Mykines is one of the Faroe Islands’ most iconic destinations and a true paradise for birdwatchers. Lying at the western edge of the archipelago, the island feels remote and elemental, shaped by sheer cliffs, rolling grassland and the constant presence of the Atlantic Ocean. Mykines is reached by ferry from Sørvágur on Vágar, with helicopter transfers also available, offering spectacular aerial views when weather conditions allow.
The ferry can book up well in advance and sailings are weather dependent, so visits are best planned for early in a stay to allow flexibility. The island’s only settlement, Mykines village, is small and full of character, with brightly coloured houses and traditional turf-roofed buildings scattered across the hillside. With no roads and only a handful of year-round residents, the pace of life here feels wonderfully slow and unchanged.
Mykines is best known for its extraordinary birdlife. During the summer nesting season, visitors can observe puffins at remarkably close range, along with gannets, guillemots and other seabirds that inhabit the surrounding cliffs. Walking paths lead through the landscape and towards viewpoints overlooking the sea, though access to certain routes, including the islet of Mykineshólmur and lighthouse area, may be restricted at times for safety or conservation reasons.
To protect this fragile environment, a conservation fee applies to all visitors, and exploring with a local guide is strongly recommended. Guided visits help ensure minimal impact while offering deeper insight into the island’s wildlife, landscape and way of life, making a trip to Mykines both memorable and responsible.