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Want to volunteer in Iceland on forestry conservation and climate change mitigation? Our Travel Roots Forestry Management and Climate Change Program in Iceland offers a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on environmental work in the picturesque town of Siglufjörður.
As a volunteer, you'll participate in activities such as forest management, beach cleanups, and upcycling projects, all aimed at combating climate change and preserving the Arctic environment. This program is perfect for those passionate about environmental conservation and eager to make a tangible impact while experiencing Iceland's natural beauty.
Siglufjörður, a scenic town in northern Iceland surrounded by dramatic mountains and arctic fjords, is an ideal location for volunteers passionate about protecting the environment. This Forestry Management and Climate Change Program is part of a broader sustainability initiative, where international volunteers work together to safeguard Iceland’s fragile ecosystems and reduce the effects of global warming.
Volunteers are engaged in various hands-on environmental tasks such as forest regeneration, planting native trees, trail maintenance, and supporting local biodiversity. Alongside forestry work, participants contribute to broader climate change efforts including data collection, clean-up initiatives, and awareness-raising campaigns.
Key Activities Include:
• Reforestation and tree planting to combat soil erosion and improve carbon sequestration
• Trail maintenance and erosion control in forested and coastal areas
• Arctic shoreline clean-ups to reduce plastic waste and protect marine life
• Upcycling and sustainability workshops that promote conscious resource use
• Community engagement and environmental education initiatives
• Assisting in greenhouse planting and sustainable gardening projects
• Supporting climate-related data collection and ecological monitoring
You don’t need previous experience to join—just a willingness to learn, work as part of a team, and get your hands dirty in one of the most stunning corners of the planet.
Whether you're planting trees in the crisp Arctic air or gathering marine debris along icy shorelines, your time here will directly contribute to protecting Iceland’s unique ecosystems and building a more sustainable future.
By volunteering on our Forestry Management and Climate Change Program in Iceland, you will:
• Help reforest degraded land and support long-term carbon offsetting efforts
• Assist with practical climate change adaptation strategies in Arctic conditions
• Join environmental clean-up projects to reduce ocean-bound plastic and waste
• Engage in meaningful cultural exchange with international volunteers and locals
• Learn about Icelandic ecosystems and sustainable living through workshops and fieldwork
• Explore the breathtaking beauty of northern Iceland, from fjords to mountains
• Gain practical skills in conservation, community work, and team collaboration
• Build lifelong memories in one of the most remote and environmentally important areas of Europe
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Forestry Managment Volunteer
Volunteering in the northern town of Siglufjörður offers a powerful combination of environmental action and immersion in remote Icelandic culture. Nestled between dramatic mountains and fjords, your days will be structured yet varied, giving you a unique blend of practical conservation and cultural discovery.
Here’s what a typical volunteer day might look like:
7:30 AM – Morning Start & Breakfast
Wake up in your volunteer house and enjoy a shared breakfast while taking in the quiet beauty of the northern coast.8:30 AM – Team Briefing & Task Prep
Join your team for a briefing session, where tasks are outlined and weather conditions assessed. Depending on the day, you’ll gear up for reforestation, trail work, or educational outreach.9:00 AM – Morning Fieldwork
Dive into hands-on activities like:
• Planting native trees and maintaining saplings
• Trail maintenance and erosion control
• Removing invasive species
• Collecting and cataloguing data related to climate resilience12:30 PM – Lunch Break
Return to base for a warm meal prepared by the group. This is a time to rest, chat, and recharge before heading back out.2:00 PM – Afternoon Projects
The second half of the day might include:
• Assisting in community sustainability workshops
• Cleaning up local natural areas to reduce microplastic buildup
• Monitoring reforested areas for growth and soil health
• Indoor educational sessions or environmental presentations5:00 PM – Wrap Up & Personal Time
After returning from the field, you’ll have free time to relax, go for a walk, visit the harbor, or reflect with your fellow volunteers.6:30 PM – Dinner & Evening Activities
Evenings often involve shared cooking and meals, followed by group discussions, cultural exchanges, games, or documentary viewings. During certain seasons, you might even spot the northern lights.Days Off
You’ll have time to explore Siglufjörður and surrounding areas. Popular free-time activities include hiking local trails, visiting the herring museum, or simply soaking in the peaceful, remote beauty of the fjord landscape.In this remote northern haven, your impact on forest regeneration and climate action is real—and your personal growth is just as profound.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
Volunteering on this project places you at the forefront of climate action and ecological restoration in one of the most sensitive and rapidly changing environments on the planet.
Through your time and effort, you will:
• Help regenerate native Icelandic forests to restore natural biodiversity and combat soil erosion
• Contribute to climate change mitigation by increasing carbon sequestration through tree planting
• Remove invasive plant species that threaten native flora and ecosystems
• Assist in maintaining and improving public hiking trails to reduce environmental degradation
• Support educational efforts that raise local awareness about sustainability and environmental protection
• Collect vital data on environmental indicators, supporting ongoing scientific monitoring and long-term strategy
• Promote eco-conscious tourism and community engagement through visible conservation workYour presence not only supports hands-on restoration—it also helps create a ripple effect of environmental awareness, collaboration, and global responsibility. In Iceland’s fragile northern ecosystem, every tree planted and every trail cleared makes a lasting difference.
Your Homes in Iceland
During your placement in Siglufjörður, you'll stay at the local volunteer house managed by our trusted partners. Nestled in the picturesque fishing town surrounded by dramatic mountains and fjords, the house offers a cozy and communal living experience that reflects the spirit of Icelandic hospitality.
The accommodation includes:
• Two spacious dormitory rooms (8 people each) and two double rooms
• Fully equipped communal kitchen
• Multiple shared bathrooms with hot water
• Comfortable living and common areas for group activities and relaxation
• Wi-Fi and basic utilities includedYou’ll be living alongside like-minded international volunteers in a warm, collaborative environment. Shared responsibilities like cooking and cleaning promote teamwork, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships.
This scenic and serene setting will be your base for making a real impact—while enjoying simple, sustainable living in one of the most beautiful places in northern Iceland.
History
Founded in 2001, our local partner has grown into one of Iceland’s most recognized non-profit organizations promoting environmental conservation and intercultural understanding. What began as a grassroots initiative has now hosted nearly 20,000 international volunteers, who together have contributed over 2.15 million hours to Icelandic nature and sustainability efforts.
Their longstanding presence in Iceland has forged strong relationships with local communities, environmental agencies, and municipalities—creating a powerful platform for volunteers to make a meaningful impact.
Mission & Vision
The mission is simple yet profound: to promote nature protection, peace, and international friendship. Through environmental volunteering and sustainable living programs, they aim to foster global cooperation and deepen intercultural understanding.
By uniting people from all backgrounds in common purpose, they envision a world where ecological stewardship and cross-cultural collaboration form the bedrock of a more peaceful and sustainable future.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fees
Duration Fees (€)
2 weeks (min stay) €750
4 weeks €1,400
6 weeks €2,150
10 weeks €3,650
12 weeks €4,400
What’s Included
✅ Shared accommodation
✅ All meals provided with a vegetarian/vegan focus
✅ Use of fully equipped kitchens, common areas, and facilities
✅ Airport Transfers & Transportation between project sites
✅ Expert-led environmental workshops and sustainability training
✅ Welcome orientation and ongoing local support
✅ Excursions, group activities, and cultural exchange experiences
✅ Wi-Fi access at each accommodation site
✅ Certificate of participation
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ And so much more...
Your Investment in the Planet – and Yourself
This program is more than just a volunteering opportunity—it’s an investment in your future. You’ll develop practical conservation skills, deepen your understanding of climate action, and build lifelong connections with fellow changemakers.
Whether you're looking to advance your studies, change your career path, or simply be part of something meaningful, your time here will shape you in ways that last far beyond the forests of Iceland.
Where You'll Be: Iceland – A Land of Fire & Ice
Welcome to Siglufjörður, North Iceland
Nestled in a narrow fjord surrounded by dramatic mountains, Siglufjörður is a picturesque fishing town in northern Iceland that feels like a step back in time. Known as the “herring capital” during the early 20th century, it now thrives as a quiet, charming hub for nature lovers, hikers, and adventurers.
Despite its remote feel, Siglufjörður offers a welcoming community, small-town charm, and stunning surroundings—including snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and glacier-fed rivers. During your time here, you'll enjoy long summer days with near 24-hour daylight or cozy winter evenings under the northern lights.
Why Iceland?
Iceland is a country defined by its raw beauty and commitment to sustainability. With its glaciers, geothermal springs, active volcanoes, and unspoiled wilderness, it’s no wonder this Nordic island is one of the top destinations for eco-conscious travellers. It’s also a global leader in renewable energy and environmental stewardship—making it the perfect location for a program focused on climate action, forestry management, and environmental restoration.
From the serenity of forest trails to the thrill of Arctic storms, Iceland invites you to connect with nature on its own terms—wild, unpredictable, and deeply humbling.
When you’re not busy helping protect Iceland’s forests and studying climate change impacts, there’s plenty of time to explore the unique beauty of Siglufjörður and beyond. Volunteers typically enjoy two free days each week to relax or go on local adventures.
Here are some of the most popular free time activities:
Explore Siglufjörður’s Harbour and Museums
Visit the award-winning Herring Era Museum or stroll along the fjord for breathtaking views.Hiking in the Trollaskagi Mountains
Lace up your boots and head into the dramatic peaks and valleys surrounding the town.Northern Lights Spotting (Seasonal)
If you're visiting in winter, bundle up and keep an eye out for the aurora borealis dancing across the Arctic sky.Local Hot Springs & Geothermal Pools
Warm up and unwind in Iceland’s traditional geothermal baths after a day of fieldwork.Cultural Evenings & Group Activities
Join in for group dinners, movie nights, or workshops organised at the volunteer house.Weekend Road Trips with Fellow Volunteers
Many volunteers choose to rent a car and explore nearby gems like Akureyri, Húsavík (for whale watching), or even the Golden Circle during their stay.
