Close to the Arctic - Trails 65 degrees North

WORK/PROJECT:

SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity to work in a unique place of great heritage and historical value to Iceland. SEEDS has been working with the municipality since 2010, we will be working in the north of Iceland in a place full of historical heritage for the nation, with a lot of archaeological findings from the middle ages.

The main work for volunteers will be the construction and maintenance of trails around the archaeological site. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve their safety.

Work will be physically demanding and involves having a good condition.

Tasks will be diverse, therefore flexibility and open-mind is expected. The work is to be planned with the person in site, on charge of the area and SEEDS coordinator depending on the needs and weather conditions; we may work on shifts.

There may be some additional projects around, as to take down old fences that are no longer serving their purpose and might be a danger hazard.

ACCOMMODATION:

SEEDS volunteers will be lodged in the boarding school, sleeping on a mattress on the floor. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Volunteers will receive food and be in charge of the different cooking and cleaning activities during the project.  Please do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION:

The workcamp will take place in the north of Iceland, close to the biggest community there, Akureyri on the shore of Eyjafjörður, which is the longest fjords in the country and is surrounded by mountains reaching up to1500 m. The Arctic Circle in only 60 km north of Akureyri but still the climate is mild, with summer temperatures up to 25°C and winter temperatures in average around 0?C.

North Iceland is an expansive, enchanting region, where you can find all of Iceland's attractive aspects, culture and a flourishing society, endless opportunities for entertainment and outdoor recreation, picturesque nature in all directions, and more natural sights than almost anywhere else.

The place of the workcamp is unique: You will not find another place in Iceland with so many antiquities from a trading post from the middle ages. This was one the main trading post in northern Iceland and is mentioned many times in Old Icelandic Sagas from the 13th and 14th centuries. Archaeological digging in the area during the last six years has shown that it was a trading post up to the 16th century, possibly until trading started in Akureyri. 

LANGUAGE:

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

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 200 (Euros).

Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors in physically demanding jobs and be willing to take part in all the diverse tasks in the project.

Bring warm clothes, hats, gloves & scarves as the project takes place outside.

The camp is located in a place of extreme beautiful surroundings with countless opportunities to discover them by foot or hiking; area surrounded by stunning mountains, fjords and rivers.

Age: 18+