Plan the BEST trip to Photograph Puffins on Mykines Island!
Planning a Faroe Islands dream photography trip? you need to visit Mykines!
If you’re passionate about wildlife photography, especially capturing puffins in their natural habitat, Mykines Island in the Faroe Islands is a must-visit. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Faroe Islands twice now, and I can confidently say that the Mykines day trip is one of the highlights of any photographer’s journey there.
You will get SO CLOSE to the puffins, and the surrounding landscape is stunning too.
Let me take you through what makes this place so special, some info on how to plan your trip, and some tips to ensure you get the best shots.
Why Mykines Should Be on Your Bucketlist
Mykines Island is known as the land of puffins. It’s the westernmost island of the Faroe Islands and is home to thousands of puffins from late April to the end of September. With the help of a local guide (mandatory!) you will hike up to the ridge and get as close as you safely can to the puffins. The photo opportunities are incredible! I was armed with some very hefty super zooms, but you can get close enough that a more standard zoom will work just fine too.
Planning Your Trip to Mykines
To visit Mykines, you must book a guide — this isn’t just a rule but a way to protect both the puffins and tourists too. Apparently, before the guides were in place, three tourists a year would break their ankles in puffin burrows on average. OUCH!
The island’s paths are delicate, and straying off the path can disturb puffin burrows or lead to accidents. I’d advise you to book your guide after your ferry ticket to ensure you get both. I did it the other way around only to find out that the ferry I needed had sold out. Don’t be like Emily. Book your ferry first.
How hard is the walk to the puffins on Mykines Island?
The walk to photograph the puffins starts with a small uphill trek to the village. There you’ll meet your guides and have a tour around the village.
Then… it’s time to go up! If you’re fit and athletic, you won’t break a sweat. If you’re average or below average fitness, I’d suggest just taking things slow. The walk is very short — thankfully! — but it is very steep and unforgiving.
Our guide waited at the half way point for everyone to catch a breather. Our group was made up of people of all ages and sizes, and we all made it up just fine. There isn’t any pressure for you to rush up, either. The guide will make sure everyone gets up together.
For me, personally… someone who would describe themselves as average fitness currently… I was fine! However I do regret packing a HUGE camera bag. I definitely should have packed a bit lighter. My dad, who is averagely fit and in his 60s, also made it up without an issue, though he didn’t find it very pleasant.
It’s so worth the effort though! Once you’re up there, it’s fine. There’s a ridge walk and the views and puffins are so breath-taking you won’t even remember you were tired from the walk.
The ridge walk offers panoramic views of the island and its lighthouse, giving you plenty of opportunities for both wildlife and landscape shots.
Photography Tips for Mykines Island
Lenses For Puffins: Bring a telephoto lens for the puffins, but also pack a wide-angle lens for the stunning landscapes. I shot with a super zoom — the Olympus 150-400mm f4.5 (written review) —but honestly the puffins were so close at times, I also got great shots with the Olympus 45-150mm f2.8, (written review), so don’t worry too much if you don’t have the best super zooms money can buy.
Lenses for landscapes: Anything you have access to should serve you well here! I really enjoyed my Lumix Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4 stock lens for some versatile shots of the landscape. A wide angle lens like the Olympus 9-18mm (written review) can also be very striking, especially if you use the path as a leading line. It can really show of the scope of your walk.
Essentials: Don’t forget a windbreaker; the weather can change rapidly, and it’s often windy at the higher altitudes. And Mykines Island also has a “leave no trace” policy. You’ll be expected to take any rubbish back with you. I kept a carrier bag in my camera bag just to keep things clean.
Final Thoughts on Mykines Island
Mykines is more than just a tourist spot; it’s a unique location where you can capture the essence of the Faroe Islands wildlife and landscapes. It’s well worth the effort of coordinating the ferries and guides. I would highly recommend you plan a trip here if you’re heading to the Faroe Islands!
If you’d like a more in-depth guide to the Faroe Islands, then check out my downloadable below. It includes 48 pages of essential tips, and all my favourite photography spots, hikes, and boat trips. I’ve also included lens choices and photography tips throughout.
If you’re planning a trip to the Faroe Islands, then my guide has all the information you need to plan the best trip possible!
Videos from the Faroe Islands
I’ve filmed a few videos about my photography trips to the Faroe Islands! Here are some of my favourites. You can see the rest on my YouTube channel here!