The Highlands North of Vatnajökull glacier

WORK / PROJECT: SEEDS Volunteers will have the chance to work for the seventh year in a row in this special project based in the highlands, east of Lake Mývatn and north of the Vatnajökull glacier.

The area has been inhabited since the early times of settlement. Our host family, descendants of farmers from the area are trying to develop new opportunities for work in this very remote area. They live and work there, running diverse facilities and offer services for visitors.

Hundreds of years of farming have taken its toll in the pristine landscape. Volunteers will support locals in removing elements and machinery (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.

Volunteers will also help with repairing an old turf building, restoring it to its previous form and making it look similar to the several other turf buildings in the surroundings. Additional work will be turfing, fixing and maintaining walking paths and making a new trail.

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.  The weather in Iceland is unpredictable so be prepared to all kinds of weather and bring warm clothing. Bring comfortable clothes to work in, good overcoats and outdoor wear as well as good shoes or boots.

ACCOMMODATION:  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 at the camp.

LOCATION: 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 - Vatnajökull National Park.

Mount Herðubreið, the queen of Icelandic mountains is located in the area. It is situated in the east side of the Ódáðahraun desert and close to Askja volcano. The desert is a large lava field originating from eruptions of volcanoes in the area.

The Vatnajökull 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. Vatnajökull covers about 8% of the country, and is about 1000 m wide at its thickest point.

LANGUAGE: English will be the official language of the camp; basic conversational skills are required.

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.

The minibus to this camp will cost around EUR 75 (Euros) one way or EUR 150 (Euros) both ways. This is about 30-40% cheaper than public transportation services.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: The participation fee is EUR 250 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

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 & working clothes. Weather in Iceland is unpredictable and it can be cold or rainy, bring warm winter clothes, overcoats, scarves, gloves & hats as the project takes place outside.