SEEDS Volunteers will be working close to the main skiing area of the capital region of Iceland, Blafjoll or the Blue Mountains. The aim of the project is to protect the environment and avoid different trails being created from increasing traffic of hikers and nature lovers in the area. 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/or cleaning in 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 mainly outdoors on physical jobs and under changeable weather. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat, scarves and gloves
Accomodation & food:
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. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food or drinks from your home country for an international evening in the camp.
Location & leisure:
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.
Requirements:
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 chance to explore the heart of a volcano, the only place on earth where you can enter a magma chamber.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 can 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.).
Volunteers will mainly be working in the town of Hverageroi and the neighbouring surroundings. The main tasks include pulling and removing weeds and applying preservation on wood. For this project the work will also include preparation for the flower festivity Sustainable future in the flowertown , planting flower beds and assisting the staff with the general preparations. Volunteers will also do some work in a forested area in the municipality, such as making and maintaining walking paths. Other tasks might be cleaning up and light maintenance in the public recreational areas of the township.No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and requires a good physical condition. The work can be repetitive as general gardening and maintenance tasks tend to be. Most of the work is outdoors, so 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 need to be prepared for working outdoors, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and bring warm winter clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can get rather cold. Bring warm 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 beautifu
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS volunteers will be staying in a small local house with access to kitchen and bathrooms and will sleep on mattresses on the floor. Shower facilities in the building are basic but the participants will have access to the local swimming pool. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
Hverageroi is a South-Iceland town renowned for greenhouse gardening and its geothermal springs. It is located 45 km from Reykjavik, and may be seen from the vantage point of the Kambar mountain slope, as it spreads out across a 5,000 year-old lava field. Pillars of steam from the numerous hot springs in the town may be seen rising up out of the ground. In summer the town is a green community, abounding in trees. A green revolution is taking place as areas of woodland expand in and around Hverageroi, with the locals working together in order to further develop their blossoming town. The surroundings are a paradise for outdoor activities. To the north of town is one of the country s largest geothermal areas, Hengill, where plumes of steam can be seen from far. Hiking trails stretch from town through Elfusdalur valley, into the Hengill volcanic area, all the way to Nesjavellir and Singvellir National Park. Along the way are warm springs where bathing is possible.
Requirements:
SEEDS volunteers will have access to the local swimming pool. There are also innumerable walking trails in the area that SEEDS volunteers will be able to explore in their free time. Other excursions can be arranged in the free days for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares (for example South Shore, Reykjanes or Snaefellsnes Peninsula).
You will have time to put theory into practice and explore the surroundings of the town of Hveragerði. We may visit local projects focused on environment, which can include hands-on volunteering activities or guided visits. Some examples include cleaning actions, a visit to a geothermal power plant or a recycling centre, or a local exhibition. These, however, are dependent on the availability of our partners and the weather conditions. As part of the project is happening outdoors, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule, as depending on the changeable weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. This is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. Everybody is expected to contribute their own knowledge and experience. Participants should also take advantage of the opportunity to share about their own culture or country, such as food, music, games or films with the international group.SEEDS programme combines learning, sharing, getting to know Iceland, its culture, having fun, as exploring the town and some stunning nature attractions in the surroundings or other visits part of the camp.
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS volunteers will be staying in a small local house with access to kitchen, bathroom and shower. The facilities are basic and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions.The group will sleep in shared rooms (on mattresses on the floor or bunk beds) and everyone shall bring their own sleeping bags. We will receive food supplies and be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
Hveragerði is a South-Iceland town renowned for greenhouse gardening and its geothermal springs. It is located 45 km from Reykjavik, and may be seen from the vantage point of the Kambar mountain slope, as it spreads out across a 5,000 year-old lava field. Pillars of steam from the numerous hot springs in the town may be seen rising up out of the ground. In summer the town is a green community, abounding in trees. A green revolution is taking place as areas of woodland expand in and around Hveragerði, with the locals working together in order to further develop their blossoming town. The surroundings are a paradise for outdoor activities. To the north of town is one of the country's largest geothermal areas, Hengill, where plumes of steam can be seen from far. Hiking trails stretch from town through Ölfusdalur valley, into the Hengill volcanic area, all the way to Nesjavellir and Þingvellir National Park. Along the way are warm springs where bathing is possible.
Requirements:
No previous experience is necessary. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses (and laptops if possible). Participants should be ready for spending time outside, walking in the surroundings for the cleanup, as well as for photography activities and sightseeing. Please bring your own sleeping bag.
SEEDS volunteers will perform four different types of work depending on the project needs each time: a) Revegetation and erosion control using organic materials, b) Tree planting, c) Removal of old fences and d) Monitoring the survival and growth of tree plantations of former years. These tasks will be performed at several different locations in the South-west of the country. The South-west is part of the volcanic belt of Iceland, with vast lava fields and erodible volcanic soils. Additionally, the area has suffered from overgrazing of sheep for a long time. Consequently the ecological condition is rather poor and some areas have completely lost their top soil. Materials like horse manure, garden waste and the likes are the best revegetation means available. The results of the efforts made so far can already be seen at a number of sites in the South-west of the country. Documentation is available and as can be seen, the role of SEEDS volunteers has been substantial.No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and might require a good physical condition; it can at times be repetitive and demanding 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.Volunteers need to be prepared for working outdoors in sometimes isolated sites. Be prepared to experience all kinds of w
Accomodation & food:
Volunteers will be lodged in a school building with basic facilities in one of Reykjavik s neighbouring towns. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses provided, please bring a sleeping bag. There is a shower in the school and volunteers will also have free access to the local geothermal swimming pool.Food ingredients will be provided and the group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
The work takes place in the vicinity of Reykjavik on different locations. The main emphasis will be on erosion control in ten different sites in the South-west of Iceland, mostly in and around the Reykjanes peninsula, area marked by active volcanism under its surface with numerous hot and sulphur springs around the Kleifarvatn Lake and in the Krisuvik geothermal area. The Peninsula is famous for its wide network of hiking trails through colourful landscapes, amazing ocean cliffs, bird and whale watching sites and the Blue Lagoon. 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 surroundings is a unique experience.
Requirements:
The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp and back (on the first and last day), the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes peninsula excursions (1 full day-trip each), where we will visit spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline, the National Park of Thingvellir and much more. Other excursions (like South Shore or Hot River hike) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants n case there is additional free time. Volunteers need to be prepared for physical demanding work. Bring warm and waterproof winter clothes as the project takes place outside and the weather can get very cold.
This camp allows participants to learn about global and local environmental issues, especially regarding ocean plastic pollution, as well as to contribute directly to environmental protection by cleaning the coastline. This project is based on similar projects around the world, where outstanding results have been made with volunteers. We aim to also host a public beach cleaning to get locals to join us. We hope participants will also learn how to plan their own coast cleaning projects and that they will create such events back home. Virtually every piece of plastic that was ever made still exists in some shape or form as plastic takes 500 to 1,000 years to degrade in nature. Plastic is approximately 90 of all the trash in the ocean and about 80 of that plastic comes from coastal dispersal by people. The best way to help fight this is to clean the coastlines, to avoid trash coming from the land entering the sea and to pick up trash from the sea that has washed up on shore. Participants will visit local projects focused on the environment, such as a Geothermal power plant and have a guided tour of the facilities via multimedia installations and presentations to learn about Iceland s geothermal energy utilization; and also a recycling centre where a tour of the plant is given and the activities are explained. This camp combines learning, sharing, cleaning some of the Reykjavik shores, and having fun. Participants should also use this opportunity to share something abou
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with a shower, washing machine, kitchen and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. We will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.We will receive food supplies and you will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources - geothermal- and hydropower. The world s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides.
Requirements:
Other excursions (eg. Golden Circle, South shore, Reykjanes and/or Snaefellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares in case there is additional free time after the workshops or sessions of the camp.Weather may be very cold and/or rainy, so we recommend to bring winter warm and/or waterproof clothes (overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as part of the project takes place outside.
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.
Accomodation & food:
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.
Location & leisure:
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 not any 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 natu
Requirements:
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.
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. Last but not least volunteers can explore the surroundings and enjoy free time activities arranged in cooperation with the our local project host.
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS volunteers will sleep in beds in a lodging house belonging a local company supporting the municipality and the reforestation project. The house is fully equipped with a kitchen and a bathroom with a shower. 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.
Location & leisure:
Vopnafjorour is situated in the far North-east of Iceland, the area s coastline is characterized by the Tangi peninsula, coastal rocks, islets, coves, river mouths, and black sand beaches. Vopnafjordur is one of the first areas people settled in Iceland. It is known for its salmon rivers and large areas of untouched landscape. The village of Vopnafjorour is located on the Tangi peninsula in the middle of the bay. About 700 people live in Vopnafjordur. The main industries include fishing and fish processing, the service sector, and agriculture. Various walking trails around the fjord take visitors to the many natural wonders of Vopnafjorour.
Requirements:
English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.
In Skalafell the ski slopes are turned into a bike park during summertime and mountain bike enthusiasts can nourish their passion. The main tasks will include renovation and maintenance work on the bike trails; mainly raking and scraping them up. Other possible tasks may be related to general cleaning of the area.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 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
Accomodation & food:
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.
Location & leisure:
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.
Requirements:
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. 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 (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.
« I appreciate that constructive criticism may be more useful to you than praise but I honestly have no gripes that I could possibly mention. I can only thank you for the experience that I really enjoyed and will undoubtedly follow-up in the coming year. »
