About Us

A volunteer rescue team rooted in Skagafjörður

Based in Sauðárkrókur, Skagfirðingasveit serves Skagafjörður through search, rescue, training, preparedness, and volunteer-driven response.

Ready to help when the community needs us

Skagfirðingasveit is a volunteer search and rescue team based in Sauðárkrókur, serving Skagafjörður and nearby areas. The team responds to search, rescue, assistance, and preparedness tasks on land and on the water, often in demanding conditions.

Records from the Skagafjörður District Archives trace the team's roots to 1932. After a period of inactivity, Skagfirðingasveit was re-established in 1965 and has worked continuously since, built on training, solidarity, and the will to help when it matters.

The team is run by volunteers who give their time, experience, and energy to serve the community. Members train regularly, maintain equipment, and keep people's safety at the center of every task.

Today that readiness includes Aldan, the team's Zodiac/Marine rescue boat, strengthening the ability to respond around water and coastal conditions in the region.

  • History: Founded in 1932, re-established in 1965, and active in its present form ever since.
  • Volunteer readiness: Regular training, teamwork, and well-maintained equipment help the team stay prepared.
  • Community service: Skagfirðingasveit supports search and rescue, safety education, visits, stories, and local preparedness.
Rescue team volunteers in the field

A living history of readiness

Skagfirðingasveit has grown through decades of volunteer commitment, local knowledge, training, and community support.

  1. 1932

    Roots in Skagafjörður

    Records from the Skagafjörður District Archives trace the team's roots back to 1932, placing the rescue tradition deep in the region's history.

  2. 1965

    Re-established for continuous service

    After a quieter period, Skagfirðingasveit was re-established and has worked continuously since, built on training, trust, and teamwork.

  3. 2013

    Hjaltadalsá floodwater search

    The search in Hjaltadalsá showed the importance of coordinated response across riverbanks, bridges, boats, aircraft, and neighbouring teams.

  4. 2026

    Aldan strengthens water response

    The team's Zodiac/Marine rescue boat, Aldan, adds important capacity for water, harbour, and coastal response around Skagafjörður.

  5. Today

    Volunteer readiness every day

    Members continue to train, maintain equipment, share stories, welcome visitors, and stay prepared for the next callout.

Want to learn more?

Contact us about visits, stories, collaboration, or questions about the team.