Skriðdalur in the East of Iceland

WORK/PROJECT: We will be working in Skriðdalur (e. Crawling valley) in the East of Iceland, based in a local farm. Our tasks in this project will mainly be focused on improving the environment around the valley and in the whole area; removing old fences from the farms, planting trees in the valley and on the surrounding hills. We might also be helping to clean the area.

The working plan will be very flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local hosts, the advance of the diverse projects in the area surrounding the valley and of course on the weather conditions. We will help to preserve the local environment and get practical experience on the farm life and farm work.

Additional activities might involve collecting herbs for oils and creams produced by small companies in the area.

Last but not least we will explore the surroundings of the location and enjoy free time activities arranged in cooperation with the local host.

ACCOMMODATION: We will be lodged in a house, in a shared room(s), sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Bringing a sleeping bag is needed.

Within the facilities we will have a kitchen to cater themselves. Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen available, we will share the duties of preparing and cooking meals.

LOCATION: Skriðdalur is a long and deep valley in the east of Iceland, a place rich in legends and natural beauty. It is located southern from the biggest town in the East of Iceland, Egilsstaðir (population 2,300), about 650 km from the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík.

Near the north end of the valley, is the home of the fabled Lagarfljót Serpent which is believed to be Iceland’s equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster. There are few natural forests that survived the Icelandic settlement close by. In the middle of it all is where the district assemblies were held in century’s past- Thingmúli, the Meeting Mountain.

The farm is located in the municipality of Fljótsdalshérað, in eastern Iceland with a total population of 3.700 and at 8.884 km²; it is the largest municipality (in area) in the country.

Fljótsdalshérað is Iceland's easternmost populous municipality. It is a region of a special landscape, dominated by long, narrow fjords and steep mountains where the reindeers live. This is one of the oldest regions of Iceland shaped by glaciers in the Ice Age.

The wild reindeers of Iceland are found in Fljótsdalshérað, they are about ten thousand and also the biggest forest in Iceland, Hallormstaðarskógur is located within the district.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp, but high proficiency is not a requirement.

STUDY THEME: This workcamp has an educational/awareness-rising approach, promoting outdoors, sports activities and healthy lifestyles. Apart from the leader, we will have an environmental messenger, a person dedicated to organising and developing fun, interactive and educational activities within the project.

TERMINAL: Closest International Airports: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF); nearest domestic airport (EGS). Nearest bus stop is in Egilsstaðir. The docking port for the Norröna ferry connecting Iceland with the Faroe Islands, Denmark and Europe is located in the town of Seyðisfjörður, 30 Km from Egilsstaðir.

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 140,- (Euros).

Excursions, hikes and other free time activities will be arranged by the local contacts and SEEDS.

AGE: 18+