flokkaleiða

flokkaleiða is an Icelandic term referring to traditional paths or routes used by shepherds to move herds of livestock, especially sheep, across the country’s rugged terrain. The word derives from “flokkur,” meaning flock, and “leið,” meaning way or path. These routes are often marked by cairns, beech or carob trees, and occasionally small cairns that guide herders through valleys and mountain passes. They have been in use for centuries, originating from a need to safely relocate herds between summer pastures in the highlands and winter grounds in lower valleys.

In practice, a flokkaleiða provides a safe, efficient corridor that balances the livestock’s need for forage with protection from harsh weather. Because the geography of Iceland includes steep slopes, glaciers, and unpredictable conditions, flokkaleiða often route through gentler terrain, reducing the risk of sheep becoming stranded. The routes may also pass near reliable water sources, which is vital during hot periods.

Today, flokkaleiða are still employed by Icelandic herders but also attract hikers and tourists who seek to experience the archetypal Icelandic pastoral culture. Many of these paths have been preserved in historical archives and are occasionally included in hiking trail maps. They reflect a harmonious interaction between people and the landscape and illustrate how traditional knowledge adapts to environmental realities.