Reindeer inhabit regions around the Arctic Circle and are domesticated in northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and as far east as Siberia. In the Americas, from Alaska to Greenland, they remain wild herd animals, unlike in Iceland, where they roam freely in the highlands, primarily near Snæfell.
Reindeer were introduced late to Iceland, brought as domesticated animals from Finnmark in northern Norway between 1771 and 1787 to various regions, including Reykjanes, South Iceland, East Iceland, North Iceland, and even the Westman Islands. However, attempts to domesticate them failed, despite the Sami accompanying the animals to teach Icelanders reindeer husbandry.
All groups perished except the one relocated to Vopnafjördur. This herd thrived and has spread across the eastern half of Iceland, from Langanes to Sudursveit. Today, the population stands at around 7,000 in summer, the largest ever recorded in Iceland. All are descendants of 35 animals that arrived in Vopnafjördur in the summer of 1787 from Finnmark.
East Iceland, December 19, 2024 – A7R III – FE 1.8/135mm GM, FE 1.8/55mm ZA
Images & Text: Páll Stefánsson