Project and location: Fjallabyggd is the northernmost community in Iceland, located at the foot of towering mountains on the shore of two small fjords called Ólafsfjordur and Siglufjordur, fishing and the processing of marine products provide the principal source of employment for the town's 2,600 residents, as the settlement has developed around one of the country's best natural harbours. The historic architecture, the colourful rooftops of the upper town, the harbour and inspiring backdrop are all postcard material on a fine day. There is plenty of variety in the life of the towns, which includes many sorts of social and cultural activities. Both the church and music school are centres for musical activities, and sports are very popular. Furthermore, the splendour of the mountains and natural beauty are practically an invitation to everyone.
More info www.fjallabyggd.is
Work: Most of the work will consist of making hiking paths in the mountains and also around the two villages. Other possible tasks could be planting trees and cleaning the coastline. Our work will also depend on weather conditions and that’s why we have to be flexible. Please keep in mind that the work might be physically hard and you should be prepared for unfriendly weather, even though, hopefully, it will be nice most of the time. This is a perfect camp for people who like outdoor work and physical challenges.
Leisure time: Worldwide Friends volunteers have free access to the local geothermal-heated swimming pool in the village. 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 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. The area in the East is also good for hiking so please bring your hiking shoes.
Accommodation and food: The volunteers will stay in a community building. Beds and sheets will be provided and everyone is asked to bring his/her own warm sleeping bags and towels. The food will be supplied for the duration of the work camp 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 and specialities from your own countries. There is a WI-FI connection in the house.
Language: The language of the camp is English.
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 Fjallabyggd for a fair price (120 € for a return tour) We will stop in many beautiful places during the tour.
Additional Information: There is an extra participation fee of 200,- Euro for this workcamp.