Project and 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 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 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 Snaefellsjokull glacier glitters on the western horizon like a crystal.
Iceland Airwaves is an annual music event that started out in 1999 as a talent show for foreign record executives. Since then, Airwaves has grown and blossomed and is now an integral part of the cultural life in Reykjavík. The fruits of the festival's labour have been ripening and today many Icelandic artists such as Quarashi, Minus, Sigur Ros, Apparat Organ Quartet, Trabant, Leaves and others have made their way into the international music scene.
Airwaves attracts approximately 2,000 people annually from abroad (more than half from the music industry). While some visitors come to sample the fresh sounds, others are in search of new talents, seeking inspiration, or simply on a quest for adventure on the Arctic Circle. More information on: www.icelandairwaves.com.
Work: Volunteers will help the organisers of the festival carry out several tasks, such as preparing the venues before and after the concerts, helping with festival security, etc. We will also help Reykjavik environmental department in maintaining the green areas in Reykjavik before and after the festival.
Leisure: On weekends, the central location of the accommodations is ideal for enjoying 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, geysers, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents or even icebergs.
Accommodation and food: Worldwide Friends volunteers will be staying in a house offering basic sleeping and cooking facilities. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bag and towels, but beds and bed linens are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge. The accommodation provided by Worldwide Friends Iceland for volunteers in Reykjavik is located within a 25-minute walking distance of many urban amenities, including: banks, pharmacies, supermarkets, public swimming pools, restaurants, cafes, libraries, theatres, shops, museums and bus stations.
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: The language of the work camp is English.
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland. WF Iceland will offer a minibus trip from the meeting point of the camp to the accommodation for 60 euros, which includes the Golden Circle South Iceland excursion.
Additional information: There is an extra participation fee of 250 euros for this workcamp.