Volunteer Programs in Iceland

Iceland is a remote, exotic, developed, and European country. Volunteering in Europe often involves work camps, marketing roles, or social welfare projects in urban areas. Iceland follows this pattern, with common opportunities in work camps and marketing placements. However, what sets Iceland apart is its environment. Situated where the North American and Eurasian plates meet, its unique geology and Viking heritage make Icelandic culture fascinating for travelers and volunteers alike.

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A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Iceland

Prepare for Volunteering

Set goals

Setting clear goals will help you make the most of your volunteer experience in Iceland. Depending on the cause, your goals could go in many different directions. Here are a few good basics to start with:

Identify any interests and focus on causes that you are passionate about. Make sure to take the time to work on it.
Define the objectives that matter to you and decide what you aim to achieve—skills development, cultural immersion, or making a difference.
Research the history and story of where you’re volunteering to be more intentional about serving that place or people.

Understand the Benefits

Volunteering in Iceland offers numerous advantages for personal and professional growth. Regardless of the field, spending time in Iceland can offer the following:

Cultural immersion and lots of learning. Experience Icelandic traditions and lifestyles and see the similarities and differences throughout the regions.
Hone and develop skills. Gain new skills and practice new ones by learning through hands-on work.
Meeting people everywhere. Build connections with locals and fellow volunteers throughout your time in Iceland.

Things to know

Wherever your volunteer placement is, a few important things to know are:

Learn Icelandic - Knowing the basics of the Icelandic language is beneficial in any situation and can greatly endear you to locals, showing respect for their culture and fostering positive interactions.
Cultural Sensitivity - Show openness and respect toward the community’s customs and practices, being mindful of Icelandic social norms, which helps in building genuine connections and avoiding unintentional offense.
Weather - Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable, so pack versatile clothing and gear to stay prepared for rapid changes and varying conditions.
Networking - Building personal and professional connections can open doors for mentorships and broaden career prospects, making even small efforts toward networking highly valuable.
Logistics - Ensure you have transportation and accommodation plans ready if not prearranged, and double-check all essential documents such as visas, passports, and health insurance to avoid last-minute issues.

Choose a Location

It’s possible to find opportunities to volunteer in Iceland across the nation’s diverse landscape. Here are a few popular cities offering programs:

Reykjavik

The capital and largest city in Iceland. At 64 degrees latitude, it is also the world’s most northern capital. The city is believed to have been established as the first settlement in 870 AD by Norsemen. While Reykjavik is one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world, it still suffers from many urban challenges facing every city in the world, which means there are volunteer opportunities in Reykjavik working in drug abuse rehabilitation and with both elderly and disadvantaged youth.

Skaftafell

A preservation area in southeast Iceland and part of Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell is most notable because it has been carved by millennia of glacier movements and erupting volcanoes. Once a farming settlement, the volcanic eruption of 1362 wiped out the population and it was renamed Öræfi, or wasteland, but volunteering in Skaftafell will most definitely not be a waste.

Akureyri

Nicknamed the capital of the north, the city is the fourth-largest city and the second-largest metropolitan area in Iceland, with a staggering population of 17,000. The city was granted city status by the King of Denmark in 1778, only to lose the status in 1836 when its population of 12 wasn’t showing any signs of growing.

Borgarnes

A larger town by Icelandic standards, Borgarnes has nearly 2,000 residents with amenities including a gas station, restaurants, and shops. This beautiful coastal town is often a staging place for environmental projects in western Iceland.

Choose a Cause

Choosing the right cause for your volunteer experience in Iceland is important. Opt for something beneficial to Iceland as well as something you care about.

Environmental projects

Probably one of the most common draws to volunteer in Iceland. Ten percent of this island nation is covered by glaciers, dotted with seismic activity from geysers to volcanoes, and unspoiled and untouched, so there is much work that can be done to preserve Iceland’s natural beauty. Icelanders are also among the most environmentally dedicated populations on earth, so environmental volunteering in Iceland is truly ideal.

Youth work

Iceland’s youth work is typically located in Reykjavik, although some opportunities exist in other smaller towns. Projects volunteering with Iceland’s youth include big brother/big sister programs, camps, after-school programs, tutoring, and very specific projects, like environmental education programs.

Festivals

Unique opportunities to volunteer at multiple festivals throughout Iceland are also available, including at the Saga Festival in south Iceland, the French days in Fáskrúsfjörður, and the Neistaflug in Neskaupsstaðu.

Getting Started

Volunteering abroad in Iceland is a unique journey that starts with a few key steps to set you on the right path:

1. Get matched

As you prepare, our Online Advisor can match you with volunteer programs right now! Matches get sent to your email!

2. Choose a program

With a MyGoAbroad account, you can compare any leads side-by-side. If you’ve got matches (or found a program you like), and don’t have one, sign up for a MyGoAbroad account here.

3. Choose How Long to Stay

The duration of your volunteering shapes your experience. Opt for something that makes you comfortable and works for your schedule.

1-3 months. A great option for gaining quick insights and experience. Lots of exploratory and introductory work can be involved.
3-6 months. This time provides a further in-depth understanding and skill development. Can pair well with a sabbatical, semester, or other flex time frame.
1 Year. An option that offers comprehensive exposure and learning for those who have the time to dedicate.

4. Funding & scholarships

GoAbroad will help you get matched with financial support opportunities for your volunteer needs. Just fill out our scholarship and deals application and see what’s waiting!

5. Apply

Once you’ve chosen a program, simply visit the program page and click "Inquire Here" or "Apply Now" to submit your application. After you’ve applied, a program coordinator will reach out to guide you through the next steps.

6. Get your essentials

Now, it’s time to apply for your passport and visa, book your flight, and buy travel insurance once you’ve found the best volunteer program for you!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Volunteering in Iceland offers a diverse range of opportunities, including unique placements like joining a dog sledding team or assisting with organic food production in Sólheimar village.

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Citizens of the European Union (EU) and many other nationalities do not require a visa to volunteer in Iceland. However, it is best to confirm the visa requirements specific to your nationality and the length and purpose of your stay.

Volunteering abroad in Iceland provides an affordable opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Icelandic culture since the program fees already include housing and meals.

Yes. Iceland has a low crime rate and is known for its safety and security. So volunteering in the country is generally considered safe. Still it is important to remain vigilant and informed during your stay.

Latest Program Reviews

Volunteer from Kenya

June 02, 2025by: Tabitha Maina - KenyaProgram: Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

It feels like we’re embraced by the local community.

February 18, 2025by: Yingnan WuProgram: GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

The local connections the volunteer house provides for us is amazing. I can basically go to buy clothes, having surfing class, and getting a massage with discount from those connections. It feels like we’re embraced by the local community, and it feels absolutely wonderful!