Welcome to Runde – Norway’s Wild Bird Island

Far out on the coast of Sunnmøre, where green mountains rise above the open Atlantic Ocean, you will find a small island with an extraordinary natural life. Welcome to Runde—Norway’s famous Bird Island and a memorable destination for birdwatchers, hikers, photographers and travellers searching for wild coastal scenery.

Runde may be small, but the experiences are anything but. Here, seabirds circle above towering cliffs, waves meet rocky shores, sheep graze beside the road and changing light transforms the landscape from one hour to the next. The island offers the kind of closeness to nature that can be difficult to find elsewhere. You do not simply look at the landscape on Runde—you walk through it, listen to it and feel the Atlantic wind on your face.

RundeBirdIsland.Guide is an independent travel guide created to help you discover the island and prepare for your visit. Whether you are planning a short excursion, an evening hike to see puffins or a longer stay by the sea, this website will help you find useful information, inspiring experiences and practical local tips.

Discover one of Norway’s great seabird islands

Runde lies in Herøy Municipality in Møre og Romsdal, close to the outermost edge of the Norwegian coast. It is home to Norway’s southernmost major bird cliff and is widely known as Fugleøya—the Bird Island.

According to Fjord Norway’s destination guide, the nesting season brings more than 100,000 birds to Runde. Around 80 species nest on the island, while more than 230 species have been recorded here in total.

Puffins are the best-known visitors, but Runde is also associated with northern gannets, razorbills, guillemots, great skuas, European shags and the magnificent white-tailed eagle.

The island’s birdlife changes through the seasons. Puffins are normally present from early April until August, while sea eagles can be seen throughout the year. No wildlife sighting can be guaranteed, but patience, binoculars and a quiet approach can reward you with unforgettable moments.

If seeing puffins is the main purpose of your visit, allow plenty of time and consider visiting the cliffs in the evening, when many birds return from feeding at sea. Watch from a respectful distance, remain on the marked paths and never disturb nesting birds.

Runde is not an attraction arranged for visitors—it is a living and vulnerable habitat in which we are privileged to be guests.

Walk into the Atlantic landscape

One of the best ways to experience Runde is on foot. Marked trails lead from the settled side of the island towards open uplands, wetlands, bird cliffs and viewpoints overlooking the ocean. The climb can be steep, and the ground is often wet, but every step brings a wider view.

From the higher ground, the landscape opens in every direction. Behind you lie farms, small settlements and neighbouring islands. Ahead of you is the Norwegian Sea, seemingly without end.

On clear days, distant mountains frame the horizon. In fog, the island becomes quieter and more mysterious, with bird calls emerging from the mist.

Runde’s weather is part of its character and can change quickly. Bring waterproof and windproof clothing, warm layers and sturdy footwear—even during summer. Carry drinking water and something to eat, and remember that conditions near the exposed cliffs may be colder and windier than beside the sea.

Keep well away from cliff edges, supervise children closely and turn back if the weather makes the walk unsafe.

Explore our guide to things to do on Runde before setting out.

More than puffins

The puffins may receive most of the attention, but Runde has much more to offer. A walk along the coast reveals fishing boats, old boathouses, weathered rocks and views shaped by generations of life beside the sea.

Photographers will find subjects everywhere: birds in flight, waves breaking against the shore, wildflowers, traditional buildings and the soft northern light of long summer evenings.

The island is equally fascinating when the main nesting season is over. Autumn storms reveal the power of the ocean. Winter brings dramatic skies and a quieter landscape. In spring, migrating birds return and the island gradually fills with sound and activity.

Every season has its own atmosphere, and travellers who slow down often discover that Runde’s silence is as memorable as its wildlife.

Boat trips can offer a different view of the island, weather permitting. From the sea, the scale of the cliffs becomes clear, and visitors can appreciate how strongly Runde’s history and wildlife are connected to the Atlantic.

An island of nature, science and treasure

Runde is also a place of remarkable stories. For centuries, island life has been shaped by fishing, farming, storms and the surrounding sea.

The most famous historical event occurred in 1725, when the Dutch trading ship Akerendam sank near Runde while carrying gold and silver coins. Part of the treasure was rediscovered by divers more than two centuries later, giving Runde another popular name: Treasure Island.

You can learn more about the history of Runde and the Runde treasure on this website.

The Runde Environmental Centre is an excellent starting point for understanding the island.

Its visitor experiences introduce the seabirds, coastal ecology and famous shipwreck, while its scientific work reflects Runde’s importance as a place for studying the ocean and the natural environment. Guided activities may also be available, depending on the season.

Plan a slower and more rewarding visit

It is possible to visit Runde on a day trip, but staying longer allows you to experience the island at its best.

An overnight stay gives you time to walk without rushing, wait for changing weather and enjoy the evening light. It also makes an evening visit to the puffin area easier to plan.

Accommodation, food and other services are limited, particularly outside the busiest months. Reserve your accommodation early, check opening hours and bring essential food and drink.

Before travelling, read our pages about how to get to Runde, where to stay and where to eat.

Always check the latest weather forecast and confirm transport schedules with the relevant operators.

Travelling responsibly helps protect the experience for both wildlife and future visitors. Follow marked trails and local signs, take all rubbish with you, keep dogs under control and avoid unnecessary noise near birds and grazing animals.

Do not enter protected nesting areas or approach wildlife for a photograph. A longer lens, binoculars and patience are far better tools than getting too close.

Begin your journey to Runde

Perhaps you are coming to photograph your first puffin. Perhaps you want to hike above the ocean, visit the environmental centre, hear the story of the sunken treasure or simply spend a peaceful day at the edge of Norway.

Whatever brings you here, Runde has a way of making a lasting impression.

Use RundeBirdIsland.Guide to explore the island, prepare for the changing coastal weather and find the experiences that suit you. Then give yourself enough time to slow down once you arrive.

Look towards the cliffs, listen to the seabirds and watch the light move across the sea.

Welcome to Runde Bird Island. We hope this guide helps you plan a safe, respectful and unforgettable visit.