Hvalfjörður - Trails in the fjord of the whales

WORK/PROJECT: For the second year in a row SEEDS volunteers will be working in the area of Hvalfjörður (the fjord of the Whales) in the South-west of Iceland. The project is run in cooperation with the local municipality.

SEEDS volunteers started out here last summer building a new walking path along the road through a valley. Now we will continue this important task. 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.

Our work will not only tie in with the making of paths we will dedicate ourselves to the planting of trees as well. Reforestation has become a passion for many Icelanders and the aim is to create woodlands for outdoor recreation in the future.

Work will be rather physically demanding and requires a good condition. The weather in Iceland is 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 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 carry out physically demanding tasks and be willing to take part in the diverse jobs. 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.

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

Age: 18+