Project Location: The Westman Islands, or Vestmannaeyjar are without a doupt among the most beautyful places in Iceland, they consists of a group of fifteen amazing islands which are situated at a short distance off the south coast of Iceland. The islands were given this name by the nordic residents of Iceland after the Irish slaves that the norse captured that were settled there.
All of the islands are the result of submarine volcanic eruptions during comparatively recent geological time. Heimaey is the largest and only inhabited island in the group, and is Iceland´s largest offshore island, with an area of 13,4 sq. km. Fishing, fish processing, and subsidiary trades are the main source of income. Heimaey is sheltered to the north by low mountains. Between the colorful town, the beautiful cliffs full of birdlife, and the fresh lava and volcano, the landscape gives the islands a scenic interest as varied in character as any in the country.
In the island you can find Eldfell which is a composite volcanic cone just over 200 metres high. It was formed in a huge volcanic eruption - the name means Mountain of Fire in Icelandic. This volcanic eruption is considered the largest natural disaster in Iceland in recent history. The eruption began on January 23rd 1973 on the island of Heimaey, forcing the evacuation of the inhabitants for the five months that the eruption continued. At the time, there was uncertainty as to whether or not the island could ever be repopulated. The eruption caused the destruction of a third of the town, and the massive changes to the landscape of this tiny island made world news. Afterwards, the island became a destination for tourists and scientists alike from all over the world. Now, more than 30 years have passed, and the memories and signs of the spectacular eruption are fading, but lava and ash still cover almost 400 homes and buildings.
Work: Worldwide Friends volunteers will assist the local residents with environmental tasks for example to remove stones from the hills in Herjólfsdalur which is 5 minutes walk from the village. We will than use the stones to built a protection wall.
Please note that this is a hard physical work!
We will also help the locals to clean and beautify the surrounding area.
Leisure: Worldwide Friends volunteers have free access to the local geothermal-heated swimming pools. 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.
WF Iceland will also organise reasonably-priced weekend excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights such as lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges or steam-vents.
Accommodation and Food: Worldwide Friends volunteers stay in an indoor community facility. Mattresses are provided, however volunteers should bring their own warm sleeping bags. There is an internet access in the house.
Food is included for the duration of the workcamp, however everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. Since it is always nice to try new and different dishes, volunteers are encouraged to bring along their favorite recipes from home!
Language: A basic knowledge of English is required for this workcamp.
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland. WF Iceland will organize a shared bus and boat trip from Reykjavik to the workcamp site for a fair price.
Additional Information: There is an extra participation fee of 180,- Euro for this workcamp.