Hikes in Heroy

Circular hike to the bird cliffs. Runde is the southernmost and most species-rich bird cliff in Scandinavia.

The island "Runde" is a bird island in Norway on the west coast and a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. This hike is at the same time birdwatching, meditation, enchantment, and... oh, simply wonderful.

A stunning backdrop

A beautiful circular walk around the island of Runde. Many special birds to see, such as Northern gannet and puffin.

On the Bird Island RundeRunde is Norway's southernmost large seabird breeding colony. On the steep cliffs on the west side of the small island are the protected bird cliffs. Up to 700,000 birds breed in the cliffs every year. The puffin (lat. Fratercula arctica, Arctic brother) is the symbol of Runde. From late February to March, the auk birds with their bright red, triangular beaks migrate from their wintering grounds in the Atlantic to the rocky island, forming about 100,000 breeding pairs. Norway has the second largest puffin population with 2 million after Iceland (7 million). The birds avoid bare rock. They need caves or at least sparse grass coverage for egg-laying.

On Norway’s outer coast, where the fjords flow into the open sea, lies Runde, the country’s third-largest bird sanctuary. Since about 220 different bird species have been identified there, the island has earned the nickname “Bird Island.” Some species live here year-round, while others come only during the breeding season. The tour described here follows coastal trails to two lookout points from which you can observe the birdlife. The puffins are certainly a highlight. Please note: Since these seabirds come ashore only to breed, they can be observed only from April through July. In addition, they finish foraging in the evening hours and then begin their evening preening rituals in front of their burrows. This is a spectacular experience! In recent decades, a large colony of northern gannets has also established itself here. This colony is best observed from the Raudenipa overlook. But mighty white-tailed eagles, skuas, and countless other seabirds can also be seen on this beautiful island. Add to that the breathtaking view of numerous smaller and larger islands. This multi-stage hike connects the island’s most beautiful coastal trails. We’ll take the bus back.> From the parking lot at bus stop 01Rundebrua Runde in Herøy, we leave the main road heading west—with the large bridge to our left—and hike to an information sign. Here we turn right, open and close the livestock gates, and begin climbing the path behind them. We reach the top edge of a beautiful cliff and hike along the coastal path toward the summit in the distance. As soon as the summit is directly to our left, the trail forks. If we take the wooden stairs slightly to the left, we reach viewpoint 02, Lundeura, where, at the right time of year, puffins can be observed up close. Afterward, we climb the wooden staircase again, walk straight ahead along the cliff to the saddle, and then up to the island’s highest point, the 294-meter-high Rundebranden. After just five meters inland, we follow the path to the left to the 03Raudenipa viewpoint. From here, we look south toward the rock face of Rundebranden, where a huge colony of northern gannets has settled. We make a 180-degree turn, hike toward the island’s northwestern tip, but then turn right before a wooden footbridge—which continues toward the northwestern tip. The trail climbs briefly once more and then follows laid stone slabs along the edge of the cliffs. At the northeastern end of the island, the path turns right and leads slightly uphill again to a 04fork in the trail. Here we come to a wide path, which is even equipped with a railing in some sections further along. We walk downhill to the main road of the fishing village of Goksøyr. There, we turn right and wait by the road near the 05 Goksøyr Camping, Herøy campground to take the bus back to the 01 Rundebrua Runde, Herøy.

Hiked on June 7, 2026

From Goksøyr Camping, take the ascending path on the right to the bird cliff and at the top turn right to follow the circular trail.