Everything You Need to Know About Icelandic Lamb!

Share this article:

Icelandic Lamb is committed to raising the value of one of Iceland’s most historic farming practices to benefit the country’s hard-working farmers. By showcasing the quality of Icelandic lamb to the country’s many visitors, the company hopes to support farmers’ earnings and foster profitability in their exports.

Iceland’s rich grasslands and prolific wildlife make it the perfect breeding ground for lamb. Icelandic Lamb farmers know this, and take a personal approach to their profession, with the wellbeing of every animal at the forefront of each lambing season. From the birth of each flock, the farmers closely monitor the newborn lambs as they grow and develop, fostering a close and caring relationship that minimizes health risks and makes for happy sheep! 

While enjoying Icelandic nature, keep an eye out – there are currently 675,000 lambs grazing in the valleys and mountains of Iceland! Sheep typically travel in a pack of three, a mother and her two lambs. Icelandic sheep also go by a few different names. Male sheep are called hrútur but sometimes bekri or dorri. Females are ær or kind, and the offspring are called lambs, gimbur or hrútur! If you ever spot these incredible animals while visiting Iceland, be sure to snap a photo and share using the hashtag #icelandiclamb!

Icelandic lamb farming traditions date back 1,100 years when the Vikings first stepped foot on Iceland in the 9th century. They brought a unique breed of sheep that they introduced to the country’s rich pastures.  The arctic summer cultivates rapid plant growth and provides newly sprouted micro-herbs perfect for lambs to feed on. The Icelandic Lamb Marketing Board is committed to continuing this centuries-long history of fostering family-owned farms. Icelandic Lamb has never wavered in its commitment to raising healthy lambs, and Icelandic sheep remain “one of the purest and most protected species in the world.” A carefully recorded breeding database ensures the origin of each lamb and sheep, guaranteeing cross-breeding never takes place.

Check out the Icelandic Lamb website for more history, traditions, and information! Don’t forget to share or on Twitter!