Family Farm under the Glacier

PROJECT: Our host for this project is a farmer’s family on the south shore of Iceland, who cultivates carrots and keeps cows. This is the fifth year that SEEDS participants will have the unique opportunity to get to know and explore this traditional Icelandic vegetable and dairy farm.

The main tasks in this project will be connected with the carrot cultivation. Volunteers will be in the fields, covering the garden beds with plastic wraps. There will be some cleaning tasks too, for instance cleaning the garden beds and beautifying the area around.

Those who are interested in farm animals are invited to take a look at the cows in the stalls, assist in milking them if they are interested or just tend to them in general.

Iceland is highly dependent on imports for its fruit and vegetable consumption. Only about 1% of the total land area is under arable cultivation. The cool climate and restricted growing season only allow for the cultivation of food crops such as carrots, potatoes, turnips, cabbage, and cauliflower.

The weather conditions in Iceland are unpredictable, so be prepared to experience all kinds of weather. Bring clothing suitable for all weather conditions.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in a fully equipped flat, in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

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

LOCATION: The farm is located in the South of Iceland, a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and glaciers to the north and near the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

The inhabitants here live in constant threat of volcanic eruptions, the area was covered by ashes during the recent eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and Vatnajökull 2011.

Vík, the closest town, is Iceland's most southerly village.  Mýrdalur is bordered by the glacial river Jökulsá to the west and the river Blautakvísl to the east. On the northern border is Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which caps the volcanic Mt. Katla, while its southern limits are the black sand beach and the rolling Atlantic waves. The district lives mainly by agriculture. Although this community of 600 inhabitants faces the open Atlantic, Vík is the only seaside settlement in Iceland left without a harbour due to natural circumstances.  Among the many aspects of Vík that make it attractive are the sea-and-land trips and trips on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier to list a few.  

The natural beauty of the area is spectacular. Just east of the village's outskirts lies one of Europe's biggest arctic tern breeding grounds. South of Vík is a beautiful beach which has its very own charm with the black sand and the drastic coast line. A short hike within the close vicinity of Vík is sure to satisfy all serious nature lovers and bird watchers. Vík and its surroundings is one of the main bird life areas in Iceland.

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 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.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 140 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

Volunteers should have a motivation for getting to know ways of living in rural areas in Iceland.

Our host will organise free time activities in the area, depending on the weather conditions.

AGE: 18+