Wildlife in Faroe Islands
Including Mykines Island and Skúvoy Island. On the map.
The vibe
Observing wildlife here feels like peering into a bustling, ancient colony where the sheer density of birds dwarfs the human footprint. The experience peaks during the nesting season in late spring and early summer when the cliffs come alive with activity. It is a quiet, observational pursuit that requires patience and a respectful distance, feeling more like a private encounter with nature than a managed park attraction.
Mykines Island
Vágar region
Arne List / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The westernmost island of the Faroe Islands is world-renowned for its massive breeding colonies of Atlantic puffins. Thousands of these colorful seabirds nest on the dramatic green slopes during the summer months, offering incredible up-close wildlife viewing.
Access. Accessible via a seasonal ferry or a scenic helicopter ride from Sørvágur on Vágar Island, followed by a guided hike across the island's regulated pathways.
Notes. Access is strictly regulated to protect nesting seabirds, and visitors must typically pay a hiking fee and be accompanied by a local guide during peak season.
Skúvoy Island
Sandoy region
Erik Christensen , Porkeri ( Contact at the Danish Wikipedia ) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Named after the great skua (skúgvur), Skúvoy is a remote island sanctuary dominated by steep sea cliffs that harbor one of the largest colonies of Arctic skuas and Manx shearwaters in the North Atlantic.
Access. Reached via a passenger ferry operating from Sandur on the island of Sandoy.
Notes. Visitors must respect local nesting areas and stick to designated walking routes to avoid disturbing aggressive territorial skuas.