A rya is a traditional Scandinavian wool rug with a long pile of about 1 to 3 inches. They are made using a form of the Ghiordes knot to make the double-sided pile fabric.

The first ryas originated in the early fifteenth century as coarse, long-piled, heavy covers used by mariners instead of furs. As time progressed, the rugs have evolved to be lighter and more colorful. The insulation that ryas provide protects against the cold Scandinavian climate.

Ryas are a knotted pile carpet, with each knot composed of three strands of wool, which enables the rug to exhibit rich texture from all the different shades of color.