Reykjavík & Reynisvatn - Crafts of the Vikings (1)

WORK & STUDY/PROJECT: The projects goal is to establish platforms for recreational use of the local surroundings in a suburban area in Reykjavik. Also to increase the outdoor use and improve the healthy lifestyle of the inhabitants.

The construction and establishments is made through participation of local people and of volunteers from SEEDS. There is a strong aspect of learning during the working process and of the social importance of the work. The project is initiated by the community group in the suburban area and sponsored by the city of Reykjavik.

The concept is to use icelandic, natural and local material for the landscaping and the interior, i.e. turf, soil, rocks and wood. The work will bring together the locals, the young and grown-ups with the participating groups for a cultural exchange and learning. Volunteers will receive lessons in turf cutting and turf-walling, which is a traditional Icelandic craft and then produce turf material and at one point build a turf wall. . Another task will be to prepare landscape work as well as doing some of the landscape work with the local materials, ideas will be put forth but volunteers will have some say in how constructions will look like. Preparing the soil and laying a recreational path in a forest area. Volunteers will also spend some time with local youngsters in making a sculpture from the forest wood.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will stay at local house located in the heart of Reykjavík and will be sleeping in bunk beds in the house.

Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen will be available, volunteers will share the duties of preparing and cooking meals.

LOCATION: Reykjavík*, the Icelandic capital, has been called Europe’s hottest capital. Slick advertising campaigns have championed the city’s famed nightlife. But there is more to Reykjavik than pubs and clubs. Reykjavík held the prestigious title European City of Culture in the year 2000; a welcome recognition of the energetic and colourful cultural life of the capital.

The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America, is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja and the blue waters of Faxaflói Bay. The population of the city is about 115,000 (40% of Iceland’s population) in the metropolitan area and 180,000 (60% of Iceland’s inhabitants) including its suburbs. It is growing steadily and 45% is younger than 30 years old; 83,1% of men and women aged 16-74 are active on the labour market. Reykjavík is a dynamic, modern city in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources, geothermal power and glacial rivers. It is an International city with a lively Cosmopolitan cultural scene.

Visitors to Reykjavik experience easily the pure energy at the heart of Iceland's capital city - whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it, or the lively culture and fun-filled nightlife. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides. In the summer, you can sit by the harbour at midnight and watch the sun dip slightly below the horizon before it makes its way up again.

LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.

TERMINAL: Closest international Airport: Keflavík (Reykjavík), KEF. Closest bus station in town.

EXTRAS: Participation fee EUR150. SEEDS will provide volunteers with passes to access free of charge the city’s seven geothermal swimming pools and beach. Volunteers will have the chance to live at the northernmost capital in the world and one of the smallest!

* The name Reykjavík means “smoky bay”: Given by the first settlers that arrived to the area due to the high geothermal activity and the constant rise of steam out of the hot springs around.