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Very Good 4.35rating (88)
  • Zero Hunger
  • Life On Land

Ecovillage - Live, Nature & Sustainability

location
4 - 20 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Experience life in Iceland’s first eco-village.
  • Explore sustainable living in an inclusive community.
  • Contribute to organic agriculture and greenhouse projects.

Highlights

  • Experience life in Iceland’s first eco-village.
  • Explore sustainable living in an inclusive community.
  • Contribute to organic agriculture and greenhouse projects.
  • Discover forestry, nature conservation, and environmental practices.
  • Connect with people from different backgrounds through meaningful community life.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteer at Sólheimar, Iceland’s first eco-village, located in southern Iceland. Take part in forestry, organic agriculture, and greenhouse work.

    Project Location:

    Sólheimar, founded in 1930 by visionary Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir, is Iceland’s first eco-village, located approximately 80 km east of Reykjavík.

    This unique and inclusive community brings together people with and without disabilities to live and work side by side. Its sustainable ...

    About the program

    Project Location:

    Sólheimar, founded in 1930 by visionary Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir, is Iceland’s first eco-village, located approximately 80 km east of Reykjavík.

    This unique and inclusive community brings together people with and without disabilities to live and work side by side. Its sustainable activities include an organic-certified greenhouse, forestry, an arboretum, geothermal energy, and recycling initiatives.


    Please note that Sólheimar is a remote and isolated community with no public transportation. Access to nearby towns and services is limited, so volunteers should be prepared for a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature and community living.


    About the Ecovillage:

    Sólheimar’s philosophy focuses on equal opportunities and individual potential, creating an inclusive community where people with and without disabilities live and work together.

    Through reverse integration, the community adapts to individual abilities, promoting equality, sustainability, and mutual support.


    Work:

    Volunteers mainly work in the Ölur forestry area and Sunna greenhouses, with tasks such as:

    • Planting, harvesting, and weeding
    • Gardening and general outdoor maintenance
    • Painting and basic repairs
    • Clearing snow and keeping paths accessible in winter

    Work depends on the season, weather, and community needs, so flexibility is important.

    Working hours: approximately 5–6 hours per day, 5 days a week.

    This is a great project for those who enjoy physical activities.


    Camp Leaders:

    Each camp has one or more Camp Leaders, depending on the group size. They connect the volunteers, WF Iceland, and the local community.

    Camp Leaders coordinate daily work, help organize meals, shopping, cleaning, leisure activities, and excursions, and support the group throughout the camp.

    They are also part of the volunteer team and receive one week of training before starting their role.


    During the Camp:

    Volunteers and Camp Leaders create a weekly schedule together, sharing responsibilities for work, cooking, cleaning, and free time.

    Meals:

    • Breakfast: Self-prepared
    • Lunch: At the Sólheimar cafeteria
    • Dinner: Prepared in pairs or small groups, including cleaning afterwards

    You will live and work with people from different cultures. Respect, open-mindedness, flexibility, and teamwork are important for a positive group experience and peaceful coexistence.


    Last Day:

    Before departure, everyone will help with a final house cleaning. Please:

    • Leave your room clean and tidy
    • Change your bedsheets
    • Take all rubbish with you
    • Pack all your belongings
    • Complete the Evaluation Form (ask your Camp Leader for the link)
    • Your transport will pick you up in the afternoon. Please leave the house as clean as, or cleaner than, you found it!

    What to pack?

    • Hiking boots 

    • Work gloves

    • Water bottle

    • Warm sleeping bag (we only provide bed sheets)

    • Towel

    • Swimsuit (to take advantage of the traditional swimming pools and hot springs)

    • Warm and waterproof clothes/shoes (you will spend a considerable time outdoors)

    • Snow gear (depending on the season)

    • Work clothes (Clothes you don't mind getting dirty)

    • Slippers/shoes for indoors, we don’t bring shoes inside the houses!

    • Raincoat

    • Pillow

    • Medication

    • Food, photos, or anything interesting related to your country for Intercultural Nights

    • Cash (ISK or Euros) for camp fees and excursions as we do not accept credit card payments on the spot.

    • Luggage allowance: 1 large suitcase and a small carry-on

    Typical day

    • 8:00 Breakfast & Getting ready
    • 9:00-12:00 Work (with a coffee break)
    • 12:00 to 13:00 Lunch 
    • 13:00-16:00 Work (with a coffee break)
    • 16:00 to 18:00 Free time
    • 18:00 Workshop
    • 19:00 Dinner
    • 20:00 Movie Night

    Typical day

    • 8:00 Breakfast & Getting ready
    • 9:00-12:00 Work (with a coffee break)
    • 12:00 to 13:00 Lunch 
    • 13:00-16:00 Work (with a coffee break)
    • 16:00 to 18:00 Free time
    • 18:00 Workshop
    • 19:00 Dinner
    • 20:00 Movie Night

    Free-time activities

    Excursions:
    WF Iceland will organize reasonably priced weekend or one-day 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, ...

    Free-time activities

    Excursions:
    WF Iceland will organize reasonably priced weekend or one-day 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; 
    • Golden Circle (Included in the camp fee): Starting in 2027, this excursion will take place on Saturday, the group’s free day.
    • South Coast (80 euros)
    The area around the house is also great for hiking. Plan ahead, share your travel plans, stay on the trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, and do not approach or feed wildlife. You should not go for high or steep mountains without a professional guide. 

    Please note that there is no public transportation in the area!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV and ID

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Volunteers must be able to do physical work.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Th

    e fees include:

    • Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off between the Reykjavík meeting point and the project
    • Golden Circle: Guided group excursion, included in the camp fee
    • Accommodation: Shared rooms at the project house
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the workcamp
    • Volunteer Activities: Materials, basic equipment, project coordination, and supervision for the assigned tasks
    • Camp Support: Camp Leader and local project coordination throughout the stay

    WF Cancellation fees & charges

    As we start to incur costs from the time the contract is confirmed, we will apply cancellation charges as shown below from the time when written notification of the cancellation is received:

    • With a notice of more than 30th days, the cancellation will be free of charge.
    • With a notice between 30th – 14th days, 50% of the total fee will be charged.
    • With a notice of less than 14th days, 100% of the total fee will be charged.
    • Any expenses that may occur due to early departure will be covered by the participant and not WF, no refund shall be given.


    Code of Conduct

    In order to have adequate conduct during the program, the following points are established that must be complied with without exception.

    • WF is committed to ensuring an environment that is free of discrimination and to fostering a climate in which all participants can have an exceptional experience.
    • Clothing. Appropriate footwear and suitable outdoor clothing must be worn. We reserve the right to refuse participation to participants who are dressed inappropriately or with inappropriate footwear since this will put the participant’s well-being and safety at risk.
    • Non-prescription Drugs. We reserve the right to terminate the program to participants we believe are under the influence of drugs, in such circumstances, no refund shall be given.
    • WF reserves the right to refuse participation and to cancel the stay to any participant whose conduct or manner is likely to cause offense, upset, or put other participants in danger. Any expenses that may occur due to early departure will be covered by the participant and not WF.

    Accommodation


    Volunteers stay in the Worldwide Friends house in Sólheimar, located within the eco-village. The house has double rooms with private bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and shared common areas, which are also used by some local workers.

    • Capacity: 12 people, including Camp Leaders, plus local workers
    • Minimum to run the program: 3 volunteers + Camp Leaders
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • Washing machine available

    Please note: Sólheimar is a remote and isolated community, approximately 45 minutes from Reykjavík. The nearest town is Selfoss, but public transportation to and from Sólheimar is very limited. Volunteers should be prepared for a quiet, rural environment and plan transportation while in the project.




    Food & Beverages

    Food is included throughout the work camp. 

    Volunteers share responsibility for cooking, cleaning, and keeping the kitchen organized.

    We provide healthy and balanced ingredients, including whole grains, seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and vegetarian/vegan options. 

    We encourage sustainable, mostly plant-based meals and invite volunteers to share their favorite recipes from home.

    • Breakfast: Self-prepared
    • Lunch: Served at the Sólheimar cafeteria
    • Dinner: Prepared together by the volunteer group

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Keflavik International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik. We assist you to find cheap flights to Iceland. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Iceland provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Iceland you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Iceland. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Arrival

    The first day of the camp is Arrival Day, and the last day is Departure Day.


    Participants will be picked up at 9:00 am on the first day at Reykjavík City Hall, Tjarnargata 11, 101 Reykjavík (main entrance).

    Please arrive on time. If you are delayed or cannot reach the meeting point by 9:00 am, contact us immediately through WhatsApp, as this is our main communication channel.


    Departure

    Drop-off will be at BSI Bus Station in Reykjavík on the evening of the last day, from 19:00 hrs onwards. The exact time may vary due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

    Important:

    • The night of the last day is not included. Please arrange your own accommodation before and after the workcamp.
    • We recommend arriving in Iceland at least one day before the camp and departing at least one day after.
    • Sólheimar is a remote area with no public transportation. Please plan your transport accordingly.


    Please note that the minimum stay in Sólheimar is 4 weeks.

      Start Dates 2026

      • 12 Oct- Nov 9
      • 9 Nov- Dec 7
      • 7 Dec- Jan 4

      Please note that starting next year, the meeting point will be at BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavík on Mondays at 5:00 PM.

      Start Dates 2026 & 2027

      • 4 Jan- Feb 1
      • 1-Feb- 1-Mar
      • 1-Mar-  30-Mar
      • 30-Mar- 26-Apr
      • 26-Apr- 24-May
      • 24-May- 21-Jun
      • 21-Jun- 19-Jul
      • 19-Jul- 16-Aug
      • 16-Aug- 13-Sep
      • 13-Sep- 11-Oct
      • 11-Oct- 8-Nov
      • 8-Nov- 6-Dec
      • 6-Dec- 3-Jan

      Sólheimar is a remote and isolated eco-village, located in the countryside with no public transportation nearby. The nearest town is Selfoss, and access to Reykjavík or other areas requires planning and private transportation. Please keep this in mind before applying, as the experience involves living in a quiet, rural community with limited access to shops, services, and independent transportation. Volunteers should be comfortable with this type of environment and with spending most of their time within the community.


      Availability
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

      Program Fees

      $420 per week 4 - 20 weeks Age 18 - 50+

      Payment methods

      Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

      NO CREDIT CARD FEES

      Duration

      4 - 20 weeks

      Deposit

      Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

      Final Payment

      You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

      You don't have to pay anything yet
      4.3
      Travelers’ Choice
      One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

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      Location

      Europe > Nordics > Iceland > Suðurnesjabær

      Meet your project coordinator

      Lorena
      88
      reviews
      4.35
      Very Good
      2001
      Founded

      Verified

        Below average response rate
      Spoken languages: Spanish, English
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