Nature & Culture in the South of Iceland

WORK/PROJECT: For the fourth year in a row we offer this unique project that gives SEEDS volunteers the opportunity to get to know the traditional Icelandic farm life. The project takes place in an agricultural area in the South of Iceland which is rich in both culture and history.

The hosts in this camp run a tourist accommodation along with the farm and the project offers diverse tasks and various experiences for SEEDS volunteers. The volunteers will be part of the family and work hand in hand with them. Our actions here will depend on weather conditions and it’s hard to pin down the tasks, but we will mainly be doing some environmental work; cleaning the coast line, collecting drift wood on the beach and tidying up the surroundings of the farm as well as getting some soil reclamation done. Volunteers with artistic talents will be encouraged to give vent to their joy of creation, using materials collected during the cleansing.

There will be a bit of constructional work too, since an old stone sheep gathering corral needs maintenance. Those who are interested in animal husbandry will get an opportunity to assist in milking the cows or join in rounding up sheep who are returning from the highland pastures.

The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, winter is kicking in and average temperature may go below 10°C. Be prepared for all kinds of weather and be sure of bringing warm clothing.

ACCOMMODATION: We will stay in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation, please bring your own sleeping bag.  There is access to kitchen and bathroom, but we will share the meals with the family. Other guests or travellers might be in the house at the same time as it is a guesthouse accommodation. Volunteers are expected to show consideration for possible co-habs.

Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for an 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 project takes place in an active Icelandic farm in south Iceland with 35 cattle, there of 8 milking cows, 330 sheep, hens, cat and a puppy, so it gives us a good example of rural living in Iceland.

Apart from traditional farming our hosting partners are building up a museum which will weave together history, culture and nature. The farm is on a flat area between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Vík in Mýrdal and has amazing view to sands, mountains and glaciers in the west and north and to the Atlantic Ocean in the south.

Mýrdalssandur is a sandy area about 700 Km² and its mythical appearance has been an inspiration both in traditional folklore and in modern lyrics and stories today.

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

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).

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 should have a motivation for getting to know ways of living in rural areas in Iceland, for working outdoors and be prepared to all kinds of weather.  SEEDS and/or our hosting partner will organise free time activities in the area. This might include sight-seeing, hiking, etc.

Countless opportunities to discover the area by foot or to hike in the surroundings: Stunning waterfalls, mighty glaciers and black sand beaches. Our hosts will organise free time activities in the area, depending on the weather conditions. This might include sight-seeing & hiking.

Good chances to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) if the sky is clear & conditions right.

Age: 18 +