Guide to Photographing Puffins in Norway
- Krisztina Kauker
- Dec 19, 2024
- 4 min read
Puffins are a popular theme for photographers among travelers, but due to their size, lifestyle, and speed, they can be challenging to capture on camera.
In this guide, I will share everything you need to know to successfully photograph puffins on Runde Island in Norway.
Travel
Most people arrive in Oslo by plane, but Runde Island is located about 570 km from Oslo, so you need to plan your journey. Public transport options are limited, and traveling by local services would be time-consuming and very expensive.
Car Rental
One option is to rent a car, which can be useful if you want to explore areas away from the Norwegian capital at your own pace. This way, you can visit all the important and interesting sights while traveling from accommodation to accommodation. If Bergen is your destination, you can take a scenic train ride from there.
I recommend Hertz car rental for renting a car. It has always worked well for us.
Motorhome Rental
Another option is to rent a motorhome, which combines accommodation with travel. This is convenient because you don’t have to rush from one place to another; you can explore the sights at your own pace. In Norway, there are many places where you can stop along the way, making this a feasible option. You can stop by a lake or even in the mountains on your way to Runde Island.
The route you choose will depend on what you want to see along the way. I created a map-based guide to Norway where you can review important points and sights, see how much time you need for each, and plan your route more easily.
Accommodation
If you rent a motorhome, it will be easier because you can stay off-grid on Runde Island. However, if you prefer traditional camping, that’s also an option, and if you arrive by car, you can find apartments on the island. With apartments, it’s important to plan ahead, as they tend to get booked quickly.
Accommodation Tips on Runde
Technique
You can take great photos with a smartphone nowadays, but nothing beats a DSLR or mirrorless camera. If you want to photograph puffins, I definitely recommend using a camera, as it will help you capture the birds much better.
Another important factor is having a good telephoto lens, at least 200 mm or even 300 mm, since the birds are often farther away, allowing you to take more good photos by focusing on multiple locations.
My camera is a Fujifilm X-T4, and I used an XF 70-300 mm telephoto lens for photographing the puffins.
Photography Tips
Good lighting is essential for photography, but in this case, it can be a bit tricky to ensure success because you need to arrive in the evening. If you're lucky, you'll get to experience a stunning sunset, which is not too common.
Try to get to eye level with your subject. Crouch down or sit on the rocks, use your camera's flip-out screen, and try to bring them as close as possible in the frame.
Use manual settings with Auto ISO, so you don’t have to worry and constantly adjust to changing lighting conditions. If you’re shooting with a mirrorless camera, you can immediately see in the preview what kind of photos you'll be taking, which can be very helpful.
Timing
Puffins spend most of their time at sea and arrive on Runde Island for the breeding season. The first individuals often appear as early as February, but by March, thousands gather to prepare for nesting. They set off again in late August to spend the autumn and winter months in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, the best time to visit is roughly mid-April to early August, as there can still be snow on Runde until April, making late spring easier for travel. We visited the island from July 7-10, and there were many puffins in three different locations.
Best Time of Day
The first birds started gathering around 7 PM, with more arriving after 8 PM, peaking until around 11 PM when they came very close to the path. During this time, the number of people decreased to just five, creating a more intimate atmosphere. However, the lighting for photography was not ideal by then due to cloud cover.
Hike to the Bird Cliffs
The hike from the parking area to the bird cliffs takes about 50 minutes. The beginning of the trail is very steep, and later sections are rocky, so it’s essential to wear hiking boots or shoes that provide good ankle support. The path is well-maintained with boards and stone slabs, making it easier to navigate. It's also a good idea to bring a jacket for wind and rain, as the weather can change quickly.
Other Tips
You can sit on the rocks in the designated area, where you might encounter cats that are accustomed to people and only beg for food but do not harm the birds.
Everyone is very quiet and respectful in this area, so keep that in mind if you’re visiting with small children.
It may be worth bringing a dinner to eat up there, along with a warm drink in a thermos, as it can get very windy in the evenings.
Be sure to allocate several days for birdwatching, as weather conditions might not allow you to hike to the cliffs. Planning multiple evenings for the hike is advisable.
Overall, this is a fantastic experience and adventure that can create lasting memories, especially if you combine it with other activities along the way.
-Guide to Photographing Puffins in Norway-