08/30/2024 | 9:00 AM

Iceland's réttir: Sheep roundup and a country party

Sheep are integral to Iceland: some 400,000 roam the country, more than the human population, and they’ve sustained the island’s inhabitants for centuries. Best of all, they’re almost entirely free range. After lambing time in May, farmers turn their flocks loose to graze on the lush highland grasses and berries of Iceland’s interior.

September brings réttir – the nationwide roundup where people on foot, ATVs or Icelandic horses retrieve their stock from the mountains and valleys, aided by trusty sheepdogs. The grueling endeavor sometimes requires days in the saddle, and entire communities turn out in support.

The ancient tradition is followed by sorting at réttir, circular pens with radiating sections where farmers separate their herds. It’s a grand country party, where friends, family, and neighbors come together to play music, picnic outdoors, and help each other marshal their sheep. Tourists are welcome to join in on the fun.

A schedule for réttir events in 2024 has been released (in Icelandic, in the local farming newspaper), broken down by region. A number of tour companies offer day trips to see réttir in country areas.

Below, images capture iconic moments of réttir in Skagafjörður, North Iceland.

an aerial view of the réttir circular sheep pen where all the sheep are being herded into by farmers _{A bird’s-eye view of Stafnsrétt reveals how the farmers' sections radiate like spokes on a wheel.}_{Photo by Ross Weinberg}_{Banner photo by Rebecca Stumpf}

a child takes a picture of the sheep up close on a mobile phone _{Children delight in the bustling excitement of the sorting.}_{Photo by Rebecca Stumpf}

an aerial view of Stafnsrétt in Iceland _{Stafnsrétt, located in the valley of Svartárdalur, is a prime example of a traditional}_rétt_{for sorting livestock.}_{Photo by Ross Weinberg}

a view of the wider landscape with sheep being rounded up by farmers on horses and in their cars _The_réttir_{is a group effort, with dozens of people on foot, horseback, and in support vehicles working together during each roundup to herd thousands of sheep.}_{Photo by Rebecca Stumpf}

a front on view of sheep being rounded into pens at réttir _{At Mælifellsrétt, sheep wait patiently beneath a blustery September sky.}_{Photo by Ross Weinberg}

a view from behind of four people on horses rounding up a flock of sheep _{Sorting complete, members of Starrastaðir farm guide their flock home.}_{Photo by Rebecca Stumpf}

Travel notes

Experienced horse riders can often join tours that are involved in the réttir, while spectators are usually welcome at events. The roundups are held around the country September, with local newspapers publishing the schedule ahead of time.

Text by Karen Carmichael
Photos by Ross Weinberg and Rebecca Stumpf