Sprangan- Try Icelandic Rope Swinging For Yourself
Sprangan refers to a traditional Icelandic sport and it is the name of the area on the Westman Islands where you can try the sport out yourself. It is a rope gymnastics activity that originated in the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) in Iceland. It involves a series of acrobatic movements performed on a long rope attached to the cliff-face.
If you want to try this unique sport, what better place to try it than where it originated in Heimaey?! Make sure you schedule time to visit the cliff swing and give it a try while you are exploring the Westman Islands.
History of Rope Swinging
Sprangan has its roots in the fishing communities of the Westman Islands. They would practice their rope swinging on land to train for gathering eggs off of the volcanic cliffs. It was also practiced by fishermen as a way to stay fit and entertain themselves during long periods at sea. It has since gained popularity and is now enjoyed as a recreational activity and even as a competitive sport.
Getting There
The Sprangan area is on Heimaey, Westman Islands, just 0.37 miles from the Westman Island Ferry.
Cost of Sprangan
It is free to try the rope swings at Sprangan. Parking is also free.
Parking for Sprangan
We followed GoogleMaps right up into the gravel pit and there were other cars parked there as well. Other people parked just down the hill at the N1 gas station. To get out of the gravel pit parking, we had to wait for a backhoe to move a pile of gravel. Next time we would park at the gas station and walk up.
Sprangan
There are three levels of ropes to swing on. We only swung on the easiest to get to. It would have been amazing to see someone do the higher ropes, but everyone there was also using the easiest. If you don’t want to swing on the ropes, there is a nice bench to sit on. You can enjoy watching people practice swinging on the ropes and you can also enjoy watching the sea birds in their nests on the surrounding cliffs.
What to Pack
Weather conditions can change quickly, so make sure to wear layers….especially a layer to protect you from the wind! Closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking through the gravel and climbing on the rocks.
Is Sprangan Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! The kids were begging to go back and do it again the whole time we were visiting the Westman Islands. It does not have to take much time out of your trip, but it is fun to say you have tried it!
Recreate Responsibly
Please remember to recreate responsibly so that other people can enjoy it after you. Be respectful to other people while there and leave the rope and the rock how you found it.
Explore Close By
- Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary: 0.5 miles (800 m)
- Heimaklettur: 0.7 miles (1.2 km)
- Elephant Rock: 1 mile (1.6 km)
- Eldheimar Museum: 1.1 miles (1.8 km)
- Eldfell Volcano: 1.6 miles (2.5 km)
- Puffin Lookout: 3.3 miles (5.3 km)
