Layer for wind and drizzle
Temperatures change quickly and wind makes it colder—wear a breathable waterproof shell and a warm midlayer.
On the Wing to Mykines: Up-Close with the Faroe’s Puffin Colony
A day trip from Tórshavn to a Ramsar-protected puffin stronghold—wild cliffs, turf-roofed houses, and a ferry ride that feels like an adventure.
Mykines, Faroe Islands•By Robert Eric Crews•Wildlife Nature,Land Adventures,Water Activities•June•summer
Continue ReadingThe ferry leans into the swell and the Faroe wind cuts like a promise. Ahead, a low, green silhouette rises from the North Atlantic—Mykines—its cliffs scored into terraces, topped with turf and a solitary lighthouse that looks hand-built to brave the weather. As the boat threads between jagged islets, the first black-and-white specks appear: puffins like dropped buttons on the grassy slopes, their orange feet flashing as they hop from burrow to cliff-edge. On Mykines you feel the ocean pressing in on three sides and wildlife running the show. The island’s birds—puffins, fulmars, guillemots—announce themselves with a chorus you can almost map to the waves.
Duration8 hours (includes ferry crossings)
Group Size1–7 Guests
LanguagesEnglish
Rating3.0 (1 reviews)
Trail Wisdom
Trail Wisdom
Sturdy, waterproof footwear
Trails are peat-soft and often muddy; ankle-supporting waterproof boots help with traction and comfort.
Respect nesting birds
Keep distance from burrows and avoid sudden movements—use a telephoto lens instead of approaching wildlife.
Check ferry status before you go
Crossings depend on sea conditions—confirm departure times and cancellation policies in advance.
Local Knowledge
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- Walk out to Mykineshólmur and the lighthouse for panoramic views (conditions permitting).
- The near-empty village paths behind the harbor offer quiet scenes of traditional turf-roofed houses and grazing sheep.
Wildlife
Atlantic puffin, Common guillemot (razorbill and kittiwake frequently observed)
Conservation Note
Mykines is treated as a protected bird sanctuary; visitors are asked to stay on paths, avoid disturbing nests, and pack out all waste to protect fragile habitats.
Mykines’ village reflects a long history of isolated Faroese life—once more populated, the island now maintains only a few permanent residents whose livelihoods historically centered on fishing and bird harvesting.
Seasonal Guide
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for:Arriving nesting seabirds, Fewer visitors, Dramatic storms
Challenges:Unstable weather, Colder temperatures
Late spring sees the first big influx of puffins and seabirds, but crossings can still be rough and conditions change rapidly.
summer
Best for:Peak puffin activity, Long daylight, Calmer seas
Challenges:More tourists, Occasional fog
Summer—especially June and July—offers the best chance to see large numbers of puffins and enjoy more stable weather.
fall
Best for:Dramatic light, Fewer crowds, Storm-watching
Challenges:Departing birds, Shorter daylight
Autumn brings strong skies and quieter trails, but many seabirds begin to leave and crossings become less reliable.
winter
Best for:Storm-swept scenery, Solitude
Challenges:Ferry cancellations, Very short days, Cold winds
Winter is rarely chosen for visits; services are limited, crossings are often canceled, and conditions can be hazardous.
Photographer's Notes
Photographer's Notes
Shoot in the golden hours for soft side-light on cliffs; use a 200–400mm equivalent lens for intimate bird portraits and a wide-angle for cliff-and-sea panoramas; stabilize with a monopod for heavier lenses and keep shutter speeds high to freeze flights.
What to Bring
What to Bring
Waterproof hardshell jacket
EssentialWindproof, waterproof protection is crucial on exposed coastal trails.
Waterproof hiking boots
EssentialSupport and traction on peat, grass, and rocky sections keep the day comfortable and safe.
Telephoto lens (or binoculars)
A 200–400mm equivalent lens or binoculars lets you photograph and observe puffins without disturbing them.
Insulated midlayer and hat
EssentialEven in summer, wind chill makes a warm midlayer and hat important on viewpoints.
Common Questions
Common Questions
What to Pack
What to Pack
Waterproof jacket and pants for wind/rain; sturdy waterproof boots for muddy trails; binoculars or telephoto lens to observe birds without approaching; layered warm clothing to manage wind chill.
Did You Know
Did You Know
Mykines is included in a Ramsar site designation for important wetlands and hosts one of the largest Atlantic puffin breeding colonies in the North Atlantic.
Quick Travel Tips
Quick Travel Tips
Book the ferry in advance; allow an extra day for weather delays; carry cash/cards for Tórshavn but expect limited services on the island; bring a dry bag for electronics on the crossing.
Local Flavor
Local Flavor
Return to Tórshavn for fresh-caught fish at harbor-side eateries, try traditional Faroese lamb specialties, and sample local brews or a coffee in the Old Town—pair the day’s salty wind with a warm, hearty plate.
Logistics Snapshot
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airportVágar Airport (FAE) with ~45–60 minutes drive to Tórshavn; ferry departs from Tórshavn harbour for guided tours; driving distance from Tórshavn city center to the ferry port is minimal; cell service is limited on Mykines—expect spotty coverage; no formal permits but respect Ramsar protections and local guide instructions.
Sustainability Note
Sustainability Note
This is a sensitive seabird sanctuary—stay on designated trails, keep your distance from nests, never feed wildlife, and pack out all trash; avoid drone use without explicit permission to prevent disturbance.
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