The village of Mykines is the only village on the island with the same name. It is a beautiful and colorful old village. Although there are more than 40 houses in the village, there are only about 15 permanent residents (Dated 2023). 

Furthermore, their only transport to and from the island for 6 months of the year is by helicopter. Since there is no grocery store on the island, the islanders also depend on the helicopter to bring in provisions to last them through the long winter.

However, the ferry starts sailing 3 times a week in April and during the four months of summer the ferry sails twice a day including other smaller boat companies that transport people to and from the island. Mykines becomes a vibrant village that bursts with life in the summer and the number of residents increases drastically. It is a popular holiday destination for travelers from the mainland. Mykines is a car-free island, so it is peaceful even though there are many visitors.

Mykines is a truly amazing place and is without a doubt the most sacred and fragile of all the places in the Faroe Islands that people can visit. It is filled with everything unspoiled nature has to offer. 

The island is marked as a Ramsar area (areas of special wetland conservation) and is home to one of the largest colonies of puffins in the Faroe Islands. These charismatic birds with their distinctive colorful beaks nest in the cliffs and rocky outcrops around the island. Additionally, the island is inhabited by numerous other seabird species such as Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, making it a paradise for ornithologists and wildlife enthusiasts. Furthermore it is the only place where Gannets nest in the Faroe Islands

Not to mention all the land-based birds that live on the island as well. Needless to say that puffins and bird watching are the main attraction on Mykines and that birdwatchers from around the world flock to Mykines during the summer months to witness this incredible spectacle. 

The most iconic landmark is the lighthouse on the islet of Mykineshólmur which is connected to the island by footbridge. The lighthouse was built in 1909 and still guides ships safely through the treacherous waters off the North Atlantic. The mountain Knúkur is the highest peak of the island reaching 560 metres above sea level providing a panoramic view of the island.

Due to 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 some safety measures installed to minimize the disturbance and to protect the wildlife and inhabitants on this island. 

Please click on this link to read some important information you need know before your visit to this fragile area!