Geothermal experience on the South Coast (1:2)

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity to work in the hot spring capital of the world Hveragerði; where we will work with the municipality. The town is built above a hot-spring field, and derives its name from the Icelandic word for hot spring, hver.

The work will mainly be making and maintaining hiking paths that lead up to Reykjadalur and Ölfusdalur valleys. Other tasks may be cleaning up and light maintenance in the area.

The work is physically demanding and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to be flexible to work in all the diverse tasks connected with the project. Volunteers should be prepared for cold or rainy weather since the work takes place outdoors.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be staying in a local house/school; volunteers will sleep on mattresses on the floor and need to bring their own sleeping bag.

We will be provided with food and be in charge as sharing the duties of cooking and cleaning.  Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

SEEDS volunteers will be having their daily bath at the swimming pool Laugaskarð witch was for many years the country’s largest pool. It is renowned for its lovely setting as well as excellent facilities, including hot pots, whirlpool pot, sunlamps, and a natural steam bath.  The pool is heated with steam coming directly from the ground and many consider it to be good for your health.

LOCATION:  Hveragerði is located 45 Km from Reykjavik, and may be seen from the vantage point of the Kambar mountain slope, as it spreads out across a 5,000 year-old lava field. Throughout the years, pillars of steam from the numerous hot springs in the town may be seen rising up out of the ground. In summer the town is truly a green community, abounding in trees. A green revolution is taking place as areas of woodland in and around Hveragerði expand, with the locals working together in order to further develop their blossoming town.

A new hot spring area broke through the ground in the earthquake that shook Iceland´s south on the 29^th of May 2008. It is situated in the hillside above the town. Several very active hot springs can be seen that throw colourful mud and clear water in the air, which is a spectacular sight.

The Hveragerði surroundings are a paradise for outdoors people. There are good hiking trails within the town that link up with a network of trails on the land belonging to the Agricultural University of Iceland at the foot of Reykjafjall Mountain and in Ölfusborgir.

There are also hiking trails in the recreational area of Hamar Mountain. From the mountain there are excellent views of land and out to sea. To the north of town is one of the country’s largest geothermal areas, Hengill, where plumes of steam can be seen for miles. Hiking and riding trails stretch from town through Ölfusdalur valley, into the Hengill volcanic area, all the way to Nesjavellir and Þingvellir National Park. Along the way are warm springs where bathing is possible.

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

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

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.

It is easy to enjoy life in all its splendour in Hveragerði. Salmon and trout swim in the Varmá River, berries grow wild in fields to the west of town, and innumerable walking trails wind through the beautiful countryside.

SEEDS volunteers will be able to explore the surroundings in their free time.

Age: 18+