Mývatn lake - Magic Iceland

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity to work in the area of Mývatn in the north of Iceland; Mývatn is the fourth largest lake in Iceland.

SEEDS Iceland has been working with the Environmental agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun) since 2007 in diverse projects in the national parks and protected areas of the country.

The work in this project will mainly consist of making and maintaining hiking paths, put gravel on paths and along the roads. Other tasks may be clean up and light maintenance in the area.

Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors.

Volunteers should be prepared for all kinds of weather. The work is physically demanding and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in tents during this workcamp. Volunteers will have access to a kitchen tent and all equipment related to cooking.

Volunteers will share the responsibilities of the cooking and cleaning activities.

Volunteers will have to bring their own warm sleeping bag, sleeping mat and familiarize themselves with the Equipment Checklist in the Information sheet.

Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: Mývatn is located in the north of Iceland, about 490 km from Reykavík. Mývatn offers a unique natural environment. Large open spaces with roads and walkways lead people to interesting locations, were volcanic eruptions have played a crucial role in the formation of the landscape.

Few areas offer such a wide spectrum of geological formations, since Mývatn lies on an active volcanic belt where eruptions are frequent, most recently in 1984. There is intense geothermal activity as well, producing mud pools, solfataras and spectacular coloured deposits. Steam is harnessed for heating, electricity generation and industrial applications.

Mývatn is the fourth-largest lake in Iceland, measuring 37.3 km2. Frequent lava flows have left the lake very irregular in shape, and it is dotted with many islets and rock formations. It is also exceptionally shallow: no more than 4.5 m at its deepest point. More species of duck are said to breed at this internationally renowned bird-watching site than anywhere else in the world. Particularly rich flora flourishes around the lake, which is well sheltered despite being at 277 m and generally enjoys some of the best summer weather in Iceland. Most of the water in Mývatn originates from springs on the bed of the lake, and drains into Laxá.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

TERMINAL: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).

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.

In the area, it is possible to take countless fascinating walks hand hikes. Volunteers will be able to explore those in their free time.

Volunteers need to be prepared for hard physical work, free time activities are mostly outdoors, like hikes in the area. Bring your own warm sleeping bag & sleeping mat.

Volunteers have to familiarize themselves with the Equipment Checklist at the Information Sheet.

Age: 18+