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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
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Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
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Project Details – Want to volunteer in Iceland and restore land inside a protected Geopark?
Our Soil Restoration & Environmental Sustainability Program on the Reykjanes Peninsula offers an inspiring opportunity to get hands-on with real environmental restoration work in one of Iceland’s most dramatic and ever-changing landscapes.This project focuses on restoring and protecting the land through practical soilwork, erosion prevention, and long-term revegetation. Worldwide Friends began restoring this site in 2023 after it had been abandoned for several years, transforming it into a welcoming home and learning environment for volunteers from around the world.
As a volunteer, you’ll take part in meaningful outdoor tasks designed to nourish the earth and rebuild natural ecosystems — including planting trees, monitoring previous plantations, and working alongside the local municipality to help maintain hiking paths and protected areas across the site. The program takes place across a 300-hectare area within a protected Geopark, home to several hiking trails and powerful natural scenery.
Greenhouse and agriculture-related tasks may also be included, but the main purpose of this program is environmental restoration and sustainability. And when Iceland’s weather shifts (which it often does!), volunteers may also support indoor maintenance work such as painting or small repairs inside the house.
You’ll be based close to some of Iceland’s most unique natural highlights, including the lake Kleifarvatn — the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula and one of Iceland’s deepest, famous for its mysterious underground water system and stunning surrounding trails. Nearby you’ll also find Krísuvíkurberg Cliffs, one of Iceland’s best birdwatching areas during the summer months, offering breathtaking coastal views and wildlife encounters.
Please note there is no public transportation in this area, adding to the remote, nature-immersed experience. This is the perfect program for volunteers who love outdoor work, physical challenges, and making a real environmental difference — rain, wind, and all. As they say in Iceland: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes!”
Key Activities:
• Support soil restoration work to combat erosion and protect the landscape
• Help nourish the land using organic waste to improve long-term soil health
• Plant trees and assist with revegetation efforts across the protected area
• Monitor and maintain tree plantations from previous volunteer seasons
• Work with the local municipality to maintain hiking paths and protected surroundings
• Support greenhouse or agriculture-related tasks when needed
• Assist with indoor maintenance tasks such as painting or small repairs during bad weatherWhether you’re planting trees, restoring soil, or helping maintain protected trails, every task you complete supports Iceland’s long-term environmental protection — and leaves the land stronger than you found it.
By volunteering on our Soil Restoration & Environmental Sustainability Program on the Reykjanes Peninsula, you will:
• Gain hands-on experience restoring degraded land through soil conservation, erosion control, and vegetation recovery using native species.
• Take part in reforestation efforts by planting trees and shrubs to support biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health.
• Learn sustainable land management practices, including monitoring plantations, supporting soil health, and maintaining vegetation cover.
• Assist with trail, path, and small infrastructure maintenance to help protect restored areas and improve access across the Geopark.
• Support local environmental goals through sustainability awareness and responsible land-use activities.
• Build adaptability and resilience by working in changing weather conditions and shifting project needs.
• Work alongside local experts and a diverse international volunteer team, creating strong connections through shared purpose and teamwork.Whether you’re looking to gain practical conservation skills or simply want to live more sustainably and make a real impact, this program offers an unforgettable chance to restore Iceland’s land while growing as part of a global community.
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Soil Restoration Volunteer
Every day on our Soil Restoration & Environmental Sustainability Program on the Reykjanes Peninsula is an opportunity to work outdoors, challenge yourself physically, and actively restore Iceland’s land inside a protected Geopark. Tasks may change depending on the season, weather, and local project needs — but here’s an idea of what a typical day might look like:7:30 AM – Morning Routine & Breakfast
Start your day with breakfast at the volunteer house, layer up for the weather, and get ready for a hands-on day in nature.8:30 AM – Daily Briefing & Team Planning
Meet with your Camp Leaders and volunteer team to go through the plan for the day, safety guidance, and what tools or materials you’ll be using.9:00 AM – Soil Restoration & Outdoor Conservation Work
Head out into the protected area to begin the day’s main tasks. This may include soilwork to combat erosion, spreading organic materials to nourish the land, planting trees and shrubs, or monitoring plantations from previous years. Some days may also involve helping maintain hiking trails, fences, and walking paths in collaboration with the local municipality.12:30 PM – Lunch Break & Rest
Return for lunch and take time to recharge. You’ll often share meals together as a group, swap stories, and enjoy the community feel of camp life.2:00 PM – Afternoon Restoration Projects or Sustainability Tasks
Continue with environmental work in the afternoon, focusing on progressing longer-term restoration goals. Greenhouse or agriculture-related tasks may also be included depending on what the project needs that week.If weather conditions aren’t suitable for outdoor work, volunteers may support indoor renovation or maintenance tasks such as painting or small repairs inside the house.
5:00 PM – Free Time & Community Living
Finish up the workday and enjoy your free time. You might relax at the house, go for a walk nearby, or spend time with the team in the common areas.Evenings
Evenings are usually relaxed and social. This is a great time for group dinners, cultural exchange, and fun camp moments — from games and conversations to sharing recipes from home and learning about sustainable living in Iceland.Days Off
Volunteers usually have time off each week, giving you the chance to explore more of the Reykjanes Peninsula. You may visit nearby natural landmarks like Kleifarvatn Lake, hike through changing volcanic landscapes, or take in the dramatic coastline — just remember there’s no public transport in the area, so outings are typically organised by the team.This is a program for volunteers who love outdoor work, physical challenges, and real impact — and in true Icelandic fashion, you’ll learn to embrace the weather too: “If you don’t like it… just wait five minutes!”
Your Impact as a Volunteer
By volunteering on our Soil Restoration & Environmental Sustainability Program on the Reykjanes Peninsula, you’ll be helping restore and protect a powerful natural landscape that has been affected by erosion and years of neglect. Restoring this site began in 2023, volunteers like you have played a vital role in transforming the area into a thriving learning space and a living example of sustainable action in Iceland.This program is about more than planting trees — it’s about rebuilding the land from the ground up, supporting long-term ecological balance, and protecting a protected Geopark area that locals and visitors can enjoy responsibly for years to come.You will:
• Support soil restoration work that helps combat erosion and protect vulnerable land
• Help nourish and rebuild the environment using organic materials and sustainable methods
• Plant trees and shrubs to encourage revegetation and strengthen biodiversity
• Monitor and care for plantations from previous years to ensure long-term success
• Help maintain hiking trails, paths, and protected areas in collaboration with the local municipality
• Promote sustainable living and environmental awareness through shared action and learning
• Inspire cultural exchange and cooperation by working alongside international volunteers and local teams.Every shovel of soil, every tree planted, and every trail you help maintain contributes to a healthier environment and a stronger future for Iceland’s landscapes. Your work supports restoration that will continue growing long after you leave — creating real change that can be seen, measured, and felt.This isn’t just volunteering — it’s helping nature recover, one day at a time.
Your Homes in Iceland
During your time on our Soil Restoration & Environmental Sustainability Program on the Reykjanes Peninsula, you’ll stay in one of the volunteer houses, offering a comfortable and community-focused base to relax after a full day outdoors. Accommodation is shared, with a variety of room setups sleeping around 4 to 6 people per room.The house includes a fully equipped kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and shared common areas where you can unwind, socialise, and enjoy the camp atmosphere together. The total house capacity is around 30 people, including both volunteers and Camp Leaders.
And yes — you’ll also be sharing the house with the team’s lovely cat, Loppa 🐾
Wireless internet is provided free of charge, and there is a washing machine on site to help you stay comfortable throughout your stay. Please note that actual occupancy may vary depending on the season, health regulations, or other restrictions.
The program requires a minimum of 4 volunteers plus Camp Leaders to operate. If the minimum number of volunteers isn’t reached, we will offer alternative projects in advance so you can still take part in meaningful volunteer activities.
Please note there is no public transportation in the area, which adds to the remote, nature-immersed experience.
Food & Meals
All food is included for the full duration of your work camp. Meals are prepared as a group effort, and everyone is expected to do their fair share of cooking and cleaning — it’s all part of the community spirit and cultural exchange.We provide a healthy, well-balanced variety of ingredients including whole grains, seasonal fruits and vegetables, pantry staples, dairy products, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.To help reduce our carbon footprint, meat consumption is limited and sustainable, plant-based meals are encouraged throughout the program. Volunteers are also welcome to bring favourite recipes from home — it’s always fun sharing new dishes with the group. Soft drinks and candies aren’t provided, but there are plenty of ingredients for baking snacks, and as the team bakes their own bread, you’re invited to bring your best golden-crust recipe too.
Please inform us in advance if you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, so we can accommodate you properly.
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 Fee (€)
2 weeks (Min stay) €750
4 weeks €1,500
6 weeks €2,250
8 weeks €3,000
10 weeks €3,750
12 weeks €4,320
13 weeks (max stay) €4,875
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 Soil Restoration and Yourself
Joining our Soil Restoration & Environmental Sustainability Program on the Reykjanes Peninsula is more than just volunteering — it’s a meaningful investment in your future, your mindset, and the planet. This experience is ideal for anyone who loves nature, enjoys physical outdoor work, and wants to be part of real environmental action in Iceland.Your program fee directly supports your accommodation, food, project resources, and the local team and Camp Leaders who guide the work and keep everything running smoothly. In return, you’ll gain hands-on experience in land restoration, erosion control, reforestation, and sustainable living practices — while building valuable life skills like resilience, teamwork, and adaptability in true Icelandic conditions.
This is the kind of program that leaves you stronger, more grounded, and genuinely proud of what you’ve contributed to.
Where You’ll Be: Discover the Geothermal Magic of Krýsuvík & the Reykjanes Peninsula
Our Soil Restoration & Environmental Sustainability Program takes place in Krýsuvík, a geothermal and volcanic region in the southwest of Iceland, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, around 35 km from Reykjavík. The name Krýsuvík translates to “Bay of Krýsa,” named after a local folk tale figure connected to the area.
This region is part of the Reykjanes Geopark, a landscape of global geological importance that was officially recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015. These protected areas are managed with a strong focus on conservation, education, and sustainable development — making it the perfect setting for hands-on environmental restoration work.
The landscapes here are truly astonishing, and simply walking through the area feels like stepping onto another planet. You’ll be surrounded by boiling hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and hissing geothermal vents where steam is forced up from deep within the Earth. The ground is painted with rich natural colours that blend into each other, creating a magical and ever-changing atmosphere.
In some areas, you can even find fresh lava fields — and if you get close enough, you can feel the warmth of the Earth beneath your feet.
A quick safety note: as tempting as it can be to get closer to the hot springs, it’s essential to stay on the marked paths and keep a safe distance, as temperatures can reach 80–100°C.
Iceland – Land of Fire, Ice, and Wild Wonder
Iceland is one of the most unique countries on Earth — a place shaped by volcanoes, glaciers, and the powerful forces of nature. From steaming geothermal hot springs and dramatic black sand beaches, to towering waterfalls and endless mountain landscapes, it’s a destination that feels almost unreal.But Iceland isn’t just beautiful — it’s also deeply connected to sustainability and nature protection. Many communities across the country work hard to preserve their landscapes, reduce environmental impact, and inspire more responsible ways of living.
That’s what makes volunteering here so special.Whether you’re watching the sky glow during golden hour, hiking through untouched valleys, or sharing stories with your volunteer team after a day of hands-on work, Iceland has a way of grounding you — reminding you what really matters, and how powerful it feels to contribute to something meaningful in a place this extraordinary.
Free time Activities
& Tours
When you're not out helping protect Iceland’s stunning landmarks, there are endless ways to explore and enjoy your time:
Soak in the Blue Lagoon or local geothermal pools – relax your muscles in Iceland’s naturally heated waters.
Chase waterfalls – visit iconic spots like Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss.
Explore the Golden Circle – see geysers, volcanoes, and the rift between two tectonic plates.
Hike coastal trails and volcanic landscapes – from city paths to wild lava fields.
Discover Icelandic culture – wander through Reykjavik’s art galleries, music venues, and cosy cafes.
Spot puffins or whales – join local wildlife tours or go birdwatching along the cliffs.
See the Northern Lights – during winter months, watch the skies come alive with auroras.
Your weekends and evenings are your time to unwind, reflect, and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you want quiet hikes or bustling culture, Iceland offers both in magical measure.
