We are delighted to announce that Katla will open satellite operations on Sleepy Islands (“Svefneyjar) in Iceland beginning the summer of 2022. The Sleepy Islands are a cluster of 63 islands located in Breiðafjörður, off the west coast of Iceland and are one of the country’s hidden gems.

The islands have a rich and romantic history. They feature the oldest house in Iceland (“Ranakofinn”) and were the birthplace and home of one of Iceland’s most famous 18th century writers, Eggert Ólafsson. His work includes an extensive Icelandic travel book as well as the first cookbook ever written in Icelandic.

Sleepy Islands are a haven for Icelandic wildlife, including a wide variety of birds such as puffins, eider birds and eagles. Perhaps the islands most unique inhabitants, the "Famous Five," as they have come to be known, are five female sheep who escaped a few years back from the island cluster north of Sleepy Islands and now roam around and island hop yearlong. They live off the land and enjoy the abundance of seaweed that the island shores have to offer.

And unlike most sheep, they love to swim!

Sleepy Islands are an environmental treasure. The island shores offer one of the largest sources of seaweed in Iceland and are one of the cradles of seaweed harvesting using modern harvesting technology. Today Sleepy Islands and the surrounding Breiðafjörður are one of the main sources of sustainably harvested seaweed used in fabric for apparel.

The seaweed used in the Katla seaweed blend fabrics is sourced directly from the shores of Sleepy Islands.

Prior to our opening next summer, we are working on renovations to make the island fully sustainable, with solar energy power generation and transportation via electric boat.

On the main island where our operations will be, you can come visit the Katla Showroom where you will see Katla styles in their element.