📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
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, Breiðdalsvík 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.
Additional information: There is an extra participation fee of 450 euros for this workcamp. The fee includes the trip from Reykjavik to Stodvarfjordur and back again which is almost 1,400 km in total and takes 2 full days (the first day of the camp and the last one). 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 road conditions are favourable). This trip includes several stops where you will discover 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.
💼 What the programme involves
Volunteers will have environmental tasks in different areas in Fjardabyggd, for example cleaning the coastline, planting trees and flowers, taking down old fences, removing lupines or other plants and fixing hiking paths.
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, the weather 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, 5 days a week.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Worldwide Friends volunteers will be staying in the WF house in Stodvarfjordur. The house is almost 500 m2 with 7 dormitories, big living room and another smaller one, two fully equipped kitchens, four showers and five toilets. Beds are provided; however, volunteers should bring their own warm sleeping bags or borrow one from WF if they don’t want to bring it. 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!
Please keep in mind that usually we have around 20 to 25 international volunteers in the house at the same time
📍 About the location
The area in the east is also good for hiking, so please bring your hiking shoes. There is a free entrance to the local swimming pool from the middle of June until the middle of September.
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.
ℹ️ Additional information
Fee includes the transportation to/from the meeting point - in total 1.400 km