Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
VOLUNTEERING AT THE ARCTIC FOX RESEARCH STATION
Trying to find an excuse to extend your Icelandic vacation? Look no further than the Arc-
tic Fox Research Station, situated on the northern cliffs of the jaw-dropping Hornstrandir
Peninsula - a photographer's Eden and naturalist's dream.
The research station at Hornbjarg is quite informal - just a cluster of tents and an out-
house. Each day from June to August, the team of researchers/volunteers sets off for six-
hour viewing shifts during which they monitor fox behaviours and changes in location.
There's a lot of sitting and looking involved, but we can't think of a more stunning location
to take in the views.
There are no requirements for becoming a volunteer, but applications are competitive
and preference is given to those studying biology, conservation science or photography.
Volunteers are asked to give at least one week of their time. You'll also need to pay for
your own transport and have the usual trappings of an outdoor adventure: tent, hiking
boots, thermal sleeping bag and clothing appropriate for negative temperatures. The re-
search centre will handle food and cooking equipment.
You can also volunteer at the Arctic Fox Center headquarters in cosy Suðavík, near
Ísafjörður. Staff working here must spend a minimum of two weeks, and run the coffee
house plus care for any orphaned foxes on site. Volunteers are offered free food and
camping, with a common kitchen and bathroom.
Súðavík
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Just east of Ísafjörður, the small fishing community of Súðavík commands an imposing
view across the fjord to Snæfjallaströnd peninsula. Although the township is nothing more
than a string of bright, box-shaped houses, it is definitely worth stopping to visit the Arc-
tic Fox Center (Melrakkasetur; 456 4922; www.arcticfoxcenter.com ;adult/child Ikr900/free;
9am-8pm Jun-Aug, 10am-5pm May & Sep, reduced hours Oct-Apr; ) . The study of the Arctic
fox has been under way on nearby Hornstrandir for years, and the locally loved exhibition
centre details the life of the local fox and its relationship with humans and its habitat.
Don't forget to play with the orphaned fox(es) in the pen outside.
The centre sits inside the renovated farmstead of Eyrardalur - one of the oldest build-
ings in the area. Even if foxes aren't your bag, the on-site Fox Cafe (soup Ikr1400-1800) ,
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