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 depict postcard-like fishing villages and seemingly never-ending roads cross the region, providing beautiful 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: The main task of the camp is to remove the Alaskan lupine from certain areas where other plants are growing. The lupine is not a “native” plant in Iceland, but it was imported into the country to help prevent erosion in areas where almost nothing grows. The lupine is now overrunning native species in many areas, so it is very important to control it. The group will also do other environmental work, if needed.
Our work will also depend on weather conditions, which is why we have to be flexible. You should be prepared for unfriendly weather, but hopefully, it will be nice most of the time. This is a perfect camp for people who like outdoor work and physical challenges. Working hours are about 6 hours a day.
Leisure time: Worldwide Friends volunteers have free access to the local geothermal-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. The area in the east is also good for hiking, so please bring your hiking shoes.
WF Iceland will 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 waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents or even icebergs.
We will also concentrate on intercultural learning and exchange. Every evening, volunteers from different countries will be in charge of presenting their country of origin and culture in an informal way. It can be a presentation, a game, theatre – the form of introduction is up to you! Therefore, we encourage you to bring along some food, photos or anything interesting related to your country for a fun and informative evening amongst other volunteers.
This workcamp 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.
Accommodation and food: Volunteers will be staying in the WF house in Eskifjordur. Beds and sheets are provided, however, everyone is asked to bring their own warm sleeping bags and towels. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge.
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!
Language: A basic knowledge of English is required for this workcamp.
Terminal: Intl. Airport: Keflavík (KEF), Reykjavík. The closest national airport is Egilsstaðir airport, which is located 40 km from the camp location.
Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik. WF Iceland will offer a minibus trip from Reykjavik to the east for a fair price (180 € for the round trip which is almost 1,400 km in total). On the way to the camp we will drive through the south to the east of the island. After the camp, we will drive through the north and west to Reykjavik, if the road conditions are favourable. 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 220 euros for this workcamp.