Project 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: One of the most important aims of WF Iceland is intercultural understanding. Iceland is getting more and more intercultural and nowadays you can find people from all over the world in the island. We would like to involve foreign nationals living in Iceland to give them an extra chance to promote the culture of their origin in the local society.
We will help with the preparation and running of cultural activities together with local people. We will also have some workshops and debates related to art and culture.
During the workcamp the volunteers and the work will be focused on art from different continents by having workshops of music, dances and food. As well we will involve local people in order to provide the participants the opportunity to learn about different cuisine, get to know their culture and make video forums with movies that reflect the situation in the World today in order to create debates concerning different issues. At the end of the work camp we will have a ´ARTE DIEM festival´ in Eskifjörður where we will show the outcome of the workshops, a performance of dances and music as well food and photos exhibition.
Leisure: Worldwide Friends volunteers have free access to the local swimming pool. 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.
Accommodation and Food: Worldwide Friends volunteers stay in a nice indoor community facility offering basic facilities. Beds are provided, however volunteers should bring their own warm sleeping bags.
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 favourite recipes from home! There will be internet connection available.
Language: A basic knowledge of English is required for this workcamp.
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. WF Iceland will offer a minibus trip from Reykjavik to Eskifjörður for a fair price (150 € for the round trip which is almost 1.400 km in total). On the way to the camp we will go through the South to the East of the island. After the camp we will go through the North and west to Reykjavik. This trip includes unique Icelandic sights such as glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, lava fields, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or even icebergs.
Additional Information: There is an Extra participation fee of 200,- Euro for this workcamp.