Iceland’s réttir: The traditional sheep roundup

A bird’s-eye view of Stafnsrétt reveals how the farmers’ sections radiate like spokes on a wheel.

Children delight in the bustling excitement of the sorting.

Stafnsrétt, located in the valley of Svartárdalur, is a prime example of a traditional rétt for sorting livestock.

The réttir is a group effort, with dozens of people on foot, horseback, and in support vehicles working together during each roundup to herd hundreds, or even thousands, of sheep.

At Mælifellsrétt, sheep wait patiently beneath a blustery September sky.

Sorting complete, members of Starrastaðir farm guide their flock home.