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Introducing different cultures to kindergarten children Volunteer project: In Reykjavik you can experience easily the pure energy at the heart of Iceland’s capital city - whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, space, clean air, nature, culture - and Reykjavik has them in spades. It has the features of a modern, forward-looking society which are complemented by a close connection to beautiful nature. The population of the Reykjavik Capital Area is about 200,000. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides. In this time of the year when conditions are favorable you can see the Northern lights (Aurora borealis) glowing curtain of greenish yellow lights, dancing in the distance to a spectacular, multi-colored fusion stretching across the sky. The world’s northernmost capital is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja, which keeps a watchful eye on the city, and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay. On a sunny day, the mystical Snaefellsjokull glacier appears crystal-like on the western horizon, while mountainous moonscapes spread to the southeast. The international volunteers will visit kindergartens in Reykjavik and introduce different cultures to the kids. One of the tasks of this workcamp is to prepare games, songs and materials for those visits and we kindly ask the participants to bring materials that we can use for the preparation. We will also participate in different types of activites in the centre of Reykjavik; this time of the year the city is usually full of life. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to all the modern geothermal swimming pools in Reykjavik. "Northern lights" excursion to areas in the countryside will be organized as well. Accommodation: We will be staying in a fully equipped house in the centre of 101 Reykjavik, the location can not be better. Location: Reykjavik Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 150 Euros
Forestry
and gardening
activities in the
Rehabilitation and Health Clinic
in Hveragerdi Volunteer project: Hveragerði is a small town of about 1,700 inhabitants that lies some 45 km east of Reykjavík. This friendly little community sits on top of a highly active geothermal field which provides heat for hundreds of greenhouses where fruit, flowers and vegetables are produced throughout the year. Even bananas grow in these greenhouses! The name Hveragerði means ‘hot springs garden.’ Geothermal energy is Hveragerði’s lifeblood, and you probably won’t find such a natural wonder in the middle of a populated area anywhere else in the world. A very interesting site is Gufudalur, the lovely ‘Steam Valley’ behind the town. The whole valley explodes with hot springs, geysers, mud pots, fumaroles and steaming vents.
Our host is the Rehabilitation and Health Clinic
which is a part of the Nature Health Association of Iceland located in
Hveragerdi. The Clinic is a place of choice for all those who are in need of
rehabilitation, regaining their strength or simply in need to rest. It has
earned a solid reputation, both in Iceland and internationally, since its
foundation in 1955 for personal and effective care of patients. It is the oldest
sanatorium in Iceland and, one of the two most important rehabilitation clinics
in Iceland. Every year approximately 2,000 patients and other guests enjoy the
diverse rehabilitation programs.
The work will mostly be focused on forestry,
gardening and greenhouse work. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool. Excursion will be arranged for the volunteers.
Accommodation: We will be staying
in a very nice fully equipped flat. Participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Hveragerði, 45 km east of Reykjavík Terminal: Intl. Airport: Keflavík (KEF), Reykjavík. Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 120 Euros
Green
army in Reykjavik
Volunteer project: In Reykjavik you can
easily feel the pure energy at the heart of Iceland‘s capital city - whether it
springs from the underground boiling thermal energy or radiates from the green
scenery surrounding the city. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun,
space, clean air, nature, culture - and Reykjavik has them in spades. Reykjavik
offers both the features of a modern and innovative society and the marvelous
traits of a pristine and unique landscape.
The volunteer work during this project will mostly consist in embellishing the downtown area and helping the local authorities improve the city’s look and atmosphere. Tasks will include cleaning tags and painting old houses. We will be mostly working outdoors giving a hand to the environmental department in taking care of the parks and green areas in the heart of Reykjavík. In addition to that, we might also clean the coastline in the city area. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to all the geothermal pools in Reykjavik; excursion will be organized by the hosts. Accommodation: We will be staying in a fully equipped house in the centre of Reykjavik, the location can not be better. Location: Reykjavik Terminal: Intl. Airport: Keflavík (KEF), Reykjavík Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 120 Euros
Volunteer project: In Reykjavik you can
easily feel the pure energy at the heart of Iceland‘s capital city - whether it
springs from the underground boiling thermal energy or radiates from the green
scenery surrounding the city. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun,
space, clean air, nature, culture - and Reykjavik has them in spades. Reykjavik
offers both the features of a modern and innovative society and the marvelous
traits of a unique natural landscape.
All around the world photographers are
participating in photo marathons.
We will help with the preparation of the Photo
Marathon, hand out brochures and posters and help with the promotion of the
activities. We will than help the participants during the Marathon and
afterwards prepare the photo exhibition. A short course in photography will be
offered to the volunteers, where they will have the opportunity to improve their
skills to capture their memories in an unforgettable way. We will learn how to
think about landscape photography from capture to finished image, your ability
to create dramatic compositions will become more effortless and you'll learn
about what might be holding you back from reaching your full potential as a
photographer. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to all the geothermal swimming pools in Reykjavik and excursion will be provided by our hosts. Accommodation: We will stay in a nice house near the city centre. Location: Reykjavik Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 150 Euros
Easter
camp in Reykjavik Volunteer project: In Reykjavik you can experience easily the pure energy at the heart of Iceland’s capital city - whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, space, clean air, nature, culture - and Reykjavik has them in spades. It has the features of a modern, forward-looking society which are complemented by a close connection to beautiful nature. The population of the Reykjavik Capital Area is about 200,000. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides. In this time of the year, when conditions are favorable, you can see the Northern lights (Aurora borealis) glowing curtain of greenish yellow lights, dancing in the distance to a spectacular, multi-colored fusion stretching across the sky. The world’s northernmost capital is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja, which keeps a watchful eye on the city, and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay. On a sunny day, the mystical Snaefellsjokull glacier appears crystal-like on the western horizon, while mountainous moonscapes spread to the southeast.
The international volunteer group will create a
great atmosphere in the central area of Reykjavik with a lot of lights on houses
and in the gardens. One of the tasks is to prepare coffee and cakes for homeless
people. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to all the modern geothermal swimming pools in Reykjavik. "Northern lights" excursion to areas in the countryside will be organized as well. Accommodation: We will be staying in fully equipped house in the centre of 101 Reykjavik, the location can not be better. Location: Reykjavik Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 150 Euros
Organic
gardening
and forestry activities in the
Solheimar Eco-village
Volunteer project: Sólheimar Eco-Village,
founded in 1930, is the first community in the world where the so-called able
and disabled people live and work together. Inspired by the theories of Rudolf
Steiner, Sólheimar has focused on cultivating both the individual and the
environment and it is the first community in Scandinavia to practice organic
farming.
The volunteers will mostly work in the Ölur Forestry Centre (the only organic reforestation centre in Iceland) and in the Sunna Organic Cultivation Centre. During the project, other tasks may arise depending on the needs of the community. The work in Ölur, and in the village as well, will mostly consist in building paths and planting trees in Southern Iceland Farm Forest. In Sunna we will be planting vegetables, eradicating weeds and other gardening work. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the swimming pool and the fitness center. Excursions will be provided by the hosts. Accommodation: In a nice house with double bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. The house is fully equipped and has a big living room. Participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Sólheimar Eco-village Terminal: Intl. Airport: Keflavík (KEF), Reykjavík. Distance from the airport to the project site: 140 km. Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 150 Euros
"The project was an amazing experience for me. Everyone I worked with in Solheimar was great, volunteers and locals alike. The guy that led everything, Valgeir, was great to get to know and everything was incredibly organized. He showed us around on our first day there and gave us a detailed tour of the village. The first four days, I worked outside with Urn and did landscaping (painting, laying down turf, etc), the rest of the time I worked in the forestry area or in the organic cultivation area. The people in those 'departments' were also great and I learned so much. During my stay there the group was invited for coffee and tea at one of the lady's house, which was nice to see an Icelander's house. I think doing this workcamp was one of the best experiences of my life....getting to know people from all over Europe as well as learning about Icelandic culture while working cannot be beat. We also had the chance to do excursions on our free time which was organized by Valgeir as well as some that were organized by the group itself (the group of volunteers). I will definitely do a workcamp again in the future." Fatemeh B., Cadip volunteer 2007
Volunteer project: A team of international volunteers will work this year again in the natural protected reserve of Þórsmörk. Volunteers’ tasks in this project will be mainly focused on preparing the area before the summer season as this is one of the most beautiful sites of the country and therefore very popular among local and foreign visitors, hikers and nature lovers. The group of volunteers will support the administration of the reserve putting up the visitors’ area, the mountain huts and the housing facilities. We will get the houses up and running after the area has been closed in the autumn; we will be cleaning the area, furbishing the huts and the common facilities. Work might include maintenance and renovation of windows that may be affected by the frost of the past winter. Other tasks include painting and retouching of the huts, preparation of the camping site and outdoors area, arranging fences and general works in order to prepare the reserve. Language: English Leisure time: Remote places located in natural reserved areas of extreme beauty. Hikes and free time activities in the area will be arranged for the volunteers. Accommodation: Volunteers will stay in the ranger’s huts and will sleep either in bunk beds or on mattresses. A warm sleeping bag is strongly recommended. Location: The Þórsmörk natural reserve is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, surrounded by beautiful mountains, glaciers and glacial rivers. Þórsmörk itself is situated in the south of Iceland, about 160 km from Reykjavík. For years, the only access to this special place was by a powerful jeep to cross the treacherous rivers, but that is no longer the case. Most of the tourists reach the place by specially 4x4 equipped cross-country buses. Þórsmörk is famous for its spectacular nature and is very popular to visit and go hiking. There are many hiking trails inside the area of Þórsmörk as the unique, summer 2-3 days hike “Laugavegur” to Landmannalaugar. There are also many opportunities for short treks, so it is a perfect place for nature lovers and those who enjoy being outdoors. Þórsmörk is an idyllic place of exceptional meteorological conditions hidden in the embrace of glaciers and mountains and was actually a fjord from the ocean about 12.000 years ago. The weather here is also often known to be better and less windy than in the surrounding areas - making it a great destination to go to when the weather is lousy elsewhere.
Þórsmörk is a place of breathtaking
landscapes and a fauna of great variety. It is the home of 170
seminiferous plants as well as a variety of trees, moss and fern. The
main reason for the variety of plants and trees is probably attributed
to the fact that the area has been exempt from sheep and horsegrazing
for over 100 years. Terminal: Closest International Airport: Keflavík (Reykjavík), KEF. Closest bus stop is Hvolsvöllur. Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 120 Euros
Environmental
and renovation activities in
the harbor of Siglufjordur
We will maintain the area around the harbor of the
town. There are many different tasks, for example it is needed to fix some
walking paths, cleaning and beautifying green areas near to the port and the
center and we will also help painting and maintaining some of the houses in that
area. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool. Excursions, such as hikes with local guides and fishing trips, will be arranged. Accommodation: We will be staying in a nice house near to the center of the village. Participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Siglufjörður Terminal: Intl. Airport: Keflavík (KEF), Reykjavík Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 120 Euros
Renovating
a volunteer centre and improving the environment
in the east of Iceland Volunteer project: Eskifjörður is a major fishing town (population: 972) and an export harbor with direct sailing to Europe, which is located at the northern shore of the fjord Eskifjörður. It is built on a small sand spit and up the slopes of the mountain which rises above the town. Its main industries are fishing and small-scale farming. Eskifjörður became an authorized trade port in 1786 and has been a commercial center since 1798. One of the several shops in Eskifjörður, Gamlabúð, built in 1816, houses the Maritime Museum Of East Iceland. Eskifjörður town faces the mountain Hólmatindur, from the top of which you can view some of the tallest mountains in the Icelandic interior. One of the favored sights in the area is the Helgustaðanáman mine, which is one of the world’s best-known sources of Icelandic spar. The area, which is just a ten-minute drive from the town, is a nature reserve and open to all, free of charge. A swimming pool with hot pots (geothermal pools) and a sauna is located in Eskifjörður, as well as a gallery and crafts shop.
We will have two different tasks in this project.
Volunteers will renovate a house in Eskifjörður which will become a centre for
volunteers in the east of Iceland. During the workcamp we will paint, move
things and start the renovation of the house. We will also do some environmental
work. Possible tasks are for example planting trees, taking old fences down and
beautifying the town and the surrounding area. We may also clean up the
coastline and even make hiking paths. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Excursion or a boat trip will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: We will be staying in a nice community center. Mattresses will be provided and everyone is asked to bring his/her own warm sleeping bag. We will have showers at the local swimming pool and sports centre. Location: Eskifjörður Terminal: Intl. airport: Keflavík (Reykjavík), KEF. The national airport in Egilsstaðir is 40 km away from the project. Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 120 Euros
Volunteer project: The volunteers will be taking part in two days cycling tours with school pupils from 9th and 10th grade to Bláfjöll (the Blue Mountains range), located 35 km from Reykjavík. Each week, there will be two trips back and forth. Volunteers will visit the schools before the trips and assist the participants to assess and adjust their bicycles, check their helmets, adjust the gears and breaks and talk about cycling to the pupils. School teachers, members of the Icelandic mountain cycling club and the volunteers will lead the groups from the schools in Reykjavík to Bláfjöll. The route chosen is far away from busy roads, so safety of participants and the pleasure of the trip are kept at its most. In Bláfjöll, the volunteers and other leaders will prepare Kjötsúpa (Icelandic meat soup) for dinner and porridge for breakfast and the group will return to Reykjavík the next day, after staying overnight in one of the ski huts in the area. A car and bicycle trailer will follow each trip with luggage, food and equipment. Volunteers with driving licence will take turns in the car. Promoting outdoors, sports activities and healthy lifestyles will be the main targets of the project. School pupils will be encouraged to practice healthy activities, which reduce their vulnerability to smoking and drinking. Apart from the healthy lifestyle promotion through sport and outdoors activities, the pupils will be encouraged to work in teams. Study theme: This volunteer project has an educational/awareness-rising approach, promoting outdoors, sports activities and healthy lifestyles. Apart from the group leader, we will have an environmental messenger, a person dedicated to organising and developing fun, interactive and educational activities within the project.
Special requirements: Volunteers
applying for this project should have a motivation for working with people in
matters related to bikeability, cycling, sports and outdoor
Language: English Leisure time: The volunteers will be provided with passes to access free of charge the city’s seven geothermal swimming pools and thermal-water beach. Tours and excursions will be arranged for the volunteers at discount fares. Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in a fully equipped house while in Reykjavík; sleeping in shared rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Equipped kitchen and washing machine are available. In Bláfjöll, volunteers will stay in a fully equipped skiing hut in the skiing area of the range. Location: Volunteers will stay both in Reykjavík and in Bláfjöll mountain range. Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, often called “the nightlife capital of the north”, but there is more to it than pubs and clubs. Reykjavík also gathers the most interesting of Icelandic culture. It is an incubator of new ideas and styles which often indicates new global trends. It is an International city with a lively Cosmopolitan cultural scene. Its population of over 200,000 including the metropolitan area, so two thirds of Iceland’s inhabitants live here. It is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources - geothermal power and glacial rivers. The Bláfjöll volcanic mountain range is located about 35 km from Reykjavík and the river Elliðaá have its source there, streaming down to the lake Helliðavatn in the eastern suburban border of the city, on the way it passes through the nature reserve area of Heiðmörk. The highest mountain reaches 600 m and since 1968 the region became a very popular skiing area among Icelanders and the favourite for skiers in the Capital area, becoming the largest skiing area in Iceland. Terminal: International Airport: Keflavík (Reykjavík), KEF. Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ). Age range: 21 and over
Extra fee: 130 Euros
Maintenance
and environmental works in
a University Center in the Westfjords Volunteer project: The “Westfjords” are situated in the Northwest part of Iceland, reaching out almost to Greenland – therefore the most westerly part of Europe. The landscape here is majestic, with fjord after fjord, towering above shore and sea, each and every fjord has its own distinctive character and tiny fishing villages nestle at their foot. It is an ideal place for hikers and all nature lovers, in summer and winter alike. Seals bask on the rocks, huge colonies of seabirds are seen and the king of the skies, the white-tailed eagle may be watching over.
The project will take place in Nupur which used to
be a boarding school in the past but now it is a hotel and a University. The
cozy school buildings are surrounded by beautiful mountains with a view over the
Alps of Westfjords and the blue seas of Dyrafjordur. The international volunteers will be helping with the maintenance of the oldest building in Núpur, cleaning the coastline and beautifying the area around the center. Language: English Leisure time: Excursions and a boat trip will be organized by the hosting partner, as well as guided hikes. The volunteers will have free access to the swimming pool in Þingeyri. Accommodation: In the dormitories in Núpur, everyone is asked to bring his/her own warm sleeping bag. Location: Núpur in Dýrafjörður Terminal: International Airport Reykjavík - Keflavík (KEF). The national airport in Ísafjörður is close to the project site. Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 150 Euros
Volunteer project: The international volunteers will continue the projects started last year at the surroundings of lake Reynisvatn in the outskirts of Reykjavík. The project’s goal is to establish platforms for recreational use of the local surroundings in a suburban area in Reykjavík, as well as to increase the outdoor use and improve the healthy lifestyle of the inhabitants.
The construction and establishments is made
through participation of local people and international volunteers. There is a
strong aspect of learning during the working process and of the social
importance of the work. The project is initiated by a community group in the
suburban area and sponsored by the city of Reykjavík. Language: English Leisure time: The volunteers will be provided with passes to access free of charge the city’s seven geothermal swimming pools and thermal-water beach. Tours and excursions will be arranged for the volunteers at discount fares. Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in a fully equipped house in Reykjavík; sleeping in shared rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Equipped kitchen and washing machine are available.
Location: Reykjavík is the capital
of Iceland, often called “the nightlife capital of the north”. But there
is more to Reykjavík than pubs and clubs. Reykjavík also gathers the
most interesting of Icelandic culture. It is an incubator of new ideas
and styles which often indicates new global trends. It is an
International city with a lively Cosmopolitan cultural scene. The
world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and
North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic
view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides. Iceland was badly hit by the current crisis, which did affect the life for foreign visitors in a positive way, making Iceland a much cheaper country to visit. The local currency greatly lost value – many goods and services cost (in EUR) just a half comparing to the year 2007. The name Reykjavík means “smoky bay”: Given by the first settlers that arrived to the area due to the high geothermal activity and the constant rise of steam out of the hot springs around. Terminal: International Airport: Keflavík (Reykjavík), KEF. Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ). Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 100 Euros
Building
hiking trails
in the Land of elves and fairies Volunteer project: The northernmost Fjord in the Eastfjords is called Borgarfjörður Eystri, where also the small fishing village with the same name is situated on. It is located in a dramatic spot, in between rhyolite peaks and the Dyrfjöll Mountains (1136 m). The area is very famous for stories of elves. Locals even believe that the queen of Icelandic Elves lived in the town. Álfaborg (Elf Rock), a small nature reserve is a tourist highlight of the area until now. Close to the town, you can also find the Islet Hafnarhólmi, a puffin colony with 10,000 pairs. Iceland’s best known artist Jóhannes S Kjarval grew up close to Borgarfjörður Eystri and took much of his inspiration from the area. There are many hiking trails in the area. We will make a new trail along the seaside. We will also help the locals with all kind of small projects in the local community and will clean the coastline. Language: English Leisure time: This is a paradise for hikers and hiking trips will be arranged by the local partner. Accommodation: In a fully equipped house owned by the local community, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Borgarfjörður Eystri Terminal: Int. airport is Keflavik airport. Next national airport is Egilsstadir. Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 120 Euros
Photography
and environment in the Western fjords Volunteer project: The “Westfjords” are situated in the Northwest part of Iceland, reaching out almost to Greenland – therefore the most westerly part of Europe. The landscape here is majestic, with fjord after fjord, towering above shore and sea, each and every fjord has its own distinctive character and tiny fishing villages nestle at their foot. It is an ideal place for hikers and all nature lovers, in summer and winter alike. Seals bask on the rocks, huge colonies of seabirds are seen and the king of the skies, the white-tailed eagle may be watching over.
The project will mainly take place in Nupur which
used to be a boarding school in the past but now it is a hotel and a University.
The cozy school buildings are surrounded by beautiful mountains with a view over
the Alps of Westfjords and the blue seas of Dyrafjordur.
The purpose of this project is to improve the
skills of the participants to capture their memories in an unforgettable way. We
will learn how to think about landscape photography from capture to finished
image, your ability to create dramatic compositions will become more effortless
and you'll learn about what might be holding you back from reaching your full
potential as a photographer. We will also make some videos during those two
weeks. Language: English Leisure time: We will have free access to the swimming pool and guided hikes will be provided by our hosts. Accommodation: We will stay in one of the buildings in hotel Núpur. Mattresses will be provided. Location: Núpur in Dýrafjörður, Westfjords Terminal: Reykjavík – Keflavík Int. airport Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 150 Euros
Volunteer project: The volunteers in this
project will work in the highlands located in the North-eastern part of the
country and in the vicinity of the largest National park in Europe, the
Vatnajökull National park.
Past farming work has taken its toll in the
pristine landscape. The international volunteers will support local farms in
removing elements and machinery used in the past (e.g. old tires, old corrugated
iron, fences, etc.) that have been left unattended and need to be removed in
order to restore the natural and historical heritage of the region. Language: English Leisure time: Remote places located in natural areas of extreme beauty to be visited. Outdoor activities as hikes in the area will be arranged for the volunteers and possibility of horse riding during the project. Accommodation: Volunteers will be lodged in a house at one of the farms, sleeping on mattresses; a sleeping bag is suggested. Equipped kitchen and washing machine are available. Location: Located in the North-eastern part of the country and in the vicinity of the largest National park in Europe, the Vatnajökull National park, which is now around 12.000 square kilometers. It is expected that the national park will be enlarged even further within the next few years. The region of the park is unique; one can find glaciers, volcanic activities, glacier bursts, eruptions and geothermal heat plus extremely rare landscape; for example untouched vastness.
With the establishment of Vatnajökull
national park, Icelanders wade into the largest nature conservation
project ever proceeded in Iceland. It is also one of the largest
creations of jobs and regional development the authorities have
commenced in this region. The land within the national park is mostly
owned by the government, but a few privately owned districts are also
part of the national park. Under the ice-cap glacier hide seven volcanoes and most of them are active. Underneath there is an ice cavern system several km long. Vatnajökull covers about 8% of the country, and is about 1000 m thick at its thickest. Mount Herðubreið, the queen of Icelandic mountains and one of the most famous in Iceland is located in the area. Terminal: Closest International Airport: Keflavík (Reykjavík), KEF. Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 100 Euros
Volunteer project: The volunteers in this project will be part of two cultural projects in west Iceland, first half in the capital, Reykjavík, and the second half in the “capital” of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður. The project will last for 2 weeks. In the first week, the group will prepare several events for the independence day of Iceland, June 17th. It is one of the biggest holidays in Iceland, families gather in downtown Reykjavík to celebrate together.
During the second week, volunteers will work in
the annual music festival “Við Djúpið”. The festival is held in the West Fjords
of Iceland around summer solstice and it offers series of concerts and master
classes, which are held in close cooperation with the Iceland Academy of Arts.
During the last 6 years the festival has offered master classes and concerts
with nation- and worldwide known artists. Language: English Leisure time: The volunteers will be provided with passes to access free of charge the Reykjavík city’s seven geothermal swimming pools and thermal-water beach. Tours and excursions will be arranged for the volunteers at discount fares. Accommodation: Volunteers will stay at a local house/school; they will sleep on mattresses and should bring a warm sleeping bag.
Location: Reykjavík, the Icelandic
capital, has been called Europe’s hottest capital. Slick advertising
campaigns have championed the city’s famed nightlife. But there is more
to Reykjavík than pubs and clubs. The world’s northernmost capital
bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America, is framed by the
majestic Mt. Esja and the blue waters of Faxaflói Bay.
In the West fjords, you will travel through the
whole range of Icelandic flora from the shore and meadows, through birch and
willow, to mossy moors. On a stroll amidst the driftwood on the shore one can
see birds and seals and then an occasional arctic fox around the deserted
farmsteads. Terminal: Closest international Airport: Keflavík (Reykjavík), KEF. Closest bus station in town. Age range: 18 - 35 years old
Extra fee: 150 Euros. Transport from Reykjavík to Ísafjörður (one
way) is included in the fee.
Volunteer project: The project participants
will be working in the restoration and renovation works at one of the most
remote light houses in the Icelandic western fjords. The work will be done at
the light house and its surrounding area. Study theme: This volunteer project has an educational/awareness-rising approach to environmental, nature-protection and sustainable development topics. Apart from the group leader, we will have an environmental messenger, a person dedicated to organising and developing fun, interactive and educational activities within the project. Special requirements: Volunteers participating in this project should not be afraid of the sea as transport by boat will be regular; previous experience is an asset but not a requirement. Language: English Leisure time: Outdoor activities such as hikes in the area will be arranged free of charge for the volunteers. Accommodation: The volunteers will stay at the location, and will take turns between sleeping inside a house and in tents outside the house. Equipped kitchen is available. If volunteers want, they can also bring their own tents and camp. Location: The lighthouse is located in the West Fjords, one of the most breathtaking and beautiful areas in the country, which is at the same time the least visited and most remote area of Iceland.
The place cannot be reached by car and
there are no roads connecting the location; it can be reached only by
boat or by foot. It is a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
In the Westfjords you will be able to
explore the whole range of Icelandic flora from the shore and meadows,
through birch to mossy moors. On the shore, one can see birds and seals
and then an occasional arctic fox around the sheep. Terminal: Closest International Airport: Keflavík (Reykjavík), KEF. Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 150 Euros
Volunteer project: Volunteers will be working on few different projects for the general preparation of the area before the summer: cleaning of the area after the winter, preparation of the camping site, which needs to be rearranged and done for the season when most visitors come. In the area there is an old house that has been a danger hazard; the house/ruins need to be demolished so it can be built up in its original form. Depending on the advance of the mentioned tasks from the year before, this first group of 2010 will continue demolishing the house and taking the different materials apart in order to be brought to the recycling centres. If there is enough time then the group will start helping in repairing/rebuilding this house. Study theme: This volunteer project has an educational/awareness-rising approach to environmental, nature-protection and sustainable development topics. Apart from the group leader, we will have an environmental messenger, a person dedicated to organising and developing fun, interactive and educational activities within the project. Language: English Leisure time: Remote places located in natural areas of extreme beauty will be visited. Outdoor activities as hikes in the area will be arranged free of charge for the volunteers. Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a local mountain house; sleeping on mattresses; bringing a warm sleeping bag is highly recommended.
Location: The Icelandic highlands
or “the interior” are a true pearl to all nature lovers and outdoors
people. It is accessible all year round on 4WD cars and most Highland
routes involve crossing unbridged rivers. Travellers between north and south sometimes had to cross the highlands: for instance for the assembly of Alþingi (parliament) each summer, delegates had to ride from every corner of the country to Þingvellir in the southwest, journeys across the interior were never undertaken lightly; such travel was risky and lives were often lost. Today the interior is crossed by two mountain roads, via Kjölur and Sprengisandur, which are only open in summer, after the snow has thawed in spring. Volunteers will be staying close to the glacier Hofsjökull and near to the rivers Hvítá and Þjórsá. The mountains in the area -reach up to 1500m- were formed during a volcanic eruption in the later part of the ice age. The area is still dynamic and great geothermal activity takes place in the surroundings. The environment is very diverse, both in shape and colour. The mountains are very weathered and have very little continuous growth, as the forces of nature, like glaciers, water flow, ice bursts etc. have been fast working in these mountain highlands. Terminal: Closest International Airport: Keflavík (Reykjavík), KEF. Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 150 Euros
Iceland projects slideshow:
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Volunteer project:
Siglufjörður is the northernmost town in Iceland, located at the foot of
towering mountains on the shore of a small fjord bearing the same name. Fishing
and the processing of marine products provide the principal source of employment
for the town's 1,600 residents, as the settlement has developed around one of
the country's best natural harbors. The historic architecture, the colorful
rooftops of the upper town, the harbor and inspiring backdrop are all postcard
material on a fine day. There is plenty of variety in the life of the town,
which includes many sorts of social and cultural activities. Both the church and
music school are centers for musical activities, and sports are very popular.
Furthermore, the splendor of the mountains and natural beauty are practically an
invitation to everyone.
activities.
Being an experienced cyclist is not a requirement. Volunteers will be provided
bicycles but those who want to bring their own can do so.
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