Visit to the island of Mykines

Basically, there are only two ways to get to the island, and both have their own risks. One option is to travel by helicopter, which is more expensive and has limited capacity, plus it is necessary to have suitable weather conditions. The second, easier option is to take a ferry from Sørvágur port, but this option also depends on the weather. It often happens that people can get to the island but cannot get back due to adverse conditions, so it is advisable to plan your visit to the island on a day with the best weather – accommodation on the island can be quite expensive.
(The picture shows the vertical cliffs in the western part of Vágar Island.)

We decided on the ferry and we do not regret it in any way. The total price for both trips was 120 DKK, which corresponds to approximately 400 CZK. The cruise not only offered scenic views but also brought plenty of adrenaline, especially due to the rough seas during the journey. I have never experienced a cruise with such waves before and I was surprised that the ship even left that day. After arriving at the place, some of the passengers were as pale as snow, and some of them had to rest on the rock by the harbor for several tens of minutes. On the way back, the sea was calm.
(The picture shows the island of Tindhólmur)

…

Then we continued past the island of Tindhólmur, which boasts very sharp peaks and is uninhabited. Its highest point is 262 meters above sea level. Beyond this island the calm of the sea ended, and between it and the island of Mykines we witnessed giant waves that tumbled with the ship as if it were on a roller coaster.

After 45 minutes we arrive at the destination island. There is only one small village of the same name on it – Mykines, but most of the houses here are not permanently inhabited.

An unpleasant tourist trap awaits visitors right at the port. The locals decided to collect a fee for a walk around the island, and it is not small at all – 400 DKK (approx. 1300 CZK). Fortunately, we managed to pass unnoticed when the lady was cashiering the other visitors and we quickly headed up the hill. In addition, part of the route to the lighthouse was closed, which in my opinion should lead to at least some discount. Heck, who wants a lot, gets nothing… Unfortunately, these fees are becoming common at almost every major attraction in the Faroe Islands. I understand that the locals may not be thrilled with the ever-increasing tourism, but at the same time, I believe that nature should be accessible to everyone.

If the locals want to generate some income from tourists, they could consider token or voluntary entry and souvenir production. The argument about the sustainability of the landscape seems unfounded to me, especially when a maximum of two small boats arrive on the island per day. Personally, I would make the residents of the Faroe Islands pay fees for this when visiting Prague or other world cities.

Pasture, typically bounded by stone fences.

Unfortunately, the island of Mykineshólmur with the lighthouse (behind the hill in the photo), which is connected to the main island by a 40m long bridge, was closed to tourists at the time of the visit.

Trails on the island: There are several hiking trails on the island. If someone has more time, they can decide to climb the highest mountain Knúkur (560 m) or to go to the lighthouse on the island of Mykineshólmur (if this part is open). We went on a short circuit north of the village of Mykines, where we had the opportunity to observe puffins.

…

Puffins are small seabirds known for their distinctive appearance, black and white feathers and colorful beaks.

…

In the villages of the Faeroes, miniature houses can often be seen right next to the original. The cottages in the village of Mykines are no exception.

…

Finally, the ship heads back to the island of Vágar. During this part of the journey, we pass by the Múlafossur waterfall and then return to the port of Sørvágur via the fjord.