Reykjavík: Hinsegin Dagar, Menningarnótt & Maraþon

WORK / PROJECT: The City of Reykjavík* will be our host and we will be working in two main fields: Festivals and environment/green areas. During the period of time the workcamp takes place there will be 3 big festivals in the city, volunteers will be collaborating and helping around the different tasks before, during and after the festivals. This means that volunteers will work during the 2 weekends and will have two days off during the regular working/business days (Monday to Friday). The 3 big festivals are Hinsegin Dagar (The Gay Pride) on August 11-13, Menningarnótt (The Cultural Night) and Maraþon (The Reykjavik Marathon) during the second weekend, August 18-20. The working load will be heavier during the 2 weekends and out of the tasks related to the festivals we will be working with the Public areas department of the city, in charge of environmental affairs and green areas.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be lodged in a local youth accommodation building. There will be bunk beds, mattresses and all sanitary facilities needed. Food will be provided, so cooking and common tasks will be shared fairly among the group of participants. A warm sleeping bag is highly recommended

LOCATION: Reykjavík*, the Icelandic capital, has been called Europe’s hottest capital. Slick advertising campaigns have championed the city’s famed nightlife. But there is more to Reykjavik than pubs and clubs. Reykjavík held the prestigious title European City of Culture in the year 2000; a welcome recognition of the energetic and colourful cultural life of the capital. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America, is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja and the blue waters of Faxaflói Bay. The population of the city is about 115,000 (40% of Iceland’s population) in the metropolitan area and 180,000 (60% of Iceland’s inhabitants) including its suburbs. It is growing steadily and 45% is younger than 30 years old; 83,1% of men and women aged 16-74 are active on the labour market. Reykjavík is a dynamic, modern city in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources, geothermal power and glacial rivers. It is an International city with a lively Cosmopolitan cultural scene.

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

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík (about 48 Km away from Reykjavík), KEF.

SPECIAL REMARKS / EXTRAS: Participation fee EUR 140,-. Excursions and guided visits to local museums, galleries and interesting sites to be arranged by the local host. Volunteers are welcome to arrive to Reykjavík from August 4th

And of course the chance to live the northernmost capital city in the world and one of the smallest!

* The name Reykjavík means “smoky bay”: Given by the first settlers that arrived to the area due to the high geothermal activity and the constant rise of steam out of the hot springs around.