Picture this: you're sitting in a kayak beneath a bird cliff rising several hundred metres straight out of the sea. The air is full of seabirds, and right in front of your bow, a raft of puffins takes off from the water. This is Runde — and from a kayak, you experience the island in a way few others ever do.
Runde is one of Norway's most famous bird cliffs, home to several hundred thousand seabirds in the nesting season. As an NPF-certified sea kayak guide based near Ålesund, I take paddlers on tours along this spectacular coastline — and Runde is among the mightiest experiences the Sunnmøre region has to offer.
What makes Runde so special?
Runde is the southernmost large bird cliff in Norway. Tens of thousands of puffins nest here, alongside gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills. White-tailed sea eagles are regulars too — you'll rarely paddle here without seeing one circling above the cliffs. On the west side of the island, the bird cliff plunges straight into the ocean, and the sound and sight of the birdlife is something you'll remember for life.
Puffins from a kayak — a unique experience
From the sea, you get close to the birdlife on the birds' own terms. Puffins often gather in large rafts on the water to fish, and from a silent kayak you can watch them without disturbing them. No engine noise, no crowds — just you, the ocean and the birds. It's a completely different experience from seeing them from a tourist boat.
When can you see puffins at Runde?
The puffins are at Runde from April until mid-August, with peak season in June and July. The best time of day is the evening, when the birds return from the sea in huge flocks. An evening kayak tour beneath the bird cliff in the endless light of the Norwegian summer is simply magical.
How do you get to Runde?
Runde lies in Herøy municipality, southwest of Ålesund, and is connected by road bridges via the town of Fosnavåg. From Ålesund, the journey takes about an hour and a half by car and ferry. That makes Runde a perfect day trip — and a natural highlight of a longer kayak expedition along the Sunnmøre coast.
What is the tour like?
We launch from the sheltered east side of the island and paddle along the coast towards the bird cliff on the west side. The west side is exposed to the Atlantic, with swell and at times demanding conditions, so the tour is always adapted to the weather and the group's abilities. In calm conditions, paddlers with basic skills can join; otherwise we keep the route in more sheltered waters — you'll experience the birdlife either way.
Along the way, we explore whatever the coastline offers — in calm seas we can paddle right into the sea caves beneath the mountain, where the water glows turquoise and the sound of dripping rock replaces the cacophony of birds outside.
Respect the wildlife
Runde is a nature reserve, and special rules apply during the nesting season. We keep a good distance from the bird cliff and only go ashore in permitted places. From a kayak, it's easy to travel considerately — which is exactly why kayaking is such a great way to experience the island.
More than birds
Runde also holds one of the most famous treasures in Norwegian history: in 1725, the Dutch ship Akerendam was wrecked off the island with a cargo of gold and silver coins, only discovered by divers in 1972. On land, you can hike up to the lighthouse and visit the Runde Environmental Centre — a great way to round off a day of paddling.
Join a tour to Runde
I run guided kayak tours to Runde in season, both as day trips and as part of longer coastal expeditions. Get in touch via kajakkguiden.no and we'll find a date and a plan that suits you. This is the trip you'll be talking about for years!