The Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Centre
An exhibition dedicated to Iceland’s national dog
The Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Centre is a lively and educational exhibition that highlights the history, role and unique character of this remarkable breed. Its aim is to preserve the cultural heritage connected to the Icelandic sheepdog and make it accessible to visitors of all ages. The story is told in a warm, visual and personal way.
Opening and development of the exhibition
The centre opened in May 2025 after three years of preparation by cultural scholar Evelýna Ýr from Lýtingsstaðir. She has gathered diverse material showing how the Icelandic sheepdog has accompanied Icelanders since the settlement period and played a key role in daily life, farming and national culture.
Education, visual material and archives
Visitors can explore the breed’s history in Icelandic, English, German and French, watch documentaries, view old photographs and artworks showing the development and characteristics of the sheepdog. They can browse books, name and colour archives, see the dogs up close and listen to stories connected to the breed. The Icelandic sheepdogs at Lýtingsstaðir often greet visitors and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Turf horse stable and architectural heritage
In 2015, the family at Lýtingsstaðir built a turf horse stable, a shed and a corral that reflect traditional Icelandic architecture. These buildings are masterpieces of turf craftsmanship. The exhibition there explains how horses were kept in earlier centuries and how the history of people and horses in Iceland is intertwined. Audio guides are available in four languages and take about 30 minutes. Guided tours for groups are also available.
Lýtingsstaðir and historical context
Lýtingsstaðir traces its roots to the settlement era when Lýtingur claimed land in the area. The farm was a major estate for centuries, and a half‑church stood there from the 11th to the 18th century. It later served as a meeting house into the 20th century. Although the original turf buildings no longer exist, the turf houses built in 2015 give a clear picture of life and farming in earlier times.
A cultural experience for visitors
Tourism has been part of life at Lýtingsstaðir since 2000, alongside traditional farming. The farm offers horse rides, accommodation and visits that connect Icelandic cultural heritage: the Icelandic horse, turf buildings and, of course, the Icelandic sheepdog. The Icelandic Sheepdog Centre is an ideal stop for anyone who wishes to experience Icelandic history and culture in a personal and engaging way.
Ten activities near the Icelandic Sheepdog Centre
- Take a guided boat tour to Drangey, where locals hunted birds and collected eggs for centuries. The outlaw Grettir Ásmundarson also stayed there while fleeing the authorities.
- Bathe in the restored Grettislaug at Reykjaströnd, where Grettir the Strong warmed up after swimming from Drangey.
- Experience the Battle of Örlygsstaðir at the virtual‑reality exhibition 1238: The Battle for Iceland in Sauðárkrókur.
- Visit the turf farm at Glaumbær and learn about traditional architecture and daily life in past centuries. Outside stands a statue of Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir and her son Snorri Þorfinnsson.
- Go on an exciting river‑rafting adventure in the East or West Jökulsá rivers.
- Take the opportunity to join a horse ride in Skagafjörður, the cradle of Icelandic horsemanship. In autumn, the Laufskálarétt round‑ups are an unforgettable experience.
- Visit Hólar in Hjaltadalur, a historic cultural site for nearly a thousand years.
- Learn about Icelandic emigration to North America at the Emigration Centre in Hofsós.
- Swim and relax in the Hofsós swimming pool, with stunning views over Drangey and the fjord.
- Visit Víðimýri Church near Varmahlíð, one of Iceland’s most beautiful and best‑preserved turf churches from 1834.
More information can be found at visitskagafjordur.is.
Hraunkot - Lýtingsstaðir, 561 Varrmahlíð 
fjarhundur@fjarhundur.is 
www.fjarhundur.is 
(+354) 893 3817
Opening hours: