The Highlands of Iceland - The Famous Kjölur Road (2:3)

WORK/PROJECT:

In this work camp SEEDS volunteers will take part in building and maintaining hiking paths in one of the most spectacular geothermal areas in Iceland, a unique location between glaciers in the Highlands of the country.

A large portion of the project will be dedicated to marking hiking paths and building trails in and around the area to make it easier for people to navigate the beautiful surroundings.

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.

Tasks will be diverse, therefore flexibility and open-mind is expected. The work is to be planned with the site managers and SEEDS coordinator depending on the needs and weather conditions.

Other projects during the time of the work camp are fixing and renovating the mountain cabins and the local natural pool.  This work camp is mostly outdoors and volunteers should be motivated to stay outside and work outside.

ACCOMMODATION:

SEEDS volunteers will stay in a camping area by the work camp in tents. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags and be prepared to sleep in tents. It is also important to bring warm clothing.    

Volunteers will receive food and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Volunteers will help cook and prepare food with the staff and national guards of the area.

Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION:

The work camp is located in a unique nature reserve situated on the Kjölur route in the middle of the west highlands between the glaciers of Langjökull and Hofsjökull. The route runs across the middle highlands from Gullfoss, Icelands most spectacular waterfall, in the south and Blöndudal in the north. The length of the route is 200 kilometres.

The area of Hveravellir is one of the most beautiful geothermal areas in the world; it has smoking fumaroles that are beautifully shaped with sky blue boiling water. In the area there are number of walking routes, shorter and longer routes with beautiful scenery.

Another marvellous wonder at Hveravellir is its geothermal pool. Both hot and cold water flows to the pool, which makes it easy to regulate the temperature. Over 20 people can comfortably bathe in the pool at the same time. The pool and its entire surroundings are magnificent offering a beautiful view of the geothermal area. According to locals there is nothing that can compare to a dip in the pool after a days’ hike in the highlands.  

LANGUAGE:

English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

TERMINAL:

Closest 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 180 (Euros).

Remote and very isolated site located in natural areas of extreme beauty. 

Volunteers need to be prepared for physical work, free time activities are mostly outdoors, like hikes in the area.

Countless opportunities to discover the area by foot or to hike in the surroundings: Stunning mountain landscape, mighty glaciers and geothermal activity.

Age: 18+