Visiting Mykines for puffins

Mykines is the westernmost island in the Faroes and home to the largest puffin colony in the country. It's one of the most sought-after experiences here — and one of the hardest to actually pull off. The ferry is tiny, weather-dependent, and sells out fast. Plan ahead and stay flexible.

Puffin season

Puffins arrive in late April and stay until mid-August. June and July are peak months — the colony is at its busiest and the birds are most active. They nest in burrows along the clifftops, especially on the walk out to the lighthouse.

By mid-August, they're heading back out to sea. If you visit in September, you'll get beautiful scenery but no puffins.

Getting there

Ferry from Sørvágur

The ferry from Sørvágur takes about 45 minutes. It's a small boat — around 50 passengers max. In summer, it books out days or even weeks ahead.

Book through ssl.fo or the Strandfaraskip Landsins app. Don't wait until you arrive in the Faroes to sort this out.

Arrive at the harbour early, even with a confirmed booking. Boarding is first-come on the dock, and it's not unusual for things to feel chaotic.

Helicopter

Atlantic Airways runs subsidised helicopter flights from Vágar. They're cheaper than you'd think, but seats are extremely limited. Worth checking if the ferry is full.

The weather problem

The ferry will cancel in rough weather. This is not a rare event — it happens regularly, especially outside peak summer. Don't plan Mykines for your only free day. Build in at least one backup day, ideally two.

Check weather.fo for current conditions at Mykines before committing.

The hike to the lighthouse

The main event is the clifftop walk from the village to Mykineshólmur — the small islet with the lighthouse.

• Distance: about 3 km each way
• Difficulty: moderate, but exposed. Cliff edges with no fences, and the wind can be serious
• Time: 2–3 hours round trip, depending on how long you spend watching puffins (you will spend a long time)

The bridge across to the lighthouse islet is the highlight. Puffins nest right beside the path here — close enough to photograph without a massive lens.

A guide is now required for the lighthouse section (since 2022). Book through Visit Mykines in advance. Without a guide, you can still walk partway and see puffins, but you'll miss the best spot.

The village itself is worth a slow wander. Population of about 10 people, a handful of colourful houses, and the kind of quiet you don't get many places anymore.

Puffin etiquette

• Stay on marked paths. Burrows are everywhere underfoot and collapse easily if stepped on. One wrong step can destroy a nest.
• Don't chase or grab puffins. They look tame and unbothered. They're still wild birds.
• Keep a reasonable distance for photos. A 200mm zoom lens is the sweet spot. On the lighthouse path, you'll get close enough without trying.
• Evening is best. Puffins are most active when returning from fishing runs — late afternoon and evening light is also the best for photography.

What to bring

Full waterproofs, layers, proper hiking boots. There are no shops on Mykines — bring a packed lunch, water, and snacks. A camera with a zoom lens if you have one.

For a full packing list, see the what to pack guide.

If the ferry cancels

It might. Have a backup plan ready.

Vestmanna bird cliff boat tours are the best alternative for seabird viewing — guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes, and sometimes puffins too. You can also spot puffins (fewer of them) from the cliffs near Gjógv on Eysturoy.

Neither is Mykines. But both are worth doing on their own terms.

Related guides

• Getting around the Faroe Islands — ferry info and transport options
• What to pack — gear for hiking and boat trips
• Hiking in the Faroe Islands — all the best trails including clifftop walks