Driftwood in the West Fjords

WORK/PROJECT: This project gives SEEDS volunteers the opportunity to live and work in the beautiful fjord Bitrufjordur located in the magnificent west fjords. SEEDS volunteers will be working at a farm beautifying the environment and cleaning the coast line

SEEDS volunteers are going to collect driftwood on the beach; which we will use to build shelters, benches and tables on the beach for the passing hikers. Volunteers will also help beautify the garden by the farm and help with general improvement of the farms environment.

The work can by 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.

Our host has invited SEEDS volunteers to participate in the yearly herding/round-up of the sheep.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be lodged in the private family home of our host, sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Volunteers will help our 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: Bitrufjordur, is one of the most isolated fjords in Iceland. It is said that Bitrufjordur is named after Thorbjorn the sharp; he was a settler who lived in Óspakseyri. Others argue that the name is derived from bithögum good for sheep. Two valleys intersect in the bottom of Bitrufjordur, the south and north valley. A little further down the fjord is the land of Óspakseyri, an ancient church and a substantial farm. There lived the powerful unjust man Ospak, he and his men consisted a significant threat for their fellow countrymen.

In many ways the Westfjords has remained "a world apart" from the rest of Iceland. The nature there is as wild as it was a hundred years ago - and now there are probably less people. Vibrant birdlife, majestic mountains, deep blue fjords, seals and the arctic fox - as well as the extraordinary natural silence, attract visitors to Westfjords; a nature paradise at the edge of the Arctic Circle, extremely popular with hikers, mountain bikers and birdwatchers in the short summer.

The nearest town to Bitrufjörður is Hólmavík (about 80 Kilometers away), which is the largest settlement in Strandir and serves as a centre of commerce for the county. Hólmavík is part of the Strandabyggð municipality and has 375 inhabitants (2011 census).

In olden times, the Westfjords were renowned for wizards and sorcerers, and Hólmavík (Holmavik) hosts an exhibition on witchcraft and witch hunts. When driving through the majestic landscape, fjord after fjord towering above shore and sea, it’s easy to understand how all the tales of witches, trolls and black magic would have emerged in this remote area.

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.

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.

The work can by 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.

Free time activities in the area will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers in cooperation with our host. 

Age: 18+