Turf house renovation in the South
Turf house renovation in the South
WORK/PROJECT: Our host is a family that lives on an old farm close to Eyrarbakki on the south coast of Iceland. The farm is on the sea shore and has horses, sheep, a goat, hens, a dog and a cat.
The main tasks of SEEDS volunteers will be to renovate an old turf house. Icelanders traditionally lived in turf-houses during a period of more than 1000 years. In the late 18th century a new style called burstabær became popular and many of these survived well into the 20th century. It has been said that the turf-houses are Iceland´s contribution to the world´s architecture.
Other possible tasks include repairing a small boat and some fence work.
The work is mainly outdoors and physical. Please bring warm clothes and rain proof coat.
ACCOMMODATION: Most of the SEEDS volunteers will sleep in campers outside and two volunteers will sleep in the farmhouse. Please bring your own sleeping bag.
The host will prepare the meals with help from the volunteers. Please do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.
LOCATION: The farm is located on the sea shore between the towns Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri on the south coast of Iceland. The farm is by the sea and there is a beautiful shore where it’s possible to do sea-swimming and kayaking.
The closest town is Eyrarbakki, a small village in South Iceland. The town is renowned for its charming old houses and one of oldest house of Iceland, from 1765 is located in the town. Locals have put effort and energy in maintaining and renovating other old houses so the town holds more to its original look.
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 and a 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 200 (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. Rain coats, hats, scarves and gloves are 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, including horseback riding and trips to the swimming pool in Stokkseyri.
Age: 18+