Reforest / Restore / Connect
Serve in
ICELAND’S
Wild North
Ready to make a difference in one of Iceland’s most breathtaking corners? This isn’t your average trip. Join us in the remote fjords of Siglufjörður, where you’ll work alongside local and international volunteers on reforestation and beach clean-up projects that help restore Iceland’s unique landscape. It’s a journey to give back, connect deeply, and find purpose in unexpected places—all while exploring the beauty of Iceland’s wild north.
This trip will be August 31 - September 7, 2025, and is open to anyone affiliated with Wilderness Journeys.
What to Expect
Our week in Siglufjörður will take us into the heart of Iceland’s natural beauty and environmental challenges. Working with Iceland’s forestry department and volunteer leaders from around the world, we’ll focus on reforestation projects and beach clean-up in the fjord. This experience isn’t about just checking off tasks; it’s about serving in a community, building connections, and discovering how even small actions can contribute to something much bigger.
Building Community and Finding Purpose
In Siglufjörður, we’ll become a tight-knit group, building friendships that go beyond the surface. This trip is about inner growth and genuine connection, with time each day for reflection and small group debriefs. Expect to take a break from technology and immerse yourself in this experience. Iceland’s stunning landscapes are more than a backdrop—they inspire us to connect deeply with others and live purposefully.
Your Invitation
This trip is open to any adult. If you’re ready to experience Iceland’s beauty, contribute to meaningful environmental work, and grow within a community that supports, challenges, and celebrates you, this journey is for you. Spaces are limited—join us to serve, connect, and discover purpose in Iceland’s wild north.
More Questions? Continue down for schedule, pricing, and other FAQ’s!
More Than Service
This experience is about transformation, both in you and through you. While we’re going to Iceland to serve, we’re also seeking grow, explore, and deepen our relationship with ourselves and the Divine. In Iceland, you’ll do more than complete service projects—you’ll discover new strengths, build lasting friendships, and find clarity on the path ahead of you.
About Compass’s Work in Iceland
Since 2016, Compass has partnered with local churches, nonprofits, and environmental organizations across Iceland, serving communities and building lasting connections. We’re excited to partner with Veraldarvinir (Worldwide Friends). While we’re here, Icelanders and local partners will guide our work. But this mission continues long after we return home. Just as we help restore the landscape, we also receive invaluable lessons from Icelanders who share their vision, hospitality, and dedication to caring for creation.
Our service in Iceland isn't just about doing; it's about being. We practice intentional presence and living our personal values during all portions of the trip. Many meaningful moments will come from relationships rather than tasks.
SCHEDULE
Travel dates are set, but schedule of events while in-country is tentative, and exact events are subject to change. Further details will be provided in pre-trip trainings.
Each day begins with Compass Time, a morning reflection and grounding session to focus on purpose and intention for the day ahead. Evenings wrap up with Table Talk, where the group comes together to share stories, insights, and reflections from the day’s experiences. These moments bookend each day, creating space for growth, connection, and meaningful conversation.
Please note: Iceland is an incredible country and a beautiful tourist destination, but we remind all of our participants that our primary intention is service and learning. We have ensured that this trip includes set times for sightseeing and souvenirs, but it is important for participants to enter the trip with the expectation of respecting the parameters we have in regard to tourism and shopping so as to not detract from the primary aim of our time in Iceland.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost for this trip is $1,800 per person for everyone who applies by January 31. After the early-bird period, the price goes up to $1,950. Participants have the option to fundraise for their Compass experiences or pay the balance themselves.
This cost includes food, lodging, bus tickets, travel insurance, and all in-country expedition and service expenses. It does not cover airfare to and from Iceland or any passport/visa fees if required. Participants will arrange their own flights from their home destinations, with nonstop options available from Washington D.C., Chicago, Boston, and Seattle. We encourage participants to reserve early, as flights are typically most affordable a few months in advance. The program begins in Iceland with airport pickup at Keflavik International Airport and ends with drop-off at the same location for departure. Compass will help participants find flight itineraries that align with the schedule.
We suggest you bring spending money in case you’d like to buy souvenirs of any kind. The average participant spends anywhere from $50-$300 on souvenirs.
Your spot on the trip will be secured once you have filled out your registration form, completed an interview, and paid your $250 deposit. We highly recommend you book your flight quickly, too.