Iceland (Lonely Planet, 7th Edition) - Fran Parnell [276]
Icelandic-based SEEDS (SEE beyonD borders; 845 6178; www.seedsiceland.org; Klapparstígur 16, Reykjavík) organises work camps and volunteering holidays – from helping rangers in the national parks to putting on travelling art exhibitions.
You should also consider contacting organisations directly; for example, the Arctic Fox Research Station and the Húsavík Whale Museum need volunteers to help monitor wildlife.
Two international organisations arrange cultural and conservation projects. Service Civil International (www.sciint.org) is a network of voluntary organisations facilitating participation in short-term volunteering projects working with local community groups; projects include conservation, tree planting, trail building, eco-villages, and archaeological and festival work. Volunteers pay a membership and administration fee to their local branch and make their own way to a project, but once they’re there all food and accommodation is provided free of charge. United Planet (www.unitedplanet.org) runs long-term (six- to 12-month) projects including humanitarian service, language and intercultural training, cultural-learning activities and exploration. Costs cover housing, insurance and a language course.
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WOMEN TRAVELLERS
Women travelling alone in Iceland should encounter few problems, though common-sense precautions apply – walking around city streets alone after dark and hitching alone are not really recommended. When out on the town in Reykjavík be prepared for the advances of Icelandic men – if you think they’re being too forward, just make this clear and they will leave you be. In rural areas pubs and restaurants are often combined and attract mainly couples during the week, so single women should have few problems.
In Reykjavík, rape-crisis advice is available from the women’s counselling and information centre for survivors of sexual violence, Stígamót ( 562 6868; www.stigamot.is).
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WORK
Citizens of EEA countries do not require a work permit to apply for jobs in Iceland; all other citizens must secure a job offer and work permit before arriving. Work permits are generally only granted to fill seasonal job shortages or for highly skilled professions that are underrepresented in Iceland. For information on residence permits, visit the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration (www.utl.is).
In a bankrupt country, where unemployment rose from about 1.6% just before the 2008 crash to almost 8% by 2009, work is hard to come by for all. Companies are reluctant and/or unable to hire foreigners, especially those looking for something better than cleaning, waiting tables or seasonal farm work.
The website of Vinnumalastofnun (Directorate of Labour; 515 4800; www.vinnumalastofnun.is) is a good source of information on living and working in Iceland and has links to the Eures job-search facility (www.eures.is/english), which lists public-employment jobs online.
If you’re interested in doing farm work, Nínukot ( 561 2700; www.ninukot.is; PO-Box 12015, 132-Reykjavík) is an employment agency specialising in farm placements.
Click here if you wish to do voluntary work in Iceland.
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Transport
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CONTENTS
Getting There & Away
Entering The Country
Air
Sea
Getting Around
Air
Bicycle
Boat
Bus
Car & Motorcycle
Hitching
Local Transport
Tours
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GETTING THERE & AWAY
Iceland has become far more accessible in recent years with a greater variety of flights and destinations available. Ferry transport is also possible and makes a good alternative for European travellers wishing to take their own car into the country. Flights, tours and rail tickets can be booked online at www.lonelyplanet.com/travelservices.
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ENTERING THE COUNTRY
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