The Hot Spring capital of Iceland (1:3)

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity to work in the hot spring capital of the world Hveragerði, volunteering for 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 town of Hveragerði and take part in a sports event called “Landsmót 50+” held by the Icelandic Youth Association (UMFÍ) for seniors over 50 years old.

Landsmót 50+ is a sports event for people over 50 years old. People will compete in various sports, for instance in boccia, tractor driving, athletics, golf, judo, chess, swimming and more.

Volunteers will be involved in preparing the tournament and assisting during them. Volunteers will help prepare the competition areas, put up signs, clean the areas and other related tasks. Volunteers will play a big role in making it possible for these events to take place.

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 a South-Iceland town renowned for greenhouse gardening and its geothermal springs. It 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 expand in and around Hveragerði, with the locals working together in order to further develop their blossoming town.

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.

In this camp the minibus is included in the price of the camp and includes the Golden circle excursion on the way to the camp. The Golden circle excursions include the magnificent Gullfoss - Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Geysir – the first geyser known to modern Europeans, and Þingvellir National Park – a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Departure time will be at 9:00 in the morning on June 19, 2017, first day of the camp.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 280 (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) and the Golden Circle trip.

The host will provide SEEDS volunteers with access to the local swimming pool. There are also innumerable walking trails in the area that SEEDS volunteers will be able to explore in their free time.