During our summer road trip from Sweden to Norway, we stayed a couple of nights on Runde, a beautiful island on the west coast of Norway, known for its rich birdlife. My main goal was simple: photograph the Atlantic puffins in their natural habitat.
While my wife, kids, and parents relaxed at our accommodation, I decided to take on this adventure solo.
Reaching the Puffin Cliff – Parking and Trail Info
That evening, after everyone had settled in, I left our cabin at around 9:45 PM and drove 15 minutes to the correct public parking area near the puffin hike trail—not the one next to Goksøyr Camping (which many mistakenly use). From the parking spot, it’s a 400-meter walk to the trailhead and then a steady 40 to 60-minute hike up to the cliffs.
It was already late, but I had read that puffins usually return to their nests in the evening, especially after 8 PM, so I was hopeful.
The Hike – A Trail of Encouragement
As I hiked up, the views were stunning—steep cliffs on one side, ocean views on the other. Along the way, I met several people heading back. Each one of them smiled and said the same thing: “There are so many puffins up there, and they’re really close!” I honestly didn’t believe them. You know how wildlife sightings can be unpredictable.
But the further I climbed, the more excited I became.
Finally Meeting the Puffins
I reached the top around 10:45 PM, and the moment I looked over the cliff edge, I was stunned. Puffins were everywhere—waddling across the grass, perched on rocks, flying around, diving off the cliffs. I couldn’t believe how close they were. I didn’t even need a super long lens.
I immediately started taking photos. It was quiet, peaceful, and almost surreal. I completely lost track of time. By the time I looked at my watch again, it was already 1 AM. I packed up my gear and slowly made my way back down, still smiling to myself at how magical the experience had been.
A Rough Ride: Boat Trip Around Runde
The next evening, I joined a 2-hour boat trip around the island. I was curious to see the cliffs—and the puffins—from the sea. The conditions, however, were rough. The sea was choppy, and the wind made things even more difficult. I did see some puffins floating on the water and flying around, but photographing them was almost impossible due to the constant movement. My stomach wasn’t too happy either—I might’ve experienced a bit of motion sickness.
But the boat trip had its own highlights. We saw gannets, kittiwakes, and razorbills nesting on the cliffs, and at one point, a sea eagle that had been sitting on a rock suddenly took off and soared above us. That moment was truly special. We also tossed bits of bread into the air and watched seagulls swoop in to catch them right next to the boat.
A Few Quick Facts About Atlantic Puffins
- Puffins only come to land during breeding season, which runs from April to August.
- Runde is home to one of Norway’s largest puffin colonies.
- Puffins usually return to the cliffs after sunset, so the best viewing time is generally after 8 PM.
- They nest in burrows along grassy cliff edges and often stay close to their mates for life.
- Their colorful beaks are most vibrant during the breeding season—perfect for photos!
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to visit Runde, I can’t recommend this hike enough—especially in the evening. Whether you’re a photographer or just a bird lover, this is a rare opportunity to observe puffins up close in their natural environment. The boat ride gives a nice additional perspective, but for close encounters, the hike is unbeatable.
Even though I did this alone, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of our entire trip. I went in unsure of what I’d find and came back with some of my favorite wildlife photos ever—and a story I’ll always remember.
If you’re interested in seeing or owning some of the puffin and other wildlife photos I’ve taken, feel free to check out my print collection here:
👉 Wildlife Photo Prints – Shutter Story
