Nólsoy - The Hidden Puffin Paradise

Your mini guide to a tiny bird island of the Faroese archipelago

The term Nólsoy translates to "island of Nól". Legend says that a person called Nól was the first settler of the island. This tiny island known for migratory birds is situated only 5 km from the capital Tórshavn. Nólsoy can be reached by a 20-minute ferry-ride. The Ternan ferry operates between Tórshavn and Nólsoy several times during the day. Although Ternan ferry also accommodates cars, it is not useful to bring your rental car to road-free Nólsoy.

Before we talk further, you might want to go through the introductory section of my page Places on Vágar that will blow your mind for a quick recap of why to visit the Faroe Islands, best time to visit the Faroe Islands and easiest way to access any destination.

This is an island escape like no other !

Puffins resting on the Managjógv rocks in North Nólsoy

In This Blog Post

Is Nólsoy Island worth visiting ?

A Puffin Paradise

A Photogenic Fishing Village

Is Nólsoy Island worth visiting ?

Nólsoy is a car-free island. Doesn’t that sound peaceful ? There is only one fishing village on this island of the same name. On Nólsoy, you can take a break from the fast life of crowded cities and do some soul-searching in the nature. The island boasts many easy to moderate hiking trails. The most visited place on Nólsoy is the Eggjarklettur summit, the highest point on the island. Another highlight of the island is an 18th century lighthouse. Several migratory birds like European storm petrels and Atlantic puffins can be spotted on Nólsoy during summer months. In the sections below, you will find more details about the hidden puffin paradise.

Location on Google Maps: Nólsoy Island

A Puffin Paradise

So, I will tell you the back story of why I travelled to Nólsoy. I wanted to go on a boat ride to the Mykines Island to photograph the gorgeous Atlantic puffins. But weather conditions around Mykines are often so ferocious that most boat trips (even during summer) get cancelled. Although I had booked my ticket way in advance, it got cancelled as well. I got really upset on the thought that I came so far and lost my chance to spot puffins. Luckily, Mykines is not the only island where puffins thrive. Nólsoy is one such island that won’t disappoint you. The chances of spotting puffins are almost as good as on Mykines. From the fishing village, you have to hike lesser than 2 km to Boðin, the northern tip of Nólsoy where you will find several Atlantic puffins flying or resting. At Boðin, you will have to climb on the Mánagjógv rocks to get to the north-western side of the island. At some point, you will sight the adorable puffins. Please do take care while climbing the rocks as they may be too high and slippery. The hike profile is provided below:

Trailhead: Nólsoy Harbor
Destination: Managjógv rocks
Lowest altitude: 0m
Highest altitude: 30m
Total distance: 1.58km
Total duration: 1h
Ascent: 40m
Level: Medium
Orientation: Sign posts
Available safety measures: None

Fun-fact: Many think that the national bird of the Faroes is puffin. But, in fact, it is the oystercatcher.

A Photogenic Fishing Village

Well, Atlantic Puffins are not the only marvels to admire on Nólsoy. The fishing village near the Nólsoy harbour is an equally beautiful place to spend some time at. Take a walk through its pretty alleys, photograph its colorful houses, visit a cafe, rest on its banks or even visit the Nólsoyar Kirkja (church). As I returned from my hike in the afternoon, there were almost no tourists in the village. They might have left for Tórshavn with the Ternan ferry that also departs at mid-day. So, I had all the peace I needed to explore the beauty of the village.