Réttir in Iceland 2025
The Big Round-Up. An event that takes place in the countryside and, as unusual as it sounds, includes sheep and romance
Best time: early–mid-September
In the old days, Icelanders had the custom to let their sheep roam free during the summer days. Well, round-up is an old Icelandic tradition of riding horses up to the highlands in order to bring the sheep back. Long time ago, it was a way of living, and today it is a fun activity. It all starts with locals going uphill to return their sheep back home and it ends with dancing, eating and drinking. In the past, some couples used to get married during the round-up.
Visitors are welcome to join the event or just to take a look and learn something new. This event happens in early September, so join in, and bring a ring, just in case.
Bjarteyjarsandur farm is an excellent place for the réttir experience, and it's also not far from the capital. North-Iceland boasts some of the greatest round-ups, namely the areas around Akureyri. Skagafjörður area by the famous fjord has some impressive rettir tradition. The valley of Svartárdalur is another great spot to see the traditional sorting of livestock. There is also a big celebration around historical Eyjafjörður fjord.
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