Culture & Ancient Secrets in the West

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to the cultural project ‘Firing up Ancient Secrets’ in the West of Iceland. The project´s theme is experimental archaeology, ancient Viking traditions, uncovering the mysteries and riddles of the Viking-age. The festival focuses on the visitor’s experience, who will  get to know Viking culture with all of their senses - play, taste, lift, throw, beat, sculpt, try on clothes and much more.

During this camp you will step back into the Viking Era and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of Eriks the Red's farm which is also the birthplace of Leif the Lucky who is said to have discovered America. Modern day vikings will demonstrate the lifestyle of 1000 years ago, sharing their crafts and knowledge.

SEEDS volunteers will help with the preparation for the project´s event, performing tasks such as setting up tents, building necessary items, cooking for the team and other general tasks during the event, such as tending to guests, trash clean-ups and controlling traffic.

No previous experience is necessary but the work can be demanding and might require a good physical condition. As it involves outdoor 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 and of course on the weather conditions.  

Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors on physical jobs and under changeable weather. Bring warm waterproof clothes, under-layers, 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 nights are magical and staying awake enjoying the surroundings is a unique experience.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in a community house with basic facilities,  shower and kitchen. Laundry will be scheduled every 4 days. Volunteers will sleep in a shared room with mattresses and pillows. Please bring your own sleeping bag. 

Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please do not forget some traditional/typical food or drinks  from your home country for an international evening.

LOCATION: The project takes place in the western part of Iceland, in a unique natural pearl with breathtaking landscape. Hidden away in West Iceland, the region was the starting point for one of the most exciting chapters in the history of mankind: The Viking Age expansion continued westward from Iceland and took explorers first to Greenland and later to the shores of North America.

Archaeological research on the site in the mid-20th century and again in 1997-1999 revealed a 10th-century Viking longhouse. The archaeological site still remains visible to visitors. A reconstruction of the longhouse showcasing a typical Viking farm home was built as a living museum.

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.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee is EUR 300 (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 45 each way. 

Departure time will be 9:00 am in the morning on June 24 from the meeting point at SEEDS office in Reykjavik. After the camp we will return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon / evening of July 7.

Our host will organise some free time activities in the area, such as sightseeing., hikes or walks in the surroundings, a guided tour to a Viking longhouse, a visit to the Leif Eiriksson center and to the local swimming pool, depending on the weather. The camp takes place in a remote place, a natural area of extreme beauty.

Even if it is summer, it can be cold or rainy. We recommend bringing good walking shoes/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as tasks and activities take place outside.