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Beautifying
towns
and
coastline
areas
in the Eastfjords of Iceland
Volunteer project: Neskaupstaður is a
medium sized town by Icelandic standards, has the largest population (1402 inh.)
of any of the towns in the East Fjords, is almost completely self-sufficient and
has grown and prospered since the early 1900's, thanks to the fishing industry.
Its remoteness has led to a necessary self-sufficiency, including the town
having its own bakery, dairy, supermarkets, banks, post office, school, sports
hall, swimming pool, church, hospital, harbour, airstrip, hotel, jazz club,
rescue centre, etc. In fact, it seems to have all the services you would expect
in a larger town except an optician! To the east of the town, facing the ocean,
there is a nature reserve and recreational area. The lower section of it, called
Hagi, is the location of the renowned Páskahellir (Easter Cave), which is
essentially a rock vault over the shore. Holes left by thick,
10-12-million-year-old tree trunks may be seen inside the vault and, as is
typical in Iceland, there are various folk tales associated with the cave.
Neskaupstaður is only reachable after driving through a one-way tunnel. Most of the work will be cleaning and beautifying the towns and the surrounding area. We will also clean the coastline, plant some trees and even make hiking paths. The work available will depend on the weather conditions and that’s why we have to be a bit flexible. Please keep in mind that the work might be physically hard and you should be prepared for unfriendly weather, even though it will be nice most of the time, hopefully. Study theme: The study theme of the project is “Global warming and new energy - Our climate, our actions, our future”. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: We will be staying in a lovely old house called “Þórsmörk”. It is not in perfect shape, but is nice. 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: Neskaupstaður in Fjarðabyggð. Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Environmental
activities and tree planting
in the unique Hveragerdi hot spring area 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, providing heat to hundreds of greenhouses where fruit, flowers and vegetables are produced throughout the year. The name Hveragerði means ‘hot springs garden’. Geothermal energy is Hveragerði’s lifeblood, and it would be difficult to find such a natural wonder in the middle of a populated area anywhere else in the world. Very interesting is Gufudalur, the lovely ‘Steam Valley’ behind the town. The whole valley explodes with hot springs, geysers, mud pots, fumaroles and steaming vents. The international volunteers will help with fixing walking paths, cleaning and beautifying the hot spring area in the middle of the village and planting trees. Study theme: The study theme of the project is “Global warming and new energy - Our climate, our actions, our future”. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool. Guided hikes with locals. Accommodation: In a house owned by the local community, on mattresses. Participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Hveragerði. Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Various
environmental projects
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. 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. Close to the town, you can also find the Islet Hafnarhómi, 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. Hiking trips will be arranged by the local partner. The international volunteers will help the locals with all kind of small projects in the local community. We will also plant trees and clean the coastline. Study theme: The study theme of the project is “The hidden people, alfs and trolls”. Language: English Leisure time: Guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: In the local school on mattresses, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Borgarfjörður Eystri. Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Environmental
cleanup on the north-east coast of Iceland Volunteer project: To truly sense the remote beauty of the north-east, then the charming little fishing village of Þórshöfn on the north-east coast is the place to go. The town of Þórshöfn lies on the head of the Langanes peninsula and has 388 inhabitants. There's a variety of outdoor activity on offer, from hiking to salmon and trout fishing, and horse trekking in some of Iceland's most spectacular scenery. The Langanes Peninsula is also one of the best areas in which to enjoy Iceland's rich and varied birdlife. Þórshöfn is within driving distance of some Iceland's most prized natural pearls, such as Myvatn, with its geothermal activity, and the waterfall Dettifoss, one of Europe's most powerful and spectacular waterfalls. This village has a good, natural harbour and the inhabitants base their livelihood on fishing, fish processing and commerce. The volunteer group will be working on cleaning up the shores and beaches in the area. Additional work will be undertaken as reforestation tasks, planting trees and taking care of those already planted. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: In a house owned by the local community, on mattresses, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Þórshöfn. Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Reforestation
of areas desolated by the Hekla volcano eruption
Volunteer project: We will be working with
the Soil Conservation service of Iceland which is located in Gunnarsholt. The volunteers will continue the reforestation of the desolated areas - plant trees on strategic places and fertilize trees. Study theme: The study theme of the project is “Global warming and new energy - Our climate, our actions, our future” Language: English Leisure time: Guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: In a very nice house owned by the Soil Conservation service of Iceland, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Gunnarsholt. Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Beautifying
towns
and
coastline
areas
in the Eastfjords of Iceland
Volunteer project: Eskifjörður is a major
fishing town (population: 972) and an export harbour 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. Most of the work will be cleaning and beautifying the towns and the surrounding area. We will also clean the coastline, plant some trees and even make hiking paths. The work available will depend on the weather conditions and that’s why we have to be a bit flexible. Please keep in mind that the work might be physically hard and you should be prepared for unfriendly weather, even though it will be nice most of the time, hopefully. Study theme: The study theme of the project is “Global warming and new energy - Our climate, our actions, our future”. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: We will be staying in the local school. Mattresses will be provided and everyone is asked to bring his/her own warm sleeping bag. Location: Eskifjörður in Fjarðabyggð. Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Environmental
work and construction
of hiking paths along the spectacular south coast of Iceland Volunteer project: Vík in Mýrdalur is Iceland's most southern village, bordered by the glacial river Jökulsá to the west and the river Blautakvísl to the east. Its northern border is the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which caps the volcanic Mt. Katla, while its southern limits are black sands and the rolling Atlantic waves. The district lives mainly by agriculture. Although this community of 600 inhabitants faces the open Atlantic, Vík is the only seaside settlement in Iceland left without a harbour due to natural circumstances. The natural beauty of the area is spectacular. Just east of the village's outskirts lies one of Europe's biggest arctic tern breeding grounds. South of Vík is a beautiful beach, which an international magazine named one of the world's ten best island beaches in 1991. A short hike within the close vicinity of Vík is sure to satisfy all serious nature lovers and bird watchers. Vík and its surroundings is one of the main bird life areas in Iceland. Volunteers' tasks include constructing walking and hiking paths, cleaning the coastline, taking down old fences in the surroundings of the town. Study theme: The study theme of the project is “The hidden people, alfs and trolls” Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: In a house owned by the local community, on mattresses, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Vík í Mýrdal. Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Building
and maintenance of hiking paths in Akureyri - Iceland's northern capital Volunteer project: Akureyri is the largest town outside of the capital area of Iceland, with a population of 15,000. It is often called "The Capital of the North". It boasts of a thriving cultural life, museums, a college, a university and other schools. Its older church is among the most beautiful in the country and well worth a visit. The skiing resort on Mt Hlidarfjall, just north of town, is among the best in the country and skiing is a very popular sport in the area. The Botanical Garden and the recreational area Kjarnaskogur attract many visitors. The town offers all necessary services to travellers, sightseeing tours, angling in lakes, rivers and the sea. Akureyri has a surprisingly active cultural life for such a small town. A number of art galleries operate year round, and a professional theatre company operates during the winter. The project participants will build and maintain hiking paths, and will help cleaning the coastline. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: In the local school, on mattresses, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Akureyri. Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Help
run
the 41st
International Children's Games and Cultural Festival
in
Reykjavik
Volunteer project: The 41st International
Children‘s Games will take place on the 20th - 25th of June in Reykjavik,
Iceland. It is expected that the Games bring together 1.200 athletes and coaches
from cities around the world. The International Children‘s Games are an alliance of cities, organizations and individuals who pursue the common goal of forming nation-linking friendship through the exercising of sports and the arranging of sports competitions. The goal of the International Children‘s Games is to enable, develop and advance the meeting, understanding and friendship of students from different countries, and to advance the Olympic idea. In this sense, sports competitions are arranged for students. The International Children‘s Games pursue their goals in a non-political, non-denominational and non-racist way.
Background of the Games: The Slovenian Professor
Metod Klemenc had a vision to promote peace and friendship through sports to the
world‘s youth. Based on this dream, he organised the first International
Children‘s Games and Cultural Festival in 1968 with the participation of teams
from nine European cities. The volunteers will be active for the whole duration of the festival. They will help with the preparation of the games, helping to run it and afterwards help to clean the area. After the games, the participants will move to Reykjanes, where they will do some environmental work, for example planting trees and cleaning the coastline. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the swimming pool. Excursions will be organized by the local communities. Accommodation: Local schools. Participants are asked to bring their sleeping bags and mattresses. Location: Reykjavik Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Environmental
activities and preparation of the International Folksong Festival in
Siglufjordur Volunteer project: Siglufjördur 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 harbours. The historic architecture, the colourful rooftops of the upper town, the harbour 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 splendour of the mountains and natural beauty are practically an invitation to everyone. The volunteers will be involved in planting trees, cleaning the coastline and making hiking paths. The group will also give a helping hand with the preparation of the International Folksong Festival, held between July 4th and 8th. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Accommodation: In a house owned by the local community, on mattresses, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Siglufjörður Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Tree
planting and paths maintenance in the unique Hveragerdi hot spring area 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, providing heat to hundreds of greenhouses where fruit, flowers and vegetables are produced throughout the year. The name Hveragerði means ‘hot springs garden’. Geothermal energy is Hveragerði’s lifeblood, and it would be difficult to find such a natural wonder in the middle of a populated area anywhere else in the world. Very interesting is Gufudalur, the lovely ‘Steam Valley’ behind the town. The whole valley explodes with hot springs, geysers, mud pots, fumaroles and steaming vents. The international group of volunteers will be fixing walking paths and planting trees in the frame of this project. Study theme: The study theme of the project is “Global warming and new energy - Our climate, our actions, our future”. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: In a house owned by the local community, on mattresses, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Hveragerði Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Beautifying
towns
and
coastline
areas
in the Eastfjords of Iceland
Volunteer project: Fáskrúðsfjörður was the
main port for French fishermen in the 1900s in East Iceland both prior to and
well after the turn of the century. At Fáskrúðsfjörður there was a French
consul, a French hospital and a French chapel. The street names are still in
Icelandic and in French. The mountain slopes in Fáskrúðsfjörður are partially
grown with bushes, including wild aspens on the north coast. Sandfell mountain,
very near to Fáskrúdsfjörður is a cone-shaped, rhyolite mountain on the south
side of the fjord, rising to a height of 743 meters. When molten rhyolite lifts
older layers of lava, so-called laccolith is formed. Sandfell, about 600 m
thick, is a famous example of this and is in fact one of the best visible
examples of the Tertiary period in the northern hemisphere. A hike to the top of
Sandfell is extremely enjoyable and takes 2-3 hours. Skrúður is a grassy but
rockbound island east of Fáskrúðsfjörður. It has an abundance of bird life,
including puffins, kittiwakes, various black birds from the Alcidae family,
gannets, storm petrels and Leach’s petrels. Skrúðshellir cave at Skrúður is the
largest "puffin cave" in the world. Most of the work will be cleaning and beautifying the towns and the surrounding area. We will also clean the coastline, plant some trees and even make hiking paths. The work available will depend on the weather conditions and that’s why we have to be a bit flexible. Please keep in mind that the work might be physically hard and you should be prepared for unfriendly weather, even though it will be nice most of the time, hopefully. Study theme: The study theme of the project is “Global warming and new energy - Our climate, our actions, our future”. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: We will be staying in the local school. 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: Fáskrúðsfjörður / Stöðvarfjörður in Fjarðabyggð. Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Organic growing, landscaping and forestry activities in
the Eco-village of Solheimar Volunteer project: Sólheimar Eco-village, founded in 1930, is the first community of its kind in the world where so-called able and disabled people live and work together. Inspired by the theories of Rudolf Steiner, Sólheimar has focused on cultivating the individual and the environmental, and is the first community in Scandinavia to practice organic cultivation. Today, Sólheimar is a charming village of about 100 inhabitants, renowned for its international, artistic and ecological atmosphere, which prides itself on its varied cultural, social and sporting activities. The volunteers have free access to the swimming pool and gym. Volunteers are also encouraged to take part in social happenings in Sólheimar like in sports, music, the theatre group, etc. Sólheimar Arts Summer festival will last until the beginning of August. The program is varied with all sorts of arts exhibitions, an outdoor market, and theatre and cabaret performances at 4 o’clock every Saturday and every Sunday in the theatre and café Græna Kannan. Volunteers are welcome to participate in the singing groups and cabarets. In Ölur forestry centre, the only organic reforestation centre in Iceland, the volunteers will plant trees, construct paths and will help in Sunna organic cultivation centre: plant vegetables, dig the weeds and other kind of gardening work. Other tasks will be decided according to the need of the community. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: In the sport centre, on mattresses, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Sólheimar Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Creating
and improving walking paths
in the picturesque Husavik in the north of Iceland Volunteer project: Húsavik is a beautiful little town with 2,450 inhabitants in the north of Iceland at the shore of Skjalfandi Bay. With its colourful houses tumbling down to the picturesque harbour and snow capped peaks of Viknafjöll across the bay, Húsavik could easily win the title of ‘the most typical Icelandic town’. Húsavík is the place to experience the magic of whale watching in northern Iceland. It was the first place in Iceland to offer whale watching cruises and is sometimes called “The Whale Spotting Capital of The World”. The Whale Centre is ideal for getting better acquainted with the giants of the oceans. Húsavík has two fine museums, horse riding and some good local walks. The volunteer team will construct new walking and hiking paths, will maintain the existing paths and will also plant a lot of trees. Study theme: The study theme of the project is “Global warming and new energy - Our climate, our actions, our future”. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: In the local school in Húsavik, on mattresses, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Húsavik Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Improving
the environment in a small fishing village in the
West Fjords Volunteer project: Flateyri is a small village with 300 inhabitants, located at the north side of Önundarfjörður, in the Icelandic West Fjords, where the landscape is majestic, with fjord after fjord, towering above shore and sea. Each and every fjord has its own distinctive character and tiny fishing villages, as Flateyri, nestle at their foot. The West Fjords are an ideal place for hikers and 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. Most of the volunteer work will be cleaning and beautifying the town and the surrounding area. We will also clean the coastline, plant some trees and even make hiking paths. The work available will depend on the weather conditions and that’s why we have to be a bit flexible. Please keep in mind that the work might be physically hard and you should be prepared for unfriendly weather, even though it will be nice most of the time, hopefully. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool. Accommodation: In a house owned by the local community, on mattresses, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Flateyri Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Protection,
care and development of green spaces in the Greater Reykjavik Area
Volunteer project: Mosfellsbær (population: 7.200) lies just 17km north of Reykjavík. Often called "the green town", this town enjoys thermal activity and quite a few greenhouses have been built here. Since 1933 it has supplied the capital area with natural hot water for house heating, swimming pools, etc. The mountainous area around the town is ideal for walks and hikes, skiing and fishing for trout and char in the small lakes. The Nobel Prize laureate for literature in 1955, Halldór Laxness (1902-1998), was the honorary citizen of the town. He lived there all his life and based some of his novels on his experiences and impressions of his surroundings. Mosfellsbær is also known as the hometown of avant-garde-rockband “Sigur Rós”. They still have their studio in Mosfellsbær. The natural landscape of Mosfellsbær is rugged, and 80% of the district lies more than 100 meters above sea level. Hills such as Mosfell, Grímannsfell, Helgafell and Úlfarsfell, all 200-300 meters high, dominate the landscape. Under much of Mosfellsbær lies a layer of basaltic lava, which can be seen here and there in hills and rocky outcrops. The volunteers will plant trees, rake, seed and fertilize the earth (to enhance grass growth), clean the riverside and create walking paths. Some work might be done in the horse stables. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Reykjavík is only five minutes away so a City trip is a good option. Accommodation: In a community building in Mosfellsbær, on mattresses, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Mosfellsbær Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Environmental
activities at the foot of
Trolls’ Headland Mountain Volunteer project: The community of Dalvíkurbyggð was formed in 1998 by the merger of three districts of the outer Eyjafjörður: the town of Dalvík and the rural districts of Svarfaðardalur and Árskógur. The population of Dalvík is nearly 2.000. The local economy is mostly based upon the fisheries and fish processing, in addition to various industrial and food enterprises, services, commerce and trade. Dalvík harbour is a large fishing and commercial port; the ferry Sæfari, which sails from Dalvík, serves the island of Grímsey, Iceland's northernmost community, which lies on the Arctic Circle. The mountains of Tröllaskagi (“Trolls’ Headland” – between Eyjafjörður and Skagafjörður) are renowned as one of Iceland’s most spectacular areas for outdoor activity. Hikers can find suitable walking routes at any time of year, while mountaineers can scale peaks of all shapes and sizes. The swimming pool in Dalvík is one of the best ones in Iceland and after a hard day of working the locals usually relax there for a while. The volunteers will be involved in different environmental activities such as planting trees, cleaning the coastline and making hiking paths. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: In a house owned by the local community, on mattresses, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Dalvík Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Beautifying
towns
and
coastline
areas
in the Eastfjords of Iceland
Volunteer project: Reyðarfjörður fjord is
long, wide and curving, and is the largest of the eastern fjords. At the end of
it rests the village known variously as Reyðarfjörður or Búðareyri. On one side
there are magnificent rocky peaks, on the other gentle green hills, something
which should bring hours of enjoyment to both the experienced hiker and novice
walker. In the past, Reyðarfjörður was the commercial centre for farmers in
nearby Fljótsdalshérað district. There is a large duck pond in the village
called Andapollurinn, into which Salmon is released on a regular basis. The
Icelandic World War II museum in Reyðarfjörður offers an opportunity to travel
back to the days of the occupation, while a somewhat different attraction is the
burial site of the ancient seer, Völva, who on her deathbed vowed to protect
Reyðarfjörður as long as her bones remained in their resting-place on Hólmaháls.
Also worth seeing are the summer market and the geological collection. Most of the work will be cleaning and beautifying the towns and the surrounding area. We will also clean the coastline, plant some trees and even make hiking paths. The work available will depend on the weather conditions and that’s why we have to be a bit flexible. Please keep in mind that the work might be physically hard and you should be prepared for unfriendly weather, even though it will be nice most of the time, hopefully. Study theme: The study theme of the project is “Global warming and new energy - Our climate, our actions, our future”. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: We will be staying in the local school. Mattresses will be provided and everyone is asked to bring his/her own warm sleeping bag. Location: Reyðarfjörður in Fjarðabyggð. Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Organizing
the festival “Good time in Grundafjordur” Volunteer project: The small town of Grundarfjörður is situated in the north of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland. The town is growing fast and has about 974 inhabitants. Grundarfjörður is a growing community on the fjord Breiðafjörður near the midpoint of the northern coast of Snæfellsness peninsula. Fishing is the chief industry in Grundarfjörður, half of the town's working population being employed in this sector, although other services and industry are growing as well. The town is considered unusually beautiful and well-kept and has received several awards for its neat appearance. The town is situated in front of an impressive mountain range having a slightly alpine look. On the sea side, there is the characteristic volcanic mountain called Kirkjufell which is situated on a small peninsula. The town is probably the only one in the world where the building authorities have provided allotments for the "hidden people" or elves. The group of volunteers will help with making hiking paths and organizing the festival “Good time in Grundafjörður”. Study theme: The study theme of the project is “The hidden people, alfs and trolls”. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Accommodation: In the local school. Mattresses will be provided and everyone is asked to bring his/her own warm sleeping bag. Location: Grundarfjörður. Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Creating
hiking
paths
and
cleaning the coastline
of
a small island on the Arctic
Circle Volunteer project: Grímsey is a small island, 40 km north of Iceland, situated directly on the Arctic Circle. The land area is 5.3 square kilometers. It is the northernmost community of Iceland with a population of 155. The main industry is fishery. The island is connected to the mainland by a ferry. Although it lies on the Arctic Circle, the island enjoys a mild climate, and supports enormously large bird colonies. It is a flat-topped island with some dramatic cliffs and basalt formations plunging into the sea. The volunteers in this project will construct walking and hiking paths, clean the coastline, and take down old fences on the island. Language: English Leisure time: Guided hikes with locals. Accommodation: In the local school. Mattresses will be provided and everyone is asked to bring his/her own warm sleeping bag. Location: Grímsey Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Tree
planting project on the West Coast of Iceland Volunteer project: The town of Akranes lies just across the blue straits and is visible from Reykjavík on a clear day. Akranes traces its history all the way back to the Period of Settlement, when around the year 880 people of Irish descent settled in the area. It is now a blossoming town with a focus on fishing and fish production. An area worth visiting is the seafront, especially the beautiful sandy beach, Langisandur, stretched below the center of town. The name Akranes indicates that in the old days corn was grown in the fertile land around Mt Akrafjall which towers in the background of the town. Volunteers will be planting trees and doing other environmental work needed in the village. Study theme: The study theme of the project is “Global warming and new energy - Our climate, our actions, our future”. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: In the local sport center. Mattresses will be provided and everyone is asked to bring his/her own warm sleeping bag. Location: Akranes Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Environmental work along the
southern edge of the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull Volunteer project: Even though Höfn (which means simply “Harbour” in Icelandic) only has around 1,800 inhabitants, it is the biggest town of the southeast of Iceland. It is a modern fishing town and apart from the typical fish catch, it’s also known for lobster and prawns. It lies in a stunning environment, with the vast Vatnajökull glacier in its back. Enclaved by the lagoon Hornafjordur, Höfn is one of the cornerstones of the ring road, and has therefore a big touristic significance, has numerous guesthouses and restaurants. About 50 km away from Höfn, you can find the world famous glacier lagoon “Jökulsárlon”, which attracts many tourists every season. Volunteers' help is needed in making hiking paths and cleaning the coastline. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: The participants will stay at an accommodation owned by the local community. Participants are asked to bring their own sleeping bag. Location: Höfn in Hornafjörður Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Building
and maintenance of hiking paths on the south-west coast of Iceland Volunteer project: The village Vogar started developing early in the 20th century. The village is located on the seaside only half an hour away from the capital city, Reykjavik. There are a few interesting hiking trails in the village area and the nature around it is highly interesting and beautiful. The local people are really looking forward to host an international group of volunteers but this will be the first workcamp organized in the village. The volunteers will be involved in building and maintaining hiking paths, and cleaning the coastline. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, excursion organized by the local partner. Accommodation: In the local school on mattresses on the floor, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Vogar Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Coastline
cleanup,
tree planting and footpath
construction in
Iceland's
northernmost town
Siglufjordur Volunteer project: Siglufjördur 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 harbours. The historic architecture, the colourful rooftops of the upper town, the harbour 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 splendour of the mountains and natural beauty are practically an invitation to all outdoors men. Volunteers' activities include tree planting, cleaning the coastline, making hiking paths. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool. Accommodation: In a house owned by the local community, on mattresses, participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Location: Siglufjörður Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Help
preparing and running the most popular Icelandic festival on
Westman Islands
Volunteer project: This is the fourth time
that we host this project and it has been one of the highlights each year. On the first weekend of August, Icelanders celebrate the 1874 grant of Icelandic sovereignty with a huge festival in the town on Heimaey. The population moves into a tent city in the Herjolfsdalur, a short distance west of town, for an extended weekend of bonfires, dance, and song. This festival is the most popular one in Iceland. The volunteers will help with the preparation of the festival, helping to run it and of course taking part in it and afterwards help to clean the area. Possible tasks are also planting trees and making hiking paths and helping with the project “Pompei of the North” to excavate 7-10 houses that were covered by ash after the eruption in Eldfell 1973. Language: English Accommodation: In the Community and Sport center of Heimaey. Participants are asked to bring their sleeping bags. Location: Heimaey, Westman Islands Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík. Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: ˆ140
Forestry
and environmental activities
in an old fishing town in the
West Fjords Volunteer project: Bolungarvík is a village in the North-West of Iceland, located at the Vestfirðir peninsula, approximately 13 kilometers from the village of Ísafjörður and 473 km from the capital city Reykjavík. It has 957 inhabitants. Bolungarvík has a long and interesting history, being one of the oldest fishing towns in Iceland, and one of the few mentioned in the Sagas. For centuries it was the greatest fishery town in the West Fjords and at the turn of the last century, the greatest in Iceland. The quiet countryside attracts some tourists, mainly in summer. There is an indoor swimming pool, a museum for natural history and an open air fishing museum. The surroundings of Bolungarvík are quite popular destinations for hiking, horse riding and birdwatching. Bolungarvik was the shooting location for Nói Albínói, a movie by Dagur Kári about a teenager living in a remote Icelandic village. The international volunteer group will be working in the forestry, making hiking paths, beautifying the area around the village, and cleaning the coastline. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: In the local school. Mattresses will be provided and everyone is asked to bring his/her own warm sleeping bag. Location: Bolungarvík. Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
Help
preparing and running an Icelandic art and handicraft exhibition Volunteer project: The district inland from Akureyri, south of the head of the fjord is named Eyjafjarðarsveit. The valleys of Eyjafjarðarsveit are surrounded by impressive mountains that attract hikers and mountain climbers. The view from the valley ridges is magnificent at many sites, especially from Hólafjall and, in particular, Kerling, which at 1536 meters above sea level, is one of the country’s highest mountains. In the adjoining valleys, the landscape is often ruggedly enchanting: huge ravines with near-vertical slopes and peaceful small lakes. This is fertile farming country with a population of about 1,000. Two population centers are located in the district, at Hrafnagil and at Kristnes. In the first week, the volunteers will do different kind of environmental work, for example making hiking paths and planting trees. In the second week, they will help with the preparation of an Icelandic art and handicraft exhibition which will take place from the 9th to the 12th of August. The volunteers will also help the locals to run the festival and clean the area afterwards. This exhibition is very well known in Iceland and has become an annual event in Eyjafjörður. Language: English Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool, guided hikes with locals. Excursions will be organized by the hosting partner. Accommodation: In the local school in Hrafnagil. Mattresses will be provided and everyone is asked to bring his/her own warm sleeping bag. Location: Eyjafjörður Terminal: Reykjavík - Keflavík.
Age range: 18 and over
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