The Highlands North of Vatnajökull glacier

WORK / PROJECT:

SEEDS Volunteers will work in the midland, East of the beautiful Mývatn lake and North of the Vatnajökull glacier. Our workcamp base is situated in the highlands - 469 meters above the sea level.

This area has been inhabited since the early times of the settlement and some of the highest farms in the country are in the area. As small-scale farming has turned more difficult in recent times, some of the locals have decided to combine the work with the new tourism services and push forward alternative ways of income for the region. The extreme beauty of the area draws more and more visitors every year; especially after the Vatnajökull national park was enlarged in 2008.

Past farming work has taken its toll in the pristine landscape, we will support local farms in removing elements and machinery used in the past (e.g. old tires, old corrugated iron, fences, etc.), that have been left unattended and need to be removed in order to restore the natural and historical heritage of the region.

We will also work repairing an old turf building, restoring it to its previous “form“, so it looks similar to the several other turf buildings in the surroundings.

Additional work for us will be turfing, fixing and maintaining walking paths and making a new trail.

ACCOMMODATION: 

We will be lodged in a house at one of the farms, sleeping on mattresses on the floor; please bring a sleeping bag.

We will receive food ingredients and be in charge of the different 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:

Located in the North-eastern part of the country and in the vicinity of the largest national park in Europe, the Vatnajökull National Park, which is now around 12.000 square-kilometers. It is expected the national park will enlarge even further within the next few years. The region of the park is unique; one can find glaciers, volcanic activities, glacier bursts, eruptions and geothermal heat plus extremely rare landscape; for example untouched vastness.

With the establishment of Vatnajökull National Park, Icelanders wade into the largest nature conservation project ever taken on in Iceland. It is one of the largest developments the authorities have undertaken in this region and has created many jobs. The land within the park is mostly owned by the government, but a few privately owned districts are a part of the national park.

The farms in the area are surrounded by untamed nature of supreme beauty; most of the area is unspoiled and undisturbed. Some farms have been inhabited already since the early settlement.

Under its ice-cap, the glacier hides seven volcanoes and most of them are active. Underneath there is an ice cavern system several Km long. Vatnajökull covers about 8% of the country, and is about 1000 m thick at its thickest point. Mount Herðubreið, the queen of Icelandic mountains and one of the most famous in Iceland is located in the area.

LANGUAGE:

English will be the language of the camp; high proficiency is not required.

TERMINAL:

Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).

SEEDS organises the “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and back again, 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 is EUR 150 (Euros).

Remote places located in natural areas of extreme beauty. Outdoor activities, like hikes will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers and there is the possibility of horse riding during the project.

Age: 18+