Reykjanes in the West fjords

WORK/PROJECT:  volunteers will be working in Reykjanes in the West Fjords, where a newly established production makes artisan ­flake sea salt, using two centuries old method.

Saltverk´s Icelandic Flake Salt is the world’s only artisan salt produced with 100% geothermal energy and one of the best flake salts available, making it the choice for consumers looking for excellent salt made in an environmentally sustainable way.

SEEDS volunteers will be working on environmental and nature oriented tasks in this workcamp. Our tasks will mainly be focused on improving the environment around the factory. The task list offers various things to be performed by SEEDS volunteers such as creating a pedestrian path and some paving along the path, planting trees, beautifying the area around and building a patio and making sea bath facilities.

To increase even further the variation of the tasks, our host will also invite SEEDS volunteers to do some work in the salt production.

The working plan will be flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local host, the advance of the diverse projects will depend 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 arranged in cooperation with the local host. 

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be accommodated in shared rooms in Saltverk’s staff building. Volunteers will have access to a kitchen and a 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: The small peninsula of Reykjanes is located in the Icelandic West fjords. It separates two fjords and is surrounded with high mountains. ​Reykjanes has some of the cleanest seawater imaginable which is the raw material used for making sea salt.

A lively wild life, consisting of whales, seals and birds exists on Reykjanes. Not to mention the geysers, which the place derives its name from. Remnants of Iceland´s bathing history are still visible in many places in the area; hot springs are secured and used as thermal pools or saunas.

The West fjords are very mountainous; the coastline is heavily indented by dozens of fjords surrounded by steep hills, this make roads very circuitous and communications by land difficult. Many of the roads are closed by ice and snow for several months of the year.

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

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).  Domestic airport is Ísafjörður (IFJ).

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 200 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

Volunteers should have a motivation for working outdoors and getting to know the ways of living in rural areas in Iceland.

Our hosting partner will organise free time activities in the surroundings of the workcamp, for instance a day trip or excursions in the area.

AGE: 18+