Runde Island Puffin Tour

Runde is a small island on the outer coast of Sunnmøre, reached by road and bridges from the mainland, and it is famous for its seabird cliffs. In season, hundreds of thousands of birds nest on its slopes and ledges, including gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots and, most beloved of all, Atlantic puffins with their bright beaks and comic waddle. A guided day trip from Ålesund brings you to the island and shows you where to look, with a guide who knows the trails, the habits of the birds and the safest viewing spots. Even visitors who have never cared about birds tend to be charmed.

Puffins return to Runde in spring and stay through the summer breeding season, leaving again in early August. Outside that window the island is quieter, though still scenic. The best viewing is on the hillside trails, where puffins pop out of burrows and stand near the paths, and a boat trip from the harbor offers a different perspective from the sea, where the cliffs rise above you and the sheer numbers of birds become obvious. Conditions vary, and some tours include the boat, others focus on land.

Bring binoculars if you have them, and a camera with a zoom lens, because puffins are small and shy at close range. Dress for wind and rain and wear sturdy shoes, since trails can be wet and steep. Keep to marked paths and never approach nests; the colony is protected, and the birds breed in burrows that are easily crushed. Staying quiet and still for a few minutes is the best way to see natural behavior.

The trip is a full-day excursion with road travel each way, so check the length and departure details when you book. It suits families with older children, birdwatchers and nature lovers. Food options on the island are limited, so bring snacks or a packed lunch. Because puffin season is short and popular, book early for peak weeks in early summer. If you visit outside the season, ask the operator what else the tour offers.

Weather has a big effect on the experience. In clear weather the cliffs and sea are spectacular; in fog the birds can still be seen but photography suffers. Build a flexible day into your plan if you can. The tour pairs well with a relaxed evening back in Ålesund, where a harbor restaurant makes a good reward for a long day outdoors.

Think about how you want to spend the time on the island. Some visitors prefer to settle at one good viewing spot and watch for an hour, while others walk the trails and sample different cliffs. Puffins are most active in the morning and evening, when they fly in with beakfuls of fish, and midday can be quieter.

If you have a long lens, a monopod or a small beanbag can steady your shots. Keep dogs away from the colony, avoid sudden movements and take all litter with you. The island is also a fine place for a picnic, with cliffs, sea and sky for entertainment, and children often remember the puffins long after the rest of the trip fades.

If the weather turns, ask the operator what the alternative plan is, and carry a compact rain poncho.