Forestry and gardening in the Rehabilitation and Health Clinic in Hveragerdi
Hveragerði November 25 - December 9, 2024
Volunteer project: Hveragerði is a small town of about 1,700 inhabitants that lies 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 chances are you won’t find such a natural wonder in the middle of a populated area anywhere else in the world. Nearby you will find an even more geothermally active site: Gufudalur, the lovely "Steam Valley" behind the town. This whole valley is full of hot springs, geysers, mud pots, fumaroles and steaming vents.
Our host is the Rehabilitation and Health Clinic, which is part of the Natural Health Association of Iceland. Every year, approximately 2,000 patients and other guests enjoy their diverse rehabilitation programs, which are focused on an approach that builds self-confidence and personal responsibility for the patients’ own health. The Clinic has earned a solid reputation, both in Iceland and internationally, since its foundation in 1955 for the personal and effective care for patients. It is one of the two most important rehabilitation clinics in Iceland.
The Natural Health Association has a horticultural and environmental department, including forestry, gardening, and greenhouses, which is where the international volunteers work most of the time. The volunteers will help with growing tomatoes, cucumbers and making tea from Icelandic herbs. They will also do some environmental work around the property. The nature of the work depends largely on weather conditions, which can change quickly. Working hours are usually from 9am to 3pm with a one-hour lunch break.
Language: English
Leisure time: Hveragerði is known for having great areas for hiking, including the hot river in Reykjadalur.
Reasonably priced weekend excursions will be organised to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights such as waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysers, lava forests, hot springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam vents, or even icebergs. The Golden Circle excursion is included in the camp fee.
Accommodation: Volunteers will be staying in the volunteer house in Hveragerði. The house is within the medical compound and has 6 double rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, several bathrooms, common areas and workshop rooms. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags, but beds and sheets are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge.
Location: Hveragerði, 45 km east of Reykjavík
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 400 Euro
The fee includes a minibus trip from the meeting point to Hveragerdi and back, as well as the Golden Circle South Iceland excursion.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project. It can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival.