Working & Horseback riding in the South

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be based in a horse-breeding farm in the South of Iceland. Our tasks will mainly be focused on improving the environment in and around the area. We will be coating wooden walls of the accommodation facilities, sleeping huts, platforms and fences. We will also assist our host with gardening and the surroundings of the area.

While we help to beautify the area and the facilities, we will explore the surroundings and enjoy free time activities such as horseback riding, swimming and hiking.

There will be a lot of horseback riding available to us. Great experience is not required, only good physical state and a sense of adventure. The Icelandic horse is a rather small breed and it is the only one in the world that has five gaits. You will be able to experience the fourth and special gait known as “tölt”.  The Icelandic horse is strong and quite easy to train. It has been very popular in other European countries.  

ACCOMMODATION:  We will be lodged in the guesthouse at the premises, sharing rooms, sleeping on made up beds. Please bring your own bathing suit and towels.

Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen is available, volunteers will share the duties of cooking and cleaning.

Please do not forget some traditional food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The south of Iceland is one of the most popular destinations for travellers as the landscape offers diverse and breathtaking nature. Rivers and waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and long beaches form a contrast and offer a wide range of experiences.

The South of Iceland is unique. There, history follows visitors at every footstep, both ancient and recent. There is a lot of creative art, culture and flourishing trade in the area as well as endless possibilities to enjoy the outdoor life in all seasons.

We will stay in the south of Iceland, around 60 km from Reykjavík. The largest towns in the vicinity are Hveragrdi and Selfoss (pop. 6000). The workcamp site is located about 15 km from Selfoss. We will be able to explore and enjoy the south Icelandic lowland, which is made out of sand and rock sediments delivered by the river Þjórsá during the last centuries. The land is covered mostly by green grass and the closeness of the ocean can be felt in the air.

Our camp is in close vicinity to many natural hot springs and natural pools that hikers can take a dip in. The hiking possibilities are almost endless with Hengill, Reykjadalir (Steam Valley), Molddalhnúkar, Ölkelduhnúkur, Dalsel and Klambragil close by.

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 a “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and back. Apart from being cheap and convenient, it allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting sites.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: The participation fee of EUR 250 (Euros) is to be paid to SEEDS. Please note that the fees are to be paid on arrival in Euros or Kronur and they include full board and lodging (food and accommodation) for the whole duration of the project.

Volunteers are asked to bring a passport photo as they will get an ID card at the location.

The host will organise free time activities such as horse-back riding and finding trails and natural springs to bathe in.

Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to take part in all the diverse projects. Please bring warm clothes and outdoor wear as the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable.

Place of beautiful surroundings with countless opportunities to hike and discover by foot.

AGE: 18+