Forests at the foot of the "Icelandic Alps"

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be working in the Western Fjords of Iceland, working with the local forestry association. Our tasks in this project will mainly be focused on improving the environment in the area; maintaining tree plantations, removing old fences and preparing materials for new ones, clearing routes for hiking paths, and possibly some garden work in the area.

The working plan will be very flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local hosts, the progress already made on the diverse projects in the area surrounding the fjord and of course on the weather conditions. We will help to preserve the local environment and get practical experience of forestry and environmental maintenance 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 local house, in shared room(s), sleeping on mattresses on the floor. It is essential that you bring a sleeping bag.

Food will be provided and volunteers will have a kitchen to cater for themselves. Volunteers will share the duties of preparing and cooking meals.

LOCATION: The workcamp will take place in the Westfjords in the north-western part of Iceland. The region accounts for 10% of the country’s surface but only about 7200 people live there, so it is one of the least populated areas of Europe. The Westfjords are very mountainous; the coastline is made by dozens of fjords surrounded by steep hills.

In the Westfjords you will be able to explore the whole range of Icelandic flora from the shore and meadows, through birch to mossy moors. On the shore, one can see birds and seals and then an occasional arctic fox around the sheep.

Fishing is traditionally the main industry in the region but tourism started to be more and more important as local and foreign visitors are discovering this region in rising numbers.

We will be most of the time working at Dýrafjordur, a long and wide fjord, some 32km long and up to 9km wide. It is a place rich in legends and natural beauty. The main town in the area is Thingeyri, which has a population of approximately 300, and has been home to American and Icelandic fishing fleets for hundreds of years. The town boasts a storehouse which is one of the oldest buildings in Iceland.

In Viking times Thingeyri hosted the ‘Thing’ which was a meeting between the clans of the area, held at the foot of Mt. Sandfell. This is where Thingeyri gets its name. Viking culture is still important to the town. Every year there is a Viking themed festival at which Viking themed events are held.

The area between Dýrafjordur and Arnarfjordur is famous for its beautiful hiking trails. The mountains in this area are unusual for mountains in the Westfjords, and have an appearance similar to the alps, thanks to their height and unevenness, for this reason the area has become known as the Icelandic Alps. Kaldbakur (998m), which is the Westfjord’s tallest mountain, lies in the centre of this region and climbing its summit provides you with a view over the whole area.

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

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 170,- (Euros).

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