Christmas and New Year in the House on the Hill
Reykjavik, Iceland December 23, 2019 - January 2, 2020
Volunteer project: We will live together and create a cozy atmosphere in the House on the Hill by putting up lights and Christmas decorations. The main idea of this project is to celebrate Christmas together and to promote peace and friendship among the group through intercultural learning and exchange. We will create a Christmas postcard together. Although the House on the Hill is located on the outskirts of Reykjavik, the city centre is reachable by public transport (30-minute bus ride). It is a small but cozy house, where the group will cook and live together and enjoy a snowy time in Iceland. We have chickens, so volunteers will have to take care of them during the project. We will learn Christmas songs from each other and, if weather is good enough, we will sing on the streets of Reykjavik and other public places in town as a sign of peace and multiculturalism. On New Year’s Eve, we will organize a small party for the volunteers and we will enjoy Reykjavik´s spectacular fireworks in front of the cathedral.
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. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights such as glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysirs, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or even icebergs.
Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in a house in Sveinsstadir which is located on the outskirts of Reykjavik. This place is like a farm in the city so you can enjoy pure nature and the city life of the capital at the same time. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bag, but beds/mattresses and bed sheets are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge.
Location: Reykjavik is a city full of energy, just waiting for you to experience it. Powered by heat from the earth below, with ever-changing weather sweeping across the landscape, its natural features are matched by the energy of its residents. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, culture, nature, clean air - and Reykjavik has them in spades. All the advantages of a modern, forward-looking society are complemented by the beautiful natural setting. In a country of only just over 330,000 people, the Reykjavik Capital Area has a population of about 200,000. However, since it’s the only major city in the country, Reykjavik has a lot of the amenities that you would only expect to find in a much larger center elsewhere in the world.
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city and is centered on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. It is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay to the north, while rugged lava-fields spread to the southeast. On a clear sunny day, the Snaefellsjokull glacier glitters on the western horizon like a crystal.
At this time of year, when conditions are favourable, you can see the Northern lights' (Aurora borealis) glowing curtain of greenish yellow lights, dancing in the distance to a spectacular, multicolored fusion stretching across the sky.
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 the accommodation and the Golden Circle South Iceland excursion.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.
Forestry and gardening in the Rehabilitation and Health Clinic in Hveragerdi
Hveragerði, Iceland December 27, 2019 - January 6, 2020
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 you probably 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 a 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 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: The volunteers have free access to the local geothermally-heated swimming pool. Traditionally, natural pools have played an important social role in Icelandic culture. Most Icelandic pools offer indoor and outdoor swimming, as well as hot tubs and saunas or steam rooms. Hveragerði is known for having great areas for hiking, including the hot river in Reykjadalur.
Reasonably-priced weekend excursions can be organised to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland can offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights such as glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysers, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or even icebergs.
Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in a fully equipped bungalow consisting of several single and/or double bedrooms and a living room. Beds and sheets are provided, however volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags. 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: 350 Euro
The fee includes a minibus trip from the meeting point to Hveragerdi and the Golden Circle South Iceland excursion.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.