We will be working on various projects in this remote location in the Icelandic Western fjords. In general, we will be preparing the area before the summer season, when most tourists and hikers visit the district. The works may involve cleaning, painting, light construction work inside and in the surroundings of the camping area, but also planting vegetables or helping in horse stables. The working plan will be very flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local hosts and the advance of the diverse projects in the area surrounding the valley. In the evenings and during the free days there will be enough time to explore the surroundings, trekking and walking, as you will be able to rest in the natural hot tubs, bathe in the local swimming pool and discover many other surprises of this beautiful place including horseback riding on the unique Icelandic horses and possibly kayaking in the fjords.
Accomodation & food:
ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a local housing; sleeping in beds; bringing a sleeping bag is not necessary for the period of the camp. Food will be provided and a kitchen will be available; volunteers will share the duties of helping in the kitchen and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
LOCATION: The workcamp will take place in the Westfjords at the north-western part of Iceland. The region accounts for 10 of the country s surface but only about 7200 people live there, so it is one of the least populated areas of Europe. The Westfjords are very mountainous; the coastline is made by dozens of fjords surrounded by steep hills.The region is bounded by Breioafjorour in the south, with Gilsfjorour cutting into the land from the west and Bitrufjorour from the east, the two almost severing the ragged peninsula from the main mass of Iceland. The West Fjords are made up of safjaroar-, Baroastrandar-, and Strandir Counties.In the Westfjords you will be able to explore the whole range of Icelandic flora from the shore and meadows, through birch to mossy moors. On the shore, one can see birds and seals and then an occasional arctic fox around the sheep.Fishing is traditionally the main industry in the region but tourism started to be more and more important as local and foreign visitors are discovering this region in rising numbers.The workcamp will take place in a valley covered with birch bushes in Mjoifjorour in safjaroardjup. The distances to the next town and villages are 130 km to safjorour and 90 km to Holmavik. Hiking in this beautiful area is very impressive and an inspection of the coastline by walking or kayaking is an inspiring option. Landline phone connection is available, and the place provides a full variety of opportunities for volunteers and visitors.
Requirements:
LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp, high proficiency is not required.
WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will perform diverse outdoors work consisting of:-Making, marking and maintaining walking paths, put up information signs for visitors.-Setting up fences to withhold cattle in the field and paint windows of the houses and stalls.-Planting trees in order to make a sheltered area and help around with the spring tasks in the garden and on the land.-Putting wood protection on timber constructed toilet facilities in a new outdoor and recreational area close to the glacier Flakajokull. All the projects undertaken will be for the benefits of the local society and the nature of the area.
Accomodation & food:
ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation with access to kitchen and bathroom. Other guests or travellers might be in the house at the same time as it is a guesthouse accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning activities and please do not forget some traditional food from your home country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
LOCATION: The project takes place in an active Icelandic farm in south Iceland placed between the town Hofn in Hornarfjorour and the glacier lagoon Jokulsarlon where big icebergs float. Tourism has been a growing field in the area and the locals are meeting the new demands. By working under an environmental framework they get a yearly certificate from Green Globe. They focus on keeping the area clean and attractive; reduce waste of recourses and pollution by recycling, saving energy and using environmental friendly products. It is important that the nature and cultural heritage is protected and respected but at the same time accessible and interesting for visitors. The project aims at using local product and services as long as it fulfils quality standards. SEEDS volunteers are encouraged to bring in their own ideas on how to develop their environmental guidelines even further. The south of Iceland is one of the most popular destinations for travellers as the landscape offers diverse and breathtaking nature. Rivers and waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and long beaches form a contrast and offer a wide range of experiences.The view is spectacular and the biggest national park in Europe with the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull is only few kilometres away. The unique beauty of the nature, unpredictable weathers during winter and local culture have shaped the culture in the area.The Vatnajokull N.P., stretching from the south coast to the north coast of the island; it is the largest protected wilderness in Europe. It covers around 15.000 km2 (15 of the surface of Iceland), including all of Vatnajokull glacier, the former Skaftafell N.P., Jokulsargljufur N.P. and surrounding area.
Requirements:
LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.
We will be working on various projects in this remote location in the Icelandic Western fjords. In general, we will be preparing the area before the summer season, when most tourists and hikers visit the district. The works may involve cleaning, painting, light construction work inside and in the surroundings of the camping area, but also planting vegetables or helping in horse stables. The working plan will be very flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local hosts and the advance of the diverse projects in the area surrounding the valley. In the evenings and during the free days there will be enough time to explore the surroundings, trekking and walking, as you will be able to rest in the natural hot tubs, bathe in the local swimming pool and discover many other surprises of this beautiful place including horseback riding on the unique Icelandic horses and possibly kayaking in the fjords.
Accomodation & food:
ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a local housing; sleeping in beds; bringing a sleeping bag is not necessary for the period of the camp. Food will be provided and a kitchen will be available; volunteers will share the duties of helping in the kitchen and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
LOCATION: The workcamp will take place in the Westfjords at the north-western part of Iceland. The region accounts for 10 of the country s surface but only about 7200 people live there, so it is one of the least populated areas of Europe. The Westfjords are very mountainous; the coastline is made by dozens of fjords surrounded by steep hills.The region is bounded by Breioafjorour in the south, with Gilsfjorour cutting into the land from the west and Bitrufjorour from the east, the two almost severing the ragged peninsula from the main mass of Iceland. The West Fjords are made up of safjaroar-, Baroastrandar-, and Strandir Counties.In the Westfjords you will be able to explore the whole range of Icelandic flora from the shore and meadows, through birch to mossy moors. On the shore, one can see birds and seals and then an occasional arctic fox around the sheep.Fishing is traditionally the main industry in the region but tourism started to be more and more important as local and foreign visitors are discovering this region in rising numbers.The workcamp will take place in a valley covered with birch bushes in Mjoifjorour in safjaroardjup. The distances to the next town and villages are 130 km to safjorour and 90 km to Holmavik. Hiking in this beautiful area is very impressive and an inspection of the coastline by walking or kayaking is an inspiring option. Landline phone connection is available, and the place provides a full variety of opportunities for volunteers and visitors.LEISURE:SEEDS and/or the local hosts will organise spare time activities for the volunteers free of charge. Place of extreme beauty and isolation; natural surroundings with hot springs, free access to enjoy the hot tub and the local pool; possibility of horseback riding and kayaking in the fjords. Countless opportunities to discover by foot or to hike the surroundings of the valley.
Requirements:
LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp, high proficiency is not required.
We will also build shelter and fences for the animals and clean the coastline. The second week will combine different tasks within Reykjavik city which ensures daily diversity and various experiences for the volunteers. The activities for us will be focused on keeping Reykjavik and its public areas lively, attractive and charming for locals and visitors. Tasks may involve house painting to cover graffiti tags, tiding up public spaces and face-lifting the city. Other activities might involve us in one off SEEDS volunteer base. We might be assisting there as well and giving our contribution in the future development of SEEDS volunteering activities.
ACCOMMODATION:
We will stay within the reserve and will sleep in bunk beds in shared rooms. In Reykjavik we will sleep in a fully equipped local house in shared rooms. We need to bring our own sleeping bags. We will receive food and be in charge of the different cooking and cleaning activities. Equipped kitchen and washing machine are available. Please bring some traditional food from your countries for the international evening.
LOCATION:
The heritage and nature conservation centre and its reserve are located in a very isolated area in the East of Iceland, far from any urban centre; we should be aware of the location remoteness and its extreme natural beauty and wildlife. There are no public transportation services to the closest town and entertainment alternatives are in connection with the gorgeous nature; walking and hiking journeys during the free time and the creativity of the group. This project is adequate for volunteers enjoying isolated places with splendid nature and looking for peaceful surroundings as the quietness of the area. The sea and High Mountains, reaching up to 600 meters in height, border the area. You can also discover waterfalls, snowfields and reindeer i all within walking distance of the house.The reserve is managed as a conservation site for environmental education and sustainable tourism; hosting a number of environmentally important flora and fauna including one of Iceland s largest colonies of Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea), 600m sea cliffs hosting significant numbers of nesting sea birds (including Puffin, Kittiwake and Fulmar) and is home to the elusive arctic fox. Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, with a population of over 200,000 including the metropolitan area, so two thirds of Iceland s inhabitants live here. Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources - geothermal power and glacial rivers. In the area closer than 100 Km from Reykjavik, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit.
LANGUAGE:
English will be the language of the camp; high proficiency is not required.
EXTRAS:
Participation fee EUR 120,- (Euros).
Free time activities will include making cheese and ale, as well as enjoying the many things the exquisite nature offers us. Tours and excursions will be organised at discount prices, as well as free access to Reykjavik s seven geothermal pools.
Our tasks will mainly be focused on improving the environment in and around the whole area; planting trees, doing some paint work. We might also help with building items out of timber. Furthermore we might assist in general clean up of the area, helping with other outdoor activities. The host keeps horses, dogs and cats. The volunteers will have access to the animals and will be given guidance in taking care of and riding horses. The working plan will be very flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local host, the advance of the diverse projects in the area surrounding the valley and of course on the weather conditions. We will help to preserve the local environment. Last but not least we will explore the surrounding of the location and enjoy free time activities arranged in cooperation with the local host, such as horseback riding.
Accomodation & food:
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will stay in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation with access to kitchen and bathroom. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning activities and please do not forget some traditional food from your home country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
LOCATION: The farm is located in beautiful landscape with mountains and walleyes. It is close to Hallormsstaoaskogur, the largest wooded area of the country that spreads over 30 ha. Of land. The reforestation of the forest has been going on ever since a law for the protection was passed in1899. The tree collection keeps an extensive variety of foreign trees and is renowned among professionals and travellers. The oldest part of the woodland is accessible with good hiking trails and explanation signs.The area offers great variety of walking paths, such as to the deepest walleye of the country and up to Sandfell where the view is quite magnificent. Riding tours up to the mountains or in the woodland is also a nice experience. Small stream runs through the land where children and adults can cool down in warm summer days.The project is located in the municipality of Fljotsdalsherao, Iceland s easternmost populous municipality; 17 km from the largest town in the Eastern Iceland i Egilsstaoir (population 2300). It is a young town, but which has become the largest town of east Iceland and offers a swimming pool, shops and museums among other main services.The wild reindeers of Iceland are found in Fljotsdalsherao, they are about ten thousand and also the biggest forest in Iceland, Hallormstaoarskogur is located within the district.The East Fjords is a region of a special landscape, dominated by long, narrow fjords and steep mountains. This is one of the oldest regions of Iceland shaped by glaciers in the Ice Age.
Requirements:
LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.
Past farming work has taken its toll in the pristine landscape, we will support local farms in removing elements and machinery used in the past (e.g. old tires, old corrugated iron, fences, etc.), that have been left unattended and need to be removed in order to restore the natural and historical heritage of the region.We will also work repairing an old turf building, restoring it to its previous form , so it looks similar to the several other turf buildings in the surroundings. Additional work for us will be turfing, fixing and maintaining walking paths and making a new trail, as fixing two bridges that were damaged by waters from the glacier-snow melting.
Accomodation & food:
ACCOMMODATION: We will be lodged in a house at one of the farms, sleeping on mattresses on the floor; please bring a sleeping bag. We will receive food ingredients and be in charge of the different cooking and cleaning activities. Equipped kitchen and washing machine are available. Please do not forget some traditional food from your home country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
LOCATION: Located in the North-eastern part of the country and in the vicinity of the largest national park in Europe, the Vatnajokull National Park, which is now around 12.000 square-kilometers. It is expected the national park will enlarge even further within the next few years. The region of the park is unique; one can find glaciers, volcanic activities, glacier bursts, eruptions and geothermal heat plus extremely rare landscape; for example untouched vastness. With the establishment of Vatnajokull National Park, Icelanders wade into the largest nature conservation project ever taken on in Iceland. It is one of the largest developments the authorities have undertaken in this region and has created many jobs. The land within the national park is mostly owned by the government, but a few privately owned districts are a part of the national park.The farms in the area are surrounded by untamed nature of supreme beauty; most of the area is unspoiled and undisturbed. Some farms have been inhabited already since the early settlement. Under its ice-cap, the glacier hides seven volcanoes and most of them are active. Underneath there is an ice cavern system several km long. Vatnajokull covers about 8 of the country, and is about 1000 m thick at its thickest point. Mount Heroubreio, the queen of Icelandic mountains and one of the most famous in Iceland is located in the area.
Requirements:
LANGUAGE: English will be the language of the camp; high proficiency is not required.
The farmers need assistance in various things around the farm, so our schedule might be different from day to day. Our projects will include tearing down old fences and making some new ones, cleaning out a stable, picking and drying herbs and planting trees. Other projects might be to clean the surroundings, putting down some new fences.The working plan will be very flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local hosts, the advance of the diverse projects and of course on the weather conditions. We will help to preserve the local environment and get practical experience on the farm life and farm work. Our host is an animal masseuse and a healer and she wants to teach us her trade and let us tend to the animals.
Accomodation & food:
ACCOMMODATION: We will stay in a house located on the farm; sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Please bring your own sleeping bag. We will receive food and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Equipped kitchen and washing machine are available.Please do not forget some traditional food from your home country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
LOCATION: The South of Iceland is unique and that part of the country receives by far the greatest numbers of foreign visitors. There everything that makes Iceland interesting to visit can be found the year around. Here history follows you at every footstep, both ancient and recent. There are creative art, culture and flourishing trade and endless possibilities to enjoy the outdoor life in all seasons. Above all there is the awesome and rugged nature from the mountains to the sea.The small town Hvolsvollur, the nearest town to the farm, is one of the few Icelandic inland located towns. It started developing in the thirties, when most of the streams and rivers in the Southwestern Lowlands had been bridged. The inhabitants base their livelihood mainly on services rendered to the agricultural surroundings, the meat processing for the domestic market and tourism. The town is situated in one of the most important Saga regions of the country; with some of the main stages of the renowned Brennu-Njals Saga.Which is the longest and most celebrated of the Icelandic Sagas. Though its events are set in the tenth and early eleventh centuries, the Saga itself was not written until towards the end of the thirteenth century by an anonymous Icelandic storyteller. The Saga takes place in Southern Iceland mainly at Rangarvellir, where we will be staying.The farm is one of three in Iceland that has received an organic certification for their cow farming. There also horses and breeding of Icelandic sheep dogs. The family is running a Peace centre, which aims at having goods and services that promote protection of nature and humans. They have been developing work ethic education and try to integrate that into their everyday live.
Requirements:
LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.STUDY THEME: This workcamp has an educational/awareness-raising approach to environmental awareness, nature-protection and sustainable development topics. The host will also give us sessions in the work ethic material they have been developing, called the Vs. A package that emphasises on 21 work ethic words that in Icelandic all start with the letter V.
The house and the surroundings need maintenance work and we will take part in various tasks in order to fix, maintain and beautify the house and its surroundings. We will paint and give the houses a facelift which have been worn down due to wind and rain. We will work with the wood collected in the area, both in a creative way and to chip it down for various usages. We will also do gardening work such as cutting grass in the fields, gathering it together and possibly planting trees. We aim at starting a vegetable garden, so it has to be prepared, maintained and cared for. We will take care of the hen house which keeps the original species from the time of the settlers in Iceland. Other tasks we will possibly undertake during the camp are marking and making hiking trails, light maintenance inside or outside the house. We will have time to work in creative projects.
Accomodation & food:
ACCOMMODATION: We will live in a beautiful typical Icelandic farmhouse and will sleep in the loft on mattresses with sleeping bags. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The house has all facilities available. Food ingredients will be provided; we will share the duties of preparing and cooking meals. Do not forget some traditional food for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
LOCATION: We will stay in an old farmhouse, Alviora, 1 hour drive from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The house sits under Ingolfsfjall, The Mountain of Ingolfur, with a view to Eyjafjallajokull where the volcanic eruptions started in March and April. The place is protected as natural Icelandic heritage; the nature, vegetation and birdlife is rich in variety and quantity. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities in a peaceful and beautiful location with a small stream and a pond nearby. Hiking trails with maps about cultural heritage can be found are spread around the area, which is a popular attraction among foreign and local visitors. Wild blue- and crowberries grow on the land and the berry season is in late August/September. The house serves as an environmental-educational centre where students and other visitors can have a look at an extensive stone and stuffed animal collection. The river Sogio is within walking distance which is a place of interest in itself regarding birdlife and fishing. The river is 19 km long and is the largest freshwater river in the country in terms of flow. The nearest town, Selfoss, is only 10 minutes-drive away with 6500 inhabitants, is a centre of commerce and small industries where you find a geothermal swimming pool, shops, museums, cafes and bars. STUDY THEME: This workcamp has an educational/awareness-raising approach to environmental, nature-protection and sustainable development topics. The group is encouraged to organise and develope fun, interactive and educational activities within the project.
Requirements:
LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 100. Volunteers applying for this project should have a motivation for working outdoors. We will take part and organize a Mid-summer night festival and be invited to listen to stories about the hidden people. SEEDS and our hosts will organise a one day excursion by car for the group of volunteers.
« I would recommend participating in a workcamp, especially with VAP, who ensured that I found a project to suit me and provided essential training for me in preparation for my trip. Being part of a workcamp really is a life-changing experience, oh, and it looks great on your CV! »
yap-uk
0844 20 90 927
