Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first ended up in Iceland?

I’m Jula- a hyperactive, energetic, and definitely extroverted person! I absolutely love being outdoors, and living in Iceland is the place where I truly feel like myself.

I first came here in 2021 to visit a friend for Christmas- and it was love at first sight! The following year, in 2022, I returned for another visit.

After that trip, I couldn’t stop thinking about Iceland and started to seriously consider coming for a longer stay. So I did and came for a season. After that first season, Iceland never really left my mind. In 2024, I decided to return once again, “just for one more season”… but that season quietly stretched into almost two years!

Do you remember what your very first days here felt like?

Those first days in Iceland were absolutely magical. I’ll never forget the moment I first saw Gluggafoss – our small, humble waterfall nearby.

Even now, after years of Living in Iceland, I still go there with the same nostalgia and warmth.

You’ve taken on so many roles at Midgard — from front desk to housekeeping to hosting cave dinners. What keeps it exciting for you?

What keeps it exciting is the variety! There’s always something new to do, either I come up with a task myself, or my amazing boss, Stefan, does. Whether it’s planting flowers in front of the Midgard building or decorating the cave for a Cave Dinner, there’s never a dull moment! And working at the front desk means meeting incredible people, having great conversations, and sharing stories, which is exactly what I love the most.

It’s actually funny, because when I first started working at Midgard, I only wanted to do housekeeping. I wasn’t confident in my English back then. Now, talking to people has become one of my favorite parts of the job!

What moments or memories at Midgard stand out most to you? 

Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one moment! All the adventures, staff trips, and the chance to explore this beautiful country together with Midgard in such a warm, family-like atmosphere have been absolutely amazing.

You’ve changed quite a lot since Living in Iceland — what would you say are the biggest ways you’ve grown?

Since moving to Iceland, I’ve really grown- especially with my English and confidence. I’ve always been a confident person, but not so much in English before!

I’ve also learned to be more patient and understanding with others and with myself. And I worry less about the future now. I try to live more in the moment. I don’t always know what’s next, but I trust that things will work out! The Icelandic saying “þetta reddast” really stuck with me.

What is it about Living in Iceland – the nature, the lifestyle, the people – that made that change happen?

It’s everything together – the people, the lifestyle, and nature. Iceland has this calm energy that helps you slow down and breathe, but at the same time, it gives you freedom and space to just be yourself.

Even my ADHD gets to rest a little here… though I still make sure life stays active and full of adventure. That balance is one of the things I love most about Living in Iceland.

Has Living here taught you anything about independence or confidence?

I’ve always been quite independent, my mum taught me early on to rely on myself and to be strong. But Iceland definitely took that to another level. Just two weeks ago, my ”baby sister” Zuza and I bought our first car – our very own! That felt like such a big step and a real symbol of independence for me.

Iceland’s weather can be wild and unpredictable – do you think it’s influenced your mindset or lifestyle in some way?

Oh, absolutely! The weather here teaches you resilience. You learn to adapt, because if you wait for sunshine, you might never leave the house, haha!

After two weeks of constant rain, I’ll still go for a run, just in the rain. Iceland has taught me endurance, strength, and how to enjoy life no matter the conditions- even in freezing temperatures, snow, or while running in crampons!

You’ve become quite the athlete — marathon, triathlon, now training for a half Ironman! What started that journey?

This transformation is something I’m really proud of! I’ve always been an active person. I used to play handball, ski, and hike a lot. When I moved to Iceland, I decided to set myself a clear goal: to run a half marathon. I knew the weather wouldn’t make it easy, but I stuck with the training -sometimes more, sometimes less- and I did it! The race itself was honestly awful (I laugh about it now, but I actually “broke up” with running for two months 😆).

After New Year’s, my motivation came back- a bit cliché, but yes, a broken heart played a part…Then came new goals, my first trail run (Puffin Run) and, finally, triathlon, which had been in my head for ages. I always had excuses -no bike, not the right time – until one conversation with Stefan and Björg early this year. They basically said, “Just do it this year!” So I did.

After the Puffin Run (slightly tipsy, celebrating my first trail race 😉), I signed up for my first triathlon and decided not to drink alcohol until race day. I brought my bike, trained hard for two months – and finished it with a great time! Since then, I’ve kept going – last year my first half marathon, this year my first full marathon in four hours, and now I’m starting to train for my first Ironman 70.3. Sooooo exciting!

What does training give you — mentally or emotionally?

Training gives me so much – not just fitness, but peace of mind. It helps me clear my head, release emotions, and feel grounded. It’s like therapy in motion, especially while Living in Iceland where, nature gives you so much strength.

And the “no alcohol” challenge that started as a short experiment has now lasted almost six months – it reminds me that I can truly do anything I set my mind to.

How do you balance the busy Midgard life with your training and personal goals?

I think I’ve mastered that balance pretty well! I usually work afternoon shifts, which means I can train in the morning. The gym and pool open at 6 a.m., but don’t worry I’m never there that early, usually around 9…It’s the perfect routine – time for training, sleep, and work. Of course, sometimes you have to adjust or skip something, but as we say in Iceland – þetta reddast!

What does happiness look like to you these days?

For me, happiness is all about freedom – the freedom to be myself, to travel, and to explore this beautiful world. It’s also the peace I feel when I’m running along Icelandic trails or sitting with a cup of coffee, watching the mountains. Happiness means balance, between movement and rest, between time with people I love and time just for myself.

And it’s that feeling of doing something that truly fuels me, whether it’s work, training, or just everyday life. Of course, a bit of sunshine and some spontaneous adventures always help too! (But honestly – who am I to be giving advice about happiness anyway? 😅)

And finally — if someone asked you why you stay in Iceland, what would your answer be?

When I was about to stay here for just another season, I thought to myself: “Why would I leave if I feel so good here and am having such a great time?” So, since I’m having a great time – I’m staying! And the fact that it’s going pretty well… well, I’ll let you draw your own conclusions… 😉