Vinjesvingen: Views, Art and History

The old Grungebru is a popular spot with tourists because of the beautiful views from beside the water towards Grungedal and Haukeli. Vinjesvingen combines this scenic experience with topics ranging from historic road construction and the battles of 1940 to the art collection at Smørklepp art museum. Visitors choosing a holiday destination can therefore focus on different interests: taking in the surroundings, culture and the area's history.

Grungebru and the history of road construction

Grungebru was built around 1840. This followed a royal decree in 1837 calling for the construction of a new road from Brunkeberg to Gugarden in Haukeli. The two dates refer to different steps: the decree in 1837 and the construction of Grungebru around 1840. Those interested in local history will find more here than just beautiful views: it is also a specific chapter in the history of road construction.

Places of remembrance and art

Vinjesvingen was the scene of fighting between Norwegian and German troops during the 1940 campaign. The Telemark Infantry Regiment fought against German troops from positions near Vinjesvingen until early May 1940 and took part in several engagements. During the occupation, the fighting took on symbolic significance as a sign of the importance of resisting the German occupying power. This history is a particular point of interest for travellers who want to learn about Norway's wartime history.

The Smørklepp art museum in Vinjesvingen offers a different cultural perspective. It has an extensive collection of paintings by Henrik Sørensen and Harald Kihle. Next to the museum building is Sørensenhytta, which opened and was renovated in summer 2023. It contains exhibitions as well as a room with old furniture and objects that were moved here from Kyddingsmo in 2004. The art collection, exhibitions and historic furnishings offer different points of interest for a culturally focused stay.

The municipality of Vinje, which includes Vinjesvingen, also has a focus on wartime history: the Forsvarsmuseet in Vinje focuses on the fighting in Vinjesvingen in 1940 and everyday life during the war. Visitors who want to explore the history in greater depth can take this into account when planning their trip, alongside their interest in art and local history.

Cultural trails and local produce

The Mjonøy–Smørklepp cultural walk leads to Smørklepp art museum at its upper end. The Mjonøy–Smørklepp cultural loop is 4 kilometres long. This gives visitors a choice of two specifically named cultural activities associated with Mjonøy and Smørklepp; the 4-kilometre distance refers to the cultural loop. If you would like to combine culture and exercise during your stay, you can include these trails in your plans.

Vinjesvingen Handel offers another glimpse of local provisions. The cultural tour through Vinje includes the shop as a stop along the way, where you can buy local food and smaller goods from the surrounding area. Its range includes cheese, meat, baked goods and agricultural products. This offers a practical way to discover regional products and shop for your trip.

Choosing a holiday destination

Vinjesvingen is a road junction on the E134 west of Vinje Church. Its location on a named road provides a clear point of reference when looking for a holiday destination. When choosing a holiday apartment, what matters may be which topics you want to prioritise: the views from Grungebru, art and cultural trails, or exploring the history of 1940. If your travel group has different interests, these varied points of focus can help you weigh up what you each want from your stay.

More destinations: Edland, Vinje, Rauland, Botn.

Go to the main travel overview: Vinje.