Reindeer

Rain, dear?

The reindeer made its grand entrance in Iceland from 1771 - 1787 from Norway. Herds were scattered all over Iceland but were deemed extinct in all regions apart from East Iceland shortly after. It is thought that the harsh winter weather and the lack of pasture had made the other regions uninhabitable for the reindeers. However, the nature and environment in the easternmost part of Iceland seemed to be a prime location for the reindeers to thrive.

When and where to see reindeers

Austurland is the prime location for travelers wanting to see reindeers, as it is the only region of the country where they reside. During the summertime, reindeers keep mostly to themselves in the highlands. However, as snow builds up in the mountains and temperatures drop, the reindeers tend to move closer to shore. It is, therefore, not an unusual sight to see herds of reindeers close to the Ringroad when driving around the region during colder months. Check out our traveling guide for each month and plan your reindeer spotting trip now!

Rangifer Tarandus (Reindeer)

Reindeers or Rangifer tarandus are naturally strong animals with thick fur to withstand the colder climate in their habitat. In addition, it's the only known type of deer where both the female and male animals grow horns. It is, however, rather easy to distinguish one from another as the females are usually around half the size of a male reindeer. 

The Reindeer Park

The Reindeer Park in Egilsstaðir is truly unique in Iceland – the only place where you can get up close and personal with reindeer.

The park began in 2021, when two reindeer calves were found without their mother and in very poor condition. The owner took them in and, against all odds, managed to save their lives. Today, they are nearly fully grown and thriving. Since then, others have contacted us when they’ve found sick or abandoned reindeer, and the herd has slowly grown. Today, the park is home to four rescued reindeer – and it’s quickly becoming a popular destination for visitors.

This is an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Our reindeer are incredibly friendly and comfortable around people, giving you the chance to pet them and even feed them – a truly unforgettable encounter with Icelandic wildlife.