Project Location: Reykjavik is a city full of energy, just waiting for you to experience it. Powered by heat from the earth below, with ever-changing weather sweeping across the landscape, its natural features are matched by the energy of its residents. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, culture, nature, clean air - and Reykjavik has them in spades. All the advantages of a modern, forward-looking society are complemented by the beautiful natural setting. In a country of only just over 300,000 people, the Reykjavik Capital Area has a population of about 200,000. However, since it’s the only major city in the country, Reykjavik has a lot of the amenities that you would only expect to find in a much larger center elsewhere in the world.
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city and is centred on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Come at the right time of year, and in favorable conditions you will see the city’s skyline silhouetted against the glowing, shimmering curtain of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. Reykjavik is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay to the north, while rugged lava-fields spread to the southeast. On a clear sunny day, the Snaefellsjökull glacier glitters on the western horizon like a crystal.
Work: The sustainable living camp has two major activities.
The organization is renovating an old farmhouse in the outskirt of Reykjavik 15 km away from the capital centre. Since the creation of Worldwide Friends, the organization has been looking for the opportunity to set up a project to renovate and work in farm. The volunteers will help us with the renovation and to take care of the work in the farm. We have chickens, a greenhouse for growing herbs, tomatoes and cucumbers and a big piece of land where we grow potatoes, carrots, lettuce and other types of vegetables.
Volunteers will also participate in workshops related to visual art and decoration in the farm and surrounding area.
Leisure: On weekends, the volunteers can enjoy Reykjavik‘s amazing nightlife, which is world-renowned for its wide array of bars, clubs, and concerts.
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 and Food: Worldwide Friends volunteers stay in our house in Sveinsstadir which is located in the outskirt of Reykjavik. This place is like a farm in the city so you can enjoy pure nature and at the same time the city life of the capital. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bag and towels, but beds/mattresses and bed linens are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge, and volunteers also have free access to shared desktop computers in communal areas.
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 favorites recipes from home!
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland. WF Iceland will offer a minibus trip from Reykjavik to Sveinsstadir for 55 euro which includes the Golden circle south Iceland and bus ride to Reykjavik after the camp.
Additional Information: There is an extra participation fee of 200,- Euro for this workcamp.