Ever wondered what an old American school bus is doing here in the middle of Iceland, tucked away in the charming town of Hella? Yes, I know, it’s a hell(a) of a place, right? Let me take you on a journey, the story of how the American SchoolBus Café came to be. It’s not just a café, it’s an experience, a slice of nostalgia, and a quirky tribute to American pop culture all wrapped in one.
The story begins in Pennsylvania, where this bus faithfully ferried kids to school for years. Eventually, it found a second life with a church, shuttling nuns around. That’s why you’ll see our ‘Talk to God’ sign, a little nod to its divine past. It’s super popular, so if you snap a photo with it, don’t forget to tag us, and we’ll happily repost it! But fate had more in store. A Romanian man in the U.S. bought the bus, looked at it, and thought, Why not ship this to Europe?
The bus crossed the Atlantic and eventually landed in Romania, where it sat forgotten in an overgrown garden. Covered in graffiti and weeds, it looked like its glory days were long gone. That’s when I stumbled upon it.
I wasn’t even looking for a bus in Romania. My search was for a school bus in the U.S. I had this dream of creating my own version of an American ‘food skoolie’, a concept that gained popularity in the 80s and 90s when people started transforming old school buses into diners and coffee shops
When I saw the listing for this bus in my hometown, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I jumped in my car and drove straight there. The moment I saw it in person, I knew it was meant to be. Despite the rust, the grime, and the smell, I saw potential, a quirky, one-of-a-kind café that could bring a groovy, fun vibe, something different, and the Italian way of crafting amazing espresso coffee to Iceland. Combined with my love for interior design, I wanted to infuse the café with a mid-century aesthetic mixed with a touch of eclectic fun that brings back my childhood nostalgia.
Transforming this bus into a café wasn’t easy. It took a year of blood, sweat, and maybe a tear or two (though I won’t admit it). While working full-time for the U.S. Embassy in Iceland, I flew back to Romania whenever I could, pouring every spare moment into this project.
I tore out the rotting interior, sanded down rust, and scoured thrift stores for unique decorations. The only original piece I kept was the school bus seats a tribute to its roots. Family and friends pitched in along the way, even if some thought I was a little crazy for attempting this. Piece by piece, the bus was transformed into a retro, pop-culture-inspired café.
Here’s the thing: I’d never done anything like this before. Sure, I grew up working on cars with my dad and even restored a few classic cars in my time. But building a café? That was uncharted territory. Still, I didn’t let that stop me. I rolled up my sleeves, got my hands dirty, and learned as I went.
I’m not a builder by trade, but I’ve always been a jack-of-all-trades, handy with just about anything. From ripping out the old interior to figuring out the plumbing and wiring, this project pushed me to learn so many new skills—and I’m still learning every day. It was the perfect way to take everything I already knew and push it to the next level.
Once restored, the bus still had one final journey to make—to Iceland. A friend helped me transport it to the Netherlands, where it was loaded onto a ship. After a long and anxious wait, the bus finally arrived in Iceland. Seeing it parked in Hella, fully restored and ready for its new life, was one of the most rewarding moments of my life.
Now, the American SchoolBus Café sits proudly along Route 1, Iceland’s most famous road. Right next to the historic Caves of Hella, it’s impossible to miss. Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a retro world of American pop culture. Hidden in the design are countless references—so if you have time, try to spot them all!
Over the years, this bus has carried countless people—kids, nuns, maybe even future celebrities or scientists. One visitor even told me she used to ride this very bus to school when she was young! It’s a small world, isn’t it?
Since opening, the café has become a community favorite, with visitors from around the world stopping by to hear the story and enjoy great coffee and treats. The local community in Hella has been incredibly supportive, and I’m grateful for the kind words from everyone who’s visited.
But the journey doesn’t end here. The café is a work in progress, and I have so many ideas for the future. Whether you’re exploring Iceland’s jaw-dropping landscapes or stopping by the Caves of Hella, swing by for an experience unlike any other. And if you see me around, don’t hesitate to say hi—I love sharing the story of this bus and hearing yours too.
This café isn’t just about coffee. It’s about chasing a dream, turning a forgotten bus into something extraordinary, and sharing a little piece of Americana in the heart of Iceland. It’s been a wild ride, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.