Mývatn lake - Magical Iceland

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be working in the area of the fourth biggest lake in Iceland. The environment of the lake is a paradise and a must see for everyone coming visit the country. The project's goal is to help in preserving the area.

Our main goal in the workcamp will be to fix hiking paths, as marking new ones in areas where it is needed. During summer time there is a lot and constant traffic of visitors in the area; it is as popular to stop and enjoy the scenery for Icelanders as well as for foreign visitors.

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

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.

ACCOMMODATION: We will stay in a local house; sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Please bring your own sleeping bag. We will receive food and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Equipped kitchen and washing machine are available.

Please do not forget some traditional food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: North Iceland is the land of huge fjords and valleys. There are fishing and agriculture in the big fertile valleys. The mountain ranges between them are equally monstrous reaching from the high plains inland and usually ending in steep slopes or cliffs by the sea.

We will be working in the area of Mývatnssveit (Lake Mývatn and surroundings), located in the north of Iceland. In earlier days, the people living in the Mývatn area made their living mostly from agriculture and by trout fishing in lake Mývatn.

Mývatn is the fourth largest lake in Iceland, covering 36.5 square kilometers, or approximately 14 square miles. It is situated at 277 meters (908 feet) above sea level, very indented and with more than 40 small islands. Mývatn is shallow, with a maximum depth of only about 5 meters.

The Mývatn area is home to more species of ducks (15) than any other place on earth, with a very diverse bird life in general. Mývatn's natural beauty is unparalleled. A large stream of travelers visits Mývatn in the summer, but many believe the lake and its surroundings to be no less impressive in the wintertime. Many places around Mývatn have a particular attraction for travelers, such as the strange formations of Dimmuborgir, the pseudo-craters around Skútustaðir, the hot springs east of Námaskarð, Höfði, Hverfjall, Leirhnjúkur/Krafla, Grjótagjá and others.

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

STUDY THEME: This workcamp has an educational/awareness-raising approach to environmental awareness, nature-protection and sustainable development topics. The group is encouraged to organise and develop fun, interactive and educational activities within the project.

TERMINAL: International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).

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: Participation fee EUR 100.

Places located in natural areas of extreme beauty. Hikes and free time activities in the area will be arranged. Volunteers need motivation to work outdoors. We will have very good chances to see the Northen Lights (Aurora Borealis) as long as the sky is clear and conditions right.

AGE: 18 +