Hot springs in the Highlands

PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers have worked since 2013 in the Wilderness museum in the East of Iceland and the results have been very positive. There are two natural hot springs with mountain views in this deserted part of the country. In the area there are 2 natural hot spring, which give the place its name, Laugarfell. Around Laugarfell there are hiking trails and the job of the volunteers is to help rebuild these hiking trails.

SEEDS volunteers will perform four different types of work depending on the weather and the project's’ needs:

1) Build walking bridges over moorland on hiking trails, 2) Rebuild old walking paths, 3) Remove vegetation from the path, and 4) Put a new layer of wood chips on the footpath.

Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors. No previous experience of this work is necessary.

The work can be physically demanding and requires a good physical condition.  As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned.

Volunteers need to be prepared for working and walking in a wild landscape and sometimes cold weather. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and bring warm clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can get cold. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag and gloves.

This is an opportunity to explore the highlands of Iceland but it is very isolated part of the country so volunteers need to be prepared for sharing time and space with their fellow volunteers.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS participants will stay in an equipped staff house next to Laugarfell, sharing one big room with bunk beds. The facilities are basic with a shower, kitchen and a washing machine. The group will sleep in shared rooms and shall bring their own sleeping bag.

Participants will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities but there will also be a choice of having breakfast and dinner at Laugarfell. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks and recipes from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The project is in the area around Laugarfell in East Iceland. Laugarfell is a mountain hut in the Icelandic highlands, there are 16 kilometers to next habitated farm. There is a hiking trail near Laugarfell with 5 waterfalls and a canyon.  The hot springs in Laugarfell are stacked which gives them a lot of charm. The view from the pools is beautiful and in the distance one can see Mount Snæfell. Old sayings claim the water in the springs has got healing powers. After a walk or sightseeing it is lovely to relax in the hot springs and enjoy the quietness, peace and bright Icelandic nights.

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

TERMINAL & TRANSPORT: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).

SEEDS organises a “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík & back. Apart from being cheaper and convenient, it allows participants to meet and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting sites.  

The SEEDS minibus will travel one way along the Northern part of the country and the other way it will go along the South. In this way we will have the opportunity to travel the whole ring road and stop at magnificent natural sights, including waterfalls, glaciers, volcano craters, hot springs, iceberg lagoons, black sand beaches, etc.

Departure will be at 7:00 am of June 17 from SEEDS office. After the camp, we will return to Reykjavík in the late evening of June 30.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 200 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavík to the camp and back but we estimate the costs about EUR 75 each way. If you take SEEDS minibus option to and from the camp location, you will be able to go all around Iceland, as we drive different ways (either North or South) to and from the camp.

Free time activities in the area will be organised with our hosts depending on weather, like hiking or sightseeing.