About the Iceland Nature Conservation Volunteer Project
This Iceland programme offers you the chance to immerse yourself in some of the country’s most breath-taking protected areas while contributing directly to their conservation.
For 11 days, you will live and work in nature, collaborate with local rangers, and take part in projects that protect fragile ecosystems and preserves Iceland’s unique biodiversity. Whether you are passionate about nature, eager for adventure, or looking to make a meaningful contribution, this volunteer experience will allow you to discover Iceland in a way few travellers ever do.
As a volunteer, you won’t just take part in fieldwork: you will gain practical conservation skills, experience life in remote natural areas, and develop teamwork, resilience and outdoor competencies. You will explore stunning landscapes off the beaten track, take part in unforgettable activities such as hiking or whale watching, and become part of an international team united by a shared purpose.
Volunteers take care of a wide variety of nature protection tasks and projects throughout the country’s protected areas and nature reserves.
The teams support the local rangers on many aspects of practical management in the protected areas. In this project, volunteer teams will be involved in removing invasive plant species, mainly lupin (Lupinus nootkatensis).
Activities
The volunteers execute projects from Monday to Friday, and the project normally runs from 9.00am – 5.00pm, however this schedule can vary. Participants must also be prepared for some flexibility due to Iceland’s changeable and moody weather. The programme is designed to allow 2 days off, usually the weekend. The first and the last day of the programme are the travelling days. Note that during these days (days-off and travelling days), you and your team will be enjoying activities and the surroundings.
Teams are usually made up of five volunteers including a trained volunteer team leader. Responsibilities for planning and organising and carrying the projects, as well as domestic duties, are shared among every member of the team.
Our teams may sometimes be joined on the field by other international volunteer groups, local volunteers and local staff.
Project Locations:
Hvanneyri:
A small village in West Iceland’s Borgarfjörður region, is a peaceful base surrounded by farmland, rivers, and mountains, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the area. Nearby highlights include Glymur, Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall accessible via a scenic canyon hike; Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, unique waterfalls flowing from lava fields; Grábrók crater, offering panoramic views after a short hike; and Húsafell, known for hot springs, lava caves, and forested trails. Just a few hours away lies the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in miniature,” with glaciers, volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and the iconic Kirkjufell. The area also offers opportunities for horse riding, birdwatching, and experiencing local Icelandic culture, making Hvanneyri an ideal hub for combining hands-on rural life with unforgettable Icelandic scenery.
Mývatn:
In North Iceland, is a stunning volcanic region centered around the picturesque Mývatn Lake, known for its rich birdlife and geothermal activity. The area offers dramatic landscapes like the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the steaming geothermal fields of Hverir, and the volcanic craters of Leirhnjúkur and Hverfjall. Nearby highlights include Góðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” the striking canyon of Ásbyrgi, and the charming town of Húsavík, famous for whale watching. With its mix of volcanic, geothermal, and aquatic wonders, Mývatn provides an unforgettable base for exploring some of Iceland’s most unique natural scenery.
