There are about a half million sheep in Iceland. A common site is herds grazing in grasslands and occasionally sharing the road. This hearty bred of Northern European descent is typically raised for meat. The annual season of herding (smölun) occurs in the autumn when lambs are four or five months old. They also have a special, two-layer coat. On top are the water-repellant, course hairs called tog. The lower soft þel hairs are perfect for warmth. These dual characteristics are retained when spun together. The lopi yarn is what makes Icelandic wool is so popular.
