Borgarfjörður Eystri - As far as it gets!

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will help construct a natural playground in the far North-East of Iceland. The aim of the project is to develop a stimulating and playful area for children and families. Only natural local Icelandic materials will be used for the construction: Woods, rope, turf, rocks and stones. We will plant trees and help build turf and rock walls, challenging play structures, and paths. Another task will be to collect driftwood on the beach that will be used as construction material.

The playground is being constructed in the style of Georg Hollander and we will have the chance to influence the appearance of the final product.

Through our work we will not only gain valuable construction skills but also learn about the social importance of natural playgrounds.

By creating this playground we will establish a platform for recreational use of the local surroundings, increasing time spent outdoors and improving the health of local inhabitants.

If time and weather allows, our host will take us to sheep-walks, annual round up walks to gather the sheep and lambs for the winter. Volunteers must bring hiking boots and proper outdoors clothes. It is fun to take part in these walks and many friends and relatives of the farmers come to join. Thus we will have the unique opportunity to take part in the real-life work of Icelandic farmers.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a local school sleeping on mattresses on the floor in shared rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen will be available. Volunteers will share cooking and cleaning responsibilities. Please do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The work camp will take place at Borgarfjörður Eystri in the East fjords, 70 km northeast of Egilsstaðir. This small town of 120 people overlooks a wide fjord backed by mountains. Inland from the fjord lies a beautiful valley that stretches over 10 km into the Eastern Mountains. Along the valley runs Fjarðará, a beautiful river with quite a few waterfalls.

In Borgarfjörður Eystri there are many beautiful mountains: Dyrfjöll, Staðarfjall, Geitfell and Svartfell to name a few. With a good number of marked trails in an area of extreme beauty, outdoor enthusiasts refer to Borgarfjörður as a hiking haven.

Close by is Hallormsstaðaskógur, the largest wooded area of the country that spreads over 30 ha. The forest is home to a variety of foreign trees and is renowned among professionals and travellers. The oldest part of the woodland is accessible with good hiking trails and signs.

Hallormsstaðaskógur is the childhood home of Jóhannes Kjarval, one of Iceland's most beloved artists. The artist spent most of his summers in the East painting the colourful landscape of Borgarfjörður and the cove. He also painted the altar piece in the church, which is a must see for all visitors. Visitors to the local community house can watch a short documentary on Kjarval.

LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp, high proficiency is not required.

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

SEEDS organises the "minibus option", a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camp site and vice versa. Apart from being cheaper and more convenient, it 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 180.

SEEDS and/or our host will organise a boat trip for the volunteers to go fishing. Place of extreme beautiful natural surroundings with countless opportunities to hike and discover it by foot.

AGE: 18+