The Icelandic Sheep Dog
The Icelandic Sheepdog, the national dog of Iceland, has accompanied the Icelandic people since the settlement era and is an inseparable part of the country's history and culture. In 2025, we will open a unique exhibition at Lýtingsstaðir in Skagafjörður, dedicated to this remarkable breed and its story. Come and experience this extraordinary exhibition - history, knowledge, and a truly memorable experience await you!
BLOG
The response
It has now been four weeks since we opened the Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center, and it is safe to say that the reception has been fantastic. Many people have already visited the center, both in organized group tours and as individuals. We feel the gratitude of Icelanders that the national dog and its story now have a space and a place to be visible and preserved. Several foreign visitors have come specifically to see the exhibition, as they own—and even breed—Icelandic Sheepdogs in their home countries. Every day, tourists come to us to experience the Icelandic horse and are often very surprised to learn upon arrival that there is not only an Icelandic horse but also an Icelandic dog. Many of them take the opportunity to visit the center before or after their riding tour, and the guestbook is filling up with words of praise. We have received excellent coverage in both Icelandic and foreign media. Morgunblaðið published a great article right after the opening (see photo). The Icelandic Kennel Clubs magazine Hundasámur, featured an article ([see here](https://www.hundasamur.is/greinar1/sogusetur-islenska-fjarhundsins-opnar-a-lytingsstodum-i-skagafirdi)). SSNV, the Association of Municipalities in Northwest Iceland, covered the opening, and the project has twice received grants from the Northwest Iceland Development Fund. The local newspaper Feykir published an article about the Heritage Center, and the Farmers journal [Bændablaðið](https://www.bbl.is/lif-og-starf/lif-og-starf/sogusetur-islenska-fjarhundsins-opnad), of course, also had its finger on the pulse. I was interviewed on a morning radio show yesterday, and you can listen to the episode [here](https://www.visir.is/k/94352390-d34e-43c0-b937-fcb00a56dc0d-1750669179232). A journalist from RÚV North Iceland is expected today. We will see when it will be broadcasted. On social media, coverage appeared from the [North Iceland Marketing Office](https://www.facebook.com/MarkadsstofaNordurlands/posts/pfbid0DzUmGx9fZnJGKqM8BcduTRFu5rpaMxximPZ3aV1FGtwQgmZhHKA88c9SCwcw3xdKl) and on "[Iceland Route 1 and Beyond.](https://www.facebook.com/IcelandRoute1andBeyond)" The Danish Icelandic Sheepdog Owners’ Association published an [article in its magazine](https://drive.proton.me/urls/4K4MD1ZK0G#8C2hSnMiweAU), and an article in the Kennel Club in the UK is forthcoming. We are extremely grateful for the reception and all the coverage about our Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center. Sómi, Hraundís, and Fönn always greet all guests and journalists with a smile and do their part to uphold the image of the national dog. **The Heritage Center is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm.**
Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center
This past Saturday, we opened the **Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center** (Sögusetur Íslenska fjárhundsins) at Lýtingsstaðir in Skagafjörður. The opening ceremony was well attended and full of wonderful guests. Behind the exhibition lies two and a half years of research and preparation. The goal of the center is to preserve the history of the Icelandic Sheepdog and to make it accessible and visible. We hope the exhibition will spark interest among locals as well as international visitors in the Icelandic Sheepdog as an important part of our cultural heritage. The center is **open daily throughout the summer from 9 AM to 6 PM,** and by appointment outside those hours. Since we live on-site, we’re also happy to welcome visitors during other times of the year. We look forward to seeing you!
Opening ceremony - Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center
**The time has finally come!** After two and a half years of preparation, we are finally opening the exhibition here at Lýtingsstaðir in Skagafjörður. It will carry the name **Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center (Sögusetur Íslenska fjárhundsins).** The center serves as a platform to preserve, share, and promote the history of the Icelandic Sheepdog. Our goal is to raise awareness among locals and visitors alike about the Icelandic Sheepdog as an important part of our cultural heritage. **The opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 24th at 3 PM.** Light refreshments will be served, and everyone is warmly welcome to celebrate with us! The exhibition will be open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM until October, and by appointment during the winter months. We are truly excited and look forward to sharing this with you!
CONTACT
Lýtingsstaðir, 561 Varmahlíð.
561 Varmahlíð
Phone: +354 893 3817
[email protected]
