SEEDS 031. Caves and Canyons in the East of Iceland

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will work again in the municipality of Fljótsdalshérað in various environmental projects around the region. The volunteers will help:

• rebuilding an old rock wall and garden, collecting large stones and adding to the wall;

• cleaning caves and maintaining walking paths at Magnahellir and Dimmugljúfur which is a beautiful canyon with hiking trails;

• clean the area around Laugavellir which is an impressive geothermal area with a natural pool;

• maintain different trails in one of the best hiking areas in Iceland.  

In this project SEEDS volunteers will be mostly doing construction, working with stones,  repairing or marking off hiking trails and walking paths in the East of Iceland. Some  of the trails  and paths are located in an isolated area of mountains and fjords. The working area of Hjarðarhagi, Magnahellir and Laugavellir is within driving distance from Egilsstaðir which is the largest city/town in the East of the country. 

Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors. Additional tasks may be cleaning or beautifying the area, like hand-picking garbage or collecting trash blown by the wind or brought by some visitors. 

The working day normally runs from 09:00 to 17:00 with breaks for lunch and coffee. 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. 

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a local farm house in the municipality, away from the town. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses in shared rooms.  Please bring your own sleeping bag.  The facilities are basic with a kitchen, shower and a washing machine. Volunteers will share the duties of preparing food, cooking meals and cleaning. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. 

Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening, some items or ingredients may be expensive here and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.  Remember to bring  swim gear to bathe in the natural hot spring. 

LOCATION: The project is in the municipality of Fljótsdalshérað, East of Iceland in a beautiful area surrounded by magnificent mountains, picturesque fjords and the sea. There are innumerable walking trails through the magnificent landscape of this area, whether over mountain passes, through valleys, or along the seashore. 

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 more 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 way 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, volcanic craters, hot springs, iceberg lagoons, black sand beaches, etc. 

Departure will be at 7:00 am of July 8 from the SEEDS office. Return to Reykjavík in the late evening of July 19.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). 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, which will cost EUR 75 (Euros) one way or EUR 150 (Euros) both ways.

This 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. The group will get the opportunity to bathe in the natural hot springs at Laugarvalladalur.