Working on the East side of the mountain

WORK/PROJECT: This is the fourth year that SEEDS volunteers will have the chance to work on this horse-breeding farm in the South of Iceland. Our tasks will mainly be focused on improving the environment in and around the area. We will be coating wooden walls of the accommodation facilities, sleeping huts, platforms and fences. We will also assist our host with gardening and the surroundings of the area.

While we help to beautify the area and the facilities, we will explore the surroundings and enjoy free time activities such as swimming and hiking. Please note that the amount of horseback riding might be limited, depending on weather and physical condition of the horses.

The Icelandic horse is a rather small breed and it is the only one in the world that has five gaits. You will be able to experience the fourth and special gait known as “tölt”.  The Icelandic horse is strong and quite easy to train. It has been very popular in other European countries.  

ACCOMMODATION:  We will be lodged in the guesthouse at the premises, sharing rooms, sleeping on made up beds. Bringing a sleeping bag is not necessary for the workcamp (but might be essential before and after it). Please bring your own bathing suit and towels.

Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen is available, volunteers will share the duties of cooking and cleaning.

Please do not forget some traditional food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: 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 South of Iceland is unique. There, history follows visitors at every footstep, both ancient and recent. There is a lot of creative art, culture and flourishing trade in the area as well as endless possibilities to enjoy the outdoor life in all seasons.

We will stay in the south of Iceland, around 60 km from Reykjavík. The largest towns in the vicinity are Hveragerdi and Selfoss (pop. 6000). The workcamp site is located about 15 km from Selfoss. We will be able to explore and enjoy the south Icelandic lowland, which is made out of sand and rock sediments delivered by the river Þjórsá during the last centuries. The land is covered mostly by green grass and the closeness of the ocean can be felt in the air.

Our camp is in close vicinity to many natural hot springs and natural pools that hikers can take a dip in. The hiking possibilities are almost endless with Hengill, Reykjadalir (Steam Valley), Molddalhnúkar, Ölkelduhnúkur, Dalsel and Klambragil close by.

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 a “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and back. Apart from being cheap and convenient, it allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting sites.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 200 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

Volunteers are asked to bring a passport photo as they will get an ID card at the location.

The host will organise free time activities such as finding trails and natural springs to bathe in.

Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to take part in all the diverse projects. Please bring warm clothes and outdoor wear as the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable.

Place of beautiful surroundings with countless opportunities to hike and discover by foot. 

Age: 18+