Mykines Hólmur Lighthouse – Mykines, Faroe Islands - Atlas Obscura

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Mykines HĂłlmur Lighthouse

Mykines, Faroe Islands

This isolated and westernmost point of the Faroe Islands archipelago is home to thousands of seabirds.  

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Mykines Holmur Lighthouse sits on the westernmost point of the Faroe Islands archipelago and offers quite remarkable views of the surrounding ocean, steep sea cliffs, and many species of birds including puffins, gannets, fulmars, and kittiwakes.

The island of Mykines is one of the 18 main islands that make up the Faroe Islands. In 1925, the population of the island was 179 but more recent records show that the number now fluctuates between 10 to 15 people, making this a very isolated place to live. A small ferry visits the island, but the isolated location means that it is weather dependent and does not always run.

The Mykines Holmur Lighthouse is situated at the far end of the island and the unspoiled surroundings give off a fascinating feel of remoteness. The lighthouse was built in 1909 and provided light for ships to navigate, as well as acted as a weather station.

A house was constructed for the lighthouse keeper and historic notes state that the site was used by the University of Copenhagen to observe the Northern Lights. The Mykines lighthouse became automated in 1970. 

The trail to the Mykines Holmur Lighthouse from the footbridge and beyond is permanently closed to tourists.

Know Before You Go

Be sure to look at the forecast as the ferry to Mykines is very weather dependent.

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July 5, 2021

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