Should you ever want to go scenic swing-hopping around the world – bless your enviable travel budget – here are a few that you should check out, other than the famous Bali ones.
#1 Banff, Alberta, Canada
You’ll only know where to find this swing if you know where to look for it at all, but once you’re there, you’ll be soaking up views of the Canadian Rockies mountain range, including the Three Sisters.
#2 Bernal Heights Park, San Francisco, United States
Not to burst your bubble, but some of the swings in California get cut down every now and then (we don’t know why). There’s no telling if your swing will be there when you visit, but even if it’s not, you’ll get quite a view of the city.
#3 Dalawella Beach, Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
This coastal town near Galle is known for its beautiful beaches, which overlook the Laccadive Sea. The swing at Dalawella Beach is a little on the rugged side, so make sure you hold on tight!
#4 Baños, Tungurahua, Ecuador
The owner of the Swing at the End of the World, Carlos Sánchez, built the contraption from his treehouse, hoping to get his grandchildren to come visit more often (aww!), but it also started attracting visitors. Things really took off when the swing featured in a photo that was one of the winners of the 2014 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. Why? It was taken right as the nearby volcano Mt. Tungurahua was erupting!
#5 Tiburon, San Francisco, United States
The Hippie Tree, which bears this swing, is a huge and shady eucalyptus tree that is still worth visiting for the view of San Fran below.
#6 Maldives
You’re basically on a swing in the Indian Ocean (#winning). Ocean swings can be found at overwater villas (like this and this) in the Maldives.
#7 Trandal, Hjørundfjord, Norway
The road to this swing isn’t an easy one. For one, there isn’t a road! The swing, which overlooks a gorgeous fjord, is located in the garden of Christian Gaard Bygdetun, an inn in the roadless village of Trandal, according to Visit Norway. The village can be accessed if you climb the mountain (we are dead serious), or come by sea.
#8 Elysian Park, Los Angeles, United States
This swing in Los Angeles has had a few makeovers over the years. It used to be a humble tree branch.
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#9 Mirador de Turi, Cuenca, Ecuador
Finally, a little reassurance from safety harnesses!
Before you go
Some of these swings have been broken and repaired a few times over, so it only goes to show that, despite the fun you could have and the beautiful pictures you’ll take, safety comes first. Don’t stand on swings meant for sitting, and bear in mind that some are not suitable for children. Finally, be considerate when visiting attractions located near residential areas – we can’t imagine anyone would be pleased about rowdy crowds near their homes, even if you were just doing it for the ’gram.
Read also: Girl’s guide: Planning a weekend in Phuket
Thanks for linking to my post about the Banff rope swing!