Iceland Forest Service Trailteams

I had an absolutely amazing time as a trail volunteer in the summer of 2014, i felt very much part of the conservation programs and while i the work was at times quite challenging, i felt a great sense of contribution to the project, feeling very satisfied as each day ended with yet more progress achieved! My volunteering was also very much appreciated and i felt very valued by means of the generous treatment from Chas and the forestry team in terms of keeping and food. The social scene was amazing, weekends were kept for exploring and recuperating before another conservation fueled week at work. There is so much to around the Thorsmork area that you volunteer. Also long distance work is a must, as the trip there and back involves crossing Icey streams and you have to take your walking boots off too! Anyone reading this and considering volunteering must take the leap, you will not regret it! Just make sure you pack that extra jumper!!!

I had an amazing time on this trip! You have breakfast together in the morning, split up into groups and go off for the day to do trail work. The work is varied and includes widening & graveling paths, erosion work, building drains, building and installing steps and bridges, carrying out GPS work and lopping overgrown branches of trees. The work is physically demanding and involves hiking to get to the sites but it is so rewarding as you can see the difference you're making and the view whilst you work is spectacular. Everyone is so friendly and it's like living in a community as everyone takes it in turns to cook meals, clean up and wash dishes. On the weekends you are free to do what you like and I went off to explore the many hiking trails. I made so many friends and enjoyed it so much that I want to go back again next year!

Volunteers´ camp is basic but comfortable enough, improving every year. Life is in tents, which provides privacy and freedom. The place is stunning, surrounded by glaciers and one of the greenest areas in Iceland, to my knowledge. Work is rewarding, as it´s turning out long-lasting and useful for the paths, that have high circulation in summer, with hikers doing the famous hike Laugavegur. Work doesn´t require skills or previous knowledge, as it´s explained and supervised by the coordinator and there´re also team leaders on the site. You just need to love being in nature and getting away from the city, traffic jams and crowds for some time. Don´t expect a lot of electricity on the site, just enough to charge devices from time to time. You´ll eventually love this. It´s really worth living this experience, besides it´s free. You´ll be fed and won´t have to pay the campsite fee. Be ready to work in teams and give a hand in different tasks around the campsite. It´s phisically demanding, so exercise before you go, there´s lots of hiking.Useful items in my opinion are ears plugs and eye mask to sleep well, and a sturdy tent and winter sleeping bag. I enjoyed it a lot, and I went back!

Stunning place,people,community run by people who really do give a damn. Wish I could return this year, maybe next. Make a difference and make friends.Sometimes challenging - always worthwhile. Years of experience and local contacts make this the best volunteer programme in Iceland.

I spent an amazing summer in Thorsmork this year. The work involved a whole range of tasks in and around the forest - resurfacing and maintaining paths, building stone and wooden steps, waymarking and even building a full on stair case up the side of a mountain! I met so many great people and the basecamp and surroundings are just breath taking. It really is an excellent programme and I really can't recommend it enough. Best volunteering experience I've had and it's got the best approach... well organised, great people, rewarding work and stunning scenery! You can even sit and watch the glaciers whilst you have breakfast :) can't wait to go back.....

Life changing experience. Hard rewarding work. Fuelled by good food and great company. Fantastic scenery, whatever the weather if the view is visible it's a good one. An amazing base camp which is always getting better.

The work is varied but around the same theme. Building paths and steps, filling in holes (erosion), digging holes (drains), other things.

I've been part of this program during summer 2014. All I can say is that it was a great experience. I feel privileged to have spend time in this beautiful island. Living an experience like this will give you the opportunity to work in a beautiful wilderness and to meet many different people from all over the world. The program is well rounded and even if the work can be physically demanding, it gives you time to relax and to discover the beautiful area.

Never having built wilderness trails before, I had no idea what to expect, but I came to relish the daily routine of packing up with food and tools and setting off to build and repair beautiful paths!