Eyrarbakki in the South Coast

WORK/PROJECT: This project gives SEEDS volunteers the opportunity to live and work in the beautiful and picturesque town of Eyrarbakki situated on the south coast of Iceland. 

The project offers various experiences for SEEDS volunteers. This is a task for green fingers, so all those who like gardening should note this camp. Our first priority will be gardening activities in all its diverse forms.

Our host is committed to proving that green can grow in spite of proximity to the salted sea, in spite of the wind, in spite of unfertile grounds and in spite of volcanoes erupting. We will move and build windbreaks, plant trees and plants, prepare ground to cultivate vegetables and remove weeds.

The work can be physically demanding and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and be flexible to work in all the diverse tasks connected with the project.

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: The towns Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri are twin villages on the south coast of Iceland. In the past Eyrarbakki was an important trading post and there were many fishing outfits located along the coastline, but the constant beating of the waves and bad harbour conditions prevented such operations from continuing.

The fish processing factories of the villages received fish for processing from fishing vessels, which unloaded their catch in the harbour of the town Þorlákshöfn further to the west. Tourism is becoming an increasingly important trade. The visitors have the feeling that they have stepped into the past when they walk about between the old and well maintained houses. The oldest building in the village, Húsið ("The House"), dates from 1765 and is the oldest preserved timber dwelling house in Iceland. At first the home of Danish and Icelandic merchants, it is now a folk museum. The old houses built around the turn of the last century are still there in this charming little village. One is the church built in 1890. Its altarpiece was painted by Queen Louise of Denmark, wife of King Christian IX, great-great-grandfather of Queen Margaret II of Denmark, Queen Elisabeth II of England and King Harold V of Norway.

The surroundings are amazing, open sea, beautiful coastline full of bird-life. The river Ölfusá is very popular among the anglers looking for sea trout and char. Nearby you will find many historic places such as Gullfoss, Geysir, Skálholt, Þórsmörk, Skógarfoss and the very well-known and notorious Eyjafjallajökull.

The distance from the capital is about 70 km.

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 160 (Euros). Please note that the fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas.

Our hosting partner will organize some free time activities for SEEDS volunteers, for instance a day trip and excursions in the area. 

Age: 18+