Another amazing combination in Iceland is the wildlife and the landscape. In Iceland, you will mainly come across horses and sheep, which you will encounter almost everywhere you go. Additionally, you can find reindeer, eider ducks, seals, Arctic foxes, and much more. Even though Iceland may look like one big expanse of dried lava, there is plenty of life to be found here.
The most common animals you’ll see in Iceland are sheep and horses. Sheep graze freely from spring until mid-September, after which farmers round them up and bring them back to shelters, as they wouldn’t survive the harsh Icelandic winter. This event is called "Réttir", a traditional annual gathering in September that takes place on different days depending on the region. Farmers and their families head into the mountains to collect all the sheep. The sheep are then herded into the fence, where they are sorted and returned to their respective owners. Each sheep has a special ear marker, making it easy to identify which farm it belongs to.
A little fun fact about sheep in Iceland – be extra careful when driving! If you hit a sheep, you have to pay a fine, and no, you can’t keep the sheep! The fine ranges between 200-500 euros, so your trip could suddenly become a lot more expensive.
Icelandic horses are a unique and ancient breed that has roamed the island since the time of the Vikings. Unlike sheep, they graze year-round and are incredibly resilient, capable of surviving extreme cold and brutal winds. They have a fascinating survival strategy—when facing harsh weather, they huddle together in a circle, with the strongest individuals standing on the outer edge to shield the weaker ones.
Icelanders are incredibly proud of their horses and have strict regulations to protect the breed. For instance, if a horse is exported from Iceland, it is not allowed to return. This rule ensures that there is no crossbreeding, preserving the purity of the breed. On the other hand, Icelandic horses are highly popular across Europe and are commonly bred in countries such as Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and Austria
Icelandic horses are known for their strength, friendly nature, and unique gait called “Tölt”, which provides an incredibly smooth ride. These beautiful creatures are smaller in stature and naturally curious. However, unlike sheep, they are always kept in the fence. But these fences can be huge, and in some areas, fences are only placed near roads to keep them safe from traffic.
If you're traveling to Iceland, keep your eyes open and take in the surroundings—just make sure not to get too distracted if you're driving! 🙂
If you love horses, all across Iceland, you'll find numerous horse farms where you can experience riding one of these noble Icelandic horses. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, it's an unforgettable way to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland.
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