Flying testicles and Crawling valley

WORK/PROJECT:

 In this project SEEDS volunteers will have the opportunity to work in two different locations in Eastern Iceland.

During the first part of the camp, we will work in the annual Icelandic metal music festival: Eistnaflug (e. Flying Testicles), held in Neskaupsstaður. We will be working on different tasks around the Metal festival Eistnaflug; preparing the area, working on the festival and cleaning the area afterwards. The main task will be guarding the area of the festival, both during the concerts and in the camping area. The festival itself is held for three days, but both before and after the festival we will be in the area to manage the logistics of the events.

The second week volunteers will be working on environmental and nature oriented tasks based on an Icelandic farm.  Our tasks will be mainly focused on improving the environment in and around the whole area; cleaning out old barns and clearing fences from the land.

While volunteers help to preserve the local environment they will explore the surroundings of the location and discover the beautiful scenery.

ACCOMMODATION:

During the first week SEEDS volunteers will stay in an elementary school on mattresses. During the second week volunteers will be lodged in a farmhouse, in shared room(s), sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Volunteers will receive food and share the duties of preparing and cooking meals. Volunteers will also share the duties of cleaning.

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

LOCATION:

Eistnaflug is a music festival held annually for the last six years in the Eastern fjords and it has become a celebration for musicians from Iceland and abroad. In 2011 there were over 40 bands playing, the music spans from easy rock to heavy metal. The festival has been a peaceful one without any hazards, the motto is: Rock festival held in brotherhood and friendship.

In the eastern fjords visitors enjoy remarkable mountain scenery with mountains in almost every direction, majestic peaks, mysterious ravines and deep valleys. It is said that a visit is a mountain therapy because, some believe that they are good for body and soul, can be inspiring and give unexplained energy. Hikers will find challenges that suite them and enjoy the wonderful scenery and the mountains are the oldest part of Iceland. The geology is unique and very interesting to explore. Most of them are formed by layers of lava that have piled up through the millenniums.

The farm is located in the municipality of Fljótsdalshérað; 20 km from the largest town in Eastern Iceland - Egilsstaðir (population 2300). It is a young town which has become the largest in the east and offers a swimming pool, shops and museums among other main services. Egilsstaðir is home to the Lagarfljót Serpent which is believed to be Iceland’s equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster.

The farm is located in a beautiful valley with mountains close to Hallormsstaðaskógur, the largest wooded area of the country that spreads over 30 ha. The tree collection keeps an extensive variety of foreign trees and is renowned among professionals and travellers.

LANGUAGE:

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

TERMINAL:

International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ). Domestic airport: Egilsstaðir Airport.

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 you 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).

Volunteers need to be motivated for physically demanding work outdoors.

Age: 18+