Hvalfjörður - Trails in the fjord of the whales

WORK/PROJECT:

SEEDS volunteers will be working in this project in the area of Hvalfjörður (the fjord of the Whales) in the South-west of Iceland.

We will be working on building a new walking path along the road through a valley. The path itself will be made with machines but the volunteers will have to level the path, sow grass along the path, move some trees that might be in the way and probably put a topcoat on the path.

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 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.

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

ACCOMMODATION:

SEEDS volunteers will stay in a fully equipped house; in sleeping bag accommodation, sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Volunteers will be provided with food and be in charge of preparing and cooking meals as well as cleaning activities.

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

LOCATION:

The work camp takes place about 80 Kilometres from the capital; deep inside Hvalfjörður. The valley is extremely beautiful, with many plants and trees. There are many small canyons, streams and waterfalls and it is a popular place for hikers to visit.

Hvalfjörður lies north of Reykjavík and Mosfellslbær and is the longest fjord in the south-west of Iceland, cutting 30kms deep into the land along a north-east/south-west axis and curling to the east at its head. Before the Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel was opened in 1998 and the main ring-road rerouted underneath the fjord, all traffic heading north or west to and from Reykjavík had to follow the fjord all the way around -a drive of an hour or two.

The volume of traffic on the road now -which at times is cut into the steep edges of the mountain-sides rising straight out of the fjord - must be a tiny fraction of what it was, and the fjord as a whole now has a quiet but powerful feel.

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 ready to work in physically demanding jobs and be willing to take part in the diverse tasks. Bring warm clothes, hats and gloves 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.

Excursions (Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon or South Shore) will be organised at discount fares for SEEDS volunteers.

Age: 18+