sauðfjár

Sauðfjár is the Icelandic word for sheep. Sheep farming has been a cornerstone of Icelandic agriculture and culture for centuries, with the animals being well-adapted to the harsh climate and rugged terrain. The Icelandic sheep breed is known for its hardiness, resilience, and unique characteristics, including a wide range of coat colors, multiple horns, and a double coat consisting of a soft inner layer and a coarser outer layer.

Historically, sheep provided not only meat and wool but also milk for cheese and butter, and hides for clothing and shelter. The practice of transhumance, moving sheep between summer pastures in the highlands and winter quarters in lower valleys, has been a traditional farming method. The annual round-up, known as réttir, where sheep are gathered from the remote grazing areas, is a significant social event in rural Iceland.

Today, Icelandic sheep are raised primarily for their meat, which is a popular delicacy, and their wool, known as lopi, which is used to create distinctive Icelandic sweaters and other woolen goods. The breed's genetic isolation has preserved its unique traits, and efforts are made to maintain the purity and welfare of these animals. Tourism also plays a role, with visitors often encountering sheep grazing freely across the landscape.