brown 6-pelt Icelandic sheepskin area rug used on floor in living room

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	Luxuriously soft	Very soft & plush	Silkiest of all three
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 →