Volcano adventure in Iceland
Bláfjöl       May 26 - June 4, 2020

Volunteer project: The volunteers will be working close to the main skiing area of the capital region of Iceland, Bláfjöll or the Blue Mountains. The aim of the project is to protect the environment and avoid different trails being created from increasing traffic of hikers and nature lovers in the area.

The main task will be maintaining a hiking path in an area called Þríhnúkagígur or Three Peaks Crater, which is a dormant volcano that last erupted over 4000 years ago. Other tasks may be to mark and control areas where the visitors are not allowed to walk in order to protect the surroundings of unnecessary passage and harm. Some of the skiing lodges run by sports associations might also need some maintenance, such as painting and/or cleaning in the surrounding area.

No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and might require a good physical condition. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule as, depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. Volunteers need to be motivated to work mainly outdoors on physical jobs and under changing weather.

The project happens around the summer solstice, when the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The bright nights are magical and staying awake enjoying the beautiful surroundings is a unique experience. During the time of the project, participants will have the opportunity to experience the midnight sun as there are 24 hours of light even if the sun sets for short periods of time.

Language: English

Leisure time: The Blue Mountain Range area is a place of extremely beautiful natural surroundings with countless opportunities for hiking and trekking. Other excursions can be arranged at discount fares as well (e.g. Golden Circle, South Shore, Reykjanes or Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Hot River Hike, etc.).

Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in one of the ski lodges in the mountains, in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Location: The project takes place in the Blue Mountain Range area, which is located about 30 km from Reykjavík. The range stretches to the west from the mountain Vifilsfell near the main road (#1) from the capital area to the south-western lowlands. The highest mountain in the range reaches 600m and in 1968 the district became a very popular skiing resort among Icelanders.
This area is excellent for recreation, not only for alpine and cross country skiing, but outdoor activities as well such as hiking and mountain biking. Nature lovers are certain to find something to their liking, but they have to be careful crossing the rugged lava fields, because of the numerous caves underneath. The caves here are actually among the most interesting tourist attractions in the capital area and the volunteers will have the chance to explore them.

Terminal: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 350 Euro
The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the project site and back (on the first and last day), and the group will also have the chance to explore the heart of a volcano, the only place on Earth where you can enter a magma chamber.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.