Mykines Island: A must-visit destination in the Faroe Islands
NordenBladet – Mykines Island is a remote and ruggedly beautiful island located in the Faroe Islands, an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean. The island is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty. Despite its remote location, Mykines is a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers who seek to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and experience the unspoiled beauty of the Faroe Islands.
The island is located in the western part of the Faroe Islands and is the westernmost point of the archipelago. Mykines is just over 2 square kilometers in size and is home to a small permanent population of around 20 people. The island is connected to the main land of the Faroe Islands by a regular ferry service and is also accessible by helicopter.
Mykines is famous for its incredible landscapes and unique wildlife. The island is dominated by steep cliffs that rise from the ocean, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and sky. The cliffs are home to a large colony of puffins, as well as other seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. The island is also home to an array of wildlife, including seals, whales, and even the occasional dolphin.
The natural beauty of Mykines is not limited to the coast. The island is also home to rolling hills and verdant meadows, which are dotted with wildflowers and other vegetation. The island’s streams and waterfalls are a popular spot for swimming and fishing, and the local community maintains several well-marked hiking trails that offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Photos: Mykines belongs to the oldest part of the Faroe Islands and was formed about 60 million years ago. The Faroese basalt is divided into three phases of eruption: the lower and oldest, the middle, and the upper and youngest; the lowest formed by the eruption of low-viscosity lava through long fissures, forming flat volcanoes. In the sound between Mykines and MykineshĂłlmur, Holmgjogv, one can see one of the most abundant of such flows on the Faroes, with a depth of about 50 m. The interspersed layers of softer volcanic tuff between the layers of basalt are differentially eroded, so forming, especially on the steep northern side of the islet, some of the richest bird cliffs in the world. The highest peak on the island is KnĂşkur at 560 metres above sea level. (Unsplash)
Despite its remote location, Mykines has a rich cultural history that dates back centuries. The island has been inhabited for over a thousand years, and many of its historic buildings and structures remain well preserved. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, visit traditional Faroese homes, and even experience the unique Faroese way of life by staying in one of the island’s traditional guesthouses.
The Faroe Islands are known for their distinctive culture and heritage, and Mykines is no exception. The island is home to several unique festivals and celebrations, including the annual Mykines festival, which celebrates the island’s rich cultural heritage with music, food, and dance. Visitors can also enjoy the local cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the surrounding sea and features fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
In recent years, Mykines has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers from around the world. The island offers a range of activities and attractions, from birdwatching and wildlife watching to hiking and fishing. Visitors can also explore the island’s historic sites and traditional Faroese villages, and experience the island’s unique way of life.
Mykines Island is a lovely island located in the Faroe Islands. It is popular for its breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, and is a much loved destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you are interested in exploring the island’s natural beauty, experiencing its unique culture, or simply relaxing in its peaceful surroundings, Mykines Island is a must-visit destination in the Faroe Islands.
There are three ways of getting to Mykines:
By sea:
Ferry
In the summer – from May 1. until August 31. the ferry “M/F Jósup” sails to Mykines twice a day when weather conditions allow. Cancellations will be announced on the company website and by email.
For more information about timetable and booking, please visit: mykines.fo
RIB boat
Day tours by RIB boat are also arranged twice a day.
For more information timetable and booking, please visit: guidetofaroeislands.fo
By air
The Helicopter has an all year round timetable – if the weather allows.
The main purpose of the helicopter is public transport of locals and goods to and from the islands. This is the reason for the relatively low prizes – the helicopter is funded by the Faroese tax-payers. Hence, visitors are not recommended to do trips with the helicopter. If you want a helicopter trip, we recommend the weekly roundtrip that Atlantic Airways has scheduled HERE, where you get a guided tour to see many of our top attractions.
There are only 12 seats in the helicopter, and it is therefore very important to book these seats in advance. The helicopter can be booked up to seven days in advance.
You should be aware of the fact that if you book the helicopter one way and the boat the other way, and the boat is canceled, there will be no refund for the helicopter trip. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before departure.
Important information about Mykines (Valid until March 2023)
Due to a landslide on Mykines in October 2021, that crossed the path to the islet of MykineshĂłlm and the lighthouse, the path is closed until further notice. There is an imminent risk of further landslides in the area, therefore it is not safe to go past the memorial monument at the moment. The risk of further landslides will be reviewed in March 2023.
Between early may to end of August there is still plenty of opportunity to see puffins in the monument area and on the island in general.
Hikes to other areas on the island are available.
Hiking Fee
If you want to hike in Mykines, you can pay the hiking-fee online via hiking.fo, or by creditcard or cash at The Locals café in Mykines upon arrival. They also have information about hikes in the area.
Mykines – A Ramsar site
Ramsar is an intergovernmental treaty on protecting wetlands of global importance, including bird cliffs. Ramsar sites are to be managed sustainably, the natural environment preserved, the area utilized sensibly, and measures should be taken to protect the environment.
Because of the growing pressure from the steadily increasing number of travelers from all over the world wanting to go to this small delicate area, there have been installed some safety measures to limit the number of people going to this Ramsar area and to protect this wildlife.
Implemented rules for the area:
1 ) A hiking fee of DKK 250,- is to be paid for each traveler (no fee for children under 7 years of age. DKK 125,- for children from 7-14 years of age). You need to pay this fee before being allowed to hike on Mykines Island. Payment online via hiking.fo, or upon arrival in Mykines at The Locals café. They accept payments in cash and by credit card.
2 ) A recommendation for everyone not to access the Ramsar area between 17-11, to give the birds and wildlife some peace.
3 ) A recommendation for everyone walking through the Ramsar area and to the lighthouse to be accompanied by a certified guide. The path is however closed due to imminent risk of landslides.
Featured image: On the northern side of the island is the valley of Korkadalur, where there are great columns of basalt, called the Stone-wood. To the west of Mykines is the 1 km long islet MykineshĂłlmur, with several sea stacks clustered at its western end, where a lighthouse was built in 1909. A 40m-long footbridge connects its eastern end with Mykines. The lighthouse in Mykines Island (Unsplash)
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