The Highlands North of Vatnajökull glacier

WORK / PROJECT: SEEDS Volunteers will have the chance to work for the ninth year in a row in this special project based in the highlands, east of Lake Mývatn and north of the Vatnajökull glacier.  The area has been inhabited since the early times of settlement. Our hosts are a family, descendants of farmers from the area trying to develop new opportunities for work and alternative jobs in this very remote area as the farming in such altitude has been very difficult. They are running diverse facilities and offer services for local and foreign visitors.

Volunteers will support the locals in removing the trash left by visitors and helping restore the land damaged by off-road driving. Volunteers will also help with repairing an old turf building, restoring it to its previous form and making it look similar to several other turf buildings in the surroundings. Additional work may be fixing and maintaining walking paths and making a new trail. Well maintained paths enable people to visit the area without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors.

Please note that the work in this camp can be very physically demanding (such as turfing) and volunteers need to be in good shape and ready to work hard.  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 weather conditions are unpredictable and the temperature in the highlands can drop below zero in the nights. Bring warm clothing since the work takes place outdoors.

ACCOMMODATION:  Volunteers will be lodged in a house at one of the farms, sleeping in shared rooms with beds, please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food ingredients and be in charge of cooking and cleaning activities. Equipped kitchen and washing machine are available. 

Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food or drinks from your country for the international evening. 

LOCATION: The camp is located in the highlands of Iceland, in the highest inhabited place in the country at 469 meters above sea level. The location is in the North-Eastern part of the country and in the vicinity of the largest national park in Europe - Vatnajökull National Park. Mount Herðubreið, the queen of Icelandic mountains is located in the area. It is situated in the east side of the Ódáðahraun desert and close to Askja volcano. The desert is a large lava field originating from eruptions of volcanoes in the area. 

The Vatnajökull Park is unique; one can find glaciers, volcanic activity, glacier bursts, eruptions and geothermal heat plus an extremely rare landscape. The area is around 12.000 Km2 and is expected to be expanded in the next years. Under the ice-cap, the glacier hides seven volcanoes and most of them are active. Vatnajökull covers about 8% of the country, and is about 1000 m wide at its thickest point. 

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 along the South coast of Iceland. In this way we will travel the whole ring road and stop at magnificent natural sights, including waterfalls, glaciers, volcano craters, hot springs, iceberg lagoons, black sand beaches, etc.  Meeting point at SEEDS office in Reykjavík at 7:00 am of June 7.  Return to Reykjavík in the late evening of June 19. 

The minibus to this camp will cost EUR 75 (Euros) one way or EUR 150 (Euros) both ways. This is about 30-40% cheaper than public transportation services. 

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 280 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival.  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. 

This work camp takes place in a very remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. Outdoor free time activities, for instance hikes or walks in the surroundings, will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers.

Volunteers should be motivated to experience life in a very isolated part of Iceland. Participants should bring good walking sturdy shoes & warm working clothes. Weather is unpredictable and it can be cold or rainy. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag and gloves.