Island of Viðey (2:2)

WORK / PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will have the opportunity to work on the historical island of Viðey for the 11th year in a row with our host, the city of Reykjavík.  The project offers diverse tasks and various experiences for SEEDS volunteers. Participants will work on environmental and nature related assignments, such as possibly harvesting vegetables and crops grown on the island.

Volunteers will also help with cleaning up in the area, especially along the coastline. Tools and furniture will need to be stored inside, and the common recreational areas need to be prepared for the autumn/winter season. There will also be a bit of construction work since some fences need maintenance and volunteers will do some paint jobs as well.

Depending on the advance of the project, volunteers may have other possible tasks such as checking up and repairing garden furniture that is used by the visitors of the island.

The weather in Iceland is unpredictable so be prepared to experience all kinds of weather conditions, be sure to bring warm clothing as it can be cold, windy and rainy. Volunteers should have motivation to work outside and work in all different kinds of weather.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be lodged in a local house on Viðey Island, in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

The house has a well equipped kitchen. Volunteers will receive food ingredients and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please do not forget some traditional/typical food and/or drinks from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: Viðey or “Wood Island” is the largest (1,7 km²) island in the Kollafjorður Bay, just outside Reykjavík, 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.

Viðey 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 Reykjavík. The island is only a few hundred metres away from the city and the trip takes just about 10 minutes. This makes Viðey so special; it is a peaceful place, very close to the busy city life of the capital.

There are hiking & cycling paths around and no motor traffic allowed. It also inhabits intriguing sculptural art work, amongst them all nine pairs of basalt pillars that comprise Richard’s Serra’s work Áfangar 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 Viðey are related to archaeological research, the village. At the eastern end of the island is the site of an abandoned fishing village and Viðeyjarnaust, at the southwest of the island, it is a memorial to the twenty men who lost their lives when the cutter Ingvar sank off Viðey in 1906. Dramatic formations of columnar basalt may be seen on the shore.

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).

Meeting time  will be at 3:00 pm (15:00 hours) in the afternoon on September 5, in the centre of Reykjavík.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 300 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

The participation fee includes the transportation to the camp (including the boat ride) from the meeting point in Reykjavík. It also includes the Golden circle excursion and a whale watching trip worth around EUR 200 with the tour operators.  Participants have free rides in the ferry to the city during their free time.

Other excursions like Hot River, South Shore or Reykjanes Peninsula can be organised at discount fares.