Vestmanna and its bird cliffs
Boats leave Vestmanna for the Vestmannabjørgini cliffs, about 700 metres high, with grottoes and thousands of birds. Season, duration and how to get there.
Vestmanna is a village on the west coast of Streymoy, known as the departure point for boats to the Vestmannabjørgini cliffs, about 700 metres high, with grottoes and narrow channels that the boat passes through.
The boat trip
- Duration: about two hours.
- Season: several departures a day from May to September.
- What you will see: cliffs, grottoes and thousands of birds that nest in summer: puffins, razorbills, guillemots and fulmars.
- Booking: online at puffin.fo. Information: +298 471500.
- You pay by card and there is parking by the harbour.
In the past, Faroese people were lowered down the cliffs on ropes to collect birds’ eggs, a delicacy in the islands. According to Visit Faroe Islands, this is still done to some extent.
In bad weather the boat may not go into the grottoes or may not sail at all. Keep a spare day.
How to get there
Vestmanna is on Streymoy, Tórshavn’s island, so there are no toll tunnels to cross from the capital. There are also trips with transfers from Tórshavn. You will find more boat options in boat trips.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip to the Vestmanna cliffs?
About two hours. According to Visit Faroe Islands, several boats leave a day from May to September.
Can you see puffins at Vestmanna?
Yes, in summer. According to Visit Faroe Islands, thousands of seabirds nest on the cliffs and in the grottoes, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots and fulmars.