Framing The Fjord
Fresh off a Winter Olympic binge and, like most, I felt like I really knew each county. The Swiss invented the Bobsled, even though the Jamaicans made that cool, the Netherlands were untouchable on speed skates, and Norway won, like, everything.
Yet, unless you’re a fan of cross-country skiing or an avid black metal fan, Norway’s 39 medal win still might not be enough to prompt a visit to its snow-filled countryside. Norwegians might have the Northern Lights going for them, but travelers are finding similar views in a much closer Iceland (which also boasts a much cheaper travel price).
For those attempting to find a once in a lifetime scene, however, there is a certain Norwegian hideaway that will catapult the westernmost Scandinavian county to the top of any travelers list. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this photo opp is worth a thousand likes, at least.
I found this hidden gem after I took a chance on cheap airfare to Norway on a whim with no prior knowledge of what the country has to offer in regards to traveling or photography. As with any trip, I thoroughly check my options and do my best to not limit myself to major cities or attractions. A few days of searching I stumbled on a heart-stopping photo.
The Swing.
The breathtaking scenery of a person seemingly swinging over the water, all while looking across to a beautiful mountain landscape, is what travel bloggers and Instagram model’s dreams are made of. Yet, it appears to be an untapped travel spot. There was a real shortage of articles and tagged Instagram photos which led me to think “Why aren’t more people going there?”. After hours of research, the answer became clear, there is a severe lack of information.
Finding out where was easy, but how was hard.
It only took a simple search to find that the swing sits at the charming restaurant of Christian Gaard, a family legacy handed down through generations that rests on the hillside village of Trandal in the Hjørundfjord area, hours north of Bergen and a just couple hours south of Alesund. There are only two ways in, by ferry across a fjord or by hiking across the mountain.
This is where things start to get hazy. One or two sites boast Gaard as both an Inn and a Restaurant while most just mention the ladder. I was hard pressed to find any significant information containing a concrete answer. No sites, including Christian Gaard’s own, offer reservation or even mention lodging, amenities, or even mere hours of operation.
Could you actually stay there? Is the swing accessible throughout all seasons? The Gaard website wasn’t supplying answers and travel forums were severally lacking in any first-hand experience. I kept digging.
I thought I caught a break after home sharing sites featured three options in Trandal, but all were booked for my expected dates. I reached out via phone to the number posted on the Gaard website a few times but received no answer. I reluctantly reached out through Facebook to acquire an overnight stay, but once again, no answer.
Finally, an answer.
It took a few days, but I eventually received a message telling me I was welcome to stay and that dinner and breakfast were provided for an extra fee. The menu looked appealing, but I declined. I now had a (semi) clear understanding of what was ahead of me.
If you decide to visit and you’re coming from the US like I was, you’ll have to fly into one of three major airports (Bergen, Oslo, or Trondheim) and either road trip straight to Trandal or make the jump to the closest airport of Alesund. The extra flight to the coastal town saves some time and miles, but still requires driving and just as many ferries. My agenda consisted of a flight from New York to Bergen, followed by an eight-hour drive. I was hoping to view a taste of the Nordic countryside while stopping for a sleep along the way. Most of the trip was fairly simple to plan, but I was still uncertain what to expect when arriving in Trandal. The friendly Facebook message left me at ease.
My drive from Bergen to Trandal was pretty much what you’d expect. I was surrounded by towering mountains and beautiful fjords from the time I left the comfort of the main municipality. It didn’t take long to realize why they have a stronghold in competitive winter activities.
Eight hours and two ferries later, I was there. I was warmly greeted on arrival and took a walk around the grounds to find the swing. It was as simple as any backyard swing, but rural American could never produce such awe-inspiring views. After settling in, we took a few turns on the swing. There is a decent incline under the swing that leads straight into the fjord and was intimidating at first, but you become more comfortable the longer you swing.
The eventual photo was as impressive as I imagined and was a sure fire way to get social media buzzing. Christian Gaard’s room was cozy and featured two beds with a view that makes returning to the real world all the harder. The village was surprisingly lively considering I counted only somewhere close to 5 dwellings on the hillside and the official population of Trandal is set at seven. Yes, seven.
While other’s might not consider a single photo worth such a long trek, the experience, and view that accompanied the journey were incredible. If you’re seeking a true Norwegian experience that leaves you feeling like you walked straight into a travel brochure, I’d suggest taking a trip to the elusive Trandal swing. If not for the beauty, for the Instagram likes.
