Mýrdalshreppur - South shore (2:2)

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity in this camp to get to know and explore the traditional Icelandic dairy and vegetable/carrots farming. Our host cultivates carrots, has cows and runs a tourist accommodation.

The project will combine different tasks and ensure diverse daily activities and various experiences at once for SEEDS volunteers. Among other things we will be harvesting the carrots, cleaning, wrapping and preparing them for the market.

Some work might as well be awaiting us in the stalls, such as milking the cows or tending to them in general. There will also be some environmental and outdoors tasks such as cleaning up and tidying in the area and the grass of a windbreak-wall might need mowing/cutting.

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 and be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The farm is located in the South of Iceland, a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and glaciers to the north and facing the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

The inhabitants here live in constant threat of volcanic eruptions and the area was hit during the recent eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and Vatnajökull 2011, as it got all covered by ashes, but the natives here are strong minded and ‘folded up their sleeves’ as the Icelanders express it and proved the common believe that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

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 black sands 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 the international Magazines named one of the world's ten best island beaches in 1991. 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.

This camp takes place in mid July when the nights are still bright in Iceland. The bright nights are magical with almost 24 hours of sunlight and staying awake enjoying the peaceful and beautiful surroundings is a unique experience.

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).

Volunteers should have a motivation for working outdoors. SEEDS and/or our hosting partner will organise free time activities in the area for the volunteers.

The camp is located in a place of extreme beautiful surroundings with countless opportunities to discover them by foot or hiking; area surrounded by stunning mountains, glaciers and rivers.

Age: 18+