Sprangan
A traditional swing-rope spot beneath the sea cliffs west of the harbor, where islanders have practiced swinging on ropes between cliff faces since childhood. The skill comes from cliff-based bird hunting.
Sprangan is a folk sport unique to the Westman Islands. A rope hangs from a grassy cliff top about 10 meters high, and participants grip it to push off, swing, and climb along the cliff face. It comes from the islanders' traditional skill of collecting bird eggs and catching puffins on sea cliffs. Local children practice from an early age, and demonstrations are held during the Þjóðhátíð festival. The swing spot is on the cliff base north of Herjólfsdalur, where visitors can try it at their own risk. Know your limits, hold the rope firmly, and do not climb to great heights.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Landakirkja
- Herjólfsdalur
- Vestmannaeyjar Boat Tour
- Sagnheimar Folk Museum
- Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary
- Heimaklettur
- Skansinn & Stave Church
- Eldheimar Volcano Museum