Work & fun in the East fjords

WORK/PROJECT: In this project SEEDS volunteers will do various outdoor tasks such as marking and maintaining walking paths, putting up information signs, setting up fences, collecting and chopping driftwood, placing nets for salmon and trout, planting vegetables and bushes, and other possible tasks related to maintaining and beautifying the area, as well as farming and working with horses.

Our host for this project is a family that runs a non-traditional farm with horses, as well as other animals such as sheep, cows, and birds. The family lives and works in the remote area, in the very far east of Iceland, offering different services to visitors including horse riding in this isolated area.

In 2008, our host was given a special award by the ‘Soil Conservation Service of Iceland’ for their work towards land improvements including the prevention of land erosion by sowing specialised grasses in the area of Héraðsflói, and the production of an education programme for school children.

Volunteers should have a motivation for working outdoors and getting to know ways of living in rural isolated areas in Iceland; opportunity to get to know the Icelandic horse and the Icelandic farm life.

Weather conditions in Iceland are unpredictable, so be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and be sure to bring warm clothing since most of the work will take place outdoors.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be staying in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation with access to a kitchen and a bathroom. Other guests or visitors might be in the house at the same time as it is run as a guest house. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

The group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning activities and please do not forget some traditional food and/or drinks from your home country for the international evening at the camp.

LOCATION: The work camp will take place in the area of Borgarfjörður Eystri, in the far East fjords. This area is by called by some as a hiking haven, with a good number of marked trails. Mountains in the area are very beautiful with peaks such as Dyrfjöll, Staðarfjall, Geitfell and Svartfell.

The project is located off the beaten tourist track in a very isolated location, 60 Km north of Egilsstaðir between the two glacial rivers, Jökulsá á Brú and the Lagarfljót. The area offers endless opportunities for excursions to discover Iceland’s untouched nature with 30 different species of birds and lush vegetation.  

Large numbers of seals travel quite some distance inland where they rest on the riverbanks and sandbanks.  In springtime and autumn wild reindeers come close to the farm. The location gives an opportunity to enjoy almost complete peace and quiet to absorb land and nature.

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

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík(KEF). Domestic airport: Egilsstaðir (EGS).

SEEDS organises a “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and back. Apart from being cheaper and more convenient, it 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 80 (Euros) one way or EUR 160 (Euros) both ways. This is about 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.

SEEDS volunteers will have the opportunity to try horseback riding, and also possibly fishing in the river and visiting a puffin colony, depending on weather conditions and availability of the host.

This work camp takes place in a very remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. Volunteers should be motivated to experience life in a very isolated part of Iceland.

Please bring warm clothes -overcoats, scarves, gloves & hats- as the project takes place outside, the weather can be unpredictable and it may be chilly and/or rainy even during the summer.