Archaeology in the East

WORK/PROJECT: For the fourth year SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity to join one of the most exciting archaeological projects in Iceland.

Volunteers will be working at the archaeological site Skriðuklaustur (e. The monastery at Skriða). On site are the ruins of a medieval monastery which was reconstructed by SEEDS volunteers a few years ago after 10 years of research and excavation.

The tasks will be mainly connected with taking care of the land around the monastery. Main tasks include repairing ruins, beautifying the area and building a monastic garden.

The working plan will be very flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local hosts and of course on the weather conditions. Be prepared to get dirty. The work can be physical.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will sleep in beds in a local house next to the cultural center. The house is fully equipped and volunteers will have access to kitchen and 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: Volunteers will work in Skriðuklaustur in Fljótsdalur valley, which is located about 40 km from the biggest town in the East of Iceland, Egilsstaðir (pop. 2,300) and about 650 km from Reykjavík. It is a part of Fljótsdalshérað. Skriðuklasutur is located by the south end of the mysterious lake Lagarfljót, where a world famous worm monster lives. In the valley you will also find Hengifoss, the second highest waterfall in Iceland 128m.

The monastery at Skriða, named Skriðuklaustur, was the youngest of the seven monasteries and two nunneries in operation in Iceland during the medieval period, but within a short time, it became one of the richest. It is thought that this increase in material wealth was due to Skriðuklaustur having been the only monastery in East Iceland. Nowadays, Skriðuklaustur has a local centre of culture and history. The house was built in 1939 and is one of Iceland's most important buildings. There is a museum about the writer Gunnar Gunnarsson in the house. It is also a residence for artists, writers and scholars, both Icelandic and foreign. At Skriðuklaustur there are as well exhibitions available for visitors and many events organized concerning local culture and the nature of East Iceland. The ruins of the 16th century monastery with archaeological excavation are located nearby.

The East Fjords is a region of a special landscape, dominated by long, narrow fjords and steep mountains. This is one of the oldest regions of Iceland shaped by glaciers in the Ice Age. The largest natural forest in Iceland, Hallormsstaðaskógur, and wild reindeers are also found in Fljótsdalur.

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

TERMINAL: International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF); domestic airport and bus stop is Egilsstaðir.

SEEDS organizes 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.

Volunteers joining SEEDS minibus option will have the chance to travel around Iceland, as we will go to the camp via the North of the country and will return from the camp by the South. This trip includes scenic sights such as glaciers, unique waterfalls, glacier lagoons, geothermal areas, and amazing mountain ranges.

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 kronas.

Our hosting partner will organize free time activities such as a day tour, hiking and possibly horseback riding and fishing.

Age: 18+