WF HOUSES
We have camps all around the island. Choose the one is right for you!
WF WORKCAMPS
6 Weeks on the Move
During the six weeks, you will travel around Iceland starting in BRÚ (Northwest) for 2 weeks in our sustainable center. Travel the north route to Stödvarfjörður (East) stay 2 weeks. Finally will take the south route to Hveragerði (South) for the last 2 weeks. In the period from January to the end of April, you will probably be able to discover the Aurora Borealis during the project.
In the North-West you will visit the centre called BRÚ. It is located in the area of Hrutafjordur which is a 36 km long fjord in Húnaþingi vestra. In the neighbourhood you can find a lot of pure and unspoiled nature, beaches full of driftwood, Snæfellsnes peninsula, glaciers in the highlands, waterfalls, strong rivers, canyons, and craters. The purpose of the centre is to protect nature and to raise the awareness of sustainability among the locals and the visitors who are coming to the area.
In the East 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 harbors depict postcard-like fishing villages and seemingly never-ending roads across 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, which is where the WF House is located. In this area, you will see some of the features that make Iceland a unique place in the world: spectacular fjords with rich sea life, a great variety of birdlife,
In the South, you will stay in Hveragerði, which is a small town that lies 45 km east of Reykjavík. This friendly little community sits on top of a highly active geothermal field, which provides heat for hundreds of greenhouses where fruit, flowers, and vegetables are produced throughout the year. The name Hveragerði means “hot springs garden”. You will be hosted at the NLFI Rehabilitation and Health Clinic, which is a part of the Natural Health Association of Iceland.
Please note that the schedule for the camps will be flexible and made according to the weather forecast and road conditions with short notice.
What you'll be doing
Volunteers will do clean the coastline in different parts of the island and help to recycle the plastic which we are collecting there. Working hours are 4 - 6 hours per day five days a week. The clean-up of the coastline is the main task but we will also plant trees during the camp, if the season allows it. We work with the local community as well helping with the reforestation of the areas nearby.
Some days, when the weather conditions are not suitable, we will focus on renovation work; painting or fixing things around and inside the house. We will upcycling garbage into art! While creating bookshelves out of driftwood or designing a chair with old tires and nets, your imagination is the limit! Our work will depend on weather conditions, which is why we must be flexible. You should be prepared for unfriendly weather, as they say: if you don’t like the Icelandic weather, just wait 5 minutes it might change.
For Hveragerdi, The Natural Health Association has a horticultural and environmental department, including forestry, gardening, and greenhouses, which is where Worldwide Friends volunteers will be working in the greenhouses planting and harvesting vegetables, doing weed control, and sometimes you will also be gardening.
As part of the project, the camp may be requested to write an issue for our UNA Magazine. As a group you will all choose the main topic, focussing on an Environmental theme. This is a great opportunity to create environmental awareness. The group will take photos, create videos and conduct interviews with volunteers, local hosts, and people living in the area. The outcome will be published in the UNA WF magazine.
Leisure time
WF Iceland will organize 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 focus on intercultural learning and exchange. Every evening, volunteers from different countries will present 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.
Accomodation and Food
Volunteers will be staying in the houses of Worldwide Friends. The houses are fully equipped with several dormitories each. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags, but beds and sheets are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge.
Food is included for the duration of the work camp; however, everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. We provide a well-balanced and healthy variety of food products that includes a wide variety of whole grains, seasonal fruits & vegetables, pantry staples, dairy products, vegetarian/vegan options.