Eyrarbakki in the South Coast (1.2)
Eyrarbakki in the South Coast (1.2)
WORK/PROJECT: The main tasks of SEEDS volunteers will be fixing up the outdoor areas of a newly sustainable tourist cooperative in the south of Iceland.
The tasks include cleaning up after the winter and preparing the season, maintaining walking paths, some painting and other activities if needed. SEEDS volunteers will also help cleaning up the coastline to help maintain its wild untouched appearance and will collect dulse.
Furthermore, volunteers may help our hosts in their activities as a sustainable tour operator in one of the most beautiful parts of Iceland. Please note that some tasks might be organized in collaboration with other partners in the area which only makes the variety of tasks more interesting.
ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be lodged in a community house in sleeping bag accommodation, sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.
Volunteers will receive food and be in charge of cooking and cleaning activities. Please do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.
LOCATION: The project takes place in Eyrarbakki, a small village in South Iceland. The town played an important role in trading; the towns’ prime time was from middle of the 18th century to the early 19th century. During that time the town life flourished and expanded around the houses of the Danish trading area. The population grew fast and at its peak, the inhabitants were around 1000 at 1920, but decreased to 530 - 550 during the last decades.
The historical importance of the town is directly linked to the port, which was an entrance to the country in international trade, churches and bishops in the country had their goods and material for building delivered through Eyrarbakki. In the 18th century Danish merchants were permitted to live in Iceland, which led them to start building and importing houses and settle down in the town.
The town is renowned for its charming old houses and one of oldest house of Iceland, from 1765 is located in the town. Other old houses are there and locals have put effort and energy in maintaining and renovating them, so the town holds more to its original outlook.
Few kilometres out of town is the Flói Nature Reserve, a paradise for wetland birds, with a marked circular hiking trail through the marshes. The surroundings are amazing, open sea, beautiful coastline; nearby you will find places such as Gullfoss, Geysir, Skálholt, Þórsmörk, Skógarfoss, as the very well known and notorious Eyjafjallajökull. The distance from the capital is about 70 km.
LANGUAGE: English will be the language of 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 special shared transport from Reykjavík to the camp which includes the Golden circle excursion. This excursion will be organised on the first day of the camp and it is included in the fee of the project. Departure time will be at 9:00 in the morning.
Apart from being cheaper than regular public services or tour operators, it also 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 250 (Euros). This fee is paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.
The fee includes the transportation from Reykjavík to Eyrarbakki and back (on the first and last day of the camp). In the first day of the camp we will include the Golden Circle excursion.
Volunteers have to bring good walking shoes and warm clothes. Even though the camp takes place in summer, it might still be cold and hats, scarves and gloves might be necessary.
The camp is located in a place of stunningly beautiful surroundings with countless walking and hiking opportunities. Our hosts will organise some additional free time activities.
Age: 18+