Pathway to the volcano

WORK / PROJECT: SEEDS Volunteers will be working close to the main skiing area of the capital region of Iceland, Bláfjöll or the Blue Mountains. The aim of the project is to protect the environment and avoid different trails being created from increasing traffic of hikers and nature lovers in the area. 

The main task will be maintaining a hiking path in an area called Þríhnúkagígur or Three Peaks Crater, which is a dormant volcano that last erupted over 4000 years ago. Other tasks may be to mark and control areas where the visitors are not allowed to walk in order to protect the surroundings of unnecessary passage and harm. Sports associations who run some of the skiing lodges might also need some maintenance, such as painting and trash hunts are often organized to clean-up the surrounding area.

No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and might require a good physical condition;  it can at times be repetitive but always rewarding. 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. The working plan will depend on the needs of our local host, the advance of the diverse projects in the area and of course on the weather conditions. 

Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors on physical jobs and under changeable weather. Bring warm winter clothes, under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat, scarves and gloves. 

The camp happens around the summer solstice, when the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The bright nights are magical and staying awake enjoying the beautiful surroundings is a unique experience. During the time of the camp participants will have the opportunity to experience the midnight sun as there are 24 hours of light even if the sun sets for shorts periods of time.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in one of the ski lodges in the mountains; in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. 

Participants will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The project takes place in the Blue Mountain Range area, which is located about 30 km from Reykjavík. The Blue Mountain range stretches to the west from the mountain Vifilsfell near the main road (#1) from the capital area to the South-western lowlands. The highest mountain in the range reaches 600 m and in 1968 the district became a very popular skiing resort among Icelanders. 

The areas are excellent for recreation, not only for alpine and cross country skiing, but outdoor activities as well such as hiking and mountain biking.  Nature lovers are certain to find something they like there, but it’s important to be careful crossing the rugged lava fields because of the numerous caves underneath.

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).

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival.  The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp and back into SEEDS office (on the first and last day) and the group will also have a chance to explore the heart of a volcano, the only place on earth where you can enter a magma chamber.

Departure time will be 11:00 in the morning on May 26 from the meeting point at SEEDS office in Reykjavik. After the camp we will return to Reykjavík in the afternoon of June 4.

Free time activities in the surroundings are mostly hiking and trekking.  Volunteers shall be prepared for physical outdoors work & should bring good working shoes and clothes, even though it is summer, it can still be cold and hats and gloves might be necessary. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly and drastically.

Other excursions may be arranged in the free days or after working hours for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares (for example Golden Circle, South Shore, Reykjanes or Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Hot River Hike, etc.).