Looking for parrot diving in Mykines, Faroe Islands

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Von: wom87

Looking for the famous parrot divers, we travel to Mykines, the westernmost island of the Färöer

"We don't have bad weather," says the Faroe Islands website.

"Just a lot of weather."

driving in the Atlantic, halfway between Iceland and Norway, the 18 islands of the Faroe Islands actually have weather. Here it is tangible: an always impending presence that tears away the car door, clinking against your window and shouting shrill into quiet lulls.

The weather would be suitable if the nights were long and dark, but in June the sunset is shortly before midnight and the eerie dawn only contributes to the riddle of these wild Atlantic Islands.

There is a lot to do here, from world-class hiking to diving in a dry suit, but first on our agenda, parrot divers in Mykines (extremely MEECH-IH-NEST), the westernmost island of the Faroe Islands.

Mykines or Vestmanna Bird Cliffs?

Every visitor wants to know where parrot divers can be seen on the Faroe Islands. We were torn back and forth between the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs and Mykines, both of whom are known for a rich bird world, including parrot divers, guillemots, Tordalke, ice storm birds, thirtehen gulls and bass oil.

alt = “parrot divers in Mykines, Faroe Islands”> Atlas & Boots parrot divers in Mykines, Faroe Islands

After we had researched online and spoke to locals, Mykines seemed the best place to see parrot divers on the Faroe Islands, and so we booked two last minute tickets for an additional ferry.

Note: Book your tickets in advance if you really want to see parrot divers on the Faroe Islands, as additional ferries do not always run.

parrot divers in Mykines, Faroe Islands

We got out of modest expectations in Mykines. We had seen breathtaking pictures of parrot diving up close, but assumed that they were recorded with a telephoto lens.

We agreed that we would not leave too disappointed if we didn't see any parrot divers on Mykines. After all, this autolose island with its colorful dwellings, the wave -flushed cliffs and the foaming sea view was already beguiling.

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secretly, however, we both knew that we would be destroyed if we did not see any parrot divers here. In view of the seclusion of the Faroe Islands, it was unlikely that we would return, so this was our only chance.

We set out to a 6 km long circular hike to the lighthouse from Holmur on the island of Mykineshólmur. About 15 minutes later Peter pointed to a cliff.

There was a colorful parrot diver alone. Unfortunately he didn't wait very long, but the short look inspired our hopes.

alt = "a parrot diving bread in mykines, Faroe Islands"> Atlas & Boots A parrot diving bread in Mykines, Faroe Islands

When we went on, we saw one or two parrot divers bouncing over the grass, which lasted long enough to take one or two photos.

Shortly before the bridge to Mykineshólmur we passed an area called Lambi. Here we found dozens of parrot diving that lazy in the fading sun.

alt = “a group of parrot divers on mykines, Faroe Islands”> Atlas & Boots A group of parrot divers in Mykines, Faroe Islands

We were a little too early for the high season of the breeding season, which lasts from mid -June to August, so most of the parrot divers were still at sea. When we held and looked down, we actually saw hundreds in the water.

Unfortunately they could not be recognized from afar, but it gave us an indication of what can be seen in the middle of the season when the parrot divers come ashore.

Faranian parrot divers breed in colonies on grass -covered, steep slopes, where they dig nest caves. You will see these holes anywhere on the floor, which is why it is important to never get off the way. Mykines is the most fragile of the Faroe Islands and visitors must therefore follow strict guidelines (see "Tips" below).

We spent a short time to take photos (hikers are asked not to stay in the colony) and continued to the lighthouse.

There we took a break to eat our lunch. It is worth noting that you should always keep an eye on your surroundings. On a depression directly below us, three parrot divers stopped for a chat. None of the other hikers noticed it and we managed to take some of our favorite pictures.

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Of course, parrot divers are not the only birds that the Faroe Islands often visit. A total of 305 species were registered here. Around 50 species brood regularly on the islands, sometimes due to their sheer seclusion; There is no other country nearby!

This could help explain the unique attraction of the Faroe Islands. You have an international airport, an excellent road network and even Google Street View. But in parallel to technological progress, they steadfastly stick to a traditional lifestyle.

There is little globalization here, and although this could change soon, the Faroe Islands will remain a magical country with watching parrot diving, midnight sun and plenty of weather.

tips for visiting mykines

  • Read and follow the guidelines for parrot diving, bird watching and hiking on Mykines. We saw two people who, despite the instructions not to leave the path, wandered between the caves.
  • opt for the ferry instead of the helicopter to Mykines. The ferry offers a better view of the islands, can be booked as a day trip (the helicopter cannot do this) and clears helicopter spaces for locals that you use as a means of transport.
  • book your tickets early because you are usually sold out. Plan a visit at the beginning of your trip so that you get a second chance in the event of a cancellation of the ferry. However, note that you do not receive priority access to later ferries by cancellation.
  • Enter many layers and pack a hat, gloves and a scarf. Summer temperatures can also be invigorating.
  • If you suffer from travel sickness, you may want to take medication.
  • If you are not sure about your collection of Mykines, contact the crew!
  • Take a lunch package with you to eat it on Mykines because there is no food on the island. There is a small café that offers cakes and hot drinks, but it is also worth taking a sandwich.
  • take time for the 6 km long circular hike to the lighthouse from Holmur on the island of Mykineshólmur. Based on the ferry timetable, you have about six hours on Mykines. We hiked to the lighthouse, ate our lunch package, went back to the city, drank cakes and coffee and had an hour.
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  • don't stay in the colony. Never leave the way and make sure not to step on parrot diving caves (small holes in the ground). This is very important because the parrot divers nest from the path underground.
  • It is easy to get caught in the search for parrot diving. Take some time to enjoy the countless other birds on the island and your extraordinary natural beauty.
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Mykines, Faroe Islands: The essentials

what: search for parrot diving in Mykines, Faroe Islands.

Where: We stayed in The Old Millar House, a charming house, 1 km from the city center. The cottage is warm and cozy with a traditional peat roof and access to a grotto -like garden.

There is a beach just a few meters away (although it could be too cool to swim!) And the Sandá river flows practically right on the doorstep. If you want to get to know the nightlife of the Faroe Islands, you may want to live closer to the center, but for those who like to retreat to cozy evenings, the Old Millar House is an excellent option.

Click here to get a discount on your first stay at Airbnb, or find an alternative accommodation on Booking.com. 

  Booking.com
 

 When: The best time to travel for Mykines on the Faroe Islands is mid-June to mid-August when the parrot divers flock to nesting.  For two weeks you will probably see some parrot divers on both sides, but most will still be at sea. 


 like: Ferries run between the port of Sørvágur (on Vagar) and Mykines during the summer months.  This takes 45 minutes and costs 60 DKK (USD 10) per person.  Check mykines.fo for the timetable ('travel plan') and book your tickets in advance. 


 Additional ferries can be added to higher costs in the high season (scroll down on mykines.fo to see if there are "extra trips"). 


 helicopter also fly to Mykines (tyrla.atlantic.fo).  This option is surprisingly cheap, but cannot be booked as a return trip in a single day. 


 We recommend taking the ferry because it offers a better view and releases helicopter spaces for the locals that you use as a means of transport

 Visitors to Mykines also have to pay a hiking fee (100 DKK / 15 USD per person).  We paid them in the port of Sørvágur, but there are plans to manage the fee online (mykines.fo). 


 We reached Sørvágur by car.  When you get to the port, keep an eye out for a blue sign with the inscription "Mykines" and follow it to the departure point behind the Effo petrol station. 


 There is also a bus that drives from the capital Tórshavn to Sørvágur. 


 We flew to the Faroe Islands with Atlantic Airways. 


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 Mission statement: Atlas & Boots 


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