Mykines is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped off the map and into a different world. It’s the westernmost island of the Faroes, home to more puffins than people, dramatic sea cliffs, a village with just a handful of houses, and a lighthouse standing alone against the Atlantic wind. Getting here isn’t always easy — but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
If you’re looking for raw nature, wildlife, and a true “end of the world” experience, Mykines is the place that will stay with you long after you leave.
Mykines is often called “the jewel of the Faroe Islands”, and for good reason. The island is famous for:
Thousands of puffins nesting in the cliffs during summer
The dramatic Mykineshólmur lighthouse, one of the most iconic spots in the Faroe Islands
A tiny, peaceful village with traditional turf-roof houses
Wild, untouched landscapes
Steep sea cliffs carved by the Atlantic over millions of years
There is no other island in the Faroes that combines remoteness, wildlife, and dramatic scenery the same way Mykines does. This is nature at its purest.
Reaching Mykines is an adventure in itself. It’s part of what makes the destination so iconic — and sometimes unpredictable.
During the summer season, Mykines Boat depart from Sørvágur harbor and take around 30 minutes.
However:
Boats are extremely weather-dependent
Cancellations are common
Schedules are limited
On a calm day, the boat ride is stunning — soaring sea cliffs, puffins diving for fish, and the island slowly rising ahead of you.
There is also a helicopter service from Vágar Airport to Mykines, operated by Atlantic Airways.
Very affordable (subsidized by the government)
Quick (only a few minutes)
Limited seats
Priority is always given to locals
The helicopter is an unforgettable experience, but it must be booked early.
Mykines is only accessible in summer, usually May–August.
Outside these months, the weather and waves make it unsafe.
If you want to see puffins, this is the place.
Every summer, thousands of Atlantic puffins return to the cliffs of Mykines to nest. They are curious, gentle, funny to watch, and completely unbothered by humans when approached with respect.
Mykines offers:
Some of the best puffin watching in the world
Close-up encounters with puffins hopping between their burrows
Stunning photo opportunities
This is why many people visit the Faroe Islands in the first place: to experience puffins in their natural habitat.
The hike to Mykineshólmur lighthouse is one of the most iconic walks in the Faroe Islands.
A marked trail leading from the village
A bridge crossing a dramatic gorge carved by the sea
Thousands of puffins nesting in the cliffs
Rolling green hills dropping sharply into the Atlantic
The lighthouse standing proudly at the edge of the world
The walk is not technically difficult, but some areas can be slippery or exposed. Good shoes are a must, and weather can change quickly.
The combination of wildlife, cliffs, and ocean views makes this one of the truly unforgettable experiences in the Faroes.
NOTE: HIKE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED
Mykines is protected, and for good reason — its wildlife is fragile.
Before visiting, travelers must know:
There is a mandatory entrance fee for hiking on Mykines.
This money goes directly toward:
Trail maintenance
Protecting puffin burrows
Supporting local landowners
Depending on the date and season, a local guide may be mandatory, especially during peak puffin nesting months.
Stay on marked paths
Never walk across puffin burrows
Do not disturb nesting birds
Keep a respectful distance
Follow instructions from guides and signs
Mykines survives because thousands of visitors respect it.
Mykines feels different from any other island.
Expect:
Silence — real silence
No traffic, no noise, no rush
Dramatic cliffs where the ocean crashes far below
Small paths weaving through green hills
A village that feels frozen in time
Weather that can switch between sunshine, fog, rain, and wind — sometimes all in one day
It’s remote, wild, peaceful, and deeply atmospheric.
A day on Mykines feels like stepping into another world.
The ideal time is May to August, when:
Puffins are nesting
Boats and helicopters operate
Trails are safe
Weather is more stable
Because Mykines is remote, prepare well:
Waterproof jacket
Strong hiking shoes
Water & snacks are available for purchase on the island
Camera or binoculars
Layers (weather changes fast)
Patience — boat cancellations happen!
A trip to Mykines is something you will remember forever.
Whether you’re coming to see the puffins, hike to the lighthouse, or experience one of the most remote villages in the North Atlantic, Mykines delivers something magical.
Join the Mykines Boat Tour →
Explore Vágar before or after Mykines – See It All Tour →
Contact Us for private experiences or planning help.
Yes — but only in the village near the café. Once you start the hike, there are no facilities.
A few accommodations exist, but they are extremely limited and must be booked far in advance.
There is a small cozy café in the village during high season. Definitely worth a stop to get a coffee, homemade soup or something else, they have a huge selection of delicious snack, drinks and food.
No — puffins are harmless and quite shy. The danger comes from stepping on burrows, not from the birds.
