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Helen

Helen is a tourist town that is a re-creation of an alpine village. It is located in Georgia's Northeast High Country.

By car
From Atlanta, GA Approximately 1 1/2 hrs.

I-85 North. Go north to Gainesville Exit 113, which is I-985 and turns into Hwy. 365. Go 42 miles continuing on Hwy. 365 to Hwy. 384. Turn left, go 16 miles to GA Hwy. 75, turn right and go three miles into Helen.

From Atlanta, Georgia via GA 400 GA 400 North. Take 400 North until it ends. Continue ahead on GA Hwy. 115. Go 5 miles to the traffic light. Turn right on to Hwy. 115. Go 13 miles to Cleveland. At traffic light, turn left onto US 129 North. Go to the next traffic light and turn right on Hwy. 75 North. 9 miles to Helen.

From Chattanooga, TN Approximately 132 miles - 3 hrs.

I-75 South. Go South on I-75 to Dalton, GA. Take Hwy. 76 to Ellijay. From Ellijay continue south on Hwy. 52 to Dahlonega. At Dahlonega continue on 52/115 to Cleveland, GA. At 1st traffic light in Cleveland, turn left on Hwy. 129 North to next light and then right on GA Hwy. 75 and travel 9 miles to Helen.

From Birmingham, AL Approximately 3 1/2 hrs.

I-20 E take I-20 East to Atlanta, then I-285 by-pass north toward Chattanooga. Take GA 400 North to the end. Continue straight ahead on a county two-lane road (Long Branch Rd.) for 5 miles to a traffic light. Turn right on Hwy. 52/115 for 13 miles to Cleveland, GA. At traffic light turn left on Hwy. 129 North. At next traffic light turn right on Hwy. 75 and go 9 miles to Helen.

From Florida I-75 to I-675 to I-285 to I-85 and see above from Atlanta.

Get around
Most of downtown Helen can be seen on foot and there are several public parking lots that are convenient.

Pegasus Horse Drawn Carriages can take you throughout the city.

See

Buy

 * Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, 8651 N Main St. The owner of this "Candy Kitchen" knows how to make candy so well that he was asked to and did write Candy Making for Dummies.

Eat & Drink

 * Cafe International, Main Street, +1 706 878-3102.
 * Cafe International, Main Street, +1 706 878-3102.
 * Cafe International, Main Street, +1 706 878-3102.
 * Cafe International, Main Street, +1 706 878-3102.
 * Cafe International, Main Street, +1 706 878-3102.
 * Cafe International, Main Street, +1 706 878-3102.

Go next

 * The neighboring town of Cleveland where you my find Babyland General Hospital - Cabbage Patch Kids Where cabbage Patch Kids are "born".

title: Helen


text:
Helena

There's more than one place called Helena:

United States of America

 * Helena (Alabama) - a city in Shelby County, in the Metropolitan (Alabama) region of Alabama

 * Helena (Arkansas) - a city in Phillips County, in the Delta (Arkansas) region of Arkansas

 * Helena (Montana) - the state capital of Montana, in the Southwest Montana region

 * Helena (Ohio) - a village in Sandusky County, in Northwest Ohio

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Helena


text:
Helena (Arkansas)

Helena—West Helena is a city of 10,000 people (2019) in Philips County, Arkansas.

Understand
Helena sits on lowlands between the Mississippi River and the eastern side of Crowley's Ridge. West Helena is on the western side of Crowley's Ridge. Helena and West Helena were separate cities before merging in 2006. At the time of the merger, West Helena was somewhat larger in population than Helena.

Get in
Downtown Helena is just across the Mississippi River about east of the junction of Highway 61 and Highway 49, which is approximately  south of Memphis, Tennessee.

Do

 * 14th Annual Arkansas Delta Family Gospel Fest, Saturday, May 17, 2014, Helena-West Helena - Cherry Street Pavilion

Sleep

Otherwise, for the more price-conscious, there's the Isle of Capri, though this is across the Mississippi River in the state of Mississippi.

title: Helena (Arkansas)


text:
Helena (Montana)

Helena is the state capital of Montana, in the Western Central part of the state. Visitors come to see Helena’s historic Last Chance Gulch, and its mansion district once home to Helena’s gold mining millionaires. The city has running or biking of trails and opportunities for rafting the mighty Missouri River or fly-fishing.

Understand
A number of communities surround Helena but have few amenities. East Helena is a completely separate town. The majority of small communities is to the south in Jefferson County.

Tourist information

 * Visit Helena website

By car
Interstate 15 runs north and south through Helena's eastern edge. US-12 runs east-west, and is the quickest connection from the Missoula area; US-12/287 leaves Helena to the southeast, towards Townsend and eastbound I-90 and Billings.

By plane
There is no public transportation available from the airport into town. You can go by taxi, ride hailing (Uber is available) or rental car.

By bus
The main bus station for the 'Blue Line' route of the local public transportation and intercity buses is at the on N Montana Ave (SR-229) & Bozeman St:

Get around
A small bus network is provided by Capital Area Transit Service, fares cost $1.50. Also, there's a free shuttle between Capitol Hill Mall and the Capitol Building.

See

Connect
You will find most restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to have free wifi for customers.

Go next

 * Canyon Ferry (20 miles east) is Montana's third largest lake. You can enjoy all the water activities from the marina, or one of several campsites.

title: Helena (Montana)


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Helensburgh

Helensburgh is a town in Argyll and Bute, on the north bank of the River Clyde 30 miles west of Glasgow, at the opening of Gare Loch. It developed from the 19th century once ferries and the railway connected it to Glasgow: wealthy business people built their villas here, and made sure to keep heavy industry away from their bosky avenues. The star attraction is Hill House built in 1902. In 2021 the population of Helensburgh and associated small towns was 13,320.

Rhu is further west along the coast of Gare Loch. Faslane five miles up the loch is dominated by HMNB Clyde, base for the UK's submarine fleet, so it's a major part of the local economy but doesn't do much for the scenery. Garelochead a little further north was a resort but has become blighted by industry.

Understand
Helensburgh was small until the 19th century because its harbour was shallow and exposed to westerly winds. Then Henry Bell developed a steam paddle boat of shallow draught that could sail against the wind, and Helensburgh developed as a seaside resort: Glasgow folk came “doon the watter” to enjoy the sea air and throng the pubs. This was further boosted by the arrival of the railway in 1858. In the 20th century people found better places to take their holidays, but Helensburgh became a commuter town. Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed the stylish Hill House here which is nowadays the main reason to visit. John Logie Baird (1888-1946) one of the main inventors of television was born and grew up here, and prime minister Andrew Bonar Law (1858-1923) spent his teens here.

By train
has trains every 30 min from Glasgow Queen Street (Low Level), taking 45 min via Dumbarton. These trains come from Edinburgh, along a slow and far-from-scenic route across industrial central Scotland; from Edinburgh use the fast trains and change at Queen Street. Central Station has a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is step-free access to the terminus platform.

is on the West Highland Line from Glasgow Queen Street to Crianlarich, where trains divide for Oban, Fort William and Mallaig, for ferries to the Hebrides. Trains run every couple of hours M-Sa but only three times on Sunday. Another late night / early morning train Su-F is the Caledonian Highland Sleeper between London Euston and Fort William, but you're probably better taking the Lowland Sleeper from Euston to Glasgow Central, then a daytime train. Upper Station is just a platform halt with no facilities. There is a steep ramp to the single platform.

By bus
First Bus 1B runs from Glasgow Osborne Street to Helensburgh every 30 min, taking 1 hr 45 min via Scotstoun, Clydebank and Dumbarton. There isn't a bus station, the 1B stops by the railway station then along King St as far as Glasgow St. Don't take the 1A, which branches north to Balloch.

Garelochhead Bus 302 runs three times M-Sa to Lochgoilhead via Luss, Tarbet and Arrochar. Bus 306 runs five times M-Sa to Alexandria.

Bus 316 runs every 2 hours up the coast via Rhu and Faslane to Garelochhead, then south along the other shore to Rosneath, Kilcreggan, Cove and Coulport navy base.

By road
From Glasgow follow M8 west past the airport then cross Erskine Bridge (M/A898) to avoid stop-starting through the western suburbs. Then follow A82 onto A814 through Dumbarton.

Get around
A one-mile walk will bring you most places, including from Central Station to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh house.

Taxi firms are Royal Cabs (+44 1436 708090), Tartan Wolf (+44 1436 406080), Mike's (+44 7831 591173) and Neptune (+44 1436 676666).

See

 * Henry Bell Monument next to the pier (junction of West Clyde Street & James Street) commemorates the engineer Henry Bell (1767-1830), first Provost of the town in 1807 and builder of the Comet paddle-steamer in 1812 to link Glasgow, Greenock and Helensburgh. He was an archetypal mad inventor, brimming with half-baked projects, and described as "the hero of a thousand blunders and one success".
 * Colquhoun Square is the town centre, 50 m west of the central railway station. The "Outdoor Museum" is the grand name for a set of plinths around the square, depicting town history, eg the three large maps showing the centre in different eras. Also here is "Helensburgh Parish Church" (Church of Scotland), built 1853. Its fine stain glass windows commemorate Bonar Law (UK Prime Minister 1922-23) and Logie Baird the inventor of television. The church is open M-Sa 9AM-5PM, services are Sunday at 11AM.
 * No 40 Sinclair Street was in 2016 confirmed as having been designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The ground floor has a shop, part of the upstairs is the Mackintosh Club which is open for occasional events.
 * No 40 Sinclair Street was in 2016 confirmed as having been designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The ground floor has a shop, part of the upstairs is the Mackintosh Club which is open for occasional events.
 * survives only as a solitary tower. Ardencaple dates back to the 12th century but was much modified in the late 18th century and the tower is probably from that era; it's used as a navy navigation beacon and isn't open to view. The rest was demolished for housing in 1957.
 * is the breezy tip of a sandspit that would block off the upper loch if it had its way, but groynes to focus the tidal current conspire to thwart it.
 * is the local name for the long object seen out in the Clyde, the upturned wreck of MV Captayannis. In 1974 she was waiting to unload sugar at Greenock when a storm forced her against the anchor chains of a tanker, which sliced her below the waterline. The captain beached her and the crew got off safely but the ship overturned. No-one could be found responsible for removing the wreck, so there she lies.
 * is the breezy tip of a sandspit that would block off the upper loch if it had its way, but groynes to focus the tidal current conspire to thwart it.
 * is the local name for the long object seen out in the Clyde, the upturned wreck of MV Captayannis. In 1974 she was waiting to unload sugar at Greenock when a storm forced her against the anchor chains of a tanker, which sliced her below the waterline. The captain beached her and the crew got off safely but the ship overturned. No-one could be found responsible for removing the wreck, so there she lies.

Do

 * Walk along the promenade, or the shingle beach at low tide, west from the pier to Kidston Park, with good views across the Clyde to Greenock and the Gareloch.
 * Cinema: Tower Digital Arts Centre is within the former church at 81 Sinclair St, same building as the Submarine Centre.
 * at the top of Sinclair Street, north edge of town, long ago became overgrown so it's now a wetland home for a few ducks. There are some picnic tables, and paths around the pond and adjacent reservoirs.
 * Rhu Marina is up the loch shore northwest. Helensburgh pier is in poor condition and boats no longer use it.
 * John Muir Way is a 130-mile (215-km) walking trail from Helensburgh to Dunbar on the east coast. It's named for John Muir (1838-1914) the naturalist and conservationist who founded the US Sierra Club thence the National Park system. He was born in Dunbar and the family migrated when he was 11. A coastal trail between Dunbar and Edinburgh was later named for him and in 2014 this was extended cross-country to Helensburgh. Start at the pier and stride straight up Colquhoun Street past the upper station, onto A818 to Bannachra. Cyclists here stay on A818 to join A82 into Balloch, hikers scramble over the steep soggy hill. Day Two continues east from Balloch to Strathblane. Don't download the route map for "John Muir Trail" or you'll be very surprised at where you end up.
 * Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games are held on the first Saturday in June, with the next on Sa 1 June 2024. They're on the rugby ground on Rhu Road Higher, and a free bus shuttles between Maitland St (south side of Central Station) and the Games.
 * John Muir Way is a 130-mile (215-km) walking trail from Helensburgh to Dunbar on the east coast. It's named for John Muir (1838-1914) the naturalist and conservationist who founded the US Sierra Club thence the National Park system. He was born in Dunbar and the family migrated when he was 11. A coastal trail between Dunbar and Edinburgh was later named for him and in 2014 this was extended cross-country to Helensburgh. Start at the pier and stride straight up Colquhoun Street past the upper station, onto A818 to Bannachra. Cyclists here stay on A818 to join A82 into Balloch, hikers scramble over the steep soggy hill. Day Two continues east from Balloch to Strathblane. Don't download the route map for "John Muir Trail" or you'll be very surprised at where you end up.
 * Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games are held on the first Saturday in June, with the next on Sa 1 June 2024. They're on the rugby ground on Rhu Road Higher, and a free bus shuttles between Maitland St (south side of Central Station) and the Games.

Buy

 * Town centre has small supermarkets including Tesco Express, Co-op Food and Farmfoods, plus McColls newsagents.
 * Rowland's Pharmacy at 48 West Princes Street is open M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-1PM. It has Edwardian interior fittings behind a modern exterior. Boots, Superdrug and Gordons are other pharmacies nearby.
 * Morrisons supermarket is two miles east on A814, open M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM. The fuel here is as cheap as you'll find in Argyll.
 * Market in the Square is held in Colquhoun Square on the second and the last Saturday of the month 10:00-16:00.
 * Market in the Square is held in Colquhoun Square on the second and the last Saturday of the month 10:00-16:00.

Eat

 * Riva is the Italian / Mediterranean restaurant within Riva Hotel (see Sleep), serving non-residents daily noon-midnight.
 * La Barca at 33 West Clyde Street is a tapas & wine bar.
 * Indian choices around Colquhoun Square are Annaya's, Masala Twist and Soni Spice takeaway.
 * Chinese dine-in choices are The Ruby and Bintang Emas on the promenade, plus Mandarin a block back.
 * Commodore Inn is at the Travelodge, see "Sleep".
 * Chinese dine-in choices are The Ruby and Bintang Emas on the promenade, plus Mandarin a block back.
 * Commodore Inn is at the Travelodge, see "Sleep".

Drink

 * Royal Bar facing the pier is open M-Th 11AM-midnight, F-Su 11AM-1AM.
 * Clyde Bar at 62 West Clyde St by the pier is a friendly authentic place, open M-Th 11AM-midnight, F-Su 11AM-1AM..
 * Argyll Bar at 67 East Clyde St, Station Bar at 24 East Princes St and The Ashton at 74 West Princes St have similar hours.
 * Commodore Inn is attached to the Travelodge. Open daily 7AM-1qPM, friendly sea-front pub with log fire and good food.

Sleep

Connect
Helensburgh and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of June 2023, 5G has not reached this area.

Helensburgh Library at 59 West King Street has computers for internet access and a small history exhibition. It's open Tu W 9:30AM-4:30PM, Th 9:30AM-6:30PM, F Sa 9:30AM-1PM.

Go next

 * Dumbarton to the east has a castle and maritime museum. Continue east to come into Glasgow.
 * Luss is a touristy village on the west shore of Loch Lomond.
 * Balloch is the town at the south end of Loch Lomond. You go through it to reach the more interesting east loch shore around Drymen and Balmaha.
 * Kilcreggan is a village on the little-visited Rosneath Peninsula, across Gare Loch from Helensburgh.

title: Helensburgh


text:
Helensburgh (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called Helensburgh:

Australia

 * Helensburgh - A northern suburb of Wollongong in New South Wales.

United Kingdom

 * Helensburgh - A town in Argyll, Scotland.

title: Helensburgh (disambiguation)


text:
Helensburgh (New South Wales)

Helensburgh is a far northern suburb of Wollongong around 45 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD.

Understand
Halfway between Sydney and Wollongong, at the southern end of the Royal National Park, and surrounded by bushland. It has a population of about 6,400 residents (2016). Helensburgh is colloquially known among the locals as "The Burgh" (pronounced "berg").

From Sydney
Main route - Take the Princes Highway, or Heathcote Road if you are coming from the West/Menai follow the road until you reach the Motorway, stay on the Motorway until you reach the Helensburgh Stanwell Park turnoff (First Exit).

Scenic route - Take Farnell Avenue from Loftus or McKell Avenue from Waterfall. Turn right off McKell Avenue and follow Lady Wakehurst Drive (if you are coming from Waterfall) until you reach the seaside (you cannot miss it) then turn right onto Domville Road (Blind Corner) near the Pie Shop follow it down (Steep Descent) to Otford Road then turn right (narrow bridge – one way traffic only) then down across the causeway and up the hill (Steep Road) till you reach Walker Street turn right and you will reach the main shopping center.

Alternative route - Take the Princes highway, or Heathcote Road if you are coming from the West/Menai follow the road until you reach Waterfall (ensure you are in the right hand lane) and follow arrows to the right pass the Illawarra sign to Old Princes Highway. You will pass Garrawarra Hospital. Follow that until you reach Parkes Street (roundabout) Turn left follow Parkes Street to main shopping centre.

From Wollongong
Main Route - Take Mt Ousley Road (M1 Princes Motorway) or Bulli Pass (B65) (Northern Suburbs) follow it for awhile until you reach Bulli tops. Keep left to stay on the M1 Princes Motorway. Stay on the Motorway until you see the sign Helensburgh/Stanwell Park first turnoff once on the Motorway. Turn right after exiting the motorway and stay on Old Princes Highway. You will see a roundabout after the underpass. Take the 2nd exit to stay on Old Princes Highway. When you reach the next Roundabout take the 2nd Exit onto Parkes Street. Follow Parkes Street to main shopping centre.

Scenic Route - Take Memorial Drive north towards Bulli where you will merge onto Princes Highway. Stay in the left lane pass Bulli. Your exit will be the left lane over the bridge into Thirroul. Follow Lawrence Hargrave Drive all the way through to Stanwell Park. The road at this point will start climbing up to Bald Hill (Steep). Turn Left or Turn Right for Bald Hill Lookout. There are 2 ways from here. If you turned right at the top to see Bald Hill Lookout. Upon leaving Bald Hill turn right follow road to the fork. Keep left and follow Otford Road to the township (Narrow Road). If you turned left keep following Lawrence Hargrave Drive till you see Walker Street on the right down the hill. Turn Right (Indicate Early) follow Walker Street to Shops.

By train
Catch the 4- or 8-car SCO service which depart hourly during weekends and off peak. (Peak times vary) You can catch this train from Bondi Junction P1/2, Edgecliff P1, Kings Cross P1 or Town Hall P4 in peak hours only and on the weekends. Normal services stop at Central (Platform 25 or 4 to 14). Redfern (Platform 12 or 2). Wolli Creek P4, Hurstville, Sutherland. Some Services stop all stations to Waterfall during peak periods. (Waterfall is Weekends only). Then alight at (Rear 6 Cars Only). The main township is about 30 minutes walk if you are a fast walker, 1 hour for slow walkers (Majority Steep Hills)Train Timetable

There is a local bus Route 15 available to transfer you to the Main CBD of Helensburgh. This trip takes around 15 minutes or so. Not all trains are serviced however the majority are.

Bus Timetable

By bicycle
There is a cycle lane running alongside the Princes, if you don't mind cycling alongside the 110 km/h traffic (or 120km/h as many vehicles tend to speed along there) with a rumble strip to protect you.

The Royal National Park route towards Stanwell Park and Helensburgh is a popular recreational cycle with the lycra-clad, especially on weekend mornings. People choose this route for the challenging hills rather than a utilitarian method of access, and the roads have narrow shoulders and cars and motorbikes taking on the hills and curves as well.

By taxi
Taxis run from Sutherland to Helensburgh, however they can be very expensive.

There is also an Uber running from Helensburgh.

See

Go next

 * Royal National Park
 * Stanwell Park
 * Wollongong

title: Helensburgh (New South Wales)


text:
Heligoland

Heligoland (German and Danish: Helgoland, North Frisian: Deät Lun) is a small German archipelago in the North Sea. It's a somewhat popular destination for one-day ship cruises. A feature of the island is almost total absence of car traffic, which makes it a safe and quiet location, and a hotspot for birdwatching.

Understand
Heligoland (or Helgoland, as it is known in German and Danish) is a somewhat odd case as it is the only German island that is not close to the coast or at least the mouth of a river (as is Borkum). The island belonged to Denmark until 1807, when it was occupied by British troops. It changed hands several times between the Danish, British and German governments, and in one example that is a widely known trivia fact in Germany, it was traded to Germany in the late 19th century for the German interest in Zanzibar (although the Heligoland-Zanzibar-treaty does not specify the islands to be exchanged, as Germany never had any kind of possession over Zanzibar). During the British period, German poet Hoffmann von Fallersleben (who wasn't a noble but born in Fallersleben, now part of Wolfsburg, hence the name) wrote a poem while in exile on the island that has been put to music that had been written for the Austrian emperor's hymn and thus became the "Lied der Deutschen", the German national anthem.

In World War II, Heligoland was extensively used by the German military, and, as a consequence of this, British forces bombed it heavily and tried to blow the island up after the war in one of the biggest non-atomic explosions to date. However this failed in destroying the island, as has - until now - the North Sea. The island of Düne (which has the airport on it) that is within immediate vicinity of Heligoland used to be connected but a storm flood in the 18th century separated the islands, meaning that to get from one to the other you will now have to use a ship or boat. Plans to reconnect the islands by technological means have been proposed but soundly rejected by the Heligolanders and are thus unlikely to come to fruition any time soon.

Heligoland is one of the most important breeding areas for a wide variety of sea birds and therefore environmental considerations make parts of the island off limits to all but scientists.

Similar to Åland, Heligoland also enjoys VAT exemption and thus duty free shopping can be enjoyed while on the island.

By boat
Daily tours are available from Cuxhaven and Büsum by boat and from Hamburg by high-speed catamaran. Most travelers visit Helgoland as day-trippers. Boat trips allow for a stay of up to 4 hours on the island. Among those operating trips are Helgoline.

Get around
Helgoland consists of a rather large sandstone island and a smaller sand island nearby. Both are worth strolling around. In general, motor vehicles and bicycles are prohibited on the archipelago. This prohibition has been enshrined in the federal traffic code (Straßenverkehrsordnung or StVO §50, in case you were curious).

The normal day trip stay of about 4 hours will give you ample time to walk around the cliff-top of the island, visit the aquarium and do some shopping. For a more in-depth experience a stay of at least one night is necessary. This will give you time to explore the island and the bathing-island called Düne with its fabulous beach and clear water.

See
Rock formations:

One of the largest gannet breeding areas in Europe. Bring a telephoto lens! The island offers multiple photo scenes, especially at the crumbling rocks and shore on the north side.

The Ornithological Station has guided tours once or twice a week. The weather permitting, they will demonstrate how they catch a bird and ring it.

Do
Visit the satellite island of Heligoland, Düne. Its beaches are very beautiful and often you can find seals lying on the sand.

Buy
Helgoland is a duty-free zone. Tobacco and alcohol may be purchased as well as electronics and other high-duty items. Heligoland's shops offer an extensive range of Scotch malt whiskies. Customs officers may search through your merchandise on re-boarding the boat so either stay below the limits or declare your imports.

Like in duty-free areas of some airports, you may also get sweets or liquor that isn't usually sold on the mainland or at least not in this packaging. Prices tend to be comparable to airports (i.e. high) for all but high duty goods, however.

Eat
During the day most restaurants will only offer small snacks as the average traveler only has a very restricted time on the island. Helgoland used to be the center of Germany's lobster fishing. Lobster is still served as a local speciality, as are crabs' claws (Knieper) and all varieties of local seafood (plaice, prawns, herring).

Drink
Helgoländer Eiergrog is made from brown and white rum, eggs, sugar and hot water. It is very high in alcohol and should be consumed with caution.

Sleep
There are many possibilities for all budgets, including a youth hostel. Accommodation, including camping on the beach, should be booked in advance as there will be no way to travel on, should the island be fully booked, once the ships have sailed in the afternoon.

 * The Düne island has a small camp-site for tents depending on the size of the tent: mid-June to mid-Sep €8-20, May to mid-June and mid-Sep to mid-Oct: €7-17 (2018).

Go next
As Heligoland is Germany's only island in the high seas, there are few if any connecting services. Most travellers return with the boat they came on to the port from which they set sail.

title: Heligoland


text:
Hell

There's more than one place called Hell, Hel or HEL:

Africa

 * Hell-Ville – A town on the island of Nosy Be, Madagascar

Europe

 * Hell – A village in Stjørdalshalsen, Norway.
 * Hel – A peninsula and city in Poland.
 * HEL – Helsinki Airport

North America

 * Hell (Michigan) – An unincorporated community in Michigan.
 * Hell's Kitchen – A neighborhood of New York City in the Theater District of Manhattan.
 * The abandoned community of Hell in Riverside County, California.
 * A group of black limestone formations called Hell near West Bay, Grand Cayman, in the Cayman Islands.

Underworld

 * Hell (Hades) – A place of eternal torment. Non-essential travel is discouraged.

title: Hell


text:
Wikivoyage:Joke articles/Hell (Hades)

Hell (also known as Hades and Aitch Ee Double Tooth Picks) is a place of eternal damnation in the Underworld. It is (for many travelers) the ultimate destination. Hell is popular with travelers rich and poor alike, at all times of year. The good news is that going to Hell requires little planning, but it's not for everyone.

History
Hell was created shortly after God created the Heavens and the Earth, serving as a place to banish the angel Lucifer when he rebelled against the Creator. Though an armistice was signed, Hell has nevertheless remained in a state of war with Heaven, from which it is separated by a De-Militarized Zone.

Politics
Hell has one political party: the National Socialist Party, though a top-level leadership position is being reserved for the guy who invented the half-hour "infomercial". Hell has been on the U.S. State Department's list of State Sponsors of Terrorism since last Tuesday. However, it's been on God's list since the Abel Incident.

Hell is not a member state of the UN, partially due to protest from the Vatican.

Landscape
It's a pit. A really deep pit, made up of nine concentric circles going all the way down to the center.

Flora and fauna
Although the vegetation is sparse in most parts of Hell, the Forest of Suicides in the Seventh Circle is a spectacular - albeit disturbing - sight, which has become a popular settlement area of late.

Three-headed hounds roam the muddy regions of the Third Circle.

Climate
Reports vary on the climate of Hell. Reputable Middle-Ages travelogue writer Dante Alighieri described it as dark and cold, and indescribably frigid at its center. However more recent descriptions suggest very high temperatures, with a snowball having little chance of surviving. Sounds like global warming has already affected the tourism appeal of this destination. One notable exception to this longstanding heat wave was a brief period on October 27, 2004 when Hell in fact froze over. Experts are still debating the nature of this cold snap, though anecdotal evidence suggests that it may have been caused by the Boston Red Sox winning the World Series.

Culture
A widely used greeting is "Hell-o", and visitors are expected to learn the word (they usually do) before they go to Hell.

Prepare
Bring a copy of Wikivoyage's guide on hot weather, printed on a non-flammable substrate — preferably asbestos.

Choose your wardrobe carefully; temperatures in Hell tend to be extreme, especially in high season.

Get in
Visas are available from many major religions, with the criteria varying depending on denomination. Some require a deliberate rejection of God and subsequent evil deeds, but others require only indifference, or even just a failure to faithfully execute a complex set of rites.

By boat
A small ferry crosses the River Styx as needed. Charon, the ferryman, is not a pleasant fellow, but is mostly harmless. The fare is one silver obolus (1/6 of a pre-Euro Greek drachma). When Charon is in a good mood (which is pretty much never) you can pay in other currencies: US$0.25, Can$37.43, or €0.02. Today Charon is not in a good mood. Find that obolus!

By handbasket
The easiest - and oftentimes the quickest - way to get to Hell is in a handbasket. And if you do, a nice way to not have to worry about the giant handbasket you will need to figure out how to park is to go in a bamboo one that will neatly burn up on your arrival. Get out quick!!

By car
Hell has an excellent highway system. (There are no stop signs or speed limits) Take the Road of Good Intentions to the Exit of Inaction.

Visitors from Sodom are advised to take the Highway to Hell, a modern expressway which bypasses Route 666, the road to ruin through downtown Gomorrah.

The road to Hell is wide and there are many who travel it.

By motorcycle

 * Ask any Hells Angels gang, they'll tell you where to go. Raise a little Hell of your own.

By plane
Hell is a major airline hub for all budget carriers.

 * Ryanair offer connections to Hell via The Moon St Hairy Camel Int'l Airport.

 * JetBlue offers regular one way economy-only flights to hell, albeit with a lengthy waiting period.

 * Bat Out of Hell is rapid and inexpensive, but the in-flight caterers only serve up leftover meat loaf. Two out of three ain't bad.

 * Hell's national airline, Con Air, currently has scheduled flights from Beijing, which depart at 1130 every Tuesday and Saturday, and return from Hell at 0900 on the same days.

By train
Trenitalia is currently the most popular national railway system to offer direct services to Hell. While fares are often quite low, you will have to make a brief connection in Purgatory before boarding one of the hourly Intercity services to Porto Inferno Centrale. Note: these trains offer second class compartments only. Do not try to board the trains bound for "Glory" with your ticket to Hell; violators will be persecuted.

Hell's transportation authority has partnered with the US to provide train service to and from Hell. From the west coast, Amtrak offers the Coast Hotlights, Operating from King Street Station in Seattle to Hell via Los Angeles and Limbo. In the east coast, Ahela operates high speed service from Washington, DC to Hell via Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York.

From Montréal, ask for the train d'enfer. It runs at a hellishly rapid pace. Just beware of vendors offering transport to Hull, a bitterly cold place.

Please note that Roman Catholic citizens are now forbidden to board any Coast Hotlights train traveling via Limbo. Night and early morning trains which skip the Limbo Station are available. In addition, passengers on the Ahela are advised that NDE's are normal.

If you are in Baden-Württemberg, you can take the Höllentalbahn ("Hell Valley Railway") from Freiburg or Donaueschingen, but be sure not to alight at Himmelreich Station which would take you to the exact opposite of the place you want to visit. Note that Baden-Württemberg has long-standing relations to Hell, and the Devil (German: "Teufel") even was Prime Minister of this state - in fact running on a ticket of the Christian Democrats.

Get around
You should definitely hire a guide; the Roman poet Virgil comes highly recommended because he can bring you back out on short notice.

Car rental is also widely available, mostly from car rental giant Hertz. Keep in mind that gas stations are scarce in hell. The only gas station you can find here is the state-owned Station Hell (widely known as S-Hell).

Hell's transportation authority operates a steel jail-like elevator, providing access to every level of the 9 circles in Hell.

See

 * The Gates of Hell (Limbo, outside the First Circle) are a sight not to be missed. Be sure to get snapshot of your travel companions walking past the inscription "Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here".

 * Phlegethon (Seventh Circle, outer ring) is the river of boiling blood, where violent sinners can be spotted, often gurgling under the surface. Fishing is not recommended.

 * Lake Cocytus (Ninth Circle, innermost reaches) is the pristine lake of ice where you can find Satan himself, chewing in his three mouths for all eternity the tortured souls of Brutus, Cassius, and Judas. The skate rental can be found on the eastern shore of the lake, next to the small passage leading to the other side of the planet (near Paradisio). Keep in mind that ice frequently cracks, moves, and sinks for no reason whatsoever.

A temporary location for Hells Bells is the Temple of Syrinx, until a permanent structure can be built.
 * Hells Bells, recently purchased from the Young Brothers of Australia, is clearly a majestic work of art. Fashioned by late 20th century artists, it has the appeal of Dark Ages Europe, when bubonic plague ruled the earth.

Do
Thou shalt:

 * 1) Worship other Gods.
 * 2) Take the Lord's name in vain.
 * 3) Violate the Sabbath.
 * 4) Dishonor your parents.
 * 5) Kill.
 * 6) Commit adultery.
 * 7) Steal.
 * 8) Bear false witness.
 * 9) Covet your neighbor's wife.
 * 10) Covet your neighbor's ass.
 * 11) Covet your neighbor's wife's ass.

Also to be noted, a great thing to take part in is the daily sadomasochism. Incorporating all of the famous things like whips and chains, and introducing new techniques such as the guillotine and burning the nether regions (quite the attraction in the Third Circle). No flash photography please, as cameras melt.

After significant protest from residents of Hell, the government has outlawed the use of the T-Mobile Sidekick. Violators will have their phone book and contents of phone posted on the internet, then prosecuted.

Make sure to see one of the daily Michael Bolton concerts.

Beach bums will enjoy our lake of burning sulphur, strategically located steps away from Darvaza. An excellent and unequalled place to work on a tan but be wary, you will burn very quickly while out enjoying the luxurious sandy beaches.

Buy
Shopping centers of every kind are abundant in Hell, and everything is always on sale at huge discounts. However, the only payment accepted is credit cards, and yours has gone over its credit limit.

Hell's charming central business district, Centralia, is built on a bed of flaming coal; ground temperatures routinely reach 900°F and the nightlife becomes hotter still as one approaches the core of the inferno. Why not bring back a few choice souvenir lumps of burning coal as holiday stocking stuffers for your little whiny ill-behaved hellions?

Eat
Eat nothing. Once you eat the food of the underworld, there's no leaving. Just ask the goddess Persephone, who was abducted by Hades and tricked into eating pomegranate seeds, so she had to become his queen.

Still many dine in Hell. Most noticeably Spartans, all 300 of them.

There are many theories as to why those who "dine in hell" are trapped there forever. One of these theories is that the food is so good the people just keep coming back for more. However, this was widely discredited by Persephone. "Those seeds were nasty!!" she said. "I think they were rotten, and they tasted sort of burned."

For obvious reasons, fire grilled is the preferred method of cooking in Hell for residents and travelers alike. Common ingredients include hot pepper, kimchi, gun powder, nitro, C4, and often pure fire.

Drink

 * The waters of the River Lethe are popular for the forgetfulness they induce. They can erase undeveloped photographic film, so be careful.

 * Beer is available, but unfortunately a few cases of 7-11, discovered in a warehouse last year, is the only option.

Sleep
There is no sleep for the wicked, except in Sihanoukville.

Staying the night with your inlaws from Hell is an option; just tell them you were going through Hell and happened to drop in. There is also a budget hotel in Hell downtown, called Hotel California. Here, you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.

Stay safe

 * Holy water will protect you from most threats in Hell. But be sure your holy water is authentic. You can import pope-certified holy water directly from the Vatican in case you don't trust your local parish.

 * There's a distinct lack of fire extinguishers; fire-proof clothing is essential. Be sure to bring extra clothes, as clothing is often melted or burned away (residents refer to this as "wear and tear".

 * Durex might help. If it fails, you might need to visit Whadda Hell Clinic to get the Morning After Pill.

 * When at the Meyer Centre in the Brisbane district, don't eat at the lower food court or go to Tops, especially on Saturdays. You are liable to be gassed, have your drinks and foodstuffs spiked. Visitors are warned to watch their food and drinks at all times; it's not just enough to be sitting next to them. Also, keep an eye out for strange people, you might be personally violated. I was gassed not one but THREE TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 * Caution: May freeze over if the Cubs win the world series, Lions win the Super Bowl, the Leafs win the Cup, or that hot cheerleader that says "Hell Will freeze over before I sleep with you" decides to sleep with you. Note: This is closely related to pigs flying. Some things happen when it is a cold day in hell, which occurs more frequently than a complete "freeze over". Just be aware that a lot of very strange things happen when the temperature takes a dip.

 * Avoid the police. It's not they are corrupt or anything, it's just they tend to believe that most tourists are spies sent from Heaven who should be hanged.

Connect

 * The incumbent local exchange carrier is the Hell's Bell Telephone Company. Any attempt to reach a live operator will take an eternity.

 * The (toll-free) number of the Beast is 800-666-HATE, or T Mobile subscribers can dial *666 from their cell phones

 * There have been many recent incidents involving an angry mob beating up people on cell phones, most notably one in a grey jumpsuit and horn rimmed glasses. For safety, Hell recommends that you do not say the following phrase when inside city limit: Can You Hear Me Now?

 * Internet access is occasionally available, but the service is wireless only, costs a fortune, is operated by AOL, and it's regulated by the Chinese. You will need an AC-DC laptop to connect to the Hell's Bell network via wi-fi hotspots sporadically appearing on the Highway to Hell.

 * Postal services are infamously worse than that of the USPS.

 * All outward correspondence should be routed through Poste Italiane, as their secondary headquarters can be found in Dis

Go next
Although visitors to this popular destination almost always stay here for all eternity, Dante once journeyed from here to Purgatory (then onward to Heaven). Best of luck!

A certain woman seems to be buying property at an alarming rate in a little-known sector of the Fourth Circle. She claims to be buying a "Stairway to Heaven" (See Image). However, she may extract a heavy toll for use of this route, as she is known for her greed. Such a stairway's exact whereabouts are unknown, though you may do well to trust the feeling you get when you look to the west.

Additionally, there are rumors of a bus stop which offers "round trips for some, but not for others..." out of Hell to points unknown.

title: Wikivoyage:Joke articles/Hell (Hades)


text:
Hell (Michigan)

Hell is a town of 266 people (as of 2000) in Livingston County, in Southeast Michigan, best known for... well, its name. Despite its small size — the "main drag" of Hell is all of three buildings — the community has become a popular tourist destination for its irreverent name alone. The local businesses are given amusingly devilish titles, painted with licking flames, and stocked with gruesome and kitschy souvenirs of the sort you usually only see around Halloween. Every so often you'll hear of a nationwide promotional contest in which the prize is "a trip to Hell".

Understand
The area was first settled by Europeans in 1838 by George Reeves, who owned a mill and general store. No-one is quite sure how the community got its name; one theory is that a pair of German travellers, upon disembarking in the hilly area, amused the locals by proclaiming it to be "So schön und hell", meaning so bright and beautiful. Another is that the swampy area was a good breeding ground for mosquitoes, and the traders canoeing through the area had a few choice words for their attackers. The third, and most widely believed, is that when the local officials asked what his settlement should be called, Reeves (possibly having overheard those German visitors) replied, "I don't care, you can name it Hell if you want to." Evidently, the name stuck.

One popular photograph depicts a wintertime town sign draped in icicles ("when Hell freezes over", which is also "a cold day in Hell"), and of course the community was kept massively busy on June 6, 2006, when most items were sold for $6.66. Hell was also the inspiration for a comic book entitled Hell, Michigan — created by Tilman Goins from Morristown, Tennessee — which chronicles the fictional residents' attempts to fight the demonic evil of their town. As an added attraction, visitors to Hell can buy a pass to become mayor for a day at a rate of around $100-110, at this website. Elijah Daniel, a popular comedian, rapper, and author, purchased this pass for August 30, 2017. He posted on Twitter about it and gained over 34,000 "likes". This spread lots of awareness about the town, with people from all over wanting to experience this extraordinary little town.

In 2015, the town of Hell was listed for sale at a price of $900,000. After nearly eight years on the market, the Phone Up Studios, Inc., acquired the town in December 2023. The sale marked the culmination of an extended period of real estate availability for Hell, resulting in a change of ownership and potential future developments under the stewardship of the acquiring company.

Aside from its fire-and-brimstone appeal, Hell is situated in the middle of the lovely Pinckney State Recreation Area. A short drive away from the village will bring you to lakes, rivers and forests for hiking, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing.

Get in
Hell is on a two-lane county road D-32 (Patterson Lake Road), about 5 minutes southwest of Pinckney; despite the saying, the road is paved with asphalt. The nearest major road is US-23 between Flint and Ann Arbor; from US-23, take MI-36 west to Pinckney, make a left on Dexter-Pinckney Rd., and then a right on Patterson Lake Road.

Get around
Given that downtown Hell is so small, you won't need anything more than your own two legs to get around. There's ample free parking by the general store and the ice cream parlor.

See

 * The non-denominational wedding chapel, enabling couples to tie the knot in Hell, for $66. Clergy not included; BYO or arrangements can be made with a local pastor. (Apparently, April Fool's Day is a popular time of year, and one couple opted for a cold day in Hell to finally make their vows.)

Events

 * Motorcycle runs and car cruises are popular in Hell during the warm months; late September features the Last Rides Reunion, in which over 40 hearses drive through town.

Go next

 * Paradise is only about 5.5 hours north on I-75, in the Upper Peninsula. Hell is usually hotter.

title: Hell (Michigan)


text:
Hella

Hella is a village in South Iceland, 97 km east of the capital city, Reykjavík. It's an important base for adventures into the highlands, to places such as Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. Hella is a very tranquil village of only about 750 inhabitants, situated on the South Iceland's interior lowlands. It was blessed with a beautiful setting, like a green oasis in the desert with the calm and beautiful Rangá river passing through and the stunning view to the surrounding highlands all around. Hella's economy relies on tourism, as well as the chicken factory, slaughter house, glass factory and horse breeding. The volcano Hekla is in the vicinity.

Get in
Public transportation has always been controversial subject in South Iceland. Bílar og Fólk offers bus trips in South Iceland, passing through Hella.

Do

 * Handicraft Markets Hekla Handverkshús is a handicraft market run by local women.
 * Horse Riding The local horse rental is Hekluhestar, leaving from the farm of Árbær, west of Hella.
 * Hóllinn Viewpoint A small hill, accessible from Freyvangur street, offers amazing view over the surrounding highlands, including Hekla Volcano and the glaciers.
 * Fishing The river of Ytri Rangá, passing through Hella, is one of Iceland's best salmon rivers, where the rich and famous come to fish. License can be bought through http://www.lax-a.is
 * Hóllinn Viewpoint A small hill, accessible from Freyvangur street, offers amazing view over the surrounding highlands, including Hekla Volcano and the glaciers.
 * Fishing The river of Ytri Rangá, passing through Hella, is one of Iceland's best salmon rivers, where the rich and famous come to fish. License can be bought through http://www.lax-a.is

Buy

 * Hekla Handverkshús The local women's coop offering a large variety of handicraft made by the local craftswomen. Next to Brenna Guesthouse.
 * Kökuval Konditori Bakery offering fresh bread, pastries, cakes, coffee and drinks earlier than other shops, great for breakfast. Located at Þingskálar 5, 850 Hella - Behind Hotel Mosfell.
 * Kjarval is the local supermarket, located by Road nr. 1. Locals head to Bónus in Selfoss, just over 30 km away for cheaper groceries.
 * Olís The local petrol station offers snacks, sweets, sandwiches, sodas and simple things for the car.

Eat

 * Kanslarinn Restaurant National Rd. 1 in Hella. Offers fast food and Icelandic cuisine such as lamb and fish, as well as beef. Cheap All you can eat lunch buffets every weekday until 13:00.
 * Árhús Café By Rangá riverbank. Offers coffee, tea, cakes, soup, salad, fast food and steaks and pizza buffet with soup and salad at midday on Fridays.
 * Hotel Rangá Restaurant is the most upscale restaurant, located 6 km west of Hella.

Drink

 * Kanslarinn Restaurant hosts occasional concerts, mostly classic rock.

title: Hella


text:
Hellertown

Hellertown is a borough in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. Smaller than the region's main municipalities, Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, Hellertown is located south of South Bethlehem. The two municipalities are separated by South Mountain, making Hellertown the perfect place to stay for visitors who want to be slightly removed from the city atmosphere.

Hellertown lies in the center of the highly populated Northeast megalopolis region of the U.S., 13 mi west of the Skylands and New Jersey state line, 57 mi north of Philadelphia, and 82 mi west of New York City.

By car

 * From the east/west, take Interstate 78 to Exit 67 (Hellertown/Bethlehem), and make a left at the stoplight, regardless of what direction you were traveling.
 * From the south, there are two options. One option is to take Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (North); that has an exit in nearby Allentown, and Hellertown can be accessed by taking the turnpike to the Lehigh Valley Interchange, and getting on Interstate 78 west from there. Another option is to take Route 309 North to Interstate 78 west, and follow to exit 67.
 * From the north, there are also two options. Once again, the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike can be taken to the Lehigh Valley Interchange, and from there take Interstate 78 west to exit 67. The other option is to take Route 33 South (which runs from Interstate 80 in Mount Pocono to Interstate 78 in Easton) to Interstate 78 east, then exiting at #67 for Hellertown/Bethlehem.

By limo

 * A&A Limousine Service, or
 * J&J Transportation, or
 * Your Way Taxi & Limo,

By bus
The town is also served by LANTA (Lehigh And Northampton Transportation Authority) Buses via the Westgate/South Bethlehem Line (Route 215). Bus routes and stop schedules are accessible LANta.

See

 * For great panoramic views of Lehigh Valley, take a drive or hike up South Mountain on Lehigh University's campus. The mountain separates South Bethlehem from Hellertown and boasts the Bethlehem Star, illuminating the night sky.  One can see the star from most places in Bethlehem and is a great tool for navigating the town.
 * For great panoramic views of Lehigh Valley, take a drive or hike up South Mountain on Lehigh University's campus. The mountain separates South Bethlehem from Hellertown and boasts the Bethlehem Star, illuminating the night sky.  One can see the star from most places in Bethlehem and is a great tool for navigating the town.

For more things to do in the area, check out the Allentown, Bethlehem or Easton pages.

Do

 * The borough has many parks to enjoy, the main of which being Dimmick Park. The park entrance is located at Depot & Durham Streets in Hellertown, but the parking lot is just a few feet down Durham Street. This park houses a community pool (open June through September, $2-$5 daily admission), many baseball fields, a pavilion, stage, public restrooms and a playground. Hellertown's other notable park is the Water Street Park on West Water Street, between Front Street and Creek Road. It houses another pavilion, walking trails, a bike park, a playground, and a volleyball sand court area. Other, smaller parks in the borough include Third Avenue Park (basketball courts and playground) and the East High Street Playground. The "Grist Mill", as it is locally known, also houses a number of baseball fields on West Walnut Street.
 * Skiing. This is a popular activity in nearby mountains. Most skiing areas are closed seasonally, since snow can usually only be manufactured from about November to April. Bear Creek Mountain Resort and Blue Mountain Ski Area are a short drive away in Macungie and Palmerton, respectively. Larger, world-famous ski resorts, including Jack Frost & Big Boulder, are in the Poconos, about an hour drive north on Route 33 to Interstate 80.
 * The summer provides a great opportunity to float down the Delaware river through Bucks County River Country. In Jim Thorpe, River Adventures Inc. will take you white-water rafting down the Lehigh River.  There are numerous lakes, creeks, rivers, ponds, and canals for water sports.

For more things to do in the Lehigh Valley, check out the Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton pages.

Eat and drink

 * Many pizzerias and Italian Restaurants also line Hellertown's Main Street. Local names include Antonio's Pizza (at West Depot Street), DiMaios Italian Restaurant (in Shoppes at Hellertown Plaza at McAdoo Avenue/Polk Valley Road), and Feasta Pizza (in Creekside Marketplace Plaza just outside of Hellertown near Meadows Road).
 * A wealth of restaurants can be found just five minutes away from Hellertown in Bethlehem. Bethlehem Brew Works, Starter's Pub, and Godfrey Daniel's Coffeehouse are hot spots for area college students and adults alike.
 * Many pizzerias and Italian Restaurants also line Hellertown's Main Street. Local names include Antonio's Pizza (at West Depot Street), DiMaios Italian Restaurant (in Shoppes at Hellertown Plaza at McAdoo Avenue/Polk Valley Road), and Feasta Pizza (in Creekside Marketplace Plaza just outside of Hellertown near Meadows Road).
 * A wealth of restaurants can be found just five minutes away from Hellertown in Bethlehem. Bethlehem Brew Works, Starter's Pub, and Godfrey Daniel's Coffeehouse are hot spots for area college students and adults alike.
 * Many pizzerias and Italian Restaurants also line Hellertown's Main Street. Local names include Antonio's Pizza (at West Depot Street), DiMaios Italian Restaurant (in Shoppes at Hellertown Plaza at McAdoo Avenue/Polk Valley Road), and Feasta Pizza (in Creekside Marketplace Plaza just outside of Hellertown near Meadows Road).
 * A wealth of restaurants can be found just five minutes away from Hellertown in Bethlehem. Bethlehem Brew Works, Starter's Pub, and Godfrey Daniel's Coffeehouse are hot spots for area college students and adults alike.

For more places to eat and drink in the Lehigh Valley, check the listings on the Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton pages.

Sleep
The closest hotel is the Holiday Inn Express, which is in South Bethlehem, but is half a block away from the border with Hellertown on Cherry Lane.

The region has over 100 hotels and motels and many quaint Bed and Breakfasts for a quick romantic getaway. Find them on the Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton pages.

Tourist information

 * Discover Lehigh Valley, 1250 Simon Blvd., Easton,

Phones
In Hellertown, like all Lehigh Valley locations, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484.

Other Lehigh Valley locations

 * Allentown, 10 mi
 * Bangor, 28 mi
 * Bethlehem, 5 mi
 * Easton, 12 mi
 * Emmaus, 13 mi
 * Fogelsville, 18 mi
 * Nazareth, 15 mi
 * Phillipsburg, NJ, 13 mi
 * Slatington, 26 mi
 * Whitehall Township, 12 mi

Regional cities and locations

 * Atlantic City, 118.9 mi
 * Harrisburg, 91.7 mi
 * New York City, 81.9 mi
 * Philadelphia, 56.8 mi
 * The Poconos, 54.6 mi

title: Hellertown


text:
Hellissandur

Hellissandur is a village on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. The village is considered one of the first fishing villages on Iceland, existing already in the 16th century, when people elsewhere mostly lived on agriculture. Fishing and fish processing are still the primary sources of income for most people, although also tourism has become important. The village Rif, 3 km away, is often regarded part of the same village. Together they have a population of about 500.

Get in
Road 54 leads by the coast of the peninsula, starting at the Ring Road in Borgarnes some 150 km away. The other end connects to road 60, Vestfjarðavegur, leading northward to the West Fjords. When the road from Borgarnes hits the northern coast, turn left to road 574, Utnesvegur, which leads around the tip of the peninsula. This road leads to Ólafsvik, Rif and Hellisandur before it enters Snæfellsjökull National Park.

See

 * The tallest construction in Western Europe, a 412 meter high guyed radio tower for longwave broadcasting, is situated here.
 * The maritime museum, focusing on rowing boats, but also displaying marine engines and turf roof houses.

Eat
The Hotel Hellissandur is one of the few places to eat in Hellissandur. A small convenience store is also there, but the major city is Ólafsvík.

Go next

 * The northern entrance to Snæfellsjökull National Park is just outside the village. Driving the Utnesvegur road south and west around the Peninsula from Hellissandur is unpaved for a considerable distance.

title: Hellissandur


text:
Hellvik

Hellvik is a village of 900 people (2021) in Hå municipality in Rogaland in Norway, north of Egersund and south of Sirevåg. The village has a good natural harbour and is a popular location for holiday houses.

Get in
Hellvik is a train station on Jærbanen between Stavanger and Egersund. Only local trains stop at Hellvik (not express nor regional ones).

Do
Hellvik has some small, hidden away places for swimming.

Sleep
Hellvik has no inns nor hotels. However, a lot of people own summer houses in Hellvik, and some of these can be rented.

title: Hellvik


text:
Helmsdale

Helmsdale is a fishing village in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, about two hours by road or rail north of Inverness. In 2011 its population was 764. The name derives from Norse Hjalmundal, the "Dale of the Helmet".

Understand
The village was planned and built on a grid pattern in the early 19th century to accommodate those who were being evicted from the valleys above to make way for sheep, the infamous Highland Clearances. There was a brief gold rush along the river in 1869.

Local information

 * Helmsdale community website

Get in
Long-distance travel is usually via Inverness, which has an airport, and trains, buses and highways from the south.

Trains from Inverness run via Dingwall, Tain, Golspie (for Dunrobin Castle) and Brora to Helmsdale, taking 2 hr 30 min, with four M-Sa and one on Sunday. They continue north to Thurso (for Orkney ferries) and Wick.

is 200 yards west of the village. It's just a platform halt with no ticket office, machines or other facilities - buy your ticket on board if you start from here. There is level access to Platform One southbound but stairs over the footbridge to Platform Two northbound.

Stagecoach Highlands Bus X99 takes 2 hours from Inverness via Tain, Dornoch and Brora to Helmsdale, with four M-Sa and two on Sunday, and continues to Wick and Thurso.

Stagecoach Bus 66 runs three times a day from Lairg via Golspie and Brora to Helmsdale, 80 min. Lairg has buses to Kinlochbervie and Durness on the west coast.

Get around
The village is walkable but you need wheels to reach the distillery or Badbea.

See

 * Helmsdale Castle was an L-plan tower house built 1488 just south of the river. In 1567 the Earl's aunt tried to poison her way to the succession. The last of the ruins were cleared away in the 1970s when A9 was re-aligned across the bridge, so all you see now is a monument by the roadside.
 * Emigrants' Statue adjacent commemorates the Scots of the diaspora to the colonies, and those dispossessed by the clearances (not quite the same thing). Completed in 2007, its sculptor was born in Helmsdale but went out to the South Africa goldfields. A matching statue was unveiled in Winnipeg in 2008, where a group from Helmsdale had been among the founder families.
 * Emigrants' Statue adjacent commemorates the Scots of the diaspora to the colonies, and those dispossessed by the clearances (not quite the same thing). Completed in 2007, its sculptor was born in Helmsdale but went out to the South Africa goldfields. A matching statue was unveiled in Winnipeg in 2008, where a group from Helmsdale had been among the founder families.

South of town

 * records the killing of the last wolf in Scotland around 1800. The claim is possible, but 1700 is a likelier date. Wolves were hunted or trapped to extinction in England and Wales by 1500, and in Ireland by 1786. The bleak hills of Sutherland are one area proposed for their re-introduction.
 * is an Iron Age broch, which looks to have been built over a Bronze Age village and burial site. It's free to access 24 hours.
 * is an Iron Age broch, which looks to have been built over a Bronze Age village and burial site. It's free to access 24 hours.

North of town

 * is a substantial Iron Age tower from 2nd or 3rd century BC; it was repaired 2015-20 and the access path was improved. In 1201 it may have marked the boundary between Viking and Scots territory, as William King of Scotland faced down Harald the Elder here. Nearby are ruins of the clearance village of Borg, but those at Badbea are better.
 * (pronounced "bad-bay") is an abandoned village 5 miles north of Helmsdale along A9. There are many poignant ruins across this region whose inhabitants were evicted to make way for sheep, but Badbea is the other way round: from 1792 evicted crofters gathered in this area, and were given small plots of land (useless even for sheep) to tend and on which to build their own houses. They also found employment in herring fishing. By the late 19th century that was unprofitable, and the villagers drifted away to the cities and to the colonies. The site is freely accessible 24 hours: park on A9 and follow the soggy track south for half a mile.
 * is a medieval ruin on a coastal promontory.
 * is a memorial on the hillside where an RAF Sunderland flying boat crashed on 25 Aug 1942. Fourteen of the 15 aboard were killed, including Prince George, Duke of Kent, the first British royal death on active service since James IV was slain at Flodden. The plane was heading through fog to Iceland, and it's thought strong winds pushed it inland from its intended course; the Duke's lurid early life prompted all sorts of alternative stories.
 * is a village 15 miles north of Helmsdale on A9. It was the birthplace of the novelist Neil Gunn (1891-1973), best known for "The Silver Darlings". Dunbeath Heritage Museum (Tu W F 10AM-4PM) covers his work, a major component of the 20th century rebirth of Scottish literature. Dunbeath Broch half a mile upriver is an Iron Age redoubt. Dunbeath Castle teetering on the cliff edge a mile south of the village is private, no tours. Laidhay Croft Museum a mile north up A9 is a 250-year-old thatched longhouse.
 * See Wick for points north of Latheron, where A9 heads north inland to Thurso while A99 follows the coast to Wick and John o'Groats. Useful to know: "Latheron" is from the Gaelic for "muddy place".

Do

 * Football: Brora Rangers play soccer in the Highland League, Scotland's regional fifth tier. They often do well and for some years have been knocking on the door of promotion to the professional leagues, but play-off setbacks and covid have thwarted this. Their home ground is Dudgeon Park in Brora, capacity 4000.
 * Golf: Helmsdale GC is nine holes. Twice round off yellow tees is 3720 yards, par 60.
 * Brora GC is 18 holes, white tees 6211 yards, par 70.

 * Helmsdale Highland Games are held on Couper Park: parades, pipe bands, tug of war, caber-tossing, and track and field events. The next are on Sa 17 Aug 2024.

Buy

 * No supermarkets, just convenience stores: Spar in Helmsdale (M-Sa 6AM-10PM, Su 8AM-10PM) and Co-op Food in Brora (daily 7AM-10PM).

Drink

 * Bannockburn Inn is on Stafford St the main road. The bar is open 4PM till late. They serve meals and have rooms.
 * Rum is only produced in a handful of places across Scotland; the micro-distillery revival of the 2010s was mostly about gin. Scots Rum is a Helmsdale-based venture to make more. Ominously, the website extols piratical traditions in the same breath as crowd-funding the planned distillery via cryptocurrency, so it's unclear when or if anyone will get to drink any rum, or reap any other return on investment.

Sleep

 * Helmsdale Marina permits overnight parking of motorhomes.

Connect
As of July 2022, Helmsdale and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Three, and a basic mobile signal from Vodafone. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * North are Wick and Thurso, in former Norse territory dotted with ancient remains.
 * John o'Groats itself is worth skipping, but nearby are Dunnet Head (true north tip of Great Britain), Castle of Mey and Duncansby Head.
 * Tain to the south has the Glenmorangie whisky distillery.
 * Inverness is the agreeable Victorian town that all north Highland routes lead back to.
 * North Coast 500 is a motoring itinerary that loops through Helmsdale.
 * Space: David Mackay, born in Helmsdale in 1957, is Chief Pilot for Virgin Galactic and has flown three sub-orbital missions to date. The journey has to start somewhere, so why not in a quiet Scottish village; Per Auchterarder Ad Astra as they say.

title: Helmsdale


text:
Helmsley

Helmsley is a market town in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, with a population of 1348 in 2021. The main attraction in town is Helmsley Castle, while Rievaulx Abbey is 3 miles west; the North York Moors surround the town.

Get in
East Yorkshire Bus 128 runs from Scarborough via Seamer, Brompton, Thornton-le-Dale, Pickering and Kirkbymoorside to Helmsley. It takes just under two hours and runs hourly M-F, every two hours Saturday. Pickering also has buses from Malton and in summer has heritage steam trains from Whitby.

Reliance Bus 31X runs two or three times M-Sa from York via Easingwold, Coxwold, Byland Abbey and Ampleforth to Helmsley, occasionally continuing to Kirkbymoorside.

The Moorsbus runs in July and August. M4 runs twice on Saturday from Redcar and Guisborough via Stokesley and Rievaulx Abbey to Hemsley and Sutton Bank. M5 runs once on Saturday from Stokesley via Northallerton, Thirsk, Byland Abbey and Ampleforth to Helmsley.

By road the usual approach is on A170 east from Thirsk, but caravans and heavy vehicles must not attempt Sutton Bank, where the road clambers up the scarp of the moors. Another scenic route, popular with motorcyclists, is B1257 from Stokesley near Middlesbrough.

Get around
The town is compact and Rievaulx is about an hour's hike. You need wheels to reach Nunnington Hall or to get around the countryside.

See

 * Market Place is well-preserved and lined with buildings mainly from the early 19th century.
 * The Walled Garden is behind the castle. It's open Apr-Oct: daily 10AM-5PM, adult £8, child free.
 * National Centre for Birds of Prey is at Duncombe Park. It's open Feb-Dec: daily 10AM-5:30PM; adult £9, child £6.50, no dogs.
 * Rievaulx Terrace is the Duncombe family's 1750s prettification of the site. It's a long grassy terrace on the hillside, with a couple of mock Doric temples, from which to gaze down at the abbey ruins. It's run by the National Trust and is a separate ticket from the abbey itself. Adult £7.35, child £3.70, NT free. Enter off B1257 half a mile east of the abbey.
 * See Thirsk for Byland Abbey a little further west.
 * is even more modern. It hosts a community of Benedictine nuns who relocated here from Stanbrook in Worcestershire in 2009. You can attend their church services.
 * See Malton for Castle Howard a few miles south.
 * See Pickering for Ryedale Folk Museum at Hutton-le-Hole.
 * is even more modern. It hosts a community of Benedictine nuns who relocated here from Stanbrook in Worcestershire in 2009. You can attend their church services.
 * See Malton for Castle Howard a few miles south.
 * See Pickering for Ryedale Folk Museum at Hutton-le-Hole.
 * See Malton for Castle Howard a few miles south.
 * See Pickering for Ryedale Folk Museum at Hutton-le-Hole.

Do

 * Helmsley Arts Centre puts on music, theatre, comedy etc.
 * Walk: The Cleveland Way starts at Helmsley castle. It heads west to Rievaulx Abbey; to loop around the abbey and return to Helmsley is seven miles. The trail continues to Sutton Bank, then turns north along the edge of the moors through Osmotherley, Guisborough, Saltburn, Whitby, Scarborough and Filey. The whole trail is 110 miles.
 * Walk: The Cleveland Way starts at Helmsley castle. It heads west to Rievaulx Abbey; to loop around the abbey and return to Helmsley is seven miles. The trail continues to Sutton Bank, then turns north along the edge of the moors through Osmotherley, Guisborough, Saltburn, Whitby, Scarborough and Filey. The whole trail is 110 miles.

Buy

 * The market is in the main square every Friday, plus often a craft fair upstairs in Town Hall.

Eat

 * Town centre choices include Helmsley Spice, La Trattoria, Bantam (below), the hotel bars, and several tea shops.
 * Vinehouse Cafe is within the walled garden, open Tu-Su 10AM-3PM.
 * Vinehouse Cafe is within the walled garden, open Tu-Su 10AM-3PM.

Drink

 * The Black Swan on Market Place also has rooms.
 * Helmsley Brewing Company on Bridge St is a micro-brewery with a range of five ales. Tours are available on Wednesdays, £8.
 * Helmsley Brewing Company on Bridge St is a micro-brewery with a range of five ales. Tours are available on Wednesdays, £8.

Sleep

 * Others in town include The Royal Oak and The Garden Cottage where you can stay in a converted railway carriage.
 * Others in town include The Royal Oak and The Garden Cottage where you can stay in a converted railway carriage.
 * Others in town include The Royal Oak and The Garden Cottage where you can stay in a converted railway carriage.
 * Others in town include The Royal Oak and The Garden Cottage where you can stay in a converted railway carriage.
 * Others in town include The Royal Oak and The Garden Cottage where you can stay in a converted railway carriage.

Connect
As of June 2020, Helmsley and its main approach roads have a decent mobile and 4G signal, though EE and Three may be scratchy indoors. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * Thirsk is best known as the home of vet "James Herriot", and for its racetrack.
 * Scarborough is a Victorian seaside resort. Cliffs stretch north through picturesque Robin Hood's Bay to Whitby; south are Filey, Bridlington and Flamborough Head.
 * York retains its medieval walls and has a great collection of sights and attractions.

title: Helmsley


text:
Helmstedt

Helmstedt is a city in the Brunswick Land in Lower Saxony, Germany.

Understand
Helmstedt is one of several settlements surrounding the Elm mountain range, rich in a unique type of limestone known as "Elm Limestone" (German: Elmkalkstein) which was mined in medieval times as a building material. Limestone from the region was used for the tomb of Henry the Lion, the imperial cathedral of Königslutter, buildings in Berlin's Olympiapark, and numerous public and church buildings. In the Middle Ages Königslutter was among the most wealthy cities of the Holy Roman Empire. The city was a member of the Hanseatic League through the 15th and 16th centuries, and in 1576 the University of Helmstedt was founded, which was the largest university of protestant Germany.

In the nearby Lappwald forest, a natural spring was discovered around 1755, and a health resort was founded. The spa was a regionally important destination until the spring dried up around 1894, likely as a result of intensive lignite mining throughout the area.

During the 20th century, the area between Helmstedt and Schöningen was used for lignite mining by the Braunschweigische Kohlenbergwerke AG. Several villages were destroyed by surface mining and their inhabitants moved to Helmstedt, Schöningen and to the newly built village of Neu Büddenstedt, later renamed Büddenstedt.

In the second half of the 20th century, Helmstedt and its eastern neighbor Marienborn were best known as the the largest checkpoint along the inner-German border during the division of Germany. Known by western allies as Checkpoint Alpha, the crossing was along one of the most direct Autobahn routes to West Berlin from West Germany. Today, museums and monuments in the area document this era, and some of the buildings on the former East German checkpoint grounds are a memorial site that offers exhibitions and site tours. Evidence of the checkpoint are also easy to see from the Autobahn, including an old watch tower, pillars that once held the emblem of the DDR in the centre median, and extensive rest areas on the western approach that were built by the government to accommodate delayed eastbound traffic.

By car
A2 towards Berlin (driving east) or Hanover (driving west). Take exit 62-Helmstedt-Zentrum toward HE-Zentrum/Bad Helmstedt.

Go next

 * Wolfsburg
 * Brunswick
 * Königslutter
 * Eisleben
 * Schöningen

title: Helmstedt


text:
Helper

Helper is a town in Northeastern Utah.

Understand
Helper is a town just north of Price, founded in 1881 because of the location along the railroad. It was named because of the helper cars needed on the railroad to help the trains get up the mountain.

Just to the east of the city you can take a little hike to a few different ghost towns (they were coal mining towns). Spring Canyon Trail follows the abandoned railroad line that served the coal camps of Peerless, Spring Canyon, Standardville, Latuda, Rains and Mutual. The paved trail winds though the canyon past the old town sites where only ghosts remain. Several parking areas and restroom facilities are available along the trail.

Get in

 * Amtrak. Helper is served by the California Zephyr than runs between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Do

 * Hike or mountain bike the trail systems around town.
 * Visit The Helper Museum, 294 S Main St. Mining artifacts and lore.

.

title: Helper


text:
Helsingborg

Helsingborg is in the Scania province of southern Sweden. Historic Helsingborg, with its many old buildings, is a scenic coastal city. The buildings are a blend of old-style stone-built churches and a 600-year-old medieval fortress (Kärnan) in the city centre, and more modern commercial buildings.

Understand
Helsingborg is on the east side of the Oresund on Sweden's south-west coast. It's Sweden's 8th largest municipality with a population of about 128,000 (2009). Major businesses are service, trade, industry and tourism. In 2000 a branch of the University of Lund opened in the former Tretorn rubber factories a stone's throw from the Denmark ferries.

On the opposite side of the sound in Denmark is Helsingør. Before the Malmö–Copenhagen Øresund bridge was finished, most of the trans-Scandinavian traffic (transit and tourist) used the ferries between Helsingborg and Helsingør. There is still heavy traffic across the Sound here because of the high population density on either side of the border. In addition, the ferries are usually somewhat cheaper than the fees for the bridge and they often provide a shorter route compared to the bridge.

By train
is in the lower level of Knutpunkten, a massive complex on the waterfront which also includes the ferry terminal.

From Malmö and Lund, there are three trains an hour to Helsingborg; the trip takes 40 minutes on the fastest routes, or just over an hour on the mauve Pågatåg local trains. Trains run hourly from Copenhagen (1¼ hours) and Kastrup Airport (1 hour) to the south, and from Göteborg (2½ hours) to the north. Hourly trains run from Hässleholm (1 hour), of which some originate in Kristianstad (1hr 20min). Tickets for these trains are issued at fixed prices by the Skånetrafiken transport authority, and are also valid on local transport at either end of the route.

Stockholm-bound travellers usually have to change to a SJ express train in Hässleholm or Lund.

An alternative route to Copenhagen is to take the ferry across to Helsingør (20 min), where the trains to the Danish capital are more frequent (45 min). This can be faster than waiting for an hourly direct train, and is also cheaper. Skånetrafiken can sell combined tickets that cover both the ferry and train.

By bus
There are regular bus services between Helsingborg and Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Gothenburg and other cities along the way towards these cities. The major bus companies are Vy (Bus4You) and Flixbus.

By car
By E4 from Stockholm in the north, and E6 from Malmö in the south and from Gothenburg/Oslo in the north.

By boat
From Helsingör, Denmark, it's a 20-minute ferry ride across the sound, with ferries departing every 15 minutes most of the day. At night, there is at least one ferry every hour.

Ferries are operated by Sundsbusserne and ForSea.

By plane
The Ängelholm-Helsingborg Airport is situated approximately 40 km from Helsingborg and has daily flights to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (SAS) and Stockholm-Bromma (Kullaflyg), weekly flights to Visby and seasonal flights to Mora.

Copenhagen Airport is about one hour away by train.

Get around
Practically all public transport goes through the train/ferry terminal Knutpunkten (Helsingborg C), including regional and long-distance trains and buses as well as local buses.

Skånetrafiken runs the local and regional bus and train system, and if you intend on spending some time in the Skåne-region it is highly recommended that you get the so-called Jojo-card which is a prepay card that gives you 20% off any ticket. Additionally a duo/family ticket will give you another 10% off (for up to 2 adults and 3 children).

By public transport
Bus is the main means of transport in town. Buses run from early morning till around midnight and a little later on Fridays and Saturdays. The city bus system (Green buses) connects most of the city and all but one (#2) stay within one fare zone. Single trip costs 19 kr, but it's not possible to pay with cash on the buses. Regional buses (Yellow buses) connect to nearby towns.

There are two further stations beyond Helsingborg C, but these are unlikely to be useful to tourists travelling within the city.

By taxi
Taxi rides are rather expensive in Helsingborg and there is little competition. They can be found right outside Helsingborg C main entrance, next to the Marina Plaza hotel.

Do

"Tura" is a Swedish expression for the local tradition of having dinner on the ferries (Scandlines). During summer and the weeks leading up to Christmas you should make reservations in advance. Quite possibly the most classic of Helsingborgian experiences.

Buy
The main shopping areas are the pedestrian streets Kullagatan, Bruksgatan and Södra Storgatan, as well as the main streets surrounding them in downtown Helsingborg.

Just outside the city there is Väla, one of Scandinavia's largest shopping centers.

Getting online

 * Free public Wi-Fi offered by the City of Helsingborg at several places in the city center.
 * Sidewalk Express, Knutpunkten (Railway Station). 29 kr for 90 minutes (you can't get a ticket for less than 90 minutes).
 * MAX, Swedish fast food chain offers free WiFi (WLAN) on all its locations. In Helsingborg they can be found downtown on Södergatan 15 and at Väla Centrum.

Eat
Helsingborg is known as somewhat the gastronomical center of Sweden, having some of the greatest chefs in the country.

Like so many other Swedish towns there's a great foreign influence which means there's an abundance of foreign fast food and take out places serving pizza, kebab, falafel, Chinese, Thai, Middle Eastern and so on.

Drink
A lot of bars can be found downtown, inside or near Knutpunkten (Train station/Ferry terminal).

During Summer, the district Norra Hamnen (North Harbour) with its marina is highly recommended.

Koppi Cafe and Roaster in the core of Helsingborg are places where you drink fancy coffee.

Budget

Swedish hostels in general do not include free linen and towels, but they will be supplied at an extra charge.

Go next

 * Kullaberg/Mölle is an easy day trip and a must in late Spring/Summer. Kullaberg national reserve offers nature trails with great views over Öresund and the surrounding countryside. Take regional (yellow) bus 220 towards Höganäs (Mölle).
 * Denmark: Helsingør (Helsingör) is easily accessible by ferry (20 minutes). For Humlebæk and Copenhagen take a ferry to Helsingør, then a train. Ticket for the whole trip (one way or return) can be bought at the Ferry ticket window.
 * Lund, the university town (more than 40,000 students) of south Sweden and one of the oldest and most historic towns in Sweden.
 * Malmö is Sweden's third most populous city (~300,000 people) and the main Swedish city of the region.

title: Helsingborg