Formed by molten lava, boiling water, rain, ice, fire… it is Iceland. Located in the north-western corner of Europe, Iceland is always a destination on the radar of any adventure and nature enthusiast. Its surface of 103,125 km² places Iceland as the second largest European island, only behind Great Britain.

Its landscape is mountainous, highlighting its many volcanoes, with lowlands from the coast to the Its landscape is mountainous, highlighting its many volcanoes, with lowlands from the coast to the interior, mainly in the south and west. It has many glaciers, including Vatnajökull: the largest European glacier in volume (about 3,000 km³) and the second largest in area, only surpassed by Austfonna in Nordaustlandet, in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. Its coasts are irregular and rocky, with numerous fjords and inlets except in the south, where sandy beaches predominate. Only 20% of the land is arable and it is mainly located in the south and west, the rest is occupied by glaciers and volcanic terrain, which is why the large uninhabitable areas in the interior of the island stand out.

Due to its location and climatic conditions, the island has a population density of only 3.31 inhabitants/km², with Germany having 230 inhabitants/km² and the European average being around 73 inhabitants/km². Its population is mainly located in its capital, Reykjavik, which has around 200,000 inhabitants in its metropolitan area, with around 350,000 in the country. The rest of the population live mainly around the coast, leaving the interior of the country practically uninhabited. All these characteristics make the country a kind of “Mecca” for outdoor activity lovers.

It is fair to say that Iceland is not exactly an economical destination. For starters, there are no low-cost flights to the island, and accommodation, food, and transportation are expensive. Yet somehow, this does not prevent tourism from growing year after year. In Iceland there are as many travel plans as there are types of traveller. There are those who only have a few days. Tey will typically prefer an organized tour that will usually include Reykjavík and the main natural attractions encompassed in the well-known “golden circle”, which mainly includes: the Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area (from here derives the name of geyser), the Gullfoss waterfall and the famous Blue Lagoon. However, for those who prefer more freedom and adventure, we recommend renting a vehicle to gain access the whole island. Given the dramatic changes in climate, the rugged landscape and the fact that most of the island is unpaved, an off-road vehicle or at least a 4×4 is your best bet. This way, you can avoid the most touristic, and increasingly crowded routes, and discover wonderful corners far from the official paths. If you want to do some glacier trekking or more technical activity, we definitely recommend, hiring a local guide, or one of the numerous agencies that organize adventure activities.

It is important to be properly equipped. Due to its continuous atmospheric changes, the most appropriate thing will be to dress with a good layering system. At Skaapherder® we always favour the most natural garments, and taking into account the high atmospheric variability of Iceland, wool takes on a special role, since its high breathability and thermal insulation it will be our best ally. A good first thermal layer will be essential, if possible, consisting of a 100% Merino wool shirt and leggings, also socks with a high wool content. Not forgetting boots with a good insulating sole, in case we have to walk on snow or ice.

Moving to more cultural terrain, the Icelanders maintain a strong attachment to their traditions. In textiles, one of its most recognisable garments is the well-known Lopapeysa. The Lopapeysa is a traditional Icelandic sweater and consists of a non-varying circle knit sweater (there is no difference between the front and back of the garment, unless buttons or zipper are added to the front) made from lopi wool, which is obtained from the local breed of sheep. It is thought that this breed of sheep was introduced by the Vikings at the end of the 9th century or the beginning of the 10th century, having adapted during these centuries to the harsh climate of the country. Its wool is double-layered, with the outer layer: tog, thicker and longer, and the inner layer: þel, finer and more insulating. The combination of both layers results in the appreciated lopi.

Despite having become a national icon, the history of Lopapeysa is relatively recent. This garment Despite having become a national icon, the history of Lopapeysa is relatively recent. It first appeared in the middle of the 20th century and replaced other more traditional clothing, mainly due to the influence of imports and to harness the stockpiles of wool produced by the omnipresent Icelandic sheep. Regarding its unique decorative motifs around the neck, there is no clear consensus on its origin. The most accepted opinion is that it represents a mixture of decorative motifs from different sources. However, currently, the theory that these patterns were copied from traditional Bolivian and Peruvian motifs, presented today on their traditional alpaca sweaters, is gaining more and more strength. This theory suggest that the Icelandic writer and Nobel Prize winner, Halldór Laxness, brought a book on Inca culture to his wife Auðu, who was inspired to create the typical pattern of the Lopapeysa we see today. They are now mostly sold as souvenirs in Reykjavík at a high price, but if you are interested in purchasing a Lopapeysa, it is worth looking a little further away from the tourist centres to get them at a more reasonable price. If you do outdoor activity, they are a great natural alternative to other more commercial options made with synthetic fibres.

Taking advantage of Iceland’s changing weather and its wide range of outdoor activities, we went to test the prototypes of our most versatile sock model, the Skaapherder® Grand Trekker™. The test was unbeatable, providing sufficient warmth outdoors, as well as great breathability indoors or during more aerobic activities. Our feet were kept in perfect condition at all times thanks to its high Merino wool content and its design and structure designed to provide the best performance in a wide variety of weather and ground conditions.