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 denominators of a great city - fun, culture, nature, clean air - 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 centre 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 favourable 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 organisation has a farmhouse on the outskirts of Reykjavik, 15 km from the center of the capital. Since the creation of Worldwide Friends, the organisation has been looking for an opportunity to set up a project that aims to promote sustainable living. Volunteers will do some renovating in the house and on the property and take care of the work in the farm. We have chickens, a cat, a greenhouse for growing herbs and vegetables and a piece of land where we grow potatoes, carrots and lettuce. Volunteers will help with all tasks related to the farm, as the work varies depending on the season. This year, we will also have special topics to discuss in the workcamps, such as “food waste”, “recycling” and “renewable energy”.
Leisure: Two excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer will be organised for the volunteers. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights, such as glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysers, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents or even icebergs.
There are bikes available in the farm, so the group can go on shorts rides around the area. A city tour in Reykjavik will also be organised with a visit to one of the outdoor swimming pools.
Accommodation and food: Worldwide Friends volunteers will be staying in our house in Sveinsstadir, which is located on the outskirts of Reykjavik. This place is like a farm in the city, so you can enjoy pure nature and the city life of the capital at the same time. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags and towels, but beds/mattresses and bed linens are provided. 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!
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.
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland.
Additional information: There is an extra participation fee of 600 euros for this workcamp. The fee includes pick-up and drop-off services to and from KEF Int. Airport, the Golden Circle South Iceland and the South Coast of-Iceland to Vik excursions and a return trip from the farm to Reykjavik after the camp.
Please note: If participants need to stay in Reykjavik before or after the camp, we can host them for an extra fee which is 30 euro per night.