Icelandic coffee is a world of its own, and now the first Starbucks has finally landed in Reykjavik, the capital of this icy island nation. Yes, you read that right — Starbucks, the American coffee giant, has opened its doors in Iceland, a city famous for its unique nature, culture, and, of course, sky-high prices. But just how much does coffee cost in Iceland? Brace yourself, because the prices might just blow your mind.
Iceland is a land of extremes — from fiery geysers to icy glaciers, from peaceful black sand beaches to the famous Blue Lagoon. With a population of around 370,000, including about 2,000 Serbs whose community is rapidly growing, this Nordic paradise attracts tourists from all over the globe. Coffee holds a special place in Icelandic culture, much like in the Balkans, where coffee drinking is a beloved ritual.
The first Starbucks in Reykjavik opened recently and caused quite a stir. The opening was packed, with tourists making up the majority of visitors. Ljupka, our interviewee and a Serbian language professor who has lived in Iceland for three years, compared prices at Starbucks with local cafes. The cheapest espresso costs about 600 Icelandic krona, roughly 6 euros. Sounds pricey? It is, but that’s the norm in Iceland, where the average salary is around 4,000 euros.
Interestingly, espresso at Starbucks is actually a bit cheaper than in some local cafes. For example, in a well-known local cafe, espresso can cost up to 700 krona (about 5 euros). An Americano is around 700 krona, and a cappuccino about 800 krona. Ljupka recommends trying their special combo — a cortado with rhubarb flavor, which costs about 1,200 krona, or roughly 12 euros. For those used to coffee prices in Serbia, this is a real shock.
But it’s not just coffee that’s expensive. Rent and food are the biggest expenses for Icelanders. However, there’s a silver lining — Iceland uses geothermal energy for heating, so residents pay heating and electricity bills that are eight times lower than in other Northern European countries. That’s a real perk in a country where the cost of living is otherwise high.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Iceland, get ready to open your wallet for coffee! But don’t complain — enjoying coffee in Iceland is part of a unique experience you can’t buy for any price. And if you’re already there, why not share your thoughts on the prices and coffee? Maybe it’s time to start a debate — is Icelandic coffee worth the cost, or just another luxury for tourists? Drop a comment, crack a joke, or get mad — anything goes in the world of Nordic coffee!
