Icelandic Sheep: A Living Link to Viking Heritage
Icelandic sheep are more than just animals to me — they’re a living connection to my Scandinavian roots. With a history dating back over 1,000 years, this hardy breed has survived volcanic landscapes, icy winds, and centuries of change. Today, I raise them here in the United States, carrying on a tradition my Viking ancestors may have started. It’s both humbling and exciting to think that the sheep I care for resemble the ones my forebears relied on for survival.
In this post, I’ll share the rich history of Icelandic sheep, explore their remarkable traits in more depth, and explain why they’ve earned a permanent place in my heart — and on my farm.
History of the Icelandic Sheep
Viking Origins
When Norse settlers arrived in Iceland in the 9th century, they brought with them sheep that would become the foundation of the modern Icelandic breed. These sheep weren’t just farm animals — they were vital companions in survival, providing food, warmth, and materials in a land where resources were scarce and winters were brutal.
Evidence from archaeological sites confirms the importance of sheep in Viking-era Iceland. Their wool was spun and woven into clothing. Their milk was turned into cheese, and their meat preserved to last through the long, dark winters. Icelandic sagas even reference sheep as measures of wealth and status.
As someone whose ancestry traces back to those early Scandinavians, it’s incredibly meaningful to raise the same breed they once depended on. There’s something magical about tending the same kind of sheep my ancestors may have once relied on to survive.
Genetic Isolation and Purity
Thanks to centuries of geographic isolation and strict breeding regulations, Icelandic sheep are one of the world’s purest and most ancient breeds. Since the 10th century, no new sheep have been imported into Iceland. In fact, if a sheep leaves the country, it’s not allowed to return.
This means the Icelandic sheep we raise today are essentially the same as those from the Viking era — untainted by crossbreeding and naturally selected for resilience. Their DNA is a genetic time capsule, shaped by centuries of adaptation to Iceland’s unforgiving landscape.
Their hardiness, fertility, disease resistance, and ability to survive on sparse pasture make them uniquely suited to organic and regenerative farming systems — both in Iceland and abroad.
Icelandic Sheep in Modern Iceland
Cultural Importance
Icelandic sheep are deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Iceland. The traditional lopapeysa, an iconic Icelandic wool sweater, is made from their fleece. You’ll find the patterns and colors of these garments in shops and homes across the country, each design telling its own story.
Beyond fashion, lamb is a key feature in Icelandic cuisine. It’s served in everything from hearty lamb stew (kjötsúpa) to roasted holiday feasts. And in rural communities, sheep herding is still a way of life — passed down through generations.
Rettir Festival
Rettir is one of the most fascinating events in the Icelandic farming calendar. In late September, farmers and townspeople head into the highlands on foot or horseback to round up their free-roaming flocks. The sheep have spent the summer grazing across open land, and now it’s time to bring them home.
It’s part rodeo, part family reunion, part harvest celebration — and 100% Icelandic. There’s music, food, storytelling, and plenty of laughter. One day, I hope to be there in person, helping guide the sheep through the stone pens, soaking in the age-old rhythm of a life so connected to the land and its animals.
Why I Love Raising Icelandic Sheep
Hardy and Low-Maintenance
One of the things I admire most about Icelandic sheep is how incredibly tough they are. They evolved in a harsh climate, so they’re naturally well-equipped to thrive in varied conditions — from snowy fields to rocky hillsides.
Their dual-coated fleece insulates them in subzero weather, while their metabolism allows them to stay healthy even on sparse forage. This means less supplemental feeding than other breeds, making them an economical and environmentally friendly choice.
On our farm, we provide a mix of minerals tailored to their needs — including extra copper from goat minerals, since Icelandics can tolerate (and need) more than other sheep breeds. We also offer kelp for trace minerals and baking soda free-choice to prevent bloating.
Friendly, Intelligent, and Independent
Icelandic sheep are intelligent and curious. They learn routines quickly and often recognize individual people. Some are shy at first, but others — like our ewe Sweet Momma — seek out attention and affection.
Sweet Momma has a soft bleat and a gentle nudge that she uses to ask for ear scratches. She’s the matriarch of our little flock — calm, steady, and fiercely protective during lambing season. It’s amazing to watch her care for her lambs with such devotion.
Easy Lambing and Excellent Mothers
These sheep are incredibly fertile. It’s common for ewes to give birth to twins or even triplets. And best of all — they often lamb without assistance. Icelandic ewes are renowned for their mothering instincts. They clean their lambs thoroughly, encourage them to nurse right away, and keep a close eye on them in the first few days.
We rarely intervene, which speaks volumes about the strength of this breed’s natural instincts.
Wool: A Dual-Coated Treasure
Icelandic wool is unlike anything else. The Tog, or outer coat, is long, strong, and water-resistant — perfect for outer garments that can withstand wind, rain, or snow. The Thel, or inner coat, is soft, fine, and insulating — ideal for keeping in warmth without adding bulk.
Together, these layers make Icelandic wool ideal for Lopi yarn, which is traditionally spun from both fibers. The result is warm, light, and breathable — perfect for everything from cozy mittens to weatherproof sweaters.
Fun fact: Vikings used Thel to make undergarments and baby clothes, while Tog was reserved for cloaks, sails, and outerwear. Wool wasn’t just clothing — it was a lifeline.
Meat: Rich Flavor, Naturally Raised
Icelandic lamb is often described as having a rich, slightly wild flavor that’s not overpowering but deeply satisfying. This unique taste comes from higher count of red muscle fibers, primarily grass-fed and are naturally rich in omega-3 and iron. It is not your typical lamb or mutton.
We have prepare it in a variety of ways — grilled, stewed, roasted — and every cut brings out something special. Whether it’s a hearty Sunday roast or lamb chops on the grill, Icelandic lamb or mutton is delicious!
Milk: Small Yield, Big Benefits
Sheep’s milk is a hidden gem in the dairy world. It’s higher in protein, calcium, and essential vitamins than cow’s or goat’s milk — and naturally easier to digest. Though Icelandic sheep aren’t as prolific milkers as specialized dairy breeds, their milk is incredibly rich.
We’ve made creamy cheese, gentle soaps, and even my grandfather’s famous fudge from sheep’s milk. I could go on for days about its benefits — and I did in another post!!
A Heartfelt Connection
Icelandic sheep are more than livestock to me — they are family, legacy, and daily joy wrapped into one woolly package. They’ve taught me patience, resilience, and respect for the cycles of nature. They’ve deepened my connection to my ancestry and to the land I care for.
The thought of not hearing their soft bleats in the pasture or seeing lambs bounce through the grass in spring is simply unimaginable. These sheep are now part of our family story — past, present, and future.
What About You?
Have you ever worked with Icelandic sheep? Do you dream of raising heritage breeds or visiting a roundup like Rettir in Iceland? Or maybe you’ve worn a Lopi sweater without realizing the incredible sheep behind it?
I’d love to hear your stories, questions, or even just your favorite sheep photos. Drop a comment below, or connect with us on social media.
Let’s keep the love for these incredible animals alive — together.
