Réttir - the annual sheep roundup
There are around 800 000 sheep in Iceland which is almost three times more than Iceland’s population. Growing sheep and horses are the most popular form of agriculture in Iceland, dating back to the settlement times when the settlers brought with them to Iceland sheep to sustain their life here.
Sheep are a source of food and wool and farmers around Iceland are proud of their products that are a source of income. Back in time, sheep were the most important thing to have to be able to go through the hard times in Icelandic winter, from food (meat and milk), wool and even bones, everything was part of the “winter survival kit”.
Farmers in Iceland have two major events during the year and they are the Lambing season which starts usually in May and Réttir – the sheep roundup season which starts in September.
In May, farmers are busy helping the ewes with the little lambs. Having such a harsh climate and relief in Iceland, farmers can not afford to lose any newborn lambs because they will be later on a source of food and wool that helps the locals to make their living.
The farmers are keeping the ewes and the newborn lambs on their farms to keep them away from predators and harsh weather.
This is helping them to adapt and grow enough until June when the grass turns green and farmers are taking the sheep to roam into the mountains for the summer season.
And if you have already been in Iceland or have seen photos from Iceland for sure you have seen or met sheep roaming near the roads or in the quietest and most isolated areas.
When the summer season is over, Réttir – the sheep roundup season starts. This was an important event back in time when people were preparing for winter. Nowadays is more a celebratory event and lately, a touristy event where everyone is having fun while preparing for the winter season.
Because the temperatures are getting lower first in Northern Iceland, Réttir – the sheep roundup season starts at the beginning of September first in the North and then during the month, it happens to the South of Iceland.
And because many sheep are roaming the Icelandic mountains, this event lasts for the entire month of September.
Farmers are gathering the sheep from the mountains on horses or foot, with the important assistance of some farm dogs. They are using also ATVs but riding on horses is the traditional way to do this.
Also, food supplies for sheep and other farm animals for the upcoming winter season are taken to the farms with tractors and trucks.
The name Réttir comes from the pens where sheep are being gathered and then every farmer is taking his sheep to their farm. They are selecting the sheep according to the marks and tags on their ears.
The pens or rétt used to be made of stone or turf, but nowadays they are made of metal rails. The rétt looks like a giant wheel with spokes radiating out and the farmers gather their sheep there and then take them to the farm they belong to.
After a day of hard work, everyone celebrates with drinks, cake, coffee, kleinur doughnuts and songs. A well-deserved reward after all the hard work.
If you are coming to Iceland in September check out where you can take part in Réttir – the sheep roundup to feel Iceland differently and meet the locals.
