Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Runde Bird Sanctuary, located on Runde Island off the coast of Møre og Romsdal county in Norway, is designated as a Ramsar Site, recognizing its importance as a wetland of international significance. The sanctuary encompasses the island’s steep cliffs, rocky shores, and surrounding marine environments, which collectively provide vital breeding grounds for tens of thousands of seabirds. Runde is particularly famous for its large colonies of Atlantic puffins, common guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and northern gannets. The bird sanctuary is an important nexus for migratory birds and supports diverse marine life. The island’s rugged cliffs offer dramatic viewing points for visitors seeking close encounters with seabird colonies during the breeding seasons, typically from spring into summer. Historically, Runde was sparsely inhabited with fishing being the primary livelihood, but recent decades have seen increasing conservation efforts alongside eco-tourism development. Outside the breeding seasons, the island’s landscape invites hiking and photography opportunities on well-marked paths that provide panoramic views of the Norwegian Sea. Runde’s protection under the Ramsar Convention highlights ongoing efforts to preserve the fragile marine and avian ecosystems here amid environmental challenges such as climate change and human disturbance. Visitors can enjoy guided birdwatching tours, boat excursions around the island, and facilities that promote education about the sanctuary’s ecological value. Runde Bird Sanctuary offers a unique combination of outdoor recreation and wildlife immersion in a northern European coastal environment.
