Maintaining hiking trails in Iceland's largest forest
Hallormsstaðaskógur September 7 - September 21, 2024
Volunteer project: The volunteers will be working again on a project in the beautiful Hallormsstaðaskógur forest in the far East of Iceland, doing nature and environmentally oriented tasks. We have been cooperating with the Icelandic forest service and our groups of volunteers have been helping out for some years, with very good results for the participants, the projects and the Icelandic nature conservation and reforestation efforts.
The main tasks will be to maintain hiking paths, build stairs, and make and put up signs. Volunteers will also put up benches and tables in the forest. Other tasks will be to trim branches and beautify groves that are located near the hiking paths. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging the surroundings and in addition our volunteers’ work helps to improve safety for visitors.
No previous experience is necessary, but the work is demanding and requires 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.
Language: English
Leisure time: This project takes place in a very remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. Outdoor free-time activities, for instance hikes or walks in the surroundings, will be arranged for the volunteers.
Accommodation: The volunteers will sleep in beds in a house belonging to the Icelandic forest service. The house is fully equipped. Please bring your own sleeping bag.
Location: Hallormsstaðaskógur is the largest wooded area in the country. It extends over an area of 740 ha. The reforestation of the area has been going on since a protection law was passed in 1899. The oldest part of the woodland is accessible by good hiking trails. The area offers a great variety of trails, such as one through the deepest valley of the country and one up to Sandfell where the view is quite magnificent. Small streams run through the land where visitors can cool down on warm summer days.
The Eastfjords is a region with a special landscape, dominated by long, narrow fjords and steep mountains. The wild reindeer of Iceland are found here; the herd counts between three and four thousand animals.
Terminal: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).
A minibus trip will be offered from Reykjavik to the project site and back. The minibus will travel one way along the Northern part of the country and the other along the South coast. This way, we will travel the whole ring road and stop at magnificent natural sights, including waterfalls, glaciers, volcano craters, hot springs, iceberg lagoons, black sand beaches, etc.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 350 Euro
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.
Awareness and action on coastal protection
Selfoss 4 projects in August and September
Volunteer project: The project is part of a series of camps organised in cooperation with different partners where we try to raise awareness about current environmental issues and encourage volunteers to take action! One of our main goals for the next few years is to contribute to a nation-wide project aiming at cleaning up the Icelandic coastline.
We work with and support the Icelandic Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources, the Icelandic Environmental organisation Landvernd, the Environmental Agency of Iceland, Umhverfisstofnun and other partners in order to draw attention to the issues of ocean pollution, plastic waste and to engage volunteers in cleaning up actions around the country.
This project allows volunteers to learn about global and local environmental issues through non-formal educational activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits, as well as to contribute directly to the protection of the environment by joining outdoor coastal cleanup tasks.
Volunteers will be cleaning up the shores and beaches. Additional work will be undertaken in the area of our accommodation such as removing old fences dangerous to wildlife and visitors, as well as helping with renovation and maintenance of the house. We may also be marking some walking paths and, depending on the advance of the mentioned tasks, volunteers might do some forestry tasks in a small forest planted in the area like trimming the vegetation or planting some trees.
This project combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should be prepared to share environmental issues from their countries and be ready to spend time outdoors, walking during the cleanups. Volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the planned activities.
Language: English
Leisure time: Other excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, the South Shore or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged for the volunteers at discount fares.
Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in an old farm which has been transformed into an environmental education center. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, shower, and a washing machine. Volunteers will sleep in shared rooms, up to 6 people per room. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Please note, the food provided is vegetarian.
Location: The accommodation is located 1 hour drive south-east from Reykjavík. The house serves as an environmental educational center where visitors can have a look at an extensive stone and stuffed animal collection. The house sits under Ingólfsfjall, The Mountain of Ingólfur, with a view to Eyjafjallajökull where the volcanic eruptions started in March and April 2010.
The place is registered as natural Icelandic heritage; the nature, vegetation and birdlife is rich in variety and quantity. Volunteers can enjoy outdoor activities in a peaceful and beautiful location with a small stream and a pond nearby. Hiking trails with maps of cultural heritage can be found spread around the area, which is a popular attraction among foreign and local visitors.
The nearest town, Selfoss, which is only 10 minutes drive away, with 6500 inhabitants, is a center of commerce and small industries where you can find a geothermal swimming pool, shops, museums, cafés and bars.
Terminal: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 400 Euro
The fee includes a trip to the Hot River area in Reykjadalur.
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.
All available dates for this project:
August 14 - August 22, 2024
August 23 - August 31, 2024
September 1 - September 9, 2024
September 10 - September 18, 2024
Forestry and gardening in the Rehabilitation and Health Clinic in Hveragerdi
Hveragerði 8 projects of 2 wks from August to December
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.
All available dates for this project:
August 19 - September 2, 2024
September 2 - September 16, 2024
September 13 - September 30, 2024
September 30 - October 14, 2024
October 14 - October 28, 2024
October 28 - November 11, 2024
November 11 - November 25, 2024
November 25 - December 9, 2024
Organic gardening and forestry activities in Solheimar Eco-village
Sólheimar 8 projects of 2 wks from August to December
Volunteer project: Sólheimar, Iceland‘s first and only eco-village, is located in southwest Iceland, 80 kilometres (50 miles) east of Reykjavík. The heart of the Sólheimar ideology is to give all individuals a fair chance and to maximize their potential. By focusing on individuals' abilities instead of their limitations, Sólheimar aims to create the space for each resident to take every opportunity that arises for each person to grow and develop. Versatility is the strength of Sólheimar so people with special needs that reside here will always be the center of the community. This works through the idea of reverse integration: those without special needs adapt to the abilities of those who do, they can work together to make their community an equal and sustainable one. The foundation of the ideology of Sólheimar derives from the visions and lifework of Sesselja herself.
The main work in this project will be in forestry called Ölur and also in the greenhouses which are called Sunna. Volunteers will be working in the greenhouses planting and harvesting vegetables, doing weed control and sometimes you will also be gardening. The work might involve work around the property, painting or fixing things. During the winter, volunteers will also have to help remove snow and keep the walk paths clear for the residents.
Working hours are from 9 am to 4 pm with a one-hour lunch break and some coffee breaks as well. The work will depend on weather conditions, which is why we must be flexible.
It is a community where people with or without special needs live and work together. Sólheimar is a pioneer in practicing organic farming. In Sólheimar, there is an organically certified greenhouse, forestry, and arboretum. Other environmentally-friendly projects in Sólheimar include geothermal energy and recycling.
Special requirements: Participants are required to provide a clear criminal record check.
Language: English
Leisure time: The area around the house is great for hiking.
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 a house in Sólheimar. The house is across the village and has 4 double rooms with a private bathroom each, a fully equipped kitchen, and common areas. The common areas are shared with some of the local workers. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags, but beds and sheets are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge.
We provide a well-balanced and healthy variety of food products including a wide variety of whole grains, seasonal fruits and vegetables, pantry staples and dairy products. We try to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet by cutting down our meat intake and we usually encourage volunteers to try more sustainable foods.
Location: Sólheimar, 80 km east of Reykjavík
Terminal: Keflavik International Airport (KEF), Reykjavik; BSI Bus Station
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 400 Euro
The fee includes a minibus trip from the meeting point to the project site and back, as well as the Golden Circle 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.
All available dates for this project:
August 19 - September 2, 2024
September 2 - September 16, 2024
September 16 - September 30, 2024
September 30 - October 14, 2024
October 14 - October 28, 2024
October 28 - November 11, 2024
November 11 - November 25, 2024
November 25 - December 9, 2024
Cleaning the Icelandic coastline
Brú 7 projects of 2 wks from August to November
Volunteer project: Brú is a center for environment and sustainability near the crossroads to the West, South and North of Iceland. The centre is in the area of Hrutafjordur which a 36 km long fjord in Hunathing vestra. In the neighbourhood you can find pure and unspoiled nature, beaches full of driftwood, Snæfellsnes peninsula, glaciers in the highlands, waterfalls, strong rivers, canyons and craters. The purpose of the centre is to protect the nature in the area and to raise awareness of sustainability among the locals and the visitors who are coming to the area.
This project has a variety of activities. However, our main activity is Beach Cleaning, as our goal is to clean the entire Icelandic coastline. Last year we cleaned almost 800 km and removed about 95 tons of waste from the shores.
We work with the local community and forestry associations as well as helping with the reforestation of the areas nearby. Some days, when the weather conditions are not suitable, we will focus on renovation work: painting, or fixing things around and inside the house.
We will upcycle garbage into art! While creating bookshelves out of driftwood or designing a chair with old tires and nets, your imagination is the limit!
Our work will depend on the weather conditions, which is why we must be flexible. Working hours are about 5 hours a day, 5 days a week.
From September to November, when the forecast for the Auroras Borealis (Northern lights) is favourable, we will go for Aurora hunting!
The project is a way to enjoy an amazing time in Iceland with other international volunteers and to have an incredible experience where participants share their knowledge with each other while they are exploring creativity, environmental issues and intercultural learning.
Language: English
Leisure time: Reasonably priced weekend excursions can be organised to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. The area around the place is also great for hiking.
We will also concentrate on intercultural learning and exchange. Every evening, volunteers from different countries will be in charge of presenting their country and culture in an informal way. It can be a presentation, a game, theater - the form of introduction is up to you.
Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in the center in Brú. The house is approximately 1.000 m2 and has 12 double rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, several bathrooms, common areas, workshop rooms, and galleries. Beds are provided, however volunteers should bring their own sleeping bags. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge.
Location: Hrutafjordur. Keep in mind that there is a 1-hour drive to the closest city (Borgarnes). Based just off the main road, we are not set in a town, therefore the only way to get around is by car.
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik.
The volunteers will travel together from Reykjavik to Brú and back again. The trip includes several stops where you will discover unique Icelandic sights, such as waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas and lava fields.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 450 Euro
The fee includes the trip from Reykjavik to the project site and back which is almost 400 km in total.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.
All available dates for this project:
August 14 - August 28, 2024
August 28 - September 11, 2024
September 11 - September 25, 2024
September 25 - October 9, 2024
October 9 - October 23, 2024
October 23 - November 6, 2024
November 6 - November 20, 2024
Teen photo marathon in Iceland
Reykjavik 4 projects of 2 wks in August and September
Volunteer project: This is the 17th year (since 2008) that series of International Photo marathons are organized! Throughout the year, participants from all over the world come to Iceland for an immersive photography related learning camp. The coordinators help the participants to develop their unique photographic skills through workshops and feedback sessions on technical settings, compositional considerations, as well as to create conceptual frameworks highlighting the participants' individual style.
Participants will have time to put the theory about photography into practice, walking around and exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition.
While learning about photography, the participants have the opportunity to explore Icelandic culture by taking part in it, capturing it and also by displaying their work during the camp. One of our objectives is to empower young people to use photography to draw attention to environmental and cultural subjects and issues.
Participants should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during activities and working within a flexible time schedule. They will be photographing in their free time outside of workshop hours with images to be discussed at group feedback sessions. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.
This project is open to participants aged 16 to 20. The program combines learning, sharing, getting to know Iceland and its culture, and having fun while exploring the city and some of the most stunning natural attractions in the Golden Circle and Reykjanes Peninsula excursions. We will visit spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline, a volcano crater, the Thingvellir National Park and much more.
Please note that this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a regular workcamp; it has a smaller work part and puts more emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact. We may be able to organize some outdoor voluntary work, but it depends on our partners and the weather conditions. Participants should use the opportunity to share something about their own culture and country, such as food, music, games or films at the international evening.
Language: English
Leisure time: Additional excursions (e.g. Hot River Hike, the South Shore or Snæfellsnes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares in case there is additional free time after the workshops and sessions of the project.
Accommodation: The participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms/dorms of up to 6 people. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Please note, the food provided is vegetarian.
Location: Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. 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. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature.
Terminal: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).
Age range: 16 - 20 years old
Extra fee: 650 Euro
The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the project site (on the first day), as well as the Golden Circle and Reykjanes excursions.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and needs to be transferred no later than one month before the start of the project.
All available dates for this project:
August 14 - August 22, 2024
August 23 - August 31, 2024
September 1 - September 9, 2024
September 10 - September 18, 2024
Photography, environment and Aurora hunting in Iceland
Reykjavik 10 projects of 2 wks from September to December
Volunteer project: In this project, participants can learn about and share their love for photography and global and local environmental issues. If you are interested in topics such as climate change, waste management, animal protection and sustainability, and you also love taking photographs or want to develop your photography skills, then this project is for you!
While developing artistic and technical photography skills, you will be focusing on environmental and sustainability issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits facilitated by the project coordinators. One of our aims is to help create more environmentally aware consumers and travellers!
You will visit local projects focused on the environment and conservation. These may include hands-on activities or guided visits. Some examples include outdoor cleanup tasks, a community dinner or a visit to a recycling centre, a geothermal power plant, a museum or exhibition. Some of these activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, pandemic-related restrictions, as well as availability of our partners.
You will also have time to put the theory about photography into practice, walking around and exploring the city. At the end of the project, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.
The program combines learning, sharing, hands-on activities, getting to know Iceland, its culture, having fun, exploring the city and its attractions, as well as some stunning natural sites in possible excursions. Participants should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during activities and sightseeing.
Please note that this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. This project has a smaller work part and puts a bigger emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact.
In this project, we will organize a Night photography and Aurora hunting (Northern lights) workshop in the city or in the vicinity of Reykjavík. This will take place during late evening and possibly into the night. The Northern lights are a natural phenomenon depending on solar activity and meteorological conditions; we cannot guarantee you will see the Northern lights, but the night photography workshop will be organised anyway.
Language: English
Leisure time: Some excursions (e.g. to the Golden Circle, South Shore, Reykjanes and/or Snæfellsnes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares.
Accommodation: The group will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Please note, the food provided is vegetarian.
Location: Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. 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. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature.
During the September 29-October 8 project, the annual Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) will take place. The main goal is to present dramas and non-fiction films by filmmakers from over 40 countries. Festival passes are not provided but participants can attend free off-venue events and screenings.
During the October 9-18 project, the Imagine Peace Tower, located on Viðey Island, will be lit and will illuminate the night sky of Reykjavík. The tower is a memorial to John Lennon by his wife, Yoko Ono, and it is lit every year from October 9 to December 8.
Iceland Airwaves, an annual music festival hosted in Reykjavik, will take place during the November 8-17 project. There are performances from established and new artists in a host of different venues around the city. Passes for the festival are not provided; there are however a lot of free events all around town to attend.
Terminal: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 400 Euro
The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the project site on the first day, the visits available and the Night photography workshop and Aurora hunting 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.
All available dates for this project:
September 19 - September 28, 2024
September 29 - October 8, 2024
October 9 - October 18, 2024
October 19 - October 28, 2024
October 29 - November 7, 2024
November 8 - November 17, 2024
November 18 - November 26, 2024
November 27 - December 5, 2024
December 6 - December 14, 2024
December 15 - December 23, 2024