Explore traditional farming practices in South Iceland

The volunteers in this project will have the unique opportunity to get to know and explore the traditional Icelandic dairy and vegetable/carrots farming. Our host cultivates carrots, has cows and runs a tourist accommodation.

The farm is located in the South of Iceland, a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and glaciers to the north and facing the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The inhabitants here live in constant threat of volcanic eruptions and the area was hit during the recent eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and Vatnajökull 2011. It got all covered by ashes, but the natives here are strong minded and 'folded up their sleeves' as the Icelanders express it and proved the common belief that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Vík, the closest town, is Iceland's most southerly village. Mýrdalur is bordered by the glacial river Jökulsá to the west and the river Blautakvísl to the east. Its northern border is the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which caps the volcanic Mt. Katla, while its southern limits are black sands and the rolling Atlantic waves. The district lives mainly by agriculture. Although this community of 600 inhabitants faces the open Atlantic, Vík is the only seaside settlement in Iceland left without a harbour due to natural circumstances. Among the many aspects of Vík that make it attractive are the sea-and-land trips and trips on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier to list a few.

The natural beauty of the area is spectacular. Just east of the village's outskirts lies one of Europe's biggest arctic tern breeding grounds. South of Vík is a beautiful beach, which the international magazines named one of the world's ten best island beaches in 1991. A short hike within the close vicinity of Vík is sure to satisfy all serious nature lovers and bird watchers. Vík and its surroundings is one of the main bird life areas in Iceland.

Special requirements: Volunteers should have a motivation for getting to know the ways of living in rural areas in Iceland, for working outdoors and be prepared for different kinds of weather.

Project dates:

• April 3 - April 17, 2013
• May 15 - May 29, 2013
• July 3 - July 17, 2013
• July 17 - July 31, 2013
• July 31 - August 14, 2013
• August 14 - August 28, 2013
• September 11 - September 25, 2013

Find out more about this and other volunteer opportunities in Iceland at: http://www.cadip.org/volunteer-in-iceland.htm

For programs in other countries check out: http:www.cadip.org