IS THIS THE WORLD’S MOST STUNNING SWING?

Imagine the silence, the wind in your hair, and the childlike joy of playing on a huge swing in scenic surroundings. It’s a perfect combination of serenity and mild adrenaline.

But sometimes a swing can be an attraction. The Australian travel magazine “Luxury Escapes” went hunting for the most stunning swings in the world, where spectacular views are part of the experience.

Most of the swings that they found, lie somewhere near the equator – in Central America and Southeast Asia, and by the Pacific Ocean. With one notable exception: The Hjørundfjord in Fjord Norway.

As the magazine puts it:

“The Hjørundfjord in Norway is a place so beautiful it will take your breath away. Best place to take in the glaciers and views of the fjord? This swing!”

The swing sits by the fjord in the garden at the charming inn Christian Gaard Bygdetun, in the remote, roadless village of Trandal. To get there, you must either cross a mountain or travel by boat.

“I grew up in Trandal. The story behind the swing is simple: My grandfather wanted us to have one and put it up”, Lenita Storeide from Christan Gaard says.

They are getting calls from all over the world, from people who want to know if this is the place with the swing. Indeed, it is – and those who make the trip to the Ålesund and Sunnmøre area will not be disappointed.

If you want a more easily accessible swing experience, here are …

5 other Norwegian swings with stunning views

Mount Dalegubben by the Hjørundfjord

The 1344 metre high Mount Dalegubben is one of the lesser-known peaks in Sunnmøre but has a fantastic view of the Hjørundfjord. In summer, you can follow a marked path to the top, and in the winter, the mountain is popular among ski tourers. You don’t have to go all the way to the top to find a swing with a view, though. This picture was taken on about 350 metres above sea level.

More things to do in Sunnmøre: The largest city in this area of Fjord Norway is the art nouveau town Ålesund, a perfect starting point if you want to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island Runde, or the snow-capped summits of the Sunnmøre alps – one of the country’s best places for both hiking and ski touring. Ålesund is also the cultural centre of the region.

Brevikskaret by the Isfjord

Local climbers set up this swing bench to get more people to discover the not so well known viewpoint Haukarhammeren in Brevikskaret near Åndalsnes. The natural and sometimes a bit steep path there might be too much for small children, though.

More things to do in Åndalsnes: Åndalsnes in Northwest is often called the mountaineering capital . Here, majestic mountains tower over the deep Romsdalen valley and the green Rauma river. The trip is short to sights like Trollveggen, Trollstigen, and the Rampestreken viewpoint. If you want a challenging hike, the Romsdalseggen ridge is known as one of the most picturesque in the country. Rent an electric bike and explore the area, or take a trip with the Rauma Railway, one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.

Engeløya in Steigen

On the farm Fonn-Holand gård on the Engeløya island in Steigen, you’ll find a swing with a wide view of the sea and the mountains. In summer, the midnight sun is bathing the swing in a magical light. On the farm, you can buy homegrown vegetables from the farm shop.

More things to do in Steigen: The area is often said to be like Lofoten but without all the people. The many islands and islets of Steigen are located between Bodø and Narvik in Northern Norway. Hike or climb mountain peaks both under and above 1,000 metres tall, or kayak in calm waters. If you want to stay for a while, check out the adventure destinations Manshausen and Naustholmen.

Balbergkampen in Lillehammer

From the city of Lillehammer, you can hike to the top of the not very tall hill Balbergkampen. From the swing, you get an excellent view of both the city and Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake.

More things to do in Lillehammer: The city lies in the lush valley Gudbrandsdalen in Eastern Norway. Here, you can stroll through the charming city centre, explore Norwegian history at Maihaugen or visit Lillehammer Art Museum. The whole family will definitely enjoy the adventure park Hunderfossen. In winter, the trip is short to some of Norway’s best ski resorts, Hafjell and Kvitfjell.

Rosfjord in Lyngdal

In Lyngdal, you’ll find several swings engraved with lyrics from famous rock songs. This one hangs at the top of a hill close to a beautiful beach near Rosfjord Strandhotell, and sports the words: “The answer my friend is blowing in the wind”. From the swing, you can enjoy the sunset from late spring to early autumn.

More things to do in Lyngdal: This family-friendly beach paradise in Southern Norway lies just an hour west of the city Kristiansand. Try your fishing luck in the fantastic salmon river Lygna, or splash away at the Sørlandsbadet waterpark. Lyngdal is also close to Norway’s southernmost point Lindesnes. And if you’re looking for a special place to eat, book your table at the world’s largest underwater restaurant Under today!

Travel through Norway with Vy express and stay in some of the country’s most distinctive accommodations. Go on a family-friendly nature adventure or get the pulse going with our 10 tips for adrenaline seekers.