If you’re searching for the finest long hair wild woolly sheepskins available, look no further than Icelandic sheepskin! Noryageur specializes in these extraordinary Icelandic hides that come from a truly unique animal. Continue reading below to see why these outstanding skins are so fabulous!
Why Are Icelandic Sheep and Their Sheepskins So Special?
Icelandic Sheep are a Heritage Breed
Icelandic sheep are a heritage breed that has evolved in relative isolation since Viking times, over 1,100 years of natural selection. The Iceland sheep are hearty animals have adapted to withstand the country’s harsh, unpredictable weather. This breed of sheep hasn’t just survived, it has thrived! Icelandic sheep are a multi purpose sheep breed producing meat, milk and fiber. Their pelts are a by-product and the sheep are never killed solely for the use of their hides. Icelandic sheep produce a very unique wool, like no other. They have a coarse outer layer that’s water resistant and a soft woolly insulation layer below.
The Icelandic sheep arrived with Norse settlers around 874 AD and have remained one of the world’s purest sheep breeds ever since. Because Iceland strictly limits imported livestock, the breed has remained remarkably unchanged for more than 1,100 years. Over centuries of harsh weather, volcanic landscapes, and long winters, Icelandic sheep developed the unique dual-coated fleece that makes Icelandic wool so prized today.
To this day one interesting fact remains, the country of Iceland only has one sheep breed, the Icelandic Sheep! No other breeds of sheep are allowed to protect the Icelandic sheep’s ancestral purity!
For a deeper look at the trade history behind these pelts, read our article on the early history of Icelandic hides in North America.
A Nation of Sheep
There are more sheep than people in Iceland! During winter months, approximately 500,000 Icelandic sheep roam the countryside, swelling to 800,000 during the summer season. Even more remarkable, Iceland has only one sheep breed in their entire country, the pure Icelandic sheep. This singular focus ensures genetic consistency and exceptional quality across the breed.
The Free-Roaming Advantage: Beyond Organic
True Free-Range Living
Icelandic sheep raised in Iceland are free roaming animals since they’re on an island which acts as a natural fence. The sheep can be seen living free across Iceland’s vast open land. Their natural herding behavior keeps them within their regional areas with minimal to no confinement.
Unlike the USA and many other countries, Iceland has no natural predators threatening the sheep population. This predator free environment allows the sheep to live relatively stress free lives.
The Traditional Réttir: Iceland’s Annual Sheep Roundup
Icelandic sheep lamb naturally in the open lands during spring, and their young remain wild alongside them until fall. The traditional sheep roundup, known as réttir, begins in September and can run through early October. This centuries-old tradition brings communities together as farmers and volunteers on horseback gather the free-roaming flocks from mountains and valleys, sorting them among local farms. This sustainable, natural lifecycle is part of what makes Icelandic sheepskins so exceptional.
Beyond Organic: The Purest Sheepskins Available
The Icelandic sheep that our sheepskins come from are raised with 100% natural grazing on wild grasses, herbs, and vegetation. They have are not raised with:
- No pesticides or herbicides
- No grain or commercial feedlots
- No GMOs
- No growth hormones or antibiotics
Essentially, these sheep are beyond organic, they represent nature at its purest. The animals live as they have for over a thousand years, feeding on Iceland’s pristine vegetation and drinking from crystal-clear glacial streams.
What makes Icelandic sheep’s wool different from other wools?
Exceptional Dual-Layer Fleece
Icelandic sheep possess a unique dual-layered fleece system that evolved to protect them from Iceland’s extreme climate. This is why buying an Icelandic sheepskin that was from a sheep raised in Icelandic is important to fully embrace what Icelandic’s sheep’s wool is all about! Not every Icelandic sheepskin is equal and much depends on where the animal was born, raised and treated.
Outer Layer (Tog):
Long slightly coarse wool that has water-resistant guard hairs that give the Icelandic sheep’s wool a unique texture that sheds rain and snow.
Inner Layer (Thel):
Soft, insulating undercoat that provides exceptional warmth
This dual-coat structure creates the signature appearance of Icelandic sheepskin rugs—long, flowing, lustrous wool with incredible depth and texture. The long fibers give Icelandic sheepskins their characteristic shaggy, luxurious appearance that sets them apart from other sheepskin varieties.
Icelandic Sheepskin vs Traditional Sheepskin
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepskin | Traditional Sheepskin |
|---|---|---|
| Wool Length | 4–8″+ (unless shorn) | 1–3″ |
| Appearance | Flowing and natural | Dense and uniform |
| Fiber Structure | Tog + Thel | Single fleece |
| Style | Scandinavian, rustic, modern | Traditional |
Quick Facts About Icelandic Sheepskins
What natural colors are Icelandic sheep?
While Icelandic sheep are most commonly white or cream-colored, you can also find stunning natural variations including:
Spotted or piebald patterns (brown and white, black and white)
Solid black which often with some white or gray hairs
Rich brown tones ranging from a dirty blonde to a deep ginger and everything in between
Elegant gray shades often with a unique marbling of color which includes browns, creams grays and black colors
Moorit (a beautiful reddish-brown color)
How do I keep an Icelandic sheepskin fluffy and beautiful?
The Importance of Regular Brushing
To maintain the luxurious, fluffy appearance of your Icelandic sheepskin rug’s long wool, periodic brushing is essential. Here’s why and how:
Why Brush Your Icelandic Sheepskin?
The long fibers of Icelandic wool can naturally compress over time with use, especially in high-traffic areas. Regular brushing:
Restores volume and fluffiness to compressed fibers
Removes surface dirt and debris before it settles deep into the wool
Prevents matting and tangling of the long fibers
Maintains the natural loft that makes Icelandic sheepskin so inviting
Enhances the rug’s appearance, keeping it looking fresh and new
Extends the lifespan of your pelt
How to Brush Your Icelandic Sheepskin Rug
Choose the right tool: Use a pet slicker brush, a specialty sheepskin brush, or a wide-toothed metal comb designed for long-haired fabrics
Brush gently: Work in the direction of the wool growth, using gentle strokes to avoid damaging fibers
Be patient with tangles: If you encounter matted areas, work through them slowly with a comb, never pulling or yanking. *Please note, tangles will generally never happen unless your sheepskin is neglected and has no routine maintenance for a very long time*
Shake it out: After brushing, take the rug outside and give it a good shake to remove loosened dirt and restore volume
Frequency: Brush your Icelandic sheepskin every 1-2 weeks for rugs in regular use, or monthly for decorative pieces
Curly sheepskins should NOT be brushed or they will become frizzy! Similar to human hair brushed that’s super curly! Simply shake and air them out as needed.
How do I remove stains and clean an Icelandic sheepskin?
Spot clean spills immediately with cold water and a damp cloth, do not scrub, wipe in one direction. This is important to prevent felting your sheepskin!
Icelandic wool is water resistant and they tend to shed water more than absorb it, which is great news so they rarely become stained!
Air out regularly by hanging outside on a frigid winter day (the colder the better)
Vacuum carefully using the hose attachment, not the beater bar. We find shaking and brushing out your sheepskin is highly effective compared to vacuuming.
Why Choose an Icelandic Sheepskin?
Durability Meets Luxury
Icelandic sheepskins are renowned for their exceptional durability. The same genetic traits that help these sheep survive Iceland’s harsh winters translate into incredibly resilient, long-lasting hides. With proper care, an Icelandic sheepskin rug can last years.
Natural Temperature Regulation
The unique fiber structure of Icelandic wool provides excellent insulation while remaining breathable. These rugs:
Keep you warm in winter by trapping body heat
Stay cool in summer by wicking away moisture
Create year-round comfort for any climate
Hypoallergenic and Healthy
Natural sheepskin is:
Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites
Antibacterial with self-cleaning properties
Chemical-free when sourced from Icelandic sheep
Sustainable and Ethical
Choosing Icelandic sheepskin supports:
Traditional farming practices dating back over 1,000 years (no pesticides, organically raised and free roaring since sheep in Iceland do not have natural predators on the island and the land acts as a natural fenced area.
Sustainable agriculture with minimal environmental impact
Ethical animal husbandry with free-roaming, naturally raised livestock
Zero waste philosophy, utilizing byproducts from meat production
How do I decorate with an Icelandic Sheepskin?
These versatile, beautiful rugs work wonderfully in numerous applications:
Bedroom: Drape over the bed for texture, or place beside the bed for warm bare feet
Living room: Layer on sofas and chairs for cozy seating, or use as a luxurious floor rug
Home office: Add comfort to desk chairs
Meditation space: Provide natural cushioning for floor sitting
Photography: Use as a beautiful, textured backdrop
Click here to view how customers are styling their homes with sheepskins
Why add an Icelandic Hide to your home?
Investment in Quality: The Value of Icelandic Sheepskin
While Icelandic sheepskins may represent a higher initial investment than mass-produced alternatives, they offer unparalleled value:
Longevity: Years of use with proper care
Unique beauty: Each piece is one-of-a-kind
Superior quality: Lush, long, luxurious hairy wool
Ethical sourcing: Peace of mind from humane, sustainable origins
Timeless appeal: Never goes out of style
Icelandic sheepskin rugs represent more than just home decor, they’re a connection to ancient traditions, pristine nature, and uncompromising quality. From the free-roaming sheep of Iceland’s wilderness to the luxurious rug gracing your home, each piece tells a story of heritage, sustainability, and natural beauty.
By choosing an Icelandic sheepskin rug and caring for it properly through regular brushing and maintenance, you’re investing in a truly special piece that will bring warmth, comfort, and timeless elegance to your space for years to come.
Icelandic Sheepskin compared against other skins we offer
|
⭐ Heritage breed Icelandic |
Most voluminous Holland |
Lightest weight Mongolian | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Iceland1,100+ yr heritage breed | NetherlandsTanned in Poland | Tibet / ChinaRaised in open grasslands |
| Wool style | Long, wild & flowingDual-layer: coarse outer + soft inner | Dense, lofty & plushThick pile, cushion-like feel | Curly, silky & airyNatural crimped locks |
| Softness | |||
| Density | MediumSubstantial feel | HeaviestWon’t bottom out | ~8 oz / hideFeather-light & slinky |
| Typical size | 42–58″ longSingle pelt hides & Multi-pelt blankets & area rugs available | 45–59″ longAmong the largest available | 38-40″ single peltMulti-pelt throws available |
| Colors | White, gray, brown, black, moorit, spotted | White, cream, brown, spotted | White, natural multicolorSeasonal availability |
| How raised | Free-roaming IcelandNo predators, no pesticides, beyond organic | Netherlands farmsNaturally raised, minimally processed | Tibetan grasslandsFree-range, certified natural farms |
| Hypoallergenic | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Best use | Floor rug, chair drape, statement décor | Floor rug, seating pad, max plush coverage | Lap throw, shawl, sofa accent, garments |
| Maintenance | Brush regularlyShake & air out; spot clean | Shake & air outSpot clean as needed | Low maintenanceDo not brush — shake only |
| Price range | $150 – $975 | $165 – $295 | $125 – $597 |
| Shop Icelandic → | Shop Holland → | Shop Mongolian → |
Ready to experience a touch of nature in your home? Browse our unique collection of Icelandic Skins today!
Big Beautiful Gray Icelandic Sheepskin White + Gray XL (54″ x 36″)
$265.00Big Wide Silky Natural Brown Moorit Icelandic Sheepskin (53″ x 38″)
$250.00Blacky Brown Curly Icelandic Sheepskin Rug (45″ x 33″)
$195.00Blacky Brown Icelandic Lambskin Rug
$150.00Blush Greige Icelandic Lambskin Rug
Price range: $175.00 through $775.00Brown & White Long Wool Icelandic Sheepskin Throw Rug (52″ x 33″)
$150.00Brown Double Long Icelandic Sheepskin Rug XXL
$375.00Cool Brown + Light Flecks Short 2″ Wool Pliable Lambskin Pelt Throw (44″ x 30″)
$165.00Curly Natural Icelandic Sheepskin Rug
$150.00
