Volunteer in an ecovillage in Iceland

  • Eco-village
  • Iceland - Sólheimar
  • From age 18
  • Language: English, basic level
  • 4 weeks all year round
  • 1200 € for 4 weeks


Volunteer in an ecovillage in Iceland. Discover the land of ice and fire by volunteering in Iceland's oldest ecovillage, Sólheimar. Mission in an ecolieu in France here

Iceland's oldest eco-village

Our partner Worldwide Friends offers volunteer missions at various sites in Iceland to protect biodiversity, promote peace and volunteerism. Sólheimar is Iceland's first and only ecovillage. It is located in the southwest of the island, 80 kilometers east of Reykjavík. Founded in 1930 by a young visionary named Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir (1902-1974), the place has become renowned for its ecological innovation. The eco-environment attracts visitors and volunteers from all over the world.

A pioneering village

Today, Sólheimar is inhabited by people who live and work together. The ecovillage of Sólheimar is a pioneer in organic farming. Here you'll find a certified organic greenhouse, forest and arboretum, as well as environmentally-friendly projects. The villagers are heated by geothermal energy and practice recycling. They regularly welcome volunteers.

Organic farming and forest restoration

As a volunteer, you'll be working mainly in the Ölur forest and in the Sunna greenhouses. In the greenhouses, you'll be planting and harvesting vegetables, as well as gardening. Your tasks will include painting and repair work around the property. During the winter, you'll also help clear snow and driveways for residents.
Working hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an hour's break for lunch and a few coffee breaks.
Your tasks will depend on weather conditions, so you need to be flexible. You also need to be able to stand the cold and rain!

Dates

4 weeks minimum, all year round. Arrival on Mondays every 4 weeks

  • 6/01/2025 to 03/02/2025
  • 03/02/2025 to 03/03/2025
  • 03/03/2025 to 03/31/2025
  • 03/31/2025 to 04/28/2025
  • 04/28/2025 to 05/26/2025
  • 05/26/2025 to 06/23/2025
  • 06/23/2025 to 07/21/2025
  • 07/21/2025 to 08/18/2025
  • 18/08/2025 to 15/09/2025
  • 09/15/2025 to 10/13/2025
  • 10/13/2025 to 11/10/2025
  • 10/11/2025 to 08/12/2025
  • 12/8/2025 to 01/05/2025

Rates

  • 1200 € (4 weeks)
  • Possibility to stay longer. 250 € per additional week

Included in price

  • Pick-up at meeting point: 9:00 (City Hall - Reykjavik, Tjarnargata 11)
  • Return at 18:00 Bus terminal BSÍ
  • Transport to/from the project
  • On-site camp leaders
  • Excursion to the Golden Circle
  • Shopping for 3 meals a day.
  • Project monitoring (by Worldwide Friends)

Not included in price

  • Thefts
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Any other expenses not mentioned above
  • Minimum 4 weeks
  • +18 years and over
  • Couples are welcome, but we cannot guarantee a private room.
  • English B1 (beginner-intermediate)
  • Clean criminal record (translated into English)
  • Get involved in Iceland's oldest ecovillage
  • Work with volunteers from all over the world
  • Discover a fantastic country, summer and winter alike, with breathtaking landscapes!
  • Learn about agroforestry and organic farming

Housing

Volunteers are accommodated in the Worldwide Friends house in Sólheimar. The house is located in the village and has 4 double bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, several bathrooms and communal areas. The kitchen and living room are shared with some local workers. Volunteers must bring their own sleeping bags, but beds and sheets are provided. Free WIFI.

Food

Food is included, however, everyone is expected to take turns cooking and cleaning. The project encourages volunteers to be vegetarian. The food provided is varied and balanced.

Arrival

Arrival at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), south of Reykjavik. Meeting point is at 9:00 am at City Hall Reykjavik (Tjarnargata 11) on the first day of camp. We strongly advise you to arrive the day before.


A visit to the Golden Circle is included in the price. The Golden Circle is known for its remarkable sites and hikes. Our partner will organize weekend excursions at reasonable prices. These excursions include unique Icelandic sites such as waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, lava forests, hot springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam vents and even icebergs!

All reviews of Worldwide Friends missions

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About the association

Worldwide Friends is an Icelandic non-profit organization founded in 2001, dedicated to protecting the environment, promoting peace and volunteering. Its team works on the protection of biodiversity, but also on the circular economy and education based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the UN. Worldwide Friends organizes short and long-term volunteer missions in Iceland. Through volunteering, the association protects nature and promotes peace by getting volunteers of different nationalities to work together. All Worldwide Friends missions

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Laurence