Strandir in the Westfjords

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS has been working with the municipality of Strandabyggð since 2009 with very good results for the volunteers, the locals and SEEDS. Strandir (e. The coasts), located on the north-eastern part of the western fjords of Iceland are a hiker’s paradise.

Some of the most popular walking paths have not been maintained in a proper way for some time. Therefore SEEDS volunteers will be working on restoring and maintaining those hiking trails. Maintaining these pathways is very important to encourage people in the area to enjoy the beautiful environment in a way that does not spoil the nature around. The main path the volunteers will be working on is a track along a small peninsula next to the sea. The ground is sometimes rocky and volunteers have to work together to find the most suitable place for the path.

Work will be physically demanding and involves having a good condition. There may be some additional projects, as to take down old fences that are no longer serving their purpose and might be a dangerous hazard. The day normally runs from 9:00 - 17:00 with breaks for lunch and coffee. Be prepared for some flexibility due to the weather.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a local house and will have shower facilities in the local swimming pool.  Volunteers will be sleeping on mattresses on the floor in shared rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen and laundry room will be available; volunteers will share the different duties of cooking and cleaning.  Please do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The work camp will take place in the West fjords at the north-western part of Iceland. The region accounts for 10% of the country’s surface but only about 7200 people live there, so it is one of the least populated areas of Europe. The West fjords are very mountainous; the coastline is made by dozens of fjords surrounded by steep hills.

The region of Strandir was for centuries one of the most remote areas in Iceland, known for the inhabitants' knowledge of magic and as a refuge for criminals and outlaws. The landscape of Strandir is far from uniform, the low hills of Hrútafjörður in the south gradually change to 700 m high mountains rising straight from the coast in the northern part.

The population in the Strandir region is under 800. The towns of Hólmavík and Drangsnes are the most populated; around 400 people in Hólmavík and 100 in Drangsnes. The people of Strandir live almost entirely on traditional fishing and farming and are increasingly aware of their heritage and will proudly tell tales of their ancestors' dealings with ghosts and other supernatural beings.

It has often been said that the people of Strandir know a bit more about witchcraft and sorcery than others, and to underscore that claim The Museum of Sorcery & Witchcraft, which takes one on a magical tour into the mystical world of the supernatural, is to be found in the area.

LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp, high proficiency is not required.

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

SEEDS organises the “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camp site and vice versa. Apart from being cheaper and more convenient, it 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 need to be ready to work in physically demanding jobs and be willing to take part in all the diverse tasks in the project. Bring warm clothes, hats and gloves as the project takes place outside. SEEDS volunteers will have access free of charge to the local swimming pool, Jacuzzis and sauna. Volunteers will have the chance to go fishing and go horseback riding.

Age: 18+