When winter comes around, Iceland turns into a wonderland full of magical stories. Everything gets covered in a thick layer of snow, and the mountains seem to tell ancient tales. One of the best stories is about the Yule Lads. They're a big part of what makes an Icelandic Christmas special, and you can't really talk about the holiday here without mentioning the stunning scenes that go with it.
Esja Mountain: A Storybook Setting
Esja Mountain, located on the outskirts of Reykjavik, isn't just for taking great pictures—it's at the center of many Icelandic legends, especially the ones about the Yule Lads. These cheeky but lovable characters are said to come from the snowy parts of Esja. The mountain's wild cliffs and quiet snowfields make the perfect home for these funny guys, and each one has his own tale that's as interesting as the place they come from.
The Yule Lads' Chilly Home
Way up in the caves of Esja Mountain, the Yule Lads hang out with their mom, Grýla. They get ready on the mountain before they head down to visit the kids, bringing laughter, presents, and a few tricks along the way.
Icelandic Christmas Twist - 13 Nights, 13 Santa Clauses
From December 12th, Icelandic kids start looking forward to nightly visits from the Yule Lads. Each one has his own personality and is known for a particular habit or prank. Some are silly, some are sneaky, but they all love to bring a bit of joy—and maybe a harmless prank or two—to the cold Icelandic nights.
The Yule Lads are a big part of what makes an Icelandic Christmas unique. They add fun and anticipation to each of the 13 nights leading up to the big day, and they remind us all to keep a bit of mischief and laughter in our holidays.
Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod) - December 12th
Stekkjastaur, the first Yule Lad, arrives from the mountains on December 12th. Characterized by his stiff peg-legs, he has a peculiar interest in sheep. Due to his impairment, his attempts to harass the sheep often end in a comical display of clumsiness. His presence is marked by the sheep's uneasy behavior and the peculiar clatter of his wooden legs.
Can any Santa be more Icelandic than this first fellow?
Giljagaur (Gully Gawk) - December 13th
Giljagaur emerges on December 13th, lurking in gullies and ravines. His main mischief involves sneaking into cowsheds to steal milk. Skilled in stealth, he waits for the perfect moment to siphon milk, often leaving farmers puzzled over the mysteriously depleting supply.
Stúfur (Stubby) - December 14th
The notably short Stúfur appears on December 14th. His small stature is a significant part of his identity. Known for his affinity for pans, he particularly enjoys scraping and eating the crusty leftovers. His presence is often betrayed by the sound of pans being moved and the missing crusts.
Þvörusleikir (Spoon Licker) - December 15th
On December 15th, Þvörusleikir, the Spoon Licker, makes his appearance. His thin, malnourished figure is a result of his peculiar diet: licking wooden spoons. He's known to sneak into kitchens and lick spoons clean, leaving them suspiciously spotless.
Pottaskefill (Pot Scraper) - December 16th
Pottaskefill arrives on December 16th with a penchant for leftovers in pots. He's adept at scraping out and consuming whatever remains after meals. The mysterious absence of leftovers often signifies his visit.
Askasleikir (Bowl Licker) - December 17th
The elusive Askasleikir comes on December 17th. Known for hiding under beds and waiting for someone to put down their askur (a type of bowl with a lid used idead of dishes), he quickly steals these bowls and licks them clean. His presence is often noticed by the missing askurs and his quiet movements under the beds.
Hurðaskellir (Door Slammer) - December 18th
Hurðaskellir, arriving on December 18th, finds joy in slamming doors. Particularly active at night, his loud door slamming is meant to startle and wake the sleeping, creating a mix of annoyance and amusement among households.
Skyrgámur (Skyr Gobbler) - December 19th
The Skyr Gobbler, Skyrgámur, makes his entry on December 19th. He has an insatiable appetite for skyr, a traditional Icelandic dairy product similar to yogurt. The sudden depletion of skyr in homes marks his indulgent visits.
Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage Swiper) - December 20th
On December 20th, Bjúgnakrækir, the Sausage Swiper, comes into play. Known for his love of sausages, he hides in rafters, waiting for the perfect moment to snatch smoked sausages, often leaving households wondering about their disappearing delicacies.
Gluggagægir (Window Peeper) - December 21st
Gluggagægir, arriving on December 21st, is a curious character who peers through windows. His motive is to find objects to steal, often leaving families to notice their belongings mysteriously misplaced or missing.
Gáttaþefur (Door Sniffer) - December 22nd
With an unusually large nose, Gáttaþefur appears on December 22nd. He uses his acute sense of smell to locate laufabrauð (leaf bread, a very thin Icelandic Christmas bread). His presence is often heralded by the scent of bread and the sound of sniffing at doorways.
Ketkrókur (Meat Hook) - December 23rd
Ketkrókur arrives on December 23rd, wielding a long hook. He uses this hook to steal meat, particularly smoked meat, often leaving families baffled by the disappearing cuts from their storage.
Kertasníkir (Candle Stealer) - December 24th
Kertasníkir, or Candle Stealer, is the last of the Icelandic Yule Lads to visit children during the Christmas season, arriving on Christmas Eve. In the old days, he was known for following children to snatch away their candles, which were then made of tallow and thus not only a source of light but also a tasty treat. With his eyes sparkling with mischief, Kertasníkir was a peculiar figure, embodying both the playful and the troublesome side of the Yule Lads.
Nowadays, as candles are no longer made of tallow, Kertasníkir's antics are more about playing tricks and reminding children of the joy and playfulness of the season. His presence is a sign that Christmas has finally arrived, and he's known to leave behind a little gift as a token of the end of the Yule Lads' visits for the year. With Kertasníkir's visit, the enchanting period of the Yule Lads in Iceland concludes, leaving behind memories of merriment and anticipation.
