Skagafjörður in the North of Iceland

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be working on environmental and nature oriented tasks in this project in the North of the country. Our tasks will mainly be focused on improving the environment around the farmhouse. The task list offers various things to be performed by SEEDS volunteers such as: Pick up potatoes from the ground, painting, beautifying the area around the house, attending to the small things that need attention in and around the buildings.  

The working plan will be flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local host, the advance of the diverse projects in the area surrounding the farmhouse and of course on the weather conditions. Volunteers should have a motivation for working outdoors and getting to know ways of living in rural areas in Iceland.

Last but not least we will explore the surroundings of the location and enjoy free time activities such as hiking and horseback riding; these activities are arranged in cooperation with the local host. 

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will have an apartment for them self’s and sleep in shared rooms. The apartment is fully equipped with access to kitchen and bathroom. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities.

Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for an international evening.

LOCATION: Known as flashy dressers, the people of Skagafjörður were proud and often preferred to seek other work than farming. In this they were considered rather distinct from other Icelanders. Horsemanship was widespread in Skagafjörður and singing was given more weight than in many other regions; there culture and literature prospered.

Even though the vast majority of Skagafjörður residents make their living through agriculture, many were also engaged in fishing. Stagnation can be said to have marked many fields of life from about 1650 until 1850, when the impact of the industrial revolution began to be felt, and the Icelandic demand for increased independence from Denmark received a great deal of local support. Trade practices likewise began to change and the general population began to migrate from the countryside. Many moved to America, but others simply into villages and larger towns.

The previous history of Skagafjörður was decisively shaped by the presence of the bishop's seat. On the secular side, however, there were powerful chieftains living at such Skagafjörður estates as Reynistaður, Flugumýri and Ás, to name a few.

In Skagafjörður you will find many protected areas such as Orravatnsrústir, in the grazing commons Hofsafrétt; wetlands surrounding Orravatn lake and reaching north to Reyðarvatn lake. Another example of an exclusive area in Skagafjörður is the Upper end of Vesturdalur valley (Hofsárdalur valley): The innermost part of Vesturdalur, upstream from Miðmundargil gorge and including the canyon stretching inland from the valley. Unusual, lush valley, encircled by cliffs and precipitous slopes with enchanting waterfalls in Fossá river. 

LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.

TERMINAL: 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 180 (Euros).

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

SEEDS and/or our hosting partner will organise free time activities such as hiking and possibly horseback riding.

Age: 18+