Project and location: Hvalfjörður (Icelandic: Whale-fjord) is situated in the southwest of Iceland between Mosfellsbær and Akranes. The fjord is approximately 30 km long and 5 km wide. The farm is only 35 minutes from the city centre of Reykjavik by car.
The name Hvalfjörður is derived from the large number of whales which could be found and caught there. Until the 1980s, one of the biggest whaling stations in Iceland was located in this fjord. In the past the fjord also contained a large number of herring fisheries. A hiking trail to the highest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur, has its origin at the innermost end of the fjord.
Work: Since the creation of Worldwide Friends, the organization has been looking for the opportunity to set up a project to renovate and work at an old Icelandic farm. The idea of renovating old spaces in the country side of Iceland and especially in areas where there isn’t much population is one of the best ideas our organization could develop. In one hand we have the opportunity of give life to an empty and old space, in the other hand we are bringing life back to the area with the spirit and the ideas of International volunteers which will be very much welcomed by the local community.
The first part of this Project will consist on renovating and putting the farm in good shape. The second part is to do some basic and simple farming – for example to plant vegetables and harvest them, do built a small house for chickens and take care of them. To built a small greenhouse and etc. The work on this project is a mix of renovation work and gardening.
We will also take care of the property, plant trees, clean the area, even cleaning the coast line around the fjord
There are a lot farms in the area so the volunteers will have the chance to visit other farms around and therefore to learn about Icelandic farming methods and to help the farmers with seasonal work.
Leisure time: We will explore the whole whale fjord and the surrounding area, including a hike to the highest waterfall in Iceland.
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 glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysirs, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or even icebergs.
Accommodation & Food:
We will be staying in the farm. Participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag. Food will be provided for the duration of the workcamp 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. There is a WF-FI connection in the house.
Language: The language of the workcamp is English.
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland. WF Iceland will offer a minibus trip from Reykjavik to the camp for 45 EURO which includes the amazing Golden circle excursion.
Additional Information: There is an extra participation fee of 200 Euros for this workcamp.