Short-term (2 to 4 weeks) "construction" projects in Iceland

Vioey is a popular destination during the summer among Icelandic and foreign visitors. Volunteers will help prepare the island for the autumn/winter season. Volunteers will beautify the surroundings by cleaning up the area, especially along the coastline, like hand-picking garbage or collecting trash blown by the wind or brought by the sea to the shores and surroundings.SEEDS volunteers may carry out some gardening activities as well and possibly make and maintain walking paths. Well maintained paths enable people to visit the area without damaging it and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors. Depending on the advance of the project and weather conditions, volunteers may have other possible tasks such as checking up and repairing garden furniture.The working day normally runs from 09:00 - 17:00 with breaks for lunch and coffee; however, please be prepared for some flexibility due to the nature of Iceland s changeable weather.The weather conditions in Iceland are unpredictable and the temperature in May can drop during the evenings. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and be sure of bringing warm clothing since most of the work will take place outdoors. Volunteers should have motivation to work outside and work in all kinds of weather as it can get cold and rainy. Bring warm and/or waterproof clothes (overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) walking shoes/boots as the activities take place outside.As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned.

Volunteers will be lodged in a local house on Vioey Island, in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.The house has an equipped kitchen. Volunteers will receive food ingredients and be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

Vioey or Wood Island is the largest (1,7 km) island in the Kollafjorour Bay, just outside Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The island is covered by many species of plants and at least 30 species of breeding birds have been counted here. Vioey was inhabited from soon after the settlement of Iceland already in the 10th century and at the beginning of the 20th century around 100 people lived there. Today the island is uninhabited.There is a regular boat connection between the island and the harbour of Reykjavik. The island is only a few hundred metres away from the city and the trip takes about 10 minutes. This makes Vioey so special; it is a peaceful place, very close to the busy city life of the capital. There are hiking and cycling paths around the island and there is no motor traffic allowed. It also inhabits intriguing sculptural artwork, amongst them all nine pairs of basalt pillars that comprise Richard Serra s work Afangar and Yoko Ono s Imagine peace column, a tower of light, which is supported by the widow of John Lennon. Other places of interest on Vioey are related to archaeological research.Other excursions (South Shore, Hot River hike, Snaefellsnes or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time after work or during the weekends. SEEDS is not a travel agency, we do not have guides and these trips are organized for volunteers to have the chance to travel together and to support SEEDS fundraising. Subject to availability and number of participants.

Participation fee EUR 280 (Euros) which can be transferred in advance or paid for on arrival. This fee includes the transportation from the meeting point to the camp location (on the first day of the camp), the Golden Circle excursion and a whale watching trip worth around EUR 200 with tour operators. We will have free rides in the boat/ferry to the city of Reykjavik during the free time and this is subject to its schedule.

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KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

The main task will be maintaining a hiking path in an area called Srihnukagigur or Three Peaks Crater, which is a dormant volcano that last erupted over 4000 years ago. Other tasks may be to mark and control areas where the visitors are not allowed to walk in order to protect the surroundings of unnecessary passage and harm. Sports associations who run some of the skiing lodges might also need some maintenance, such as painting and trash hunts are often organized to clean-up the surrounding area.No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and might require a good physical condition; it can at times be repetitive but always rewarding. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. The working plan will depend on the needs of our local host, the advance of the diverse projects in the area and of course on the weather conditions. Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors on physical jobs and under changeable weather. Bring warm winter clothes, under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat, scarves and gloves. The camp happens around the summer solstice, when the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The bright nights are magical and staying awake enjoying the beautiful surroundings is a unique experience. During the time of the camp participants will have the opportunity to experience the midnight sun as there are 24 hours of light even if the sun sets for shorts periods of time.

SEEDS volunteers will stay in one of the ski lodges in the mountains; in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Participants will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your home country for the international evening.

The project takes place in the Blue Mountain Range area, which is located about 30 km from Reykjavik. The Blue Mountain range stretches to the west from the mountain Vifilsfell near the main road (1) from the capital area to the South-western lowlands. The highest mountain in the range reaches 600 m and in 1968 the district became a very popular skiing resort among Icelanders. The areas are excellent for recreation, not only for alpine and cross country skiing, but outdoor activities as well such as hiking and mountain biking. Nature lovers are certain to find something they like there, but it s important to be careful crossing the rugged lava fields because of the numerous caves underneath.Free time activities in the surroundings are mostly hiking and trekking. Volunteers shall be prepared for physical outdoors work and should bring good working shoes and clothes, even though it is summer, it can still be cold and hats and gloves might be necessary. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly and drastically.Other excursions may be arranged in the free days or after working hours for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares (for example Golden Circle, South Shore, Reykjanes or Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Hot River Hike, etc.).

Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp and back into SEEDS office (on the first and last day) and the group will also have a chance to explore the heart of a volcano, the only place on earth where you can enter a magma chamber.

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KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

Volunteers will support the locals in removing the trash left by visitors and helping restore the land damaged by off-road driving. Volunteers will also help with repairing an old turf building, restoring it to its previous form and making it look similar to several other turf buildings in the surroundings. Additional work may be fixing and maintaining walking paths and making a new trail. Well maintained paths enable people to visit the area without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors.Please note that the work in this camp can be very physically demanding (such as turfing) and volunteers need to be in good shape and ready to work hard. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. The weather conditions are unpredictable and the temperature in the highlands can drop below zero in the nights. Bring warm clothing since the work takes place outdoors.

Volunteers will be lodged in a house at one of the farms, sleeping in shared rooms with beds, please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food ingredients and be in charge of cooking and cleaning activities. Equipped kitchen and washing machine are available. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food or drinks from your country for the international evening.

The camp is located in the highlands of Iceland, in the highest inhabited place in the country at 469 meters above sea level. The location is in the North-Eastern part of the country and in the vicinity of the largest national park in Europe - Vatnajokull National Park. Mount Heroubreio, the queen of Icelandic mountains is located in the area. It is situated in the east side of the Odaoahraun desert and close to Askja volcano. The desert is a large lava field originating from eruptions of volcanoes in the area. The Vatnajokull Park is unique; one can find glaciers, volcanic activity, glacier bursts, eruptions and geothermal heat plus an extremely rare landscape. The area is around 12.000 Km2 and is expected to be expanded in the next years. Under the ice-cap, the glacier hides seven volcanoes and most of them are active. Vatnajokull covers about 8 of the country, and is about 1000 m wide at its thickest point.

Participation fee EUR 280 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back but we estimate the costs about EUR 75 each way. This work camp takes place in a very remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. Outdoor free time activities, for instance hikes or walks in the surroundings, will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers.Volunteers should be motivated to experience life in a very isolated part of Iceland. Participants should bring good walking sturdy shoes and warm working clothes. Weather is unpredictable and it can be cold or rainy. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag and gloves.

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KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

In this camp SEEDS volunteers will work on diverse environmental outdoor tasks, including maintenance and development of walking paths and landscaping around the huts in the area. Volunteers will also help with the revegetation in some areas around, clearing litter on the walking paths, and assisting with general maintenance and preparations within the area before summer. As the landscape is raw, the work can be physically demanding and might require a good physical condition. No previous experience is needed. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the -changeable- weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned.Volunteers need to be prepared for working and walking in a wild landscape in one of the most isolated areas in Iceland. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and bring warm winter clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can get very cold in the highlands. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat scarves and gloves.

Volunteers will be hosted in a local mountain hut; sleeping in shared rooms on mattresses on the floor. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The facilities are very basic and volunteers are expected to show consideration for their companions. Volunteers will receive food ingredients and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the international evening.

The Icelandic highlands, or the interior , are a true pearl to nature lovers and outdoor people. It is accessible on 4WD cars and most routes involve crossing rivers where there are no bridges. If you really want to get away from it all, the interior of Iceland is like nothing you have ever experienced. The mountainous centre of the island, with its rocky deserts, craggy mountain peaks, ice caps, volcanoes, hidden valleys and hot springs, is an awesome and untouched wilderness. The interior was almost totally inaccessible until recently. However outlaws managed to hide out for years at a time in the highlands, rustling sheep and keeping away from law-abiding citizens. Folklore stories tell of both natural and supernatural beings that lay in wait for unwary highland travellers. Travellers going between the north and south of Iceland sometimes had to cross the highlands. To get to the assembly of Alsingi (parliament) each summer, delegates had to ride from every corner of the country to Singvellir in the Southwest. Volunteers will be staying close to the glacier Hofsjokull and near to the rivers Hvita and Sjorsa. The mountains in the area that reach up to 1500 m were formed during a volcanic eruption in the later part of the ice age. The area is still dynamic and great geothermal activity takes place in the surroundings. The environment is very diverse, both in shape and colour. The mountains are weathered and have very little continuous growth, as the forces of nature, like glaciers, water flow, ice bursts etc. have been fast working in these mountain highlands.The location of the camp is remote and very isolated. Free time activities are mostly hiking and trekking in the area as there is no transportation available or possibility to organise transport to different sites. Volunteers need to be prepared for physical, demanding work. Weather is unpredictable and it can be very cold or rainy in the highlands.

We recommend to bring good walking shoes/boots, warm/winter and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as most of the tasks and activities take place outside.

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KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

In the Blue Mountains, the main tasks will be maintaining the slopes and preparing them for the next ski season. The city and a few sports associations run lodges and mountain huts there and they might also need some renovation jobs, such as painting and/or cleaning.The working plan is flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local hosts. No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and requires a good physical condition. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. The landscape is raw and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to experience isolated mountain areas. The camp happens around the summer solstice, when the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The bright nights are magical and staying awake and enjoying the beautiful surroundings is a unique experience. During the time of the camp participants will have the opportunity to experience the midnight sun as there are 24 hours of light even if the sun sets for shorts periods of time.

SEEDS volunteers will stay in one of the ski lodges in the mountains and sleep in a sleeping bag accommodation, sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the international evening.

The skiing areas of Blafjoll and Skalafell are both about 30 minutes drive away from the city. Blafjoll is south-west of the city and Skalafell is located to the east of Reykjavik. Both areas have great slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding as well as tracks for cross-country skiing. Blafjoll has 16 lifts and Skalafell has 4 lifts. The sports area in Skalafell is situated between the elevations of 380 and 700 m.The Blue Mountain range stretches to the west from the mountain Vifilsfell near the main road (1) from the capital area to the South-western lowlands. The highest mountain in the range reaches 600 m and in 1968 the district became a very popular skiing resort among Icelanders. The areas are excellent for recreation, not only for alpine and cross country skiing, but outdoor activities as well such as hiking and mountain biking. Nature lovers are certain to find something they like there, but it s important to be careful crossing the rugged lava fields because of the numerous caves underneath.The locations of the camp are remote and isolated, even though still close to the city. Free time activities in the surroundings are mostly hiking and trekking. Other excursions (Golden Circle, South Shore, Hot River hike or Snaefellsnes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time after work or during the weekends.

Volunteers shall be prepared for physical outdoors work and should bring good working shoes and clothes. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly and drastically. Even if it is summer, the weather can be cold or rainy. We recommend to bring good walking shoes/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as most of the tasks and activities take place outside. English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

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KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

The residency grew around an old abandoned farm which has been in the process of transformation for the last 20 years. The residency supports various art and culture activities, especially young artists, as well as scientific research. Since the start of the project there have been thousands of visitors and the plans exist to expand the residency with several more houses that will be built using stone, turf and driftwood of the area. The art residency is a home to the artworks of Pall Guomundsson, a famous local artist known for his use of stone as an art medium. Pall s art comes in forms of stone statues, paintings on stone surface and even a stone made musical instrument. His inspiration comes from Icelandic nature and traditional culture.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in a local house; sleeping in shared rooms on mattresses in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers receive food supplies and are mostly in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food or drinks from your home country for an international evening.

The project takes place in the western part of Iceland, in a unique natural pearl with breathtaking landscape, between glaciers and lava fields. The place is like an oasis in the desert, as the weather is often better than in the surroundings. Among the natural wonders nearby are the Hraunfossar waterfalls; where water comes out from a lava field over a length of 1 km. Additionally, the Hallmundarhraun lava field is among the best known and deepest in Iceland. Langjokull (Long Glacier), the second largest glacier in Iceland, it expands over 950 km2 and its highest point is 1355 m above sea level. In addition to natural wonders this area is also famous for being one of the first settled locations in Iceland and featured in some of the oldest Icelandic sagas.This work camp takes place in a remote place, in a natural area of extreme beauty. Our hosts will organise some free time activities in the area for instance hikes or visits to the beautiful surroundings. Other excursions (eg. Golden circle or Snaefellsnes Peninsula) can be organised at discount fares for SEEDS volunteers.

Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back but we estimate the costs about EUR 30 each way.

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KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

The volunteers will help:rebuilding an old rock wall and garden, collecting large stones and adding to the wall;cleaning caves and maintaining walking paths at Magnahellir and Dimmugljufur which is a beautiful canyon with hiking trails;clean the area around Laugavellir which is an impressive geothermal area with a natural pool;maintain different trails in one of the best hiking areas in Iceland. In this project SEEDS volunteers will be mostly doing construction, working with stones, repairing or marking off hiking trails and walking paths in the East of Iceland. Some of the trails and paths are located in an isolated area of mountains and fjords. The working area of Hjaroarhagi, Magnahellir and Laugavellir is within driving distance from Egilsstaoir which is the largest city/town in the East of the country. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors. Additional tasks may be cleaning or beautifying the area, like hand-picking garbage or collecting trash blown by the wind or brought by some visitors. The working day normally runs from 09:00 to 17:00 with breaks for lunch and coffee. No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and might require a good physical condition; it can at times be repetitive but always rewarding. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. The working plan will depend on the needs of our local host, the advance of the diverse projects in the area and of course on the weather conditions. Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors on physical jobs and under changeable weather. Bring warm winter clothes, under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat, scarves and gloves.

SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a local mountain hut in the municipality, away from the town. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses on the floor in shared rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The house is equipped with a kitchen. Volunteers will share the duties of preparing food, cooking meals and cleaning. There is a shower and remember to bring a bathing suit or swim gear to bath in the natural hot spring. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your home country for the international evening.

The project is in the municipality of Fljotsdalsherao, East of Iceland in a beautiful area surrounded by magnificent mountains, picturesque fjords and the sea. There are innumerable walking trails through the magnificent landscape of this area, whether over mountain passes, through valleys, or along the seashore. This work camp takes place in a very remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. Outdoor free time activities, for instance hikes or walks in the surroundings, will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers.Our hosts will organise some free time activities and the group will get the opportunity to bathe in the natural hot springs at Laugarvalladalur.

TERMINAL and TRANSPORT: Closest international Airport: Keflavik/Reykjavik (KEF).SEEDS organises a minibus option , a shared transport from Reykjavik and back. Apart from being cheaper and more convenient, it allows participants to meet and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting sites. The SEEDS minibus will travel one way along the Northern part of the country and the other way along the South coast of Iceland. In this way we will travel the whole ring road and stop at magnificent natural sights, including waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic craters, hot springs, iceberg lagoons, black sand beaches, etc. Departure will be at 7:00 am of July 1 from SEEDS office. Return to Reykjavik in the late evening of July 15.EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back but we estimate the costs about EUR 75 each way.

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KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

In the Blue Mountains, the main tasks will be maintaining the slopes and preparing them for the next ski season. The city and a few sports associations run lodges and mountain huts there and they might also need some renovation jobs, such as painting and/or cleaning.The working plan is flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local hosts. No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and requires a good physical condition. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. The landscape is raw and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to experience isolated mountain areas. The camp happens around the summer solstice, when the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The bright nights are magical and staying awake and enjoying the beautiful surroundings is a unique experience. During the time of the camp participants will have the opportunity to experience the midnight sun as there are 24 hours of light even if the sun sets for shorts periods of time.

SEEDS volunteers will stay in one of the ski lodges in the mountains and sleep in a sleeping bag accommodation, sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the international evening.

The skiing areas of Blafjoll and Skalafell are both about 30 minutes drive away from the city. Blafjoll is south-west of the city and Skalafell is located to the east of Reykjavik. Both areas have great slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding as well as tracks for cross-country skiing. Blafjoll has 16 lifts and Skalafell has 4 lifts. The sports area in Skalafell is situated between the elevations of 380 and 700 m.The Blue Mountain range stretches to the west from the mountain Vifilsfell near the main road (1) from the capital area to the South-western lowlands. The highest mountain in the range reaches 600 m and in 1968 the district became a very popular skiing resort among Icelanders. The areas are excellent for recreation, not only for alpine and cross country skiing, but outdoor activities as well such as hiking and mountain biking. Nature lovers are certain to find something they like there, but it s important to be careful crossing the rugged lava fields because of the numerous caves underneath.The locations of the camp are remote and isolated, even though still close to the city. Free time activities in the surroundings are mostly hiking and trekking. Other excursions (Golden Circle, South Shore, Hot River hike or Snaefellsnes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time after work or during the weekends.

Volunteers shall be prepared for physical outdoors work and should bring good working shoes and clothes. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly and drastically. Even if it is summer, the weather can be cold or rainy. We recommend to bring good walking shoes/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as most of the tasks and activities take place outside. English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

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English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)