The valleys in the West of Iceland

WORK/PROJECT: This particular project will combine different tasks such as renovating a barn and improving the surroundings. The barn will change its role after the reconstruction and will be used as a workshop and exhibition hall for artists In future.

The work will take place outside and inside. We will also construct walking paths and plant trees. Furthermore we will clean up and beautify the area. The barn needs mostly cleaning and repairing of the walls, before its renovation. The working plan is 8 hour work day, from Monday to Friday.

SEEDS volunteers will be working on both environmental and cultural oriented tasks within this project. While we help to preserve the local environment, we will explore the surroundings of the location and enjoy free time activities arranged in cooperation with the local host. 

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will stay in the house of their host; volunteers will sleep on mattresses on the floor and need to bring a sleeping bag. There is no shower in the house but volunteers will take there every day bath in a local swimming pool and have free access to it. 

Volunteers will help the host to do the cooking and cleaning after meals. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for an international evening.

LOCATION: Dalabyggð (the valleys district) is located in the Vesturland (west) region of the country and its only town is Búðardalur. Dalabyggð, was formed in 1994 when 8 municipalities were merged. In 2012 its population was 686 and it has been experiencing slight decline over the past five years. Therefore the area which is 2.421 km² only has 0.2% of the population of Iceland.

There are many valleys in Dalir and often it is unclear where one starts and another ends. The heaths above and between the valleys are covered with vegetation, animal life and lakes, many of which contain trout. Around the lakes and rivers, it is possible to watch the rich and varied birdlife. Further away from the coastline lie the many islands of Breiðarfjörður in all their glory which form a magnificent view when bathed in the light of the setting sun over this great fjord.

The municipality is known for the country’s most fertile and best rivers for salmon and trout fishing, as well as plenty of fresh water lakes for freshwater trout. The area is popular with hikers who can choose from many different paths and routes ranging from easy to very challenging and difficult.  

Dalabyggð is not only famous for fishing and hiking, it has been mentioned in many of the Sagas and was the setting in two of very famous Viking sagas from the 850 to 1300. Two of Iceland’s most famous poets also lived in Dalabyggð, therefore the place is ideal for history savvy volunteers.

Strong women have always played a key role in the history of Dalir. One of the first settlers of Iceland was the aforementioned Auður djúpuðga (The Deep-Minded) from Hvammur who played a vital role in freeing bonded men and claiming vast areas of land in Dalir. Thjóðhildur, Eirik-the-Red, Leifur-the-Lucky and others left Dalir to discover Greenland and later America.

The project location is about 180 kilometre drive from Reykjavík through the “whale tunnel”.

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

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).

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

Volunteers should be motivated for working outdoors, need to be flexible to work in all the diverse tasks connected with the project. Free time activities will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers.

Age: 20 +