2 - 52 weeks
from € 1.350
to Iceland

Nature and climate protection project in Iceland

  • Urban everyday life
  • Work outdoors
  • Joint excursions

Are you interested in the topics of climate change and environmental protection and want to get actively involved in this area? This project is all about “Environmental Awareness & Action”. Be there and make your contribution to environmental and climate protection! Meanwhile, you can experience the unique nature of Iceland up close and make many international contacts!

Location icon Reykjavik
Minimum age icon from 16 years
Icon Duration 2 - 52 weeks / from €1.350
Departure days icon Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Volunteer project on environment and climate protection in Iceland
Sustainable Development Goal 13 - Measures to protect the climate
Measures for climate protection

Take immediate measures to combat climate change and its effects.

Project ID : FA-IS459

As a volunteer
to Iceland

2 - 52 weeks / from €1.350
to the cost overview

Register now
Volunteering in Iceland in environmental protection project

What's the matter?

Climate change poses a serious threat to nature, animals and people. With global warming, more and more problems follow, such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels and forest fires. Pollution, for example in the form of garbage in the sea, on beaches and in rivers, is also a burden on nature. This makes it all the more important to actively promote environmental protection in order to counteract climate change together. 

The volunteer site in Iceland was founded in 2005 as a non-governmental, non-profit volunteer organization with an international focus. The organization mainly focuses on promoting environmental protection and environmental awareness, intercultural understanding and peace through voluntary work on social, cultural and ecological projects in Iceland. The project is part of a series of camps organized by the volunteer site in cooperation with various partners. It is particularly about raising awareness of current environmental issues and encouraging the volunteers to become active! 

The agency is also working with the Icelandic Ministry of the Environment, the Icelandic Environment Agency and other partners to raise awareness of marine pollution and plastic waste and engage volunteers in clean-up activities across the country. 

The organization sees it as its goal to inform people of all ages and cultural and social backgrounds about environmental issues, to empower them and to broaden their horizons. Another goal for the next few years is to contribute to a nationwide project to clean up the Icelandic coasts.

Your tasks as a volunteer

This project enables the volunteers to learn more about global and local environmental issues through various activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits and to directly contribute to environmental protection by participating in outdoor clean ups. The program combines learning, exchange, hands-on activities and excursions to get to know Iceland, Reykjavík and the stunning natural attractions. The local population should also be involved, which means that some of the events could also be open to the public. The team hopes that the volunteers will be inspired by the project and gain valuable experience in order to start their own projects and campaigns at home.

This project is offered in 14-day blocks. Ten days of this include a workshop. The workshops cover various topics relating to climate and environmental protection, which are put into practice through accompanying activities. On two other days you volunteer either in a second-hand shop or for the Red Cross and on the remaining two days you are usually free. The topics of the workshops usually repeat every two months.

There are additional photography workshops in the months from September to May. This is about capturing nature and environmental issues in a unique way. If you come during this period, please bring your own good camera!

The specific tasks in the project are very diverse. These include, for example, garbage collection campaigns, tree planting and gardening. Volunteers can also get involved in social activities and help distribute food to those in need or in a second-hand shop.

In the project you will have the opportunity to visit some local organisations, museums and exhibitions related to nature and environmental protection. For example, there is a joint excursion to one of the largest geothermal power plants in the world, where you can experience first-hand how ecological, sustainable energy is produced here. Likewise, for example, the exhibition about the whales of Iceland, with life-size models of the animals, explains their lives and the influence of humans on their existence. These activities are subject to weather conditions and partner availability and cannot be guaranteed on every stay.

Additionally, a day tour to some of Iceland's most important sights is also included in the project. The “Golden Circle Tour”: A tour on which you can discover not only the spectacular nature of Iceland, with all its waterfalls, volcanoes, geysers and hot springs, but also centuries-old Viking cultural sites.

You usually work about 7 to 8 hours a day, with a lunch break. However, your working hours may vary. For example, the volunteers often help out at the Red Cross on the first days of the project and usually only work four hours. This gives you time to explore the city and get used to your new surroundings. Sometimes the working days last a little longer, for example when there is an excursion or a workshop. It can also happen that work is done at the weekend and the volunteers have two other days off for this.

In general, you should be flexible, as the work schedule can change spontaneously due to weather conditions, among other things. A day in the project could look like this, for example: In the morning you devote yourself to various environmental protection activities, such as beach or urban clean ups. Workshops and discussions will take place in the afternoon. In the evenings there are now and then film evenings with environmental documentaries or feedback talks. On other days you will take part in excursions that either last the whole day or leave the afternoon to do as you please.

Depending on your interests and possibilities, you can also temporarily support at other locations in Iceland during your stay. The selection of projects and locations varies, depending on the season and availability - the team will be happy to give you specific information about your options after your arrival. So if you would like to get involved in other projects in Iceland, just contact the team in Reykjavik!

Accommodation Catering

Volunteer house in Reykjavik

You live together with the other participants in a volunteer house in Reykjavik. The house offers space for a total of 20 volunteers, who are spread over five shared rooms, each with two, four or six beds. Upon request, it is possible to divide the rooms by gender.

The house is basic with kitchen, showers and washing machine. However, there is no separate WLAN connection. In the city, however, there are many cafes with a free connection. The volunteers are provided with vegetarian food, but are responsible for cooking and cleaning themselves. You should also not forget to bring typical dishes, recipes, games or films for the planned intercultural evening with you from your home country.

In the immediate vicinity of the accommodation there are various shops and shops for daily needs as well as many restaurants and cafés. The nearest bus stop is also not far.

Location

Iceland's breathtaking nature

Reykjavik

The island nation of Iceland is located in the extreme northwest of Europe, just below the Arctic Circle. The island lies exactly on the mid-Atlantic ridge, which marks the boundary of the Eurasian and North American plates, giving the country a geological share of both continents.

The spectacular landscapes of the largest volcanic island in the world are characterized by active volcanism and the northern location of the island. Pitch-black beaches meet moss-green lava fields and deep-blue glacial lakes. Rugged fjords along the coast are joined by colorful thermal springs, bubbling geysers and powerful waterfalls inland. In summer and winter, Iceland is also the scene of two fascinating natural spectacles: the phenomenon of the midnight sun, which never fully sets at the time of the summer solstice, and the famous northern lights, which illuminate the long nights of the dark season in a mystical light.

With around 360.000 inhabitants, Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe. In fact, the island is now inhabited by more sheep than people. About half of the population lives in the Reykjavik area. The capital offers an exciting culture and design scene, many museums, bars and shops that you can explore.

Are you ready for breathtaking nature and an exciting city on a very special island? Then off to Reykjavik! Make your contribution to climate protection here!

Waterfall Iceland

Your free time in Iceland

Due to the location of the site, it is of course a good idea to first get to know Reykjavik better in your free time. The Icelandic capital has a lot to offer and is surprisingly lively for a city of its size.

Work your way through culinary delights while roaming streets lined with colorful houses and graffiti, join in the lively nightlife, or spend a lazy day at the Blue Lagoon, a natural thermal spa not far from the city.Other than the capital, Iceland naturally has a wide range of attractions and possible activities ready for you. The program of the project already includes a few excursions. If time and circumstances allow, you also have the opportunity to book additional tours at reduced prices, for example to the volcanic area or to the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier.

Alternatively, after consultation with the camp management, you are of course also free to go on excursions and explore the fascinating country on your own. For example, use your time to climb a volcano, bathe in warm rivers or visit one of the natural glacier caves. Also, during the winter months, don't miss a trip to land or sea for a chance to see the Northern Lights.

On-site procedure

Arrive in Reykjavik

Arrive in Reykjavik

After you arrive at the airport, you will be picked up by our team in Reykjavík and taken to your accommodation. The journey takes about 45 minutes. You will already get a small impression of nature and the capital of Iceland.

Orientation in Reykjavik

Orientation program

The orientation program starts on the first evening and continues the next day. You will get to know the team members and the other volunteers and will be given an introduction to the work of the organization and the activities in the project. The house rules and mutual expectations are also discussed.

Volunteer project in Reykjavik

your first day

The next day you start with the project work. You go to work with a team member. The coordinators on site give a short introduction to the schedule and the tasks and then you can start together!

Pricing

  • base fee
    € 1.350, -
  • extension week
    € 310, - / week
    up to 50 weeks respectively
  • Departure dates:

included
Services

Before departure

  • Individual advice and support from our trained RGV team in Munich
  • Organization including placement in the project and coordination of your stay on site
  • Assistance with preparation: visa, health care, travel insurance, etc.
  • Non-binding flight advice
  • Travel ABC with packing list for your travel preparation
  • RGV t-shirt

On site

  • Orientation program with the team on site
  • Support and guidance from the on-site team
  • RGV 24h emergency number
  • Project t-shirt to wear during on-site activities
  • Airport transfer on the agreed day of arrival
  • Accommodation in Volunteer House
  • Transfer back from the project to Reykjavík
  • Meals: Provision of food for cooking
  • Day tour of the Golden Circle attractions

After return

  • Participation confirmation of your voluntary commitment
  • Reflection course on your experiences abroad
  • Evaluation sheet and optional feedback discussion
useful additional services

not included
Services

  • Round trip
  • Private expenses on site
  • Excursions with microlight flights
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Visa and Vaccinations
  • All nights outside your agreed accommodation
  • Public transport and extra transfers
  • Transfer from Reykjavík to the airport

Individual Recommended additional offers
& must-haves

Picture must-haves

Would you prefer to stay in a single room? Are you vegan or do you have special requests for food? Or do you want to do some cool trips with other volunteers in your free time and explore the country?

With us, you benefit from a variety of optional additional services that you can add individually to your booking, depending on your preferences.

Flight booking icon
" Round Trip
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.
Flight offers with maximum flexibility

Would you like to receive a cheap flight offer for your stay abroad that is perfectly tailored to you? After you have successfully registered, you can have a non-binding offer created.

The excellent rates for volunteers, students and young people are a great advantage. Arrival times and flight time changes can also be sent directly to RGV upon request, so that our RGV teams in the destination countries are always informed about your arrival times.

These special tariffs give you special added value:

  • maximum flexibility for rebookings and cancellations
  • generous baggage allowance
  • Additional discounts on one-way flights: The new volunteer tariffs include attractive discounts to reduce your financial burden on one-way flights (e.g. for stopovers, project or country combinations).
Insurance icon
" Insurance
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.
The 4 in 1 insurance cover for volunteers and internships abroad

You can easily book the long-term travel protection of ERGO Reiseversicherung after you have registered. You will receive the links to this automatically after a successful registration.

The following building blocks are included:

  • Health Insurance
  • Comfort protection: accident, liability and interruption insurance
  • Travel insurance

Reykjavik Team
site

A large international team awaits you in the project in Iceland. Oscar is the head of the organization on site. Katka takes care of the volunteers - so you can always turn to them if you need anything. Both are looking forward to getting to know you and making a difference together!

Portrait team in Iceland

RGV FAQ
to the project

What are the project fees used for?

Although we are a non-profit organization, there are costs associated with volunteering abroad. Find out here, why volunteering requires money and what your project fee is used for.

Do I need a visa?

As an EU citizen and from Switzerland, you do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you have to apply for a residence permit in the first month at the location.

What language skills do I need for the project?

In order to be able to communicate well with the team on site, you should definitely have good English skills.

When does the project always take place?

Dates for 2023:

September 03th - September 17th

September 17 - October 01

October 01 - October 15

October 15 - October 29

October 29 - November 12

November 12 - November 26

What are the requirements for the project?

No special prior knowledge is required. You should be prepared to spend a lot of time outdoors and, for example, to walk long distances during the clean-up activities. Depending on the weather, there may also be spontaneous changes to work and leisure plans, which is why you should also be flexible about this. For the mutual exchange in the project, it makes sense if the volunteers can report on environmental issues from their countries in order to discuss them together.

What do I have to bring?

  • (Good) camera
  • hiking shoes/hiking boots
  • Warm and waterproof clothing and shoes
  • Raincoat

General FAQ about volunteer work

Ready to volunteer in Iceland? Start your adventure abroad with Rainbow Garden Village!

Rainbow Garden Village has been offering volunteer work and internships abroad since 1999. What started as a small student initiative in Ghana has now grown into an organization with over 250 projects around the world.

You can be sure that your work as a volunteer will be an unforgettable experience. Bring your commitment and your knowledge to do good locally - and at the same time benefit from the unique experiences that will promote your personal development.

Become part of our RGV community!
We look forward to you.

Register now

RGV Your way
to the volunteer

1
Choose your volunteer project and register online.

2
We will review your application and confirm your participation.

3
Prepare for your assignment online or in our preparatory seminar in Munich.

4
Here we go! During your volunteer work, we will support you at any time with our on-site team.

Gallery Impressions &
Impressions

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With RGV you achieve flexible volunteer work in different countries worldwide. Maybe there is one too Internship abroad the ideal choice for you to gain valuable experience abroad.

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