Mykines

The Faroe Islands are beautiful – that may be subjective, but it comes without question that the archipelago is one of the world's most underrated hidden gems. Mykines, however, takes this a step further – containing the perfect blend of a typical charming Faroese village (which is also called Mykines) and a nature-lover's paradise. The westernmost island of the Faroes is home to innumerable puffins and many hiking trails.

Mykines is one of the larger road-inaccessible islands and is only accessible via a ferry from Vágar (specifically from Sørvágur, near the airport). Ferry tickets do tend to get booked out, so make sure to book as soon as possible.

Understand
Mykines is the westernmost of the 18 islands that make up the Faroe Islands. It stretches from east to west, and is  at its widest from north to south. Mykines measures, but including the 86 islets and skerries, the area adds up to.

Connected to Mykines by a 35-metre-long is Mykineshólmur in the west, home to many rock pillars and an automated lighthouse. The 50-metre-deep strait between Mykines and Mykineshólmur is called Holmgjógv.

Visitor information

 * mykines.fo

Get in
There are two ferries that run to and from the village of Mykines daily from Sørvágur – one at 10:45 and the other at 16:20. If either of the two are fully booked out, there will also be a 09:00 ferry, provided that there are at least 25 bookings. Return ferry times back to Sørvágur are at 11:30 and 17:05 with the extra ferry at 15:00, meaning it's possible to visit Mykines on a day-trip. Bookings can be made on the island's official website (in Faroese and English only). Ferries cost dkk60 each way, but is dkk150 if you use the extra ferry.

Occasionally, ferries can be cancelled due to bad weather – plan ahead if this happens. If you're visiting the Faroe Islands for a week, visit Mykines earlier on in your trip, were the weather to play up.

The ferry ride to Mykines isn't one that's long, but one that's scenic. You will pass next to Tindhólmur along your way, but otherwise provides plenty of good photo opportunities.

Get around
The island is car-free – you will need to get around on foot.

Hiking
If there's one thing you cannot miss when visiting Mykines, it's seeing puffins – although they are found almost everywhere on the island, you'll need to hike. Unless you are Faroese, you must hike as part of a tour, which can be booked on hiking.fo – if you book online, it costs dkk400 (or ) per person >15 (children 15 and under can hike for free), but if you pay in person, the tour costs dkk500. Tours only operate between June 29, 2024 and June 29, 2024 for environmental reasons.

Eat and drink
There are two small eateries next to each other on the island – both are only open during the summer, though one is open during September while the other isn't.

Sleep
A full list of accommodation can be found on the official website.

Respect
Stay at least 2 metres from puffins and other wild animals. Don't hog the pathways for too long just to take photos, but do not deviate from the pathway either (though your tour guide probably won't allow that, unless you're Faroese, in which case you won't need a tour guide).

Go next
Your only option is to go back to Vágar.