French Cemetery in the West Fjords

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be working in the West Fjords, in a small town called Þingeyri. This is the second year that we are collaborating with this project. Our hosts are the town of Þingeyri and the French cemetery, which is located in a nearby valley called Haukadalur. Volunteers will help maintain the cemetery where many French sailors were buried, as well as do some work for the town.

Volunteers’ main tasks will be gardening, planting flowers and other plants, making a walking path, and painting.

Weather conditions in Iceland are unpredictable, so be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and be sure to bring warm clothing since most of the work will take place outdoors.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a local school house and will sleep on mattresses on the floor. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

The school is equipped with a kitchen. Volunteers will share the duties of preparing food, cooking meals and cleaning. There is no shower in the school, but volunteers will have free access to showers in the local swimming pool; which is few blocks away within walking distance.

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

LOCATION: The project takes place in the West Fjords of Iceland in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains. The group will stay in Þingeyri and work there and also in Haukadalur.  

Þingeyri is a small town of 280 people located on the coast of Dýrafjörður. It is the oldest trading post of the Westfjords. Fishing and fish processing are the main bases of livelihood. Tourism grows more important by the year, and one of Iceland’s oldest houses, a warehouse dating back to the 18th century, is at Þingeyri.

Spectacular nature surrounds Þingeyri, including the Western Fjord’s highest mountain, Kaldbakur, and many other beautiful mountains and valleys. It is popular to drive to the top of Sandafell and enjoy the excellent view on a fine day.

The French Cemetery is located in the valley of Haukadalur, which was one of the main resting places for the crews of French boats fishing off the west coast of Iceland. The cemetery is about 96 square meters and is surrounded by a white concrete fence with a locked gate.

The valley of Haukadalur is also known for being the main setting for the famous Gisla Saga and it is believed that his farmhouse was situated on Gislaholl, where ancient ruins from the time of the sagas may be found.

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

TERMINAL: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). The closest local airport is located in Ísafjörður (IFJ).

SEEDS organises a “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and back. Apart from being cheap and convenient, it 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). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

Our hosting partner will organise some free time activities for SEEDS volunteers, for instance a day trip and excursions in the area.

Weather conditions in Iceland are unpredictable, so be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and be sure to bring warm clothing since most of the work will take place outdoors.

Age: 18+