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
The sweetest day in Iceland: Bolludagurinn
What is Bolludagur?
If you ever needed an excuse to eat an ungodly amount of cream-filled pastries, look no further than Iceland’s Bolludagur—a day devoted entirely to devouring cream buns. Yes, you read that right. This is an official holiday in Iceland, and it’s as glorious as it sounds.
Bolludagur, which translates to “Bun Day,” takes place on the Monday before Lent, marking the start of three days of indulgence before the fasting season (wich we don't do anymore). And so, they feast on bollur—delicate, airy pastries usually filled with jam and whipped cream, then topped with chocolate glaze.
The Origin of the Bolludagur
Bolludagur has its roots in both Danish and Scandinavian traditions, where similar pastry feasts were held before Lent. But leave it to Iceland to take things to the next level. Over the years, the simple choux bun has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon, with bakeries and home bakers competing to create the most extravagant versions imaginable. You’ll find bollur stuffed with caramel, Nutella, berries, licorice (because Icelanders put licorice in everything), and even Skyr-infused fillings for a “healthier” twist.
Whacking for Buns
As if eating cream puffs wasn’t entertaining enough, Bolludagur also comes with a quirky tradition: children wake their parents up by whacking them with a decorated stick while shouting “Bolla! Bolla! Bolla!” The number of times they manage to hit their groggy, half-asleep parents supposedly determines how many buns they get that day. Talk about a strong incentive for early morning mischief.
This is only the beginning
Of course, Bolludagur is just the beginning. It’s followed by Sprengidagur (Explosion Day), where Icelanders consume obscene amounts of salted meat and split pea soup, and Öskudagur (Ash Wednesday), where kids dress up in costumes and sing for candy—essentially an Icelandic Halloween. It’s a three-day calorie fest, and nobody’s complaining.
So if you ever needed a reason to visit Iceland in winter, Bolludagur is it. Grab a bun, embrace the sugar rush, and shout Bolla! at anyone who will listen. Because in Iceland, pastry-induced happiness is a national treasure.
