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Aurora Hunting & Renovation

Krýsuvík, Iceland

Notes

The first day of the camp is Arrival Day and the last day of the camp is Departure Day. The minibus will be at the meeting point in Reykjavik on the first day of the workcamp in the morning and arrive again at the Meeting point / BSI station in Reykjavik in the evening on the last day of the workcamp. Keep in mind that you need to arrange for your stay in Iceland before and after the workcamp.

In partnership with

Worldwide Friends (WF) is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 with the mission to promote nature conservation, intercultural understanding, and peace through volunteer activities in Iceland.

In 2026, our focus will be on climate action, community resilience, and sustainable lifestyles — empowering participants to take meaningful action in their daily lives and local communities.
WF organizes a variety of programs, including international workcamps, seminars, local community projects, and exchange programs, open to both young people and adults who wish to make a positive impact while experiencing Iceland’s unique culture and natural beauty.


Description of the Work

During this workcamp, volunteers will take part in various tasks related to the renovation and maintenance of our Sustainable Center. As a member of the Renovation Team, you will have the opportunity to work alongside skilled foremen, supporting the construction of new facilities for community use, renovating existing buildings, and improving local infrastructure.

You will have the opportunity to witness the impact of your handiwork, continuing the construction efforts started by previous volunteers and contributing to the long-term development of the center.
Our first priority in establishing this program is to ensure that all activities address the real needs of the organization and the local community. For this reason, specific tasks may vary depending on current priorities and conditions.

The work will depend on the skills and knowledge of each volunteer but will mainly focus on painting, cleaning, repairing, and learning basic carpentry and construction techniques. Typical activities may also include fixing furniture, maintaining outdoor areas, organizing tools, and upcycling materials for practical use around the center.

In addition to the work, winter in Iceland means Aurora Hunting!
If you enjoy photography, connecting with people from around the world, and experiencing the magic of the Northern Lights, this camp will suit you perfectly. We will be on the lookout for the Aurora Borealis throughout the entire project, giving you the chance to capture this breathtaking phenomenon.
Please remember to bring a camera with long-exposure capability and a tripod — essential tools to photograph this once-in-a-lifetime sight!

Our work will depend on the needs of the organization and the local community and the season. This is a perfect camp for people who like outdoor work and physical challenges.
Working hours 5 to 7 hours per day of environmental work during the weekdays. With lunch and coffee breaks. Note: working hours may vary depending on the weather conditions.

Sorry, the project coordinates are not precise enough to be shown on a map.


Accommodation & Food

Volunteers will stay in one of the Worldwide Friends (WF) houses, which feature various room setups accommodating 4 to 6 people per room. Each house includes a fully equipped kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and shared common areas for socializing and relaxation. The total house capacity is 30 people, including volunteers and camp leaders.
We share the house with our lovely cat Loppa.

Washing machine and dryer on site.

Note: Actual occupancy may vary depending on factors such as season, health regulations, or other restrictions. The program requires a minimum of 4 volunteers plus Camp Leaders to operate. In case the minimum number of volunteers is not reached, WF Iceland will offer alternative projects in advance so participants can still take part in
meaningful volunteer activities.

Food is included for the entire duration of the work camp; however, everyone is expected to do their fair share of cooking and cleaning. Since it’s always fun to try new and different dishes, volunteers are encouraged to bring their favorite recipes from home!

We also invite everyone to try vegetarian food during their stay with us.
We provide a well-balanced and healthy variety of ingredients, including whole grains, seasonal fruits and vegetables, pantry staples, dairy products, and vegetarian/vegan options. To help reduce our carbon footprint, we limit meat consumption and promote sustainable, plant-based meals.

We do not provide soft drinks or candies, but we do offer plenty of ingredients for baking
delicious snacks. As we bake our own bread, feel free to bring your favorite golden-crust
recipe from home! Please inform us in advance if you have any food allergies or special
dietary needs, so we can accommodate you properly.

Please inform us in advance if you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, so we can accommodate you properly.


Location & Leisure

Krýsuvík is a geothermal and volcanic area in the southwest of Iceland. It is situated on the Reykjanes peninsula, about 35 km from Reykjavik. The name Krýsuvík means "bay of Krýsa," a folk tale figure from the area.

Krýsuvík is part of the Reykjanes Geopark https://reykjanesgeopark.is/ . UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, recognised Reykjanes as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015. UNESCO Global Geoparks are areas where sites and landscapes that are of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.

The landscapes surrounding it are astonishing. Walking around the park is a very special experience. There are boiling hot springs, mud bubbles and hissing steam is forced out of the earth from geothermal vents. The rich and various colours fade into each other which gives the area a magical impression. You can also find fresh lava where you can feel the warmth of the Earth.
It can be tempting to get closer to touch the hot springs but make sure to stay away from them and on the marked path as the heat is 80-100 degrees Celsius.

The region offers an incredible opportunity to experience Iceland’s volcanic energy up close while learning about its geology and environmental significance.
You’ll find scenic hiking trails through geothermal valleys, viewpoints overlooking Lake Kleifarvatn, and natural hot springs nearby where you can relax after a day of volunteering. The area also provides peaceful surroundings ideal for photography, nature walks, and reflection.

WF Iceland organizes affordable weekend and one-day excursions to Iceland’s most stunning natural sites — including waterfalls, glaciers, lava fields, geothermal areas, and black sand beaches.
Explore available trips at: wf.is/excursions
(A minimum number of participants is required to run excursions.)
Golden Circle is Included in the camp fee!

Nature is always close in Krýsuvík — enjoy hikes around geothermal fields, birdwatching by the lake, or short day trips to the Reykjanes Peninsula, where you can visit lighthouses, cliffs, and thermal pools.
From September to April, the Northern Lights often dance above the horizon on clear nights — a magical reward for those who stay up to watch the Icelandic sky come alive.

Please note there is no public transportation in the area.


Requirements

Please make sure to bring warm outdoor work clothes and waterproof gear


Appointment

9:00 a.m.
Reykjavik City Hall, Tjarnargata 11 (Bus stop #1 Ráðhúsið)
Main Entrance
Look out for our Logo!


Host Organization

WF was founded in 2001 as a non-governmental, non-profit organization promoting nature and peace orientated activities for people interested in spending some time in Iceland as volunteers. WF also sends Icelanders abroad who wish to have similar experiences as volunteers. The main activities offered are work camps, exchange programs and educational seminars. All our activities are suitable for anybody over the age of 18. In our present time the endeavour of attaining world peace has become a tangible reality, and the development and strengthening of bonds of cooperation and friendship through contact with people from other countries and cultures has proven to be one of the most fruitful means to achieve understanding and unity among nations. Veraldarvinirs main aim is to increase intercultural understanding through offering foreign volunteers the opportunity to take part in nature and peace oriented activities. For volunteers coming to Iceland, such projects will give them a unique opportunity to not only explore and directly interact with Iceland’s unique culture and landscape, but also to work with other international volunteers as well as with local inhabitants in demanding and unfamiliar contexts. The direct interaction with unspoiled nature and with people from different backgrounds sharing common interests generates challenging situations and provides the participants with invaluable opportunities to learn more about themselves as individuals, their international fellowmen, their respective cultures, and the human and natural richness of Mother Earth. These are all unique possibilities for harnessing world union and understanding in an integrated manner.