SEEDS 069. Forestry in the Far East of Iceland

Accommodation: SEEDS volunteers will sleep in beds in a house belonging to the Icelandic Forest Service. The house is fully equipped. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the intercultural evening.

Language: English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

Extras: Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavík to the camp and back, which cost EUR 80 (Euros) one way or EUR 160 (Euros) both ways. This work camp takes place in a very remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. Outdoor free-time activities, for instance hikes or walks in the surroundings, will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers. The project takes place outside and it can get very cold. We recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats), good working and walking shoes. Free-time activities in the area will be organised depending on the weather conditions.

From 06.09.2025 to 21.09.2025

Participation fee: 400 Euro

Number of volunteers: 6

Types: Construction / Environmental

Region: East

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will once again be working on this project in the beautiful Hallormsstaðaskógur forest in the far East of Iceland, doing nature and environment-oriented tasks. SEEDS has been working with the Icelandic Forestry Service for many years and our volunteers have had very positive experiences with very good results for the projects and the Icelandic conservation and reforestation efforts.

Most tasks will be related to hiking paths maintenance, building stairs, making and putting up signs. Volunteers may also put up benches and tables in the forest. Other tasks will be to trim branches and beautify groves that are located near hiking paths. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging the surroundings and, in addition, our volunteers’ work helps to improve safety for visitors.

Last but not least, volunteers can explore the surroundings of the location and enjoy free-time activities arranged in cooperation with our local project host.

No previous experience is necessary, but the work is demanding and requires a good physical condition. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned.

Weather is unpredictable and it can be cold and/or rainy, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather. We recommend bringing good walking shoes/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats), as most of the tasks and activities take place outside.

LOCATION: Hallormsstaðaskógur is the largest wooded area of the country; iIt extends over an area of 740 ha. The reforestation of the area has been going on since a protection law was passed in 1899. The oldest part of the woodland is accessible by a variety of hiking trails, such as one through the deepest valley of the country and one up to Sandfell where the view is quite magnificent.

Small streams run through the land where visitors can cool down on warm summer days. The Eastfjords is a region with a special landscape, dominated by long, narrow fjords and steep mountains. The wild reindeer of Iceland are found here and the herd counts between three and four thousand animals.

TERMINAL & TRANSPORT: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).

SEEDS offers the minibus option: shared transport from Reykjavík to the camp and back. Apart from being cheaper and convenient, it allows participants to meet and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting sites.

The SEEDS minibus will travel one way along the northern part of the country and the other along the south coast of Iceland. In this way we will travel the whole ring road and stop at magnificent natural sights, including waterfalls, glaciers, volcano craters, hot springs, iceberg lagoons, black sand beaches, etc. Meeting point at SEEDS’ office in Reykjavík at 8:00 am on September 6. Return to Reykjavík in the late evening of September 21. The minibus to this camp will cost EUR 80 (Euros) each way. This is about 30-40% cheaper than public transport.