Geothermal experience in the South (1:2)

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity to work in the hot spring capital of the world Hveragerði. Volunteers will work with the municipality. The town is built above a hot-spring field, and derives its name from the Icelandic word for hot spring: hver.

Volunteers will mainly be working in the hot spring areas. The main tasks include pulling and removing weeds and applying preservation on wood. Volunteers might also do some work in a forest in the area, like making walking paths. Other tasks might be cleaning up and light maintenance in the area.

The work is physically demanding and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to be flexible to work in all the diverse tasks connected with the project. Volunteers should be prepared for cold or rainy weather since the work takes place outdoors.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be staying in a local house/school. Volunteers will have access to kitchen and bathrooms and will sleep on mattresses on the floor. Shower facilities in the building are basic. Volunteers will have free access to the local swimming pool.

Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for an international evening.

LOCATION:  Hveragerði is located 45 Km from Reykjavik, and may be seen from the vantage point of the Kambar mountain slope, as it spreads out across a 5,000 year-old lava field. Throughout the years, pillars of steam from the numerous hot springs in the town may be seen rising up out of the ground. In summer the town is truly a green community, abounding in trees. A green revolution is taking place as areas of woodland in and around Hveragerði expand, with the locals working together in order to further develop their blossoming town.

A new hot spring area broke through the ground in the earthquake that shook Iceland´s south on the 29^th of May 2008. It is situated in the hillside above the town. Several very active hot springs can be seen that throw colourful mud and clear water in the air, which is a spectacular sight.

The Hveragerði surroundings are a paradise for outdoor activities. There are hiking trails in the recreational area of Hamar Mountain. From the mountain there are excellent views of land and out to sea. To the north of town is one of the country’s largest geothermal areas, Hengill, where plumes of steam can be seen for miles. Hiking and riding trails stretch from town through Ölfusdalur valley, into the Hengill volcanic area, all the way to Nesjavellir and Þingvellir National Park. Along the way are warm springs where bathing is possible.

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 (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 the camp and back (on the first and last day of the camp). In the first day we will do the Golden Circle trip.

It is easy to enjoy life in all its splendour in Hveragerði. Innumerable walking trails wind through the beautiful countryside. SEEDS volunteers will be able to explore the surroundings in their free time.

Age: 18+