Why Iceland Remains Train-Free: A Look at the Unique Island Nation

Monday, 13 January 2025 09:25

Iceland stands out as the only country in Europe without a train system. This article explores the reasons behind Iceland's trainless status, including its small population, well-developed road network, widespread car use, and extreme weather conditions. It also delves into the brief history of trains in Iceland, highlighting their use for transporting materials and goods in the past.

Table of Contents

Reasons Behind Iceland's Trainless Status
A Brief History of Trains in Iceland

While Europe is known for its extensive railway network, Iceland stands out as the only country without a train system. The European Union alone boasts over 202,000 kilometers of railway tracks, making it the third-largest passenger rail market globally.

Iceland, the second largest island in Europe after the UK, has a population of around 380,000, with over a third residing in the capital Reykjavik. Despite its landmass ranking 17th in Europe, Iceland has never established a passenger rail system.

Reasons Behind Iceland's Trainless Status

Several factors have contributed to this unique situation. One key reason is the small population of Iceland. The relatively small population makes the construction and maintenance of a rail system economically inefficient.

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Additionally, Iceland has a well-developed network of roads, making cars a more practical mode of transportation. The majority of Icelanders prefer personal vehicles for their primary transportation.

Further contributing to the lack of a passenger rail system is the unpredictable weather in Iceland. Extreme weather conditions can disrupt rail operations, making them unreliable.

A Brief History of Trains in Iceland

Despite the absence of a passenger rail system, Iceland has a brief history of train use. In the past, trains were employed for transporting materials and goods.

One notable example is the Reykjavik Harbour Railway, which operated from 1913 to 1928. This line transported large stones from the quarry on Öskjuhlíð hill to Reykjavik harbour.

Another example is the Korpúlfstaðir Farm Railway, built in 1930 by industrialist Thor Jensen. This line was used to move materials and goods around his farm.

More recently, the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Project Railway, which was built in the early 21st century, transported concrete, personnel, and other materials.

Even without trains, Iceland remains an enchanting tourist destination. It offers breathtaking natural wonders, including volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and vast lava fields. Accessing various locations in Iceland is easy without relying on trains.