En route to the Wild West

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be working in this project in a beautiful valley in the West of Iceland. The attractive area is criss-crossed by hiking trails and walking paths, but they are past their prime and need maintenance.

Well maintained trails and paths enable people to enjoy this amazing district of untouched nature; inhale the fresh air and admire the magnificent views from the hills and heights.

Besides restoring and maintaining the hiking trails and walking paths we will cut branches of the trees and bushes along them and mend some signs and poles.

Work will be rather physically demanding and requires a good condition.

The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and be sure of bringing warm clothing since the work will take place outdoors.

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

Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities and will divide the tasks among themselves. Please do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for an international evening.

LOCATION: The valley Norðurárdalur in the West of Iceland lies about 100 km north of Reykjavík; close to the capital yet away from the bustle. The area is characterized by forests and rocky islands, or bluffs, that rise from the vast, flat wetlands, as well as lava fields covered with moss and boundless stretches of Betula bushes, the largest of its kind in Iceland.

Towards the north of the valley, there are two small craters called Grábrók and Grábrókarfell. Lava from the craters covers much of Norðurárdalur. Grábrók volcano is 3000 year old and is the biggest crater of three along a short volcanic crack. There are very good walking paths up to the crater. On the top you have magnificent scenery over the area toward the south.

Various trout and salmon rivers and many beautiful waterfalls are framed by unique nature. In the peaceful highlands of the area you can find Langjökull glacier, Kaldárdalur and Arnarvatnsheiði, the most hidden treasure of the area, where you can discover many lakes full of trout.

For those who have a passion for history can envisage the heroes of the Icelandic sagas - in this area most of them took place.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

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

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: Participation fee EUR 200 (Euros). To be paid to SEEDS on arrival.

Volunteers should have a motivation for working outdoors and be prepared to experience all kinds of weather.

There will be countless opportunities to discover the area by foot or to hike the surroundings; the location is surrounded by stunning nature.

Our hosting partner will organise free time activities in the area; for instance hiking, sightseeing, horseback riding and visiting a geothermal swimming pool.

Age: 18+