Our Hotels
Keahotels is one of the largest hotel chains in Iceland operating ten hotels. Together the hotels provide over 800 rooms and service travelers, local and foreign, all year round.
Reykjavík — Capital
Vík — South Iceland
Akureyri — North Iceland
Siglufjörður — North Iceland
Grímsnes — South Iceland
Grýla, Leppalúði, and the Fearsome Yule Cat
Meet Grýla, the fearsome troll who loves to snack on naughty children, her hapless husband Leppalúði, and their pet—the legendary Yule Cat, who prowls for those without new clothes during the holiday season.
But the story doesn’t end there! Grýla and Leppalúði are also the proud (or perhaps exasperated) parents of 13 mischievous sons, known as the Yule Lads. These playful tricksters descend from the mountains one by one in the 13 days before Christmas, each with a unique personality and penchant for pranks—like stealing food or slamming doors. Together, this quirky family has been part of Icelandic folklore for centuries, adding a chilling yet charming twist to the cozy Yuletide cheer.
You can read about their sons here.
Grýla & Leppalúði
Deep in the rugged Icelandic mountains lives Grýla and her husband Leppalúði, the ultimate duo of Icelandic Christmas folklore. Grýla is a fearsome troll who has spent centuries striking fear into the hearts of naughty children, gathering them up for her infamous stew. Her husband, Leppalúði, on the other hand, is far less impressive—a grumbling figure who mostly stays in the background while Grýla takes center stage.
The pair might sound frightening, but their legend is a fascinating part of Iceland’s holiday traditions. Their tale is told to remind children to behave, adding a unique twist to the Christmas season.
The yule cat
Lurking in the snowy landscapes of Iceland is the Yule Cat, a mysterious and massive feline with a taste for those who haven’t earned new clothes for Christmas. According to legend, this fearsome creature prowls during the holidays, ensuring everyone in the household has put in their fair share of work to deserve a festive outfit. Fail to meet this requirement, and you might just become the Yule Cat’s next meal.
While the story sounds chilling, it’s rooted in a tradition that celebrates hard work and the joy of giving. Today, the Yule Cat is a beloved part of Icelandic Christmas folklore, inspiring festive decorations and storytelling.
