Lilja's formative years were spent on a picturesque farm located a mere hour's distance from the vibrant city of Reykjavik, situated in the southernmost region of Iceland. Her grandfather, a stalwart figure in the Icelandic theatrical scene, held the esteemed position of stage manager for the national theater of Iceland, thereby providing Lilja with an unparalleled opportunity to spend considerable time amidst the artistic hubbub of her childhood.
As her academic pursuits progressed, Lilja's academic trajectory led her to the prestigious Icelandic Academy of the Arts, where she successfully earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting in the spring of 2009. This esteemed educational institution served as the perfect springboard for Lilja's burgeoning career, which has since seen her excel in both the cinematic and theatrical realms.