Summer in Eyjafjörður - The longest fjord

WORK/PROJECT: The main tasks of SEEDS volunteers will be to manage and control the invasive species of Kerfill (Anthriscus cerefolium). The plant is a weed that has spread out within the municipality and is causing the existing flora and fauna to retreat and vanish. Once they are established, invasive species can be difficult or impossible to remove.

The danger of erosion rises where the plant spreads out too much as underlying plants do not survive and the surface looses necessary protection for water erosion. Controlling the growth and expansion of the weed is very important as it ensures the native plants to flourish and the variety of species in the nature. Methods of physically removing invasive species from new habitats include hand-pulling plants, and cutting and destroying infested material.

The volunteers might also take part in other tasks such as marking hiking trails, clearing out old fences and light maintenance work.

The volunteers will have the chance to take part in various free time activities such hiking in the mountains around, enjoying the local swimming pool and visiting a typical Icelandic farm.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be lodged in a guest house in shared rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

SEEDS volunteers will receive food from the guesthouse and will be in charge cleaning activities in their surroundings and making their lunch-bags for the day. Please do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: Volunteers will stay in the North of Iceland in the municipality of Eyjafjarðasveit (population around 1000) at the bottom of Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland. The fjord is long and narrow, it measures 60 km from mouth to bottom. Its greatest width is 25 km at the fjord's mouth but the rest of it is around 6 -10 km wide.

The fjord is surrounded by mountains on both sides. In the outer part of the fjord there are no lowlands along the coast as the steep hills roll directly into the sea. Further south there are strips of lowland along both coasts. The ferry Sæfari sails from Dalvík to the island of Grímsey, Iceland’s northernmost community, which lies on the Arctic Circle.

Several valleys lead from Eyjafjörður, most of them to the west where the two most significant are: Hörgárdalur and Svarfaðardalur. Dalsmynni is the only valley on the east side. However the greatest valley in Eyjafjörður is also called Eyjafjörður and runs directly south from the fjord itself. It is long and wide and home to one of Iceland's largest agricultural regions. Many rivers flow into Eyjafjörður, the most significant being Eyjafjarðará, Fnjóská and Hörgá.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language of 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: Participation fee EUR 180 (Euros).

Please note that the fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic crowns.

Volunteers have to bring good walking shoes and warm clothes. Even though the camp takes place in summer, it might still be cold and hats, scarves and gloves are necessary.

The camp is located in a place of stunningly beautiful surroundings with countless walking and hiking opportunities. 

Age: 18+