The fjord of the Eagles - Arnarfjörður

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS Volunteers will be working on few different projects, mainly collecting wild berries and gathering the ingredients as Icelanders used to cater themselves some decades ago when the country and this region in particular were very isolated and transport of "foreign" goods and products was almost non-existent.

Our local host and few groups of SEEDS volunteers have been counting, registering and following up the growth of the local flora. We will continue counting and registering information regarding the plants and trees that grow in the area. Other tasks might include maintaining hiking trails and pathways in the area of Langibotn and putting up signs and descriptive information charts for the trails.

We might also take part in a media project which may include photography and filmmaking.

ACCOMMODATION: We will be hosted in a local house in Bíldudalur; bringing sleeping bag is necessary. Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen will be available, volunteers will share the duties of cooking and cleaning activities. Please do not forget some typical food for the international evening, where others can try and taste some specialities from your home countries.

LOCATION: Perhaps one of Iceland's most remote areas, the Fjord of the Eagles, Arnarfjörður, is located in the West fjords at 65º´ north of the Equator, close to the northern most part of the country and in the area is the western-most point of Iceland and Europe, Látrabjarg.

The distance from Reykjavik is 475 km (7 hours drive) by the Whale Bay tunnel.

Bíldudalur, is a small sea-side village, built on the slopes between mountain and sea, on a spectacular fjord inlet, famed for its beautiful landscape and good weather. The summers are often very warm and sunny with gentle breezes, conditions which are hospitable for fishing, swimming, hiking and a variety of other activities. The vicinity offers a variety of interesting places to explore and hiking and mountain climbing are popular. The sheer beauty of the region attracts people and tourism has started to play an increasing role recently.

Bíldudalur is a small fishing town, where the main trades are/were fishing and fish processing. However, during the last years and due to the introduction of the quota system in the Icelandic fishing sector, the town lost its share in the fishing amounts to be caught and this has strongly hit the economy and living situation in the area.

Langibotn is one of the places where the story of Gísli Súrsson took place, which is one of the most famous Icelandic sagas; a classic outlaw saga that is centered on the internal struggles of Gísli, a 10th century settler who ends up outlawed - that is, being declared a person who could be legally killed by anyone finding him - after he avenges the death of his blood brother.

The area includes its own glacier, the magnificent, remote Hornstrandir and Europe's westernmost point of land at Látrabjarg, there, millions of birds nest making it a must for bird watchers.

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

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).

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: Participation fee EUR 180,- (Euros).

SEEDS volunteers will be invited for a boat-sightseeing trip in the area and to catch fish from the ocean. Places of extreme beauty with countless opportunities to discover them by foot or to hike.

AGE: 18+