Project and location: Scoured by Ice Age glaciers, the dramatic east coast boasts long, narrow fjords with steep sides and jagged peaks which contrast with inland fertile farmlands. Natural harbours mean picture-postcard fishing villages and seemingly never-ending roads cross the region, providing beautiful sweeping views.
“Fjarðabyggð" is an association of villages in the Eastern fjords of Iceland. It includes the towns of Eskifjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Mjóifjörður, Neskaupstaður, Reyðarfjörður and Stöðvarfjörður, all tiny fishing villages with steep mountains towering just behind the houses. In this area you will see some of the features that make Iceland a unique place in the world: spectacular fjords with a rich sea life, a great variety of birdlife, and countless breathtaking hiking paths. You will explore the area during your stay in the east.
Work: Most of the work will consist of cleaning and beautifying the towns and the surrounding area. We will also do some other environmental tasks for example clean the coastline, plant trees or build hiking paths.
Our work will also depend on weather conditions and that’s why we have to be flexible. Please keep in mind that the work might be physically hard and you should be prepared for unfriendly weather, even though, hopefully, it will be nice most of the time. This is a perfect camp for people who like outdoor work and physical challenges.
Leisure time: Worldwide Friends volunteers have free access to the local geothermally-heated swimming pool in Eskifjörður. 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.
Accommodation and food:
In a community centre called Knellan which is located in Eskifjordur. Mattresses will be provided and everyone is asked to bring his/her own warm sleeping bag. We will have access to showers at the local swimming pool and sports centre.
The food will be supplied for the duration of the work camp and everyone is expected to do his/her fair share of the cooking/cleaning. It would be nice to try new and different dishes, so please remember to bring along recipes from your own countries.
Language: The language of the camp is English.
Terminal: Intl. Airport: Keflavík (KEF), Reykjavík. The closest national airport to the camp site is Egilsstaðir airport which is 40 km away from the project’s site.
Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland. WF Iceland will offer a minibus trip from Reykjavik to Eskifjörður for a fair price going through the North to the East of the island. After the camp we will also offer for a fair price a trip from the workcamp place to Reykjavik through the east and south of Iceland. This trip includes 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. If you join our minibus both ways than you will go all around the island.
Additional Information: There is an extra participation fee of 150,- Euro for this workcamp.