Nature & Fun at the feet of Vatnajökull

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers in this project have the chance to work in a typical Icelandic farm, be a part of the farm life and take part in various outdoor tasks. The work will mostly take place outside, so volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors. Volunteers will do some fence-work, and general clean up inside and outside the farm.

Furthermore volunteers will do some painting and those who are interested can take part in the regular farm tasks such as milking cows and attending the animals.

The working plan will be flexible and it will depend on the needs of our hosts as well as weather conditions. The work is physical.

We will have the opportunity to live and work with an Icelandic family, participating in the diverse tasks of their daily lives. This is a unique opportunity to experience first-hand how a family in the countryside lives. The farm is relatively big, with sheep, cows and few horses, and this time of autumn can be very lively. The owners have their own produce which we will have the opportunity to learn about.

ACCOMMODATION: In this camp volunteers will be hosted in a farmhouse, sleeping in shared accommodation on mattresses on the floor. Volunteers will have to bring their own sleeping bag. The house is a fully equipped home, with access to a kitchen, bathroom and washing machine.

We will share the different duties of cooking and cleaning. Please remember to bring some traditional or typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The project takes place in an active Icelandic farm in south Iceland placed between the town Höfn in Hornarfjörður and the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón where big icebergs float.  Tourism has been a growing field in the area and the locals are meeting the new demands.

The south of Iceland is one of the most popular destinations for travellers as the landscape offers diverse and breathtaking nature. Rivers and waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and long beaches form a contrast and offer a wide range of experiences.

The view is spectacular and the biggest national park in Europe with the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull is only few kilometres away.  The unique beauty of the nature, unpredictable weathers during winter and local culture have shaped the culture in the area.

The Vatnajökull N.P., stretching from the south coast to the north coast of the island; it is the largest protected wilderness in Europe. It covers around 15.000 km2 (15% of the surface of Iceland), including all of Vatnajökull glacier, the former Skaftafell N.P., Jokulsargljufur N.P. and surrounding 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 (BSÍ).

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 150 (Euros). To be paid to SEEDS on arrival.

Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and be willing to take part in all the diverse tasks included in the project and getting to know ways of living in rural areas in Iceland. The work is physical.

Please bring warm working clothes. Place of beautiful natural surroundings with countless opportunities to hike and discover it by foot. 

Age: 18+