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!
Blush Greige Icelandic Sheepskin | Taupe, Desert Rose & Silver Tones
Icelandic Sheepskin – Beautiful Shape Wide Large Gray 50×33 | Rare Natural Fur Rug
Genuine Black Icelandic Sheepskin Pelt | Natural Wool Rug, Dark Nordic Fur Décor 57″ x 35″
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.
One interesting fact is that in the country of Iceland, Icelandic Sheep are the only breed of sheep on the island! No other breeds of sheep are allowed to protect the Icelandic sheep’s ancestral purity!
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.
The Unique Beauty of Icelandic Sheepskin Wool
Exceptional Dual-Layer Fleece
Icelandic sheep possess a unique dual-layered fleece system that evolved to protect them from Iceland’s extreme climate:
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.
Natural Color Variations
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 sheepskins 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)
Each natural Icelandic sheepskin rug is completely unique, showcasing nature’s artistry with one-of-a-kind coloring and patterns. No two are ever exactly alike!
Caring for Your Icelandic Sheepskin Rug: Keeping That Beautiful, Fluffy Look
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
- 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
Additional Care Tips for Icelandic Sheepskin Rugs
- Spot clean spills immediately with cold water and a damp cloth
- 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
- Avoid heat sources like radiators or fireplaces that can dry out the leather backing
Why Choose 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
- Sustainable agriculture with minimal environmental impact
- Ethical animal husbandry with free-roaming, naturally raised livestock
- Zero waste philosophy, utilizing byproducts from meat production
Decorating with Icelandic Sheepskin Rugs
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
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
Experience the Uniqueness of Icelandic Sheepskin
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.
Ready to experience the unmatched luxury of authentic Icelandic sheepskin? Each rug is a unique work of nature, find yours today before it’s gone forever.