There are more sheep than humans in Iceland. Although counts vary, there are between 500,000 and 800,000 sheep in the country at any given time, depending on both the season and year. Even at their lowest numbers, Icelandic sheep outnumber humans almost 2 to 1! Like the Icelandic horse, this unique Icelandic breed is cherished throughout the country for being hearty – just like many Icelanders. Not only are they culturally important, but they feature in both their delicious traditional cuisine and beautiful wool products.

This is everything you need to know about Icelandic sheep, including where to see them!

what does Icelandic sheep looks like

What does the Icelandic sheep look like?

Icelandic sheep have been genetically isolated for thousands of years. Brought over with the Vikings sometime between the 9th and 10th centuries, these fluffy kindur (the Icelandic word for sheep) range in color from white to black and brown or gray. They are a medium-sized breed of sheep and generally have thick coats that are slightly longer than other breeds. This fleece is dual-coated with both inner and outer fibers that help provide added protection against the harsh Icelandic weather.

Both ewes and rams, female and male, sheep can have horns. They can also be polled, another term for having no horns at all! Icelandic sheep are the only breed allowed in Iceland and are considered to be a mountain breed of sheep and genetically better suited to the country’s harsh climate. They are one of the most pure breeds of sheep in the world due to their isolation.

the face of icelandic sheep

What are Icelandic sheep famous for?

Icelandic sheep are one of Iceland’s most famous livestock animals – yes, there are a few! These are just some of the products that make Icelandic sheep so revered.

Woolen products– the source of the Icelandic traditional sweaters– lopapeysas

Icelandic wool is used to make all kinds of goods in Iceland, but none are more famous than the lopapeysa. Lopapeysas are distinctive sweaters that are unique to Iceland. Their beautiful design was created during the 20th century, but the tradition of creating sweaters from Icelandic wool is centuries old.

What makes these sweaters truly special, aside from their stunning patterns, is the quality of the wool which both repels precipitation and keeps you toasty warm. You’ll see both shops selling the sweaters and Icelanders toting them around town in droves.

Socks, hats, and mittens are other popular Icelandic wool souvenirs that you can find throughout Iceland.

The Icelandic Lopapeysa is the traditional clothes of iceland

Meat Product: Traditional Icelandic dishes

Most Icelandic sheep are raised specifically for their meat and in fact, one of Iceland’s most famous dishes is boiled sheep’s head! Known as svið, this is one delicacy that is truly unique to Iceland and is typically served with mashed potatoes. Because Icelandic sheep are free-range and mostly grass-fed, their meat is revered throughout the country and the world. If the whole head isn’t quite your speed, Icelandic lamb soup, known as kjötsúpa, is heavenly on a cold day.

Milk product: used to have it as commercial use, not anymore

At one point in time, most Icelandic sheep were used for milking. After the turn of the century, many farmers switched to cows in favor of sheep. Popular products like the famous Icelandic skyr, butter, and cheese were all sheep’s milk products that could be found in Iceland.

While this isn’t the case anymore, some small farmers still milk their sheep and produce small batches of fresh sheep’s milk. One of these farms that you can still visit today is the Sauðagull in Eastern Iceland.

the icelandic sheep in iceland nature

What is the best time to see sheep in Iceland? Where can you see them?

The best time to see sheep in Iceland is in the summer. Icelandic sheep are generally free-range and spend their summers grazing throughout the countryside. Because they’re so busy bulking up for the harsh winters, it’s much easier to see flocks of Icelandic sheep in the warmer months. If you are visiting Iceland in the winter, most sheep are either kept inside the barn or close to it.

Another ideal time of year to visit Iceland if you’re specifically coming for the sheep is during Réttir. This holiday is the huge roundup of the sheep in September, bringing them in from their summer grazing session. Réttir has been a tradition in Iceland for well over 100 years and begins with a round-up on horseback and ATVs to gather the sheep together.

After the sheep are safely collected, the Réttarball kicks into full swing. This is essentially the party to celebrate not only the safe return of both the people and sheep but also the end of summer. Icelandic parties are notoriously rowdy and fun. This is something you definitely can’t miss if you visit Iceland in September!

Rettir is the sheep round up of iceland

photo via Flickr user/ compagnonbruno

Safe Travel Tips for Seeing Icelandic Sheep

Seeing Icelandic sheep in the countryside is an exciting encounter and something you can certainly look forward to if you plan on road tripping around the country! There are a few things to keep in mind if you do see these cute cotton balls while touring the Land of Fire and Ice.

●     If you are driving, watch carefully and closely for sheep that may be laying next to the road or who might dart across your path. Believe it or not, this is a common occurrence in Iceland and something you’ll probably come across frequently on a long road trip, especially in more rural areas.

●     Don’t get too close. Approaching Icelandic sheep can cause stress and unintentional harm to the individual sheep or flock. Keep a good distance at all times if you do come across a herd of Iceland’s agricultural icons.

●     Avoid petting them. But they look so soft and cuddly! While it might be tempting, it’s important to avoid petting or touching Icelandic sheep. They aren’t pets or a part of a petting zoo and aren’t used to being touched by strangers. This is an especially important rule if you’re traveling with children in Iceland.

the Icelandic sheep could be on the road especially during summer

Conclusion

Coming across a herd of Icelandic sheep is bound to happen if you take a road trip around the country. In fact, renting a car is the best way to see Icelandic sheep in their natural habitats, among Iceland’s beautiful landscapes! Go through the Firefly Iceland Rental Cars website for the best deals on your Icelandic sheep adventures. 

Best cheap rental cars in Iceland

DUSTER

Dacia Duster or similar | Manual | 4×4 | 2020-2021 (CFMX)

Group E2 Reservations are made by car category only. We cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • 5 Doors
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning

Suitable for the highland F-roads. Please read Terms & Conditions.
You must be 20 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 116 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
VW-GOLF

VW Golf or similar | Automatic | 2020-2021 Model (CDAX)

Group: B2 Reservations are made by car category only. We cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar

  • 5 Passengers
  • 2 Large Bags
  • 5 Doors
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highland F-roads.

You must be 20 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 1 Small Bag
  • 2 Large, 1 Small
  • 138 cc
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
  • Fog Lamps
VW-GOLF

VW Golf or similar | Manual | 2020-2021 Model (CDMX)

Group: B Reservations are made by car category only. We cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar

  • 5 Passengers
  • 2 Large Bags
  • 4 Doors
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highland F-roads.

You must be 20 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 1 Small Bag
  • 2 Large, 1 Small
  • Front Wheel Drive
  • 125 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
  • Fog Lamps
VW-POLO

VW Polo or similar| Manual | 2020-2021 Model (EDMX)

Group A Reservations are made by car category only. We cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar

  • 5 Passengers
  • 2 Large
  • 5 Doors
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highland F-roads.

You must be 20 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • Front Wheel Drive
  • 99 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • ABS
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
  • Fog Lamps
  • Satelite Navigation
TIGUAN

VW Tiguan or similar | Automatic | 4×4 | 2020-2021 Model (IFAX)

Group: OReservations are made by car category only. We cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • 5 Doors
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning

Suitable for the highland F-roads. Please read Terms & Conditions.
You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
  • Fog Lamps
VW_UP

VW Up or similar | Manual | 2020-2021 Model (MBMX)

Group: Z Reservations are made by car category only. ,We cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar

  • 4 Passengers
  • 1 Large
  • 4 Doors
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highland F-roads.

You must be 20 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • Front Wheel Drive
  • 95 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • ABS
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Remote Locking
  • Fog Lamps