Nature reserve of Þórsmörk - hiking trails (1)

WORK/PROJECT: We will have the unique opportunity to work in the nature protected reserve of Þórsmörk. SEEDS Iceland will continue building the partnership with the Environmental agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun) and we will be working together fixing, maintaining and marking the walking paths and hiking trails in the Þórsmörk area.

Work may be physically demanding and involve hikes to reach the sites. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve their safety. No previous experience is needed as training will be provided by experienced leaders.

Tasks will be diverse, therefore flexibility and open-mind is expected. The work is to be planned with the rangers and SEEDS coordinator depending on the needs and weather conditions; we may work on shifts every day for a total of 35 hours/week.

ACCOMMODATION: We will sleep in tents. Food ingredients will be provided and a basic kitchen will be available. We will share the duties of preparing and cooking meals. A warm sleeping bag and an isolation mat is needed. Volunteers may bring their own tents if wished.

LOCATION: The Þórsmörk natural reserve is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, surrounded by beautiful mountains, glaciers and glacial rivers. Þórsmörk itself is situated in the south of Iceland, about 160 km from Reykjavík. For years, the only access to this special place was by a powerful jeep to cross the treacherous rivers, but that is no longer the case. Most of the tourists reach the place by special cross-country buses.

Þórsmörk is famous for spectacular nature and is very popular to visit and go hiking. There are many hiking trails in Þórsmörk inside the area or hike over the unique, summer 2-3 days hike “Laugavegur to Landmannalaugar”. There are also many opportunities for short treks, so it is a perfect place for nature lovers and those who enjoy being outdoors.

Þórsmörk is an idyllic place of exceptional meteorological conditions hidden in the embrace of glaciers and mountains and was actually a fjord from the ocean about 12.000 years ago. The weather here is also often known to be better and less windy than in the surrounding areas - making it a great destination to go to when the weather is lousy elsewhere.

Þórsmörk is a place of breathtaking landscapes and a fauna of great variety. It is the home of 170 seminiferous plants as well as a variety of trees, moss and fern. The main reason for the variety of plants and trees is probably attributed to the fact that the area has been exempt from sheep and horse grazing for over 100 years.

Please, feel free to see the pictures from the last year, from the photo gallery of SEEDS: http://www.seedsiceland.org/pictures-iceland-en-galleries/pictures/2009/a-workcamps.html

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 Hvolsvöllur.

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.

SPECIAL REMARKS / EXTRAS: Participation fee EUR 160,- (Euros).

Remote places located in natural reserved areas of extreme beauty. Hikes and free time activities in the area will be arranged. Volunteers need motivation to work outdoors on physically demanding jobs.

AGE: 18+