Stykkishólmur in the Snæfellsnes peninsula (2)

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be working with the local community to reduce the spread of the Lupine plant, which has been used in Iceland in order to control soil erosion and re-vegetate eroded areas; but in some places its spread is more than desirable and being a foreign specie (originally from Alaska) hinders the native flora to grow and reproduce.

Furthermore we will assist in beautifying the town and surroundings by maintaining hiking paths, planting trees and taking care of green areas.

The town is very concerned about environmental issues and the marina was awarded the Blue Flag 2007, for the initiative of protecting and improving the quality of the marina. In 2008 all inhabitants were encouraged to recycle their garbage and it was the first community in Iceland to classify and recycle all normal garbage from the homes.

ACCOMMODATION: We will be hosted in a local school in sleeping bag accommodation. Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen will be available, volunteers will share the duties of preparing and cooking meals. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

LOCATION: The town of Stykkishólmur is situated in the western part of Iceland, to the north of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. With its 1240 inhabitants, it is a centre of services and commerce for the area. Most of the people make their living from fishing and tourism. The distance to Reykjavík is about 180 km, and scheduled buses operate daily between the two places all year round.

The favourable position of the town was discovered rather early and in 1550 a trading post was founded at the site, becoming a centre for trade, transportation and services on Breiðafjörður

A great deal of effort has been put into preserving the town’s old houses, and old buildings thus have a great influence on the appearance of downtown Stykkishólmur. The oldest building, the Norwegian House (Norska Húsið), is the Snæfellsnes Folk Museum. Many craftspeople live in Stykkishólmur, and a crafts market there is open in summer. The town's former library has been restored as a public hall and contains an installation by the American artist Roni Horn, situated at a place with one of the most beautiful views.

The landscape draws travellers there to experience the renowned diverse nature of the peninsula. Hiking trails between beaches offers great views to admire and the nearby mountains with routs for beginners and more experiences hikers can tempt every outdoor loving person

All general services can be found in Stykkishólmur, while famous historical places and natural monuments are within easy reach including interesting shark processing, in Bjarnahöfn, which has been popular with visitors.

The ferry Baldur makes regular journeys over Breiðafjörður. In summer, it sails twice a day between Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur, with a stop in Flatey where travellers can spend some of the day in a peaceful village which has a long and noteworthy history.

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 stop is in town. SEEDS organises the “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and vice-versa, which apart from being cheaper and more convenient, allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting and tourist sites.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: SEEDS volunteers will have access to the town’s geothermal swimming pool, as to the hot tubs with pure water that comes straight from the borehole. The water is famed for its healing powers. Several pleasant hiking options within the Stykkishólmur area: The nearby mountains of Helgafell, Drápuhlíðarfjall and Kerlingarfjall are also worth the hike and are easily accessible.

AGE: 18+