Sustainable living in an Icelandic farm
Reykjavik December 6 - December 16, 2019
Volunteer project: In the sustainable living project, we are renovating an old farmhouse on the outskirts of Reykjavik, 15 km from the city centre. Volunteers will do some renovation in the house and on the property, and will take care of the work on the farm. We have chickens, a cat, a dog, a greenhouse for growing herbs and vegetables, and a piece of land where we grow potatoes, carrots and lettuce. Volunteers will help with all tasks related to the farm. The work varies depending on the season.
We will also have special topics to discuss in the project, such as food waste, recycling and renewable energy. We will go for visits related to those topics. We'll visit the power plant Hellisheiðarvirkjun and its Geothermal Exhibition which is presented via interactive multimedia installations, wall displays and presentations. It allows visitors to examine Iceland’s geothermal energy utilization in a clear and illuminating fashion. We will also visit the Recycling Center Sorpa where the volunteers will learn about recycling methods. The volunteers will also create documentaries, posters and brochures related to sustainable living, which will be introduced to children in Reykjavik.
This project gives you the opportunity to spend an amazing time in Iceland with other international volunteers and to have an incredible experience where participants share their knowledge with each other while exploring creativity, environmental issues and intercultural learning.
Language: English
Leisure time: On weekends, the volunteers can enjoy Reykjavik‘s amazing nightlife, which is world-renowned for its wide array of bars, clubs, and concerts.
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, geysirs, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or even icebergs.
We will also focus on intercultural learning and exchange. Every evening, volunteers from different countries will present 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 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 linens 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. From September until the end of April, and in favourable conditions, you will see the city’s skyline silhouetted against the glowing, shimmering curtain of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. Reykjavik 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.
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 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.