Outdoor adventures in the Blue Mountains

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS and our volunteers will be working close to the main skiing area in the capital region of Iceland, Bláfjöll or the Blue Mountains.

The aim is to protect the environment and avoid different trails being created from increasing traffic of hikers and nature lovers in the area. The main task will be making a hiking path from the Blue Mountains to an area called Þríhnúkagígur. The hiking path will be 2 km long and about 60 cm wide. The path will be made with gravel and volunteers will use wheel barrels to move the gravel from bags which have been distributed evenly along the path. The work will be done in 500 m above sea level so weather conditions can be colder and windier than in the city at sea level.

Other tasks may be to mark and control areas where the visitors can walk in order to protect the surroundings of unnecessary passage and harm.

Sports associations who run some of the skiing lodges might also need some renovation job, such as painting and/or cleaning. The working plan will depend on the needs of our local host.

Volunteers need motivation to work mainly outdoors on physical jobs and under changeable weather conditions.

The camp starts in early summer but the days are already long so the clear air and bright light can create great conditions for photography or just to enjoy the view.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in one of the ski lodges in the mountains; in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. 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: The project takes place in the Blue Mountain Range area, which is located about 30 minutes drive from Reykjavík. The range stretches to the west from the mountain Vifilsfell near the main road (#1) from the capital area to the Southwestern lowlands.  The highest mountain in the range reaches 600m and in 1968 the district became a very popular skiing resort among Icelanders and the favourite for skiers in the Capital region.

This area is excellent for recreation, not only for alpine and cross country skiing, but outdoor activities as well such as hiking and mountain biking.  Nature lovers are certain to find something to their liking, but they have to be careful crossing the rugged lava fields, because of the numerous caves underneath. The caves here are actually among the most interesting tourist attractions in the capital area and our volunteers will be given the change to explore them.

Iceland is chilly, even in early summer. Expect nights to dip down to 5 Celsius and days to warm up to the mid-high teens and warmer. In mountains, weather can change quickly and drastically.

The Blue Mountain Range area is a place of extreme beautiful natural surroundings with countless opportunities to hike and discover it by foot.

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).

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 150 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

Volunteers have to bring good working shoes and clothes, even though it is summer, it might still be cold and hats and gloves might be necessary.

Our hosting partner will organise free time activities in the area; tours and excursions can be arranged for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares as well.

Age: 18+