Mykines, Mykines Island Travel Guide

4.6 (81)

Discover Mykines: Faroe's westernmost island, a puffin paradise with dramatic landscapes and rich birdlife, offering an unforgettable nature experience.

Mykines, the westernmost island of the Faroe archipelago, is a haven for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. Known for its dramatic cliffs and the largest puffin colony in the Faroe Islands, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The island's only village, also named Mykines, is a charming coastal settlement with colorful houses and a rich history.

A brief summary to Mykines

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mykines.

Book the ferry to Mykines well in advance, especially during the peak summer months, as tickets sell out quickly.
Check the weather forecast before your trip, as ferry services can be canceled due to adverse conditions.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and be prepared for steep, uneven terrain.
Bring binoculars for enhanced birdwatching opportunities.
Pack layers of clothing, as the weather on Mykines can change rapidly.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Vestmanna

Vestmanna Tourist Centre

Explore Mykines on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Mykines, mapped for you.

Unlock the Best of Mykines

Buy tickets

No tickets available

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

No tours available

Getting There

Ferry

The primary way to reach Mykines is by ferry from Sørvágur on Vágar Island. Ferries operate daily from May to August. From Vágar Airport, take Bus 300 to Sørvágur (approximately 10 minutes). The bus fare is around 30 DKK. The ferry from Sørvágur to Mykines takes about 45 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 60 DKK. Book tickets in advance online at mykines.fo. Be aware that the ferry may be canceled due to bad weather.
Helicopter

Alternatively, a helicopter service is available from Vágar Airport to Mykines. Tickets cost 145 DKK one way. Bookings can be made up to 7 days in advance. While faster (approximately 20 minutes), the helicopter is primarily intended for locals, and availability may be limited. It's advisable to book a return ferry ticket as a backup.

Discover more about Mykines

Mykines, pronounced 'Mee-chi-nes', is a remote island that promises an unspoiled environment and an abundance of wildlife. Stretching 7 kilometers from east to west, the island is home to approximately 13 permanent residents who live in the village of Mykines. During the summer months, the island bursts with life as families return for vacation and travelers arrive to witness the natural beauty.The island's main attraction is its thriving puffin colony, with thousands of these charming birds nesting on the cliffs from early May to late August. Birdwatchers flock to Mykines to observe puffins up close, along with other seabirds like gannets, guillemots, and razorbills. Mykines is the only place in the Faroe Islands where gannets nest.The landscape is characterized by steep, rugged shores and green hills. On the northern side of the island lies the valley of Korkadalur, known for its basalt columns. A footbridge spans the 50-meter-deep Holmgjógv strait, connecting Mykines to the islet of Mykineshólmur, where an automated lighthouse stands. Note that due to a landslide in October 2021, the path to the lighthouse is currently closed.The island's history is marked by isolation and shipwrecks. Oats and barley were grown here as early as 625 A.D., possibly by monks and hermits. In 1970, an Icelandair plane crashed on Mykines, a tragic event memorialized in the village church. Despite its remote location, Mykines offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and Faroese culture.