This is a unique, demanding and rewarding opportunity for volunteers to gain new skills and ecological perspectives through working and living closely to the land. This project is organised with our host, Wildfjords Restoration located in the Westfjords of Iceland. The main project activity is restoration of cairns in an area in the south of the Westfjords. Cairns are piles of carefully constructed rock that have historically been used to help people find their way in difficult weather conditions on mountainous walking routes. The cairns to be restored are situated in high and harsh land. A trained wilderness guide and another leader will be working with the group to ensure quality of craftsmanship and to ensure everyone's safety. Running alongside the cairn restoration activities will be a programme of creative-led discussions and activities, designed to create a space to help you experience a connection to the earth and sea, allow you to relax and be present, connect back to your natural rhythms, and find inspiration and insight.
ACCOMMODATION:
SEEDS participants will be camping in a remote valley in the Westfjords. When not camping, SEEDS volunteers will stay in a well-equipped hostel, close to the Latrabjarg bird cliffs. Food will be supplied for volunteers and they will help cook and clean in camp and be in charge of cooking when staying at the hostel. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for an international evening.
LOCATION:
The project is situated in the Westfjords of Iceland, which is a distinct region that very few travellers to Iceland visit. The landscape is a mixture of sea-cliffs, huge beaches, many rivers, vegetated valleys, snowy/rocky mountains and moss-covered hill sides. Camping and accommodation is situated in remote locations.
LANGUAGE:
English will be the official language in the camp and a good conversational level of English is required.
TERMINAL:
Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Once you've arrived in Reykjavik, you will be transferred by bus to the Westfjords.
EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS:
The participation fee is EUR 250 (Euros). Please note that this fee is to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas. The fee includes the domestic transportation from Reykjavík to the camp site and back (on the first and last day of the camp). Departure time will be at 7:00 in the morning.
Volunteers need to be prepared for physical and demanding work, working and camping in a wild landscape and sometimes cold weather. Free time activities are mostly hiking and trekking in the area as there is no transportation available. Volunteers should participate in group activities. Bring warm winter clothes as the project takes place outside and the weather can be very cold. You will need to bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking boots, a good sleeping bag, sleeping mat and gloves. Tents will be provided.
LETTER OF INTEREST/MOTIVATION:
There is an application process for those wishing to join this volunteer experience. To apply, please submit an additional Motivation letter, stating your relevant experience and reasons for wanting to join and your CV/Resume. Applications will be processed within 7 days.
Our host for this project is a farmer’s family on the south shore of Iceland, who cultivates carrots and keeps cows. This is the fifth year that SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity to get to know and explore this traditional Icelandic vegetable/carrots and dairy farm. The main tasks in this project will mainly be connected with the carrots cultivation. Volunteers will be working in the fields, harvesting and cleaning carrots, and removing plastic wraps and other things from the carrot beds. Volunteers might also be asked to do some environment/construction work in this camp; beautifying the area and tidying up the surroundings of the farm. Volunteers might be asked to do a bit of renovation work as well, such as some painting preparation work if weather conditions allow. Those who are interested in animal husbandry should feel free to drop in on the cows in the stalls, assist in milking them or tending to them in general. The weather conditions in Iceland are unpredictable; be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and be sure of bringing warm clothing since most of the work will take place outdoors.
ACCOMMODATION:
SEEDS volunteers will stay in a fully equipped house, in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for an international evening.
LOCATION:
The farm is located in the South of Iceland, a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and glaciers to the north and near the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The inhabitants here live in constant threat of volcanic eruptions and the area was covered by ashes during the recent eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and Vatnajökull 2011. Vík, the closest town, is Iceland's most southerly village. Mýrdalur is bordered by the glacial river Jökulsá to the west and the river Blautakvísl to the east. Its northern border is the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which caps the volcanic Mt. Katla, while its southern limits are the black sand beach and the rolling Atlantic waves. The district lives mainly by agriculture. Although this community of 600 inhabitants faces the open Atlantic, Vík is the only seaside settlement in Iceland left without a harbour due to natural circumstances. Among the many aspects of Vík that make it attractive are the sea-and-land trips and trips on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier to list a few. The natural beauty of the area is spectacular. Just east of the village's outskirts lies one of Europe's biggest arctic tern breeding grounds. South of Vík is a beautiful beach which has its very own charm with the black sand and the drastic coast line. A short hike within the close vicinity of Vík is sure to satisfy all serious nature lovers and bird watchers. Vík and its surroundings is one of the main bird life areas in Iceland.
LANGUAGE:
English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.
TERMINAL:
Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ). SEEDS organises the “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and vice-versa, which apart from being cheaper and more convenient, allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting and tourist sites.
EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS:
Participation fee EUR 200 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.
Volunteers should have a motivation for getting to know ways of living in rural areas in Iceland, for working outdoors and be prepared to different kinds of weather. Our host will organise free time activities in the area, depending on the weather conditions.
Our host for this project is a farmer’s family on the south shore of Iceland, who cultivates carrots and keeps cows. This is the fifth year that SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity to get to know and explore this traditional Icelandic vegetable/carrots and dairy farm. The main tasks in this project will mainly be connected with the carrots cultivation. Volunteers will be working in the fields, harvesting and cleaning carrots, and removing plastic wraps and other things from the carrot beds. Volunteers might also be asked to do some environment/construction work in this camp; beautifying the area and tidying up the surroundings of the farm. Volunteers might be asked to do a bit of renovation work as well, such as some painting preparation work if weather conditions allow. Those who are interested in animal husbandry should feel free to drop in on the cows in the stalls, assist in milking them or tending to them in general. The weather conditions in Iceland are unpredictable; be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and be sure of bringing warm clothing since most of the work will take place outdoors.
ACCOMMODATION:
SEEDS volunteers will stay in a fully equipped house, in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for an international evening.
LOCATION:
The farm is located in the South of Iceland, a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and glaciers to the north and near the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The inhabitants here live in constant threat of volcanic eruptions and the area was covered by ashes during the recent eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and Vatnajökull 2011. Vík, the closest town, is Iceland's most southerly village. Mýrdalur is bordered by the glacial river Jökulsá to the west and the river Blautakvísl to the east. Its northern border is the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which caps the volcanic Mt. Katla, while its southern limits are the black sand beach and the rolling Atlantic waves. The district lives mainly by agriculture. Although this community of 600 inhabitants faces the open Atlantic, Vík is the only seaside settlement in Iceland left without a harbour due to natural circumstances. Among the many aspects of Vík that make it attractive are the sea-and-land trips and trips on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier to list a few. The natural beauty of the area is spectacular. Just east of the village's outskirts lies one of Europe's biggest arctic tern breeding grounds. South of Vík is a beautiful beach which has its very own charm with the black sand and the drastic coast line. A short hike within the close vicinity of Vík is sure to satisfy all serious nature lovers and bird watchers. Vík and its surroundings is one of the main bird life areas in Iceland.
LANGUAGE:
English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.
TERMINAL:
Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ). SEEDS organises the “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and vice-versa, which apart from being cheaper and more convenient, allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting and tourist sites.
EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS:
Participation fee EUR 200 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.
Volunteers should have a motivation for getting to know ways of living in rural areas in Iceland, for working outdoors and be prepared to different kinds of weather. Our host will organise free time activities in the area, depending on the weather conditions.
Our host for this project is a farmer’s family on the south shore of Iceland, who cultivates carrots and keeps cows. This is the fifth year that SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity to get to know and explore this traditional Icelandic vegetable/carrots and dairy farm. The main tasks in this project will mainly be connected with the carrots cultivation. Volunteers will be working in the fields, harvesting and cleaning carrots, and removing plastic wraps and other things from the carrot beds. Volunteers might also be asked to do some environment/construction work in this camp; beautifying the area and tidying up the surroundings of the farm. Volunteers might be asked to do a bit of renovation work as well, such as some painting preparation work if weather conditions allow. Those who are interested in animal husbandry should feel free to drop in on the cows in the stalls, assist in milking them or tending to them in general. The weather conditions in Iceland are unpredictable; be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and be sure of bringing warm clothing since most of the work will take place outdoors.
ACCOMMODATION:
SEEDS volunteers will stay in a fully equipped house, in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for an international evening.
LOCATION:
The farm is located in the South of Iceland, a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and glaciers to the north and near the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The inhabitants here live in constant threat of volcanic eruptions and the area was covered by ashes during the recent eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and Vatnajökull 2011. Vík, the closest town, is Iceland's most southerly village. Mýrdalur is bordered by the glacial river Jökulsá to the west and the river Blautakvísl to the east. Its northern border is the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which caps the volcanic Mt. Katla, while its southern limits are the black sand beach and the rolling Atlantic waves. The district lives mainly by agriculture. Although this community of 600 inhabitants faces the open Atlantic, Vík is the only seaside settlement in Iceland left without a harbour due to natural circumstances. Among the many aspects of Vík that make it attractive are the sea-and-land trips and trips on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier to list a few. The natural beauty of the area is spectacular. Just east of the village's outskirts lies one of Europe's biggest arctic tern breeding grounds. South of Vík is a beautiful beach which has its very own charm with the black sand and the drastic coast line. A short hike within the close vicinity of Vík is sure to satisfy all serious nature lovers and bird watchers. Vík and its surroundings is one of the main bird life areas in Iceland.
LANGUAGE:
English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.
TERMINAL:
Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ). SEEDS organises the “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and vice-versa, which apart from being cheaper and more convenient, allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting and tourist sites.
EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS:
Participation fee EUR 200 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.
Volunteers should have a motivation for getting to know ways of living in rural areas in Iceland, for working outdoors and be prepared to different kinds of weather. Our host will organise free time activities in the area, depending on the weather conditions.
« The outside world did not interfere, because it seemed so distant, and so we spent our spare time getting to know each other and learning about each other countries', languages and cultures. Everyone was completely relaxed. This simply would not have been possible on any other type of holiday. VAP enabled me to have a truly memorable experience. »