to Iceland

Volunteering at the Eco Village in Iceland

Q: How far in advance do I have to register?

Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date , But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible. But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.

life in the village community
Surrounded by nature
Tours included

Would you like to actively support environmental protection and get to know a sustainable lifestyle? Then travel to our Eco Village in Iceland as a volunteer and make an important contribution to nature and environmental protection! During your volunteering project, you will work outdoors a lot and learn a lot about how to sustainably support yourself. Topics such as recycling, reforestation and agriculture also find their place here.

South Iceland

from 18 years

4 - 26 weeks / from €1.850

Sunday

Volunteers at the Eco Village in Iceland

Sustainable consumption and production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Project ID : FA-IS491

As a volunteer
to Iceland

4 - 26 weeks / from €1.850
to the cost overview

Volunteering at the Eco Village in Iceland

What's the matter?

This environmental protection project in South Iceland is all about sustainability. Activities such as gardening, afforestation, recycling and plastic recycling are the standard program here.

The site is the first eco-village in Iceland. About 100 people live here trying to support themselves in a sustainable way. Of the 250 hectares available to the village, 37 hectares are inhabited and 150 hectares are used for agriculture. The village was founded in 1930 as a home for children with and without disabilities and has been Iceland's first eco-centre since 2002. A hot spring secures the energy supply there and organic cultivation is practiced in a number of greenhouses.

On the site you will also find a second-hand shop and a café with organic coffee roasting. A reforestation project is also underway in the village, with countless trees being planted each year. In addition, about 65% of the site's waste is recycled. For example, the residents make everyday objects from recycled materials or textiles.

The project site strives to be completely self-sufficient and to live sustainably and ecologically. But that requires continuous investment and maintenance by everyone who lives there. The Eco Village is a unique place in Iceland, with sustainability goals that require a lot of help from volunteers.

One goal of the project is to educate the younger generations about important climate change issues and to motivate them to do something about the current environmental problems and to contribute to the preservation of nature.

Your tasks as a volunteer

As a volunteer you will mainly participate in organic farming in greenhouses, forestry work and environmental workshops. The tasks are varied, vary from day to day and are specified by the local team.

Eco Village greenhouses account for 15% of all organic vegetable production in Iceland. Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and various herbs grow here. Greenhouse chores include the following:

Collect, sort and pack vegetables
Planting, watering, weeding and pest control
Plant and soil care
Washing, cutting, transporting vegetables, etc. for the kitchen and external traders

The following tasks await you in forestry work:

Care of the seedlings
Watering and weeding
Sort and rate the trees
Collecting material from the forest
other seasonal tasks

If you are planning your stay in summer, the activities will increasingly take place outdoors. In winter, more activities take place in the houses.

You usually work from Monday to Friday, a total of 35 hours per week. Your day starts at 9 a.m. with a joint meeting, where the plans for the day are discussed and any announcements made. You will then work in the volunteer project until 16 p.m. or on Fridays until 15 p.m. In between there is a lunch break at around 12.30 p.m.

A prepared lunch is available from Monday to Friday in the café, where the community likes to spend their break together. You always prepare breakfast, dinner and lunch on the weekends yourself or with the other volunteers.

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.

Accommodation Catering

Volunteer House in South Iceland

During your stay you will live with the other participants in a house in the Eco Village and share your room with another volunteer. There are 17 rooms in total, each with a bunk bed, bed linen, towels and a private bathroom.

The house is also fully equipped, it has a shared kitchen, a living room, washing machines and cleaning and washing products. There is also free WiFi.

The volunteers prepare their own breakfast, dinner and lunch on the weekends – the groceries are provided on-site. Lunch (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) is served in the Eco Village café from Monday to Friday.

Location

South Iceland

The Suðurland region in the south of the island is the most visited part of Iceland. This is not surprising, because impressive waterfalls, relaxing hot springs and a wonderful mountain landscape await you here.

For example, the popular hiking trail through the Landmannalaugar valley is one of the most beautiful in the world and the Reykjadalur valley is also known for breathtaking views. The southern region of Iceland is also home to the famous Golden Circle - one of the most popular routes in the country.

Nature lovers will get their money's worth here! Iceland's unique landscapes will surely amaze you!

Your free time in South Iceland

The Suðurland region in the south of the island is the most visited part of Iceland. Impressive waterfalls, relaxing hot springs and a wonderful mountain landscape await you here. Grab your hiking boots, pack a towel and set off on an adventure!

With a guided tour that is part of your program in South Iceland, you will discover the famous Golden Circle and experience Iceland's unique nature. Together you will explore the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, which is one of the largest in Europe, and Thingvellir National Park, where the first Icelandic parliament was founded in 930.

But the national park has another special feature: It stretches over two continental plates. The volcanic activity and tectonic processes in the region make it seem like the world is breaking apart. A unique experience not to be missed: snorkeling between continents, in the Silfra fissure!

Another natural wonder is Reykjadalur, the Smoking Valley. It owes its name to the hot river that meanders through the valley, enveloping it in a steaming mist. After a long hike, you can relax here in the warm water and enjoy the view of the surrounding nature.

Not enough hiking yet? Then you should definitely explore the Landmannalaugar Valley. It is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the world with its colorful mountains, crystal-clear, blue lakes and hot springs that invite you to relax after a strenuous tour.

In addition to the beautiful natural phenomena that Iceland has to offer, a trip to Reykjavik is also worthwhile. Museums, galleries, boutiques and numerous restaurants, cafés and bars await you there. Sights such as the “Harpa” opera house, the 73 meter high Hallgrimskirkja and Perlan, a huge glass dome, are among the highlights of the capital.

On-site procedure

Arrival in South Iceland

After you land at Keflavik Airport, one of our team members will pick you up and drive you to Reykjavik where you will spend the first night. There you have the opportunity to get to know the other volunteers and the team on site and to recover from your trip.

Orientation program in South Iceland

After your overnight stay in the capital, you will go to the project site in the south of the country, where the orientation program will also take place. Daily routines, tasks, excursions, etc. are discussed here. You will also have time to get to know your accommodation and the surrounding area.

Your first day in the project

After you have familiarized yourself with everything on site, you can start working on the project right away. You will be instructed in your exact tasks and supported in the activities that arise.

Pricing

base fee

€ 1.850, -
extension week

€ 270, - / week

up to 22 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

Airport transfer on the agreed day of arrival
Accommodation in Volunteer House

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

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

Individual Recommended additional offers
& 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.

" Round Trip
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.

" Insurance
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.

Personal development introductory course

Free of charge

Two tools to get you started on your personal development

South Iceland 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!

RGV FAQ
to the project

How far in advance do I have to register?

Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date, But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible.

But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.

Can I travel with a friend or in a group?

Yes! On request we enable a double room if you for two with a friend or a friend, or an apartment or other suitable accommodation for groups.

We are very happy to enable our participants to go on a project and share accommodation with friends. Shared accommodation is usually possible both in the volunteer house and with the host family, although the room in the volunteer house may also be shared with other participants. In some locations there is also the option of sharing an apartment.

When registering, please always mention the person(s) traveling with you!

Can I combine projects?

Yes! You can combine projects at one location, at different locations, but also in different countries. It is also possible to combine a project with a trip. You can specify your desired combination directly when registering.

Combination options at a glance:

Combine programs in one country
Combine programs across countries
Combine a program with a language course
Combine a program with ours Adventure & Trips

There are a few things Project combinations to note: The minimum length of stay per project must be observed and you may incur additional costs for country combinations, for example for an intermediate flight.

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?

The project has the following start dates in 2023:

10 September
24 September
8. October
22. October
5. November
19. November
3. December

Are there age restrictions for the project?

Volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30 can take part in this project.

What are the requirements for the project?

You do not need any specific previous knowledge to take part in the volunteer project in the Eco Village. Interest in environmental issues and working with people with disabilities, flexibility, reliability and motivation are important. Please note that a certificate of good conduct is required to participate in the project.

What do I have to bring?

Clothes that can get dirty
Light shirts as it is very warm in the greenhouse
Good, sturdy, preferably waterproof shoes
Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
Sandals or flip-flops that can be worn on site
Bathing suit and towel
Sunscreen with high SPF, lip ointment and sunglasses
Hygiene products, medicines
Lunch box and drinking bottle for eating on the go to avoid single-use waste. Tap water is drinkable everywhere in Iceland

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.

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

Various types of vegetables and herbs grow in the greenhouse in the Eco Village

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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.