Welcome to Reykjavik: A Look Inside Iceland’s First Starbucks
As the skies darken above Reykjavik and a sharp wind bites, the soft glow of a coffeehouse beckons you in from the cold. Reykjavik’s new – and Iceland’s very first – Starbucks, called Alda, is an invitation to slow down and take a moment for kaffitími; the cherished Icelandic ritual of coffee and comfort.
Alda was brought to life by Starbucks and trusted licensee partner, Berjaya Food International (BFI), who were also responsible for opening stores in Denmark and Finland. Some of the minds behind this latest opening have shared their creative inspirations, Icelandic influences, and some of the little details first-time visitors might overlook. So, step inside, inhale the freshly brewed coffee, and let’s take a stroll around Iceland’s first Starbucks store.
‘Steamy bay’
In Icelandic, Reykjavik means ‘steamy bay’. Duncan Maskell, senior design manager at Starbucks EMEA, and his team were inspired by the image this name conjures: warm steam rising above a piping hot cup of coffee. Step into the store and you’ll notice the bar is framed by an arch that resembles a flowing ribbon of steam. That’s no coincidence. The design is intended to evoke a steaming mug of coffee and the island’s breathtaking geothermal landscape.
In fact, nothing about the store’s design is coincidental. “Alda’s design tells a story,” explains Jasmine Chan, architect designer at Starbucks EMEA, “it brings you on a journey. We carefully considered every little detail to create a space where people would feel welcomed, while honouring the surrounding landscape.”
The quiet ritual of ‘kaffitími’
In the depths of winter, Reykjavik only sees around four to five hours of daylight. So it should come as no surprise that the people of Iceland cherish moments of togetherness to survive those isolating winter months. Kaffitími, meaning ‘coffee time’, is an important feature of Icelandic culture. But it’s not just about coffee. It means finding a quiet moment to connect with friends, which is exactly what Starbucks stores are designed for.
“During winter, Reykjavik doesn’t get much sunlight,” says Duncan, “we paid special attention to details like lighting and indoor plants to create this sense of warmth and life, even during those darker months.”
Kaffitími means wearing your most comfortable clothes, no matter how shabby it looks. Sitting on the most comfortable sofa, even if it’s old and worn. It’s about grasping onto warm coffee that’s like a hug in a mug. That’s the warm, comforting atmosphere we hoped to capture in Alda,” says Duncan
Rustic warmth
Rich reds, dark browns and rustic wood textures create an earthy palette that evokes both freshly brewed coffee and the terrain of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
“We were fortunate with the building itself,” notes Duncan, “we kept the original timber flooring, shopfront and acoustic ceiling, honouring the heritage of the space and lending this warm, homely feel.”
A siren welcomes weary travellers
It wouldn’t be Starbucks without the familiar siren logo making an appearance. In Alda, an eye-catching mural adorns one wall. “For sailors in Reykjavik before heading out to sea, it was tradition to stop for a coffee first,” explains Milly Tocher, project designer at Starbucks EMEA, “that ritual beautifully resonates with the spirit of Starbucks. Even our logo – the siren, a mystical sea creature – feels poetic here: calling weary travellers into our coffeehouse.”
Thoughtful touches
In the original Starbucks store in Pike Place Market, Seattle, a considerate barista installed a coat hook after noticing one of their regular customers would struggle with her bag, umbrella and coat when trying to order a coffee. Decades later, Alda’s designers kept this tradition alive by adding some thoughtful flourishes, like conveniently placed coat hooks. “In winter, we knew most people would enter wrapped up in thick coats, scarves and gloves. So, we shaped the space around the people who would be using it,” says Milly.
“We wanted to create these little moments where customers would encounter a detail that makes them feel understood,” Jasmine adds, “like when they sit down and discover a hook under the table to hang their bag, they will feel like we’ve built the space with their comfort and convenience in mind.”
Velkomin – a warm welcome to Starbucks Iceland
For those venturing away from the centre of Reykjavik, another Starbucks has just opened its doors in Hafnartorg, a lively harbourfront district best known for its breathtaking views of Faxaflói Bay. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, both stores promise a warm welcome, handcrafted coffee, and a unique Icelandic twist on the Starbucks you know and love. Velkomin!
