Story of this place:
Sólheimar, Iceland‘s first and only eco-village, is located in southwest Iceland, 80 kilometres long (50 miles) east of Reykjavík. Founded in 1930 by a young visionary named Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir (1902-1974), the place has become reputable for its innovation and its ecological concept, attracting visitors and volunteers from all over the world.
It is a community where people with or without special needs live and work together. Sólheimar is a pioneer of practicing organic farming. In Sólheimar there is an organically certified greenhouse, forestry, and arboretum. Other environmental-friendly projects in Sólheimar include geothermal energy and recycling.
Project
The main work in this camp will be with the forestry called Ölur and also in the greenhouses which are called Sunna. Volunteers will be working in the greenhouses planting and harvesting vegetables, doing weed control and sometimes you will also be gardening. The work might involve work around the property painting or fixing things. During the winter volunteers will also have to help remove snow and keep the walk paths clear for the residents. Working hours are 09.00 to 16.00 with one hour break for lunch and there are some coffee breaks as well. 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.
Leisure Time
Golden Circle is included in the camp fee. The area is known for having great areas for hiking. WF 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;
Accomodation and Food
The house is across the village and has 4 double rooms with private bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and common areas. The common areas are shared with some of the local workers. 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. Since it is always nice to try new and different dishes, volunteers are encouraged to bring along their favourite recipes from home!
Additional Information
WF organize a minibus trip from the meeting point of the camp to Sólheimar which includes the Golden Circle Excursion.
Terminal & Meeting Point
Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik. The meeting point is at 09:00 am at Reykjavik City Hall (Tjarnargata 11)on the first day of the camp.
Language
A basic knowledge of English is required for this workcamp.
Requirements: Certificate of Non-Criminal Record
Do you want to apply?
You can send us an email or you can contact one of our partner in your country: