. If you’re racing in spring or fall, prepare for chillier swims and possibly muddy trails.

Arrive with layered clothing, a wetsuit for the swim, and shoes fitted for mixed terrain running. Having a race strategy that respects nature’s pace is vital: the river’s pull, the wind’s resistance, and the challenging final trail segment all demand patience and respect rather than speed alone. The Selfoss Triathlon is an engagement with a landscape that is fiercely itself—not ready to be conquered but willing to be met on equal terms.

This event is as much about connection—to the land, to fellow athletes, and to your own physical limits—as it is about competition. Whether you’re sprinting toward a personal best or completing your first triathlon, the experience is clear and vivid, a powerful reminder of what it takes to move through Icelandic terrain with purpose.