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Sofia

Sofia (София) is the capital of Bulgaria. It is also the biggest city in the country with about 2 million citizens (including suburbs). Today, Sofia is a dynamic European capital, distinguished by its unique combination of European and communist-style architecture as well as many beautiful Orthodox churches. Furthermore, it claims to be one of the few European capitals with beautiful scenery and a developed ski-resort so close to it, the Vitosha mountain.

Understand

Sofia was founded around 2,500 years ago. Over the centuries, it has had several names: Serdika, Sredets and the remains of the old cities can still be viewed today. Near Sofia lies Boyana church, which is one of the most valuable memorials of Bulgarian and European culture. The church has frescoes, acclaimed by specialists as the best examples of eastern medieval art from the 13th century AD. The decline of Sofia during the Turkish Ottoman Empire was followed by the rejuvenation after the Russian liberation in 1878, when Sofia was chosen as the capital of Bulgaria at the First National Constituent Assembly, and followed by a brisk and straightforward period of construction.

Tourist information

 * VisitSofia.bg, Sofia's official tourist information website. Available in several languages, including English.

By plane

Over 20 airlines operate service to/from Sofia, with direct flights to/from Athens, Paris, Vienna, London, Rome, Amsterdam, Munich, Warsaw and other European cities. There are also domestic flights from Varna and Burgas.

Along with traditional carriers, some low-cost companies serving Bulgaria are EasyJet (to/from London-Gatwick, Madrid, Manchester) and Wizz Air (to/from Paris-Beauvais, Barcelona, Brussels-Charleroi, Dortmund, Eindhoven, London-Luton, Milan-Bergamo, Rome-Fiumicino, Valencia) and RyanAir. Bulgaria Air, the national carrier operates service to/from Alicante, Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Beirut, Berlin, Brussels, Bucharest, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Larnaca, London (Gatwick & Heathrow), Madrid, Málaga, Manchester, Palma de Mallorca, Paphos, Paris, Rome, Skopje, Tel Aviv, Tirana, Tripoli, Valencia, Vienna and Zürich.

Budget airlines including EasyJet, Eurowings and Wizz Air operate from Terminal 1, while the traditional carriers including Bulgaria Air but also Ryanair operate from Terminal 2. There are shops, cafes, post offices, ATMs, and money exchange offices at the airport. For more details, see the airport website.

There is a free shuttle bus operating between Terminals 1 and 2 every 15–30 minutes between 05:00 and 23:00. Outside of those hours, a free shuttle bus can be requested at the information desk or you can use Busses #84 or 184 depending on direction (see below). After midnight you might asked to book a cab for such ride.

To travel between the airport and the city centre:

 * Sofia Metro Line 4 (Yellow) operates service to the airport between 05:30 and 24:00. The stop is next to Terminal 2 (leave the building and go east). The journey to the city centre takes 20–30 minutes. The journey to the central bus station takes approximately 35 minutes and a transfer is required. A single ticket costs 1.60 лв. You no longer need an extra ticket for each piece of large luggage. You can also buy a day ticket for all modes of public transport for 4 лв. The access gates as well as some ticket vending machines also accept credit cards and payment apps such as Apple Pay.
 * Public Busses #84 and 184 operates service between both terminals and the city centre. The journey takes 30–40 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from news stands or ticket machines in the airport as well as by contactless payment aboard. A single ticket costs 1.60 лв. An extra ticker for large luggage is no longer needed. The bus makes a stop at Orlov Most (Sofia University metro station), where you can transfer to the metro.
 * Taxi service from the airport is regulated. OK Supertrans AD is the only contracted taxi operator from the airport. It is best to request a taxi either from the taxi stand to the right when you leave the arrivals area or the taxi office right adjacent to the exit from the baggage reclaim. Beware of touts offering taxi service as well as non-contracted taxis with the fake "OK" logo which usually wait in front of the terminal instead on the official taxi rank besides it. A taxi to the city center will cost approximately 15 лв. The regulated taxi fare is: initial fee of 0.70 лв, price per km 0.79 лв in the day or 0.90 лв at night, price per minute of stay of 0.22 лв, price for ordering a taxi via phone of 0.50 лв. You can also use the Ridenow Taxi app.

By bus
Eurolines Bulgaria is the largest operator of international buses to/from Bulgaria. Buses operate to/from Belgrade (5 hr, ) and other cities in Serbia, Vienna (15½ hr, ) and other cities in Austria, Paris (36 hr, ) and other cities in France, Berlin (28 hr, ) and other cities in Germany, Budapest (11-13 hr, ), and Prague (21 hr, ).

MATPU 96 is the largest operator of buses in Bulgaria. The schedule is available in Bulgarian and English online. Buses operate several times per day from Skopje (5½ hr, ).

Another company running between Skopje and Sofia is Kaleia Travel with two departure per day, 07:00 and 17:30 (both ways). Ticket booth no. 10 in the main terminal building. 40 лв.

Three smaller bus stations serve national and local lines:

By train
Sofia is perhaps the largest railway hub in the country. A list of all the available daily trains would resemble a description of Bulgaria's railway network. Nevertheless:

A major line through North Bulgaria connects Sofia to Varna on the Black Sea coast (8-8½ hr, sleeper cars available on overnight trains). It passes through Shumen (about 7 hr), Targovishte (6½ hr) and Pleven (3-3¾ hr). Off the line, Ruse (about 7 hr) and Veliko Tarnovo (5-6½ hr) require changing at Gorna Oryahovitsa. In the North-West, Vidin (5-6½ hr) and Vratsa (2-3 hr) require changing at Mezdra. The line crosses the Balkan Mountains through the scenic Iskar Gorge, about an hour away from Sofia, so keep your camera ready.

South of the Balkan Mountains, another major line connects Sofia with Plovdiv (2½-3 hr) and with Burgas on the Black Sea (7-8 hr, sleeper cars on late trains). There's also the smaller Sub-Balkan Line which runs below the southern slopes of the mountains, through the Sub-Balkan Valleys. The network ensures direct trains from Yambol (6-6½ hr), Stara Zagora (5 hr), Svilengrad by the Greek/Turkish border (5 hr), and Pazardzhik (2-2½ hr).

Another line descends south from Sofia towards the Greek border, with direct trains from Pernik (40 min), Kyustendil by the North Macedonian Border (3 hr), Blagoevgrad (2-3 hr), Sandanski, and Petrich (4 hr). Further timetables can be found on the BDZ website (in English).

There are several train stations and stops in Sofia, but of interest to travellers are mostly two. Since May 2024, due to track renovations, most trains to destinations in Northern Bulgaria arrive at/depart from Sofia North station. This most notably affects some of the "tourist trains" to Varna (a couple direct ones remain). Nevertheless, it's still possible to buy tickets for those destinations at Sofia Central, as there are shuttle trains from Sofia Central to Sofia North, and you'll have to change trains there. Renovations are expected to last about a year.

International
From Romania, a train runs daily from Bucharest at noon, taking ten hours; the return train leaves Sofia at 09:00. June to Sept this is a through-train, Oct-May you have to change at Ruse on the border. There's no longer an overnight train.

From Turkey, a sleeper train departs Istanbul Halkalı at 21:40, running via Edirne, Kapikule on the border where you get out for passport control, and Plovdiv, to reach Sofia by 09:00. The eastbound train leaves Sofia at 18:30 to reach Istanbul for 05:40. Fares are quoted in euros: in 2022 you pay for the basic single from Istanbul. Add for a couchette,  for a bed in a shared 2-person cabin or  for the entire cabin.

By car
The motorway network in Bulgaria is still under construction.

Access to Bulgaria's capital is via several entry points:

 * From the north (Vidin) & south (Thessaloniki) via E79.
 * From the east - via Thrace Highway E80/A1.
 * From the west - from the Bulgarian-Serbian border point of Kalotina.

The following motorways heading for Sofia are already in service:

 * A1 connects Sofia to Burgas and the Black Sea coast, as well as Istanbul.
 * A2 ends about 80 km from each city; the rest of the route is a regular 2-lane road. Extensions into the cities are planned.
 * A3 is planned to be from Sofia to Thessaloniki, about 2/3 of the route is already in service.

Coming from North Macedonia, via Kyustendil the roads are relatively good but driving within speed limits would avoid you much hassle caused either by traffic police, or road conditions. From Central Europe you can drive almost the whole length on highways (via Slovenia-Croatia-Serbia or Hungary-Serbia), with only the last 100 km between Niš in Southern Serbia and Sofia being heavily trafficked mountain roads around the Nishava ravine in not the best shape.

By public transport

Sofia has a well-developed, cheap, and efficient public transport system that consists of buses, trolleybuses, trams, and subway lines. The transport network can be confusing for visitors who do not know it well, but there is a journey planner. The public transport operates from 05:00–23:00. Night transport is back since November 1st 2023, and as of June 2024 there are three night lines: N1 (zh.k. Lyulin 0650) to Mladost 4 0669), N2 (Obelya quarter 0874 to zh.k. Studentski grad 1694), and N3 (zh.k. Levski G 2430 to zh.k. Ovcha Kupel 2 0684). Note: the four digit codes are the codes of the stops themselves.

The price of a single metro ticket is 1.60 лв only paid in the local currency cash, while a bus/tram/trolleybus ticket is 2 лв. There are also daily travel cards (4 лв). Tickets and daily cards can be bought at most newspaper stands especially ones adjacent to public transport stops. If you can't find any, you can always buy tickets from the driver. Validate your card/ticket as soon as you get on the bus/tram/trolleybus. The inspectors rarely understand English and you might have problems with them if you travel without a ticket. Inspectors ambush and board buses and trams in groups (and their attitude is generally not friendly at all), sometimes accompanied by police, and make no exceptions. The fine is 40 лв.

Tickets can also be purchased using contactless bank cards and payment apps such as Apple and Google Pay (Visit Sofia, which might be the easiest solution for foreign visitors. In the metro, the ticket gates have a contactless symbol indicating the location of the reader (it's on the left side, not the right). On buses and trams, there are blue electronic readers with the same contactless symbol. Contactless purchases will be capped to the cost of the daily travel pass. Visit Sofia states: "If you travel more than three times during the day, from 16:30 to 00:00, including a combination of ground transport, the system automatically charges a daily pass price of 4 лв, regardless of how many times you used public transport. The only condition is to use the same bank card throughout the day and for one person only."

The day ticket needs to be shown to the person at the ticket office before every metro trip, as they are supposed to check the date stamp (manually applied at the time of sale) before activating the ticket barriers to accept it. If you are staying for 4 or more days, or 3+ days and arriving directly in the city centre, you can also buy a 3-day ticket on an electronic card from the public transport offices (not from metro stations or at the airport) for 10 лв + 2 лв card fee.

There are 15 tram lines, 9 trolley lines, 93 bus lines and 4 metro lines. Some of the buses cover the area outside the city centre including neighboring villages. Useful routes are bus #84 from both terminals of the airport to the center; from the train/bus station to Orlov most - bus #213 or #214 or tram #1, #7 and #18 to Vitosha Street and Sv. Nedelya Square, #1, #6, #7 to the National Palace of Culture, #18 to Slaveykov square or #6 to Macedonia square.

On foot
Streets have adequate tiled pavements, especially in the city centre. However, they are frequently uneven and potholed, and walking is further made difficult by parked cars, street vendors and cafes. Except for areas in the very centre, pavements rarely have slopes for wheelchair access or designated lanes for bicycle riders. Pedestrian crossings are numerous and are relatively respected by drivers. Use pedestrian underpasses to cross large intersections, though avoid ones in the suburbs as these are usually derelict.

By mini-bus
Mini-buses (marshrutki) stop if you just wave a hand and are usually fast way to go somewhere without need to change the car, but they aren't common anymore. You pay to the driver when you get on the car. Prices are 1.50 лв. You must tell the driver if and when you want to get off.

By taxi
Taxis in Sofia are yellow. Taxis can be caught on the streets or can be ordered by phone, they arrive fast and are reliable. A drive inside Sofia will rarely exceed 10 лв and a trip from the airport to the city center 8-15 лв.

There are many companies offering taxi services, some of them are OK Supertrans taxi (973 2121), Taxi, "962-22-26", Yellow Taxi (91119) and Radio CV Taxi (91263) with fares around 0.80 лв/km. Some taxi companies have smartphone apps available that allow you to register and order taxis to your specific address in real time, thus eliminating the risk of falling prey to scams. As of June 2017, Yellow Taxi has the most user-friendly app for foreigners.

There are some taxis trying to imitate the most popular ones but with outrageous prices (up to 5.90 лв/km) so check before you board, these taxis usually hang around hotels and tourist spots picking on unsuspecting customers, The general rule is that if a taxi driver comes to you and offers you a drive, never accept it because they will try to rip you off.

Taxi drivers may not stop if you hail them on the street and often don't have much change, so plan accordingly (or leave tips!)

By car
Renting a car is possible, but not necessarily a good idea if your plans are restricted to visiting only Sofia and not travelling elsewhere in the country. Driving here can be strenuous for those with less experience behind the wheel - be prepared for traffic jams and disorganized traffic. Those of you who plan on visiting more of the country can rent a car from a local company (much cheaper than the big brands) or use a broker as some of the local companies do not even have websites.

If you need to park your car, you are recommended to do it in a paid guarded lot. Parking in the center is difficult and you may be parked illegally without knowing it; foreign license plates may attract unwelcome attention of Bulgarian police and of criminals. Even if there are other cars parked in the area, double check that there are no signs or pavement markings prohibiting it. Parking in the central city area on working days is paid, it is divided in a so-called Blue Zone ("Синя зона") — 2 лв per hour, and a Green Zone ("Зелена зона") — 1 лв per hour. If you have a Bulgarian mobile number, you can also pay by SMS: send the vehicle registration plate number to "1302" for the "Green zone" or 1303 for the "Blue zone". This will charge parking for an hour through your phone bill. Five minutes before the prepaid time is up you will receive a warning sms. You can either send another message for another hour or move your car.

Pay attention to trams or buses stopping in the middle of the road. If you see a stopped tram or bus on your left, you must stop and let the passengers get on/off, according to the Bulgarian traffic code. Failing to stop in this manner may be very dangerous.

Driving with your lights on is compulsory, day and night, all year long.

By bicycle
Sofia is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, with the big park zones ideal for biking. Slow traffic in downtown is perfect for cycling. On a bike you will save time and will enjoy sport activity. Sofia also has a few bike paths around the downtown area and in districts such as Mladost, Nadezhda, Hipodruma. Be careful as many cars double park and may open doors without noticing you. Rent a bike) Bike rental operates 10:00-20:00 (April to November). Discover Sofia by bike map or joint to an experienced bike guide.

See
Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has ancient ruins throughout the city center. In the administrative center of Sofia, the streets are covered with a specific yellow pavement. It was laid in the beginning of the 20th century and were a present to the Bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand for his wedding from the Austria-Hungarian royal family.

Mineral springs
Sofia was founded because of the quality of its mineral waters. In the city, there are 7 independent mineral water springs. One of the springs is in the central area of the city and is accessible for everybody - cross the square behind the mosque, next to TSUM (the intersection of Iskar and Ekzarh Yosif streets).

Parks and gardens

Do

 * Football – The men's national football team plays at Vasil Levski stadium (capacity 43,000) 1 km southeast of city centre. Five city clubs play in First League, Bulgaria's top tier:
 * CSKA Sofia play at Bulgarian Army Stadium (capacity 23,000) just south of the national stadium.
 * CSKA 1948 were formed in 2016 after a bust-up at CSKA Sofia. They play at Stadion Bistritsa (capacity 2500) 15 km south, and shared with Septemvri in the Second League.
 * Levski Sofia play at Stadion Georgi Asparuhov (capacity 25,000, aka Vivacom stadium) 3 km east of the centre.
 * Slavia Sofia play at Alexander Shalamanov Stadium (capacity 25,500) 4 km southwest.
 * Lokomotiv 1929 play at Stadion Lokomotiv (capacity 17,500) 4 km north.
 * CSKA 1948 were formed in 2016 after a bust-up at CSKA Sofia. They play at Stadion Bistritsa (capacity 2500) 15 km south, and shared with Septemvri in the Second League.
 * Levski Sofia play at Stadion Georgi Asparuhov (capacity 25,000, aka Vivacom stadium) 3 km east of the centre.
 * Slavia Sofia play at Alexander Shalamanov Stadium (capacity 25,500) 4 km southwest.
 * Lokomotiv 1929 play at Stadion Lokomotiv (capacity 17,500) 4 km north.

Vitosha
A magnificent landmark mountain very popular with the locals and rising just south of the capital. It is easily accessible by public transportation, bus 63 (from stop Tsar Boris III) or 66 (from Metrostantsiya Vitosha metro stop), or by car. Day trips in Vitosha on a sunny day are highly recommended.

In the winter, it is well suited for skiing and its proximity allows one day ski-trips; in the summer it is great for hiking. A great way to spend few days in Sofia, being on its "balcony," enjoying sunny days on the mountain with a spectacular view on the capital. So going to Sofia provide gives you a unique chance to witness the rare symbiosis of the metropolitan city with its nature park.

Great sights to see are the stone rivers (like, the largest), the and , with a magnificent view onto the metropolis.

Buy
It is strongly advisable to skip exchange offices on the street and use exclusively banks for exchanging money. Some exchange stalls will try to scam you by buying your currency at very unfavorable rates. See Bulgaria for exchange rates.) It's also possible to change money at a good rate in casinos if you play there.

ATMs are widely available and accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Diner's, etc.), although you have to check your daily limit with your bank. ATMs will let you withdraw at most 400 лв in one go, but if your card limit allows it, you can make two or more withdrawals.

Credit cards are widely accepted in larger stores and supermarkets, but in small souvenir shops or restaurants you will definitely need to carry some cash.

Souvenirs can be bought many small shops in the subways in front of the old Party House and in the metro station at the Largo. The Ethnographic Museum has a small shop tightly crammed with souvenirs of all kinds from all over Bulgaria (on the right, just as you enter the main entrance). Antiques and souvenirs can also be found in Aleksandar Nevski square, in stalls just opposite the church.

Eat
Sofia is full of trendy cafes with outdoor seating in the summer and good-quality restaurants.

Fast food
You can easily find take away food in Sofia. For less than 2 лв you can get a slice of pizza, a hot-dog or a sandwich. You can get more traditional Bulgarian food in bakeries, offering banitsa and other kinds of pastry. This food is often consumed with ayran or boza. Another possibility is to get a katma, which is a big pancake filled with cheese, ham, jam or chocolate.

Budget
Pizzeria-type restaurants and snack bars can be found all over Sofia. Although many are very uninteresting for the traveler looking for a meal with a local flavor, some include excellent Bulgarian dishes.

All these are in the city center:

Bars

 * JJ Murphys Irish pub
 * Cocktail Bar - tasty cocktails, crowded in the evenings, has a summer garden (it is actually in a small park, which becomes occupied by the customers)
 * Bar 5L - Speakeasy (5L is a transliteration of rooster in Bulgarian). Designer cocktails in cozy atmosphere. The key, corresponding to the day of the month, unlocks the door (not sure whether they change it at midnight).

Nightlife
The Sofia nightlife is vibrant, concentrated mostly in two areas - the city center and around Studentski grad (Студентски град/Student's town), which is the neighborhood where are the university dorms. There are frequent live performances in various venues, check the freely distributed guides in various shops and restaurants like Programata (Програмата/The Program). The primary distinction between the clubs is whether the music includes chalga (чалга/folk-Turkish-Greek-Serbian influenced local genre) or not. Expect that any local acquaintances will have strong feelings whether they attend or not the chalga clubs. There are hundreds of clubs and bars, with prices from 2 лв for beer and 5 for cocktail to luxurious places charging exorbitant sums. It is better to pay with cash, as POS terminals are not widely available, especially in the cheaper places. The people start to gather after working hours for a beer, cocktail or glass of wine, moving to dinner around 20:00 and clubs and discos after 23:00.

In the warm months, crowds overflow from the more popular places like [http://sofia.zavedenia.com/471/Bilkova/#! Bilkova] (Билкова/The Herbal) on the street. The centrally located parks and gardens like Crystal (Кристал) and Gradinkata na Narodniya (Градинката на народния/The garden of the national theater) and crowded during the summer, with drinks provided from nearby shops or cocktails in disposable cups.
 * Carrusel. Upscale club, hosting DJ parties and special events.
 * Culture Beat. Boutique cafe, bar, and nightclub, in NDK (National Palace of Culture). Great view from the terrace in the summer.
 * Gramophone - contemporary music
 * RocknRolla - large underground venue with rock music, on Garibaldi square
 * Yalta - the biggest, oldest and most famous disco in Sofia, existing since the communist times, resident and guest DJ parties and events. EDM, house.
 * Bedroom Premium Club - R&B, hip-hop, house
 * Stroezha - rock and contemporary music
 * Onyx - contemporary music
 * Sugar - hip-hop
 * Bar Dak and Bar Dak 2 - bars
 * Once Upon a Time Библиотека - housed in the building of the National Library, rock.
 * Club Alcohol - rock
 * Mixtape 5 - huge club, next to NDK (National Palace of Culture), various events.
 * Sofia Live Club - live events, in NDK
 * Club Terminal 1 - big venue, mostly rock
 * Club Mascara - in the building of the National Opera, contemporary music, house.
 * Megami - in the Marinela hotel, chalga, upscale.
 * BIAD - Rakovski streer, next to Memento, chalga.
 * Club Revue - opposite of the National Assembly, chalga.
 * Dada Cultural Bar - tango, salsa, live performances
 * The largest discos in Sofia are concentrated in Student's town (Studentski grad) in the southern part of the city and can be reached by buses #94 (from Sofia university and Culture palace), #280 (from Sofia University, Orlov most) and #102. The last bus to Studentski grad departs from the city center at about 23:30 (from Sofia University and Culture Palace). The entrance fee for most discos is between 1 and 5 лв. Discos that can be visited there include: Avenue, Tantra, Orient 33, Jim Beam, Maskata, Stroezha.
 * The largest discos in Sofia are concentrated in Student's town (Studentski grad) in the southern part of the city and can be reached by buses #94 (from Sofia university and Culture palace), #280 (from Sofia University, Orlov most) and #102. The last bus to Studentski grad departs from the city center at about 23:30 (from Sofia University and Culture Palace). The entrance fee for most discos is between 1 and 5 лв. Discos that can be visited there include: Avenue, Tantra, Orient 33, Jim Beam, Maskata, Stroezha.

Splurge

 * Maria Luiza Hotel occupies an exquisite building dating back to the turn of 20th century and listed as one of Bulgaria's cultural monuments of national significance. Maria Luisa Hotel offers a combination of the standards and services found in a luxury hotel plus the privacy and independence of one's own home.

Stay safe
Generally, Sofia is a very safe and walkable city, even at night. Nevertheless, you should avoid poorly lit areas and use your common sense. Avoid the area around the central Bus and Rail Station, Maria Luiza Blvd, the dark areas of the city parks and the Lions' Bridge (Lavov Most). And don't go to the Borisova garden, it is very dangerous (especially during the night). Single women and girls should be especially careful. Junkies get high in these areas, prostitutes offer their "services", some people might want to tempt you with touts of contraband (stolen, illegal, etc.) and/or try to mug you. These areas are also frequented by the homeless and the drunk. If your hotel is in the area you'll be alright, just don't hang around it unnecessarily. Try to act like you are familiar with the area (and familiarize yourself during the day) and look like a local. It is wise to choose a hotel/hostel in a good, central location.

Pedestrians should be careful since many Bulgarian drivers do not yield right of way to those on foot.

Do not get into conflict with locals especially if they seem aggressive or drunk, particularly football fan groups who tend to be drunk and aggressive. Avoid wearing football shirts or scarves of the Sofia-based football teams, especially on match days.

Be wary of petty thieves and poorer neighborhoods, as pick pocketing and thefts are common. If you are approached by locals trying to sell stolen goods, give you directions or bother you exercise caution.

If you get in legal trouble with some of the locals, the Bulgarian police and judiciary may not protect you adequately because of corruption and nepotism.

Be careful with taxis, make sure you check the prices first before you get in (the fare is per km and it should be something like 0.79 лв during the day and 0.90 лв during the night, avoid taxis that display their fare as above 1.00 лв), also make sure the taxi has the driver's card on the front with his name.

Banks exchange most currency so there is usually no need to use exchange offices which often offer a poor rate, ignore anyone on the street wanting to change money; you will get an awful exchange rate, or a handful of fake banknotes.

Embassies

 * 🇦🇲 Armenia
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇫🇮 Finland
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇯🇵 Japan
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * North Macedonia

 * 🇵🇱 Poland
 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * 🇷🇺 Russia
 * 🇨🇭 Switzerland
 * UK

Connect
5G internet is available from all three major mobile networks (A1, Vivacom, Yettel). WiFi is widely available in public places.

Go next

 * In the region:
 * To the north, among the Balkan Mountains: the Iskar Gorge, picturesque Etropole, and Pravets with its golf resort and the museum of Bulgaria's last Communist dictator
 * To the west: Bankya, a mineral springs resort from central Sofia, almost absorbed as a suburb (e.g. accessible by public transport)
 * To the south-west: industrial Pernik on the other side of Vitosha; further away is Kyustendil, "Bulgaria's orchard" under the Osogovo Mountain on the border
 * To the south, under the slopes of Rila: Dupnitsa and Blagoevgrad, with the Rila Monastery, the most famous in Bulgaria and a (suitable for a day trip from Sofia)
 * To the south-east, closer: Samokov and the mountain/ski resorts of Borovets and Malyovitsa
 * Elsewhere in Bulgaria:
 * Plovdiv – Bulgaria's second most populous city, with good highway and rail connections to Sofia. Its Old Town, Roman ruins, and relaxed atmosphere make it a great day-trip.
 * Veliko Tarnovo – A beautiful city along a winding river, the former capital of Bulgaria in the Middle Ages.
 * Other countries:
 * North Macedonia, via the Gyueshevo/Deve Bair crossing by Kyustendil, to the south-west, towards Kriva Palanka and Kumanovo
 * Romania, by international trains starting in Sofia - either Craiova via Vidin, or the capital Bucharest via Ruse
 * Serbia is less than to the west, via the Kalotina/Gradine crossing - Dimitrovgrad, Pirot and Niš
 * Turkey, by international train to Istanbul

title: Sofia


text:
Sogamoso

Sogamoso is a city in the department of Boyacá in Colombia. It is 2,492 m above sea level and the population is around 130,000.

Get in

 * From Bogotá: catch a bus at the Portal Norte, 4hr 30min (COP$35,000, October 2022)
 * From Tunja: frequent buses, 1hr 30min (COP$10,000, October 2022)

See

 * San Martin Cathedral
 * Archaeological Park
 * El Templo del Sol (Sun Temple)
 * La Pilita de la Unión
 * La Casona de Pie de Cuesta (Big house)
 * Sacred Fountain of Conchuda
 * El Oratorio (Chapel)
 * El Arco De Monquirá (Arch)
 * Hill and Chapel of Santa Barbara

Do

 * Thermal Pools in Iza
 * Don't miss:
 * Thermal Pools in Iza
 * Don't miss:

Lago de Tota and surrounding villages- Colombia's highest and largest natural lake, at an altitude of 3015m, is easily reached from Sogamoso by bus and is a must see. Dotted around the spectacular lake are towns including Aquitania, which is famous for its trout. Visit Restaurant Don Lucho, to the right of the Cathedral, to try fresh rainbow trout and regional drink 'Refajo' which is a mix of beer, apple soda and malt. Other towns include Tota and Cuitiva. This beautiful circuit around the lake is an achievable day trip by bus from Sogamoso with some spectacular scenery.

The lake also boasts a beautiful white sand beach 'Playa Blanca', located between Aquitania and Tota. There is a restaurant and BBQs here and remember to check returning bus times.

Thermal pools- Located in Iza, these thermal pools and sauna offer an opportunity to relax and unwind. Choose between multiple pools for varying temperatures. Entry cost is COP$9500 for the day and less if you are staying at Finca San Pedro. You will need to take a short taxi from Iza to reach the pools.

Other towns- An easy bus ride from Sogamoso are numerous colonial towns well worth exploring. Visit the white washed Tibasosa with its beautiful plaza and home of the fruit 'Feijoa', which cafes serve in juice, sweets, ice cream and alcohol. Beautiful Mongui is located high amongst mountains. The catedral and adjoining monastery here is magnificent. Obviously there is Iza with its thermal pools and famous sweets, especially popular on a Sunday afternoon around the central plaza. You can also find great bread at Firavitoba, and a wide sample of ‘ruanas’ (traditional ‘poncho’) and many wool handicrafts at Nobsa.

Drink

 * Refajo: a mix of beer, apple soda and malt.

Sleep

 * Hotel Cristal, +57 314 2383426, bei Cl. 13 #14-2 a 14-58, Sogamoso. Family run hotel nicely located between bus terminal and city centre. The building and interior are so old, that it is already great again. Nice and clean though. Very friendly and helpful staff. Double with private bathroom COP$45,000-65,000 COP (Aug 2017) (they welcome direct bookings).
 * Hotel Cristal, +57 314 2383426, bei Cl. 13 #14-2 a 14-58, Sogamoso. Family run hotel nicely located between bus terminal and city centre. The building and interior are so old, that it is already great again. Nice and clean though. Very friendly and helpful staff. Double with private bathroom COP$45,000-65,000 COP (Aug 2017) (they welcome direct bookings).

Go next

 * Tibasosa: Famous as the world capital of the feijoa fruit. Well conserved main plaza surrounded by shops selling feijoa derived products : sweets, ice cream, liquor, arequipe... (Bus COP$1,000)
 * Monguí : Beautiful colonial village set in the hills that celebrated its 400 years in 2001. Access to the Páramo de Ocetá. (Bus COP$5,500 - October 2022)

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

title: Sogamoso


text:
Sogndal

Sogndal is a small but important town in Sogn og Fjordane. Sogndal is the regional centre of Sognefjord area with a handful of hotels and a couple of restaurants. The town was originally a collection of small wooden houses along the shore, but those are now surrounded by modern buildings. As most towns in Western Norway, Sogndal has a fine location at the shore of a great fjord. Sogndal village is actually called Sogndalsfjøra, but known simply as Sogndal. Sogndal municipality also includes Kaupanger, Balestrand, Fjærland and Leikanger/Hermansverk. Hermansverk is the county capital of Sogn og Fjordane.

By bus
There are express buses three times a day from Oslo, four times a day from Bergen.

By boat
Express boat twice daily from Bergen in the summer, once daily during winter (September–April). This service is operated by Fjord1.

By car
Route 5 from Førde and Skei through Fjærland. Route 5 from Lærdal, which is connected to Oslo and Bergen by route E16.

Route 55 through Sognefjellet mountain pass connects Sogndal to Lom and Otta as well as Stryn and Geiranger via Luster. Route 55 is a national tourist route. The pass is closed in winter and opens early May.

Get around
There are local buses operated by Fjord1.

Do
You can chop wood, admire the scenery, eat oatmeal or appreciate the unadulterated beauty of this grim and frostbitten land while listening to the moving sounds of Sogndals greatest bard Terje "Valfar" Bakken.

Sogndal valley is known for heavy snowfalls and good "powder" skiing.

Buy
Anything but a troll souvenir.

Eat
Local sea food, the mackerel season is in late summer.

Go next

 * Route 5 to Fjærland and Skei in Jølster
 * Route 5 to Lærdal
 * Route 55 to Balestrand is a scenic drive along the fjord.
 * Route 55 to Luster and Lom.

title: Sogndal


text:
Road 55 (Norway)

Road 55 is a 140-km regional route between Sogndal at Sognefjord and Lom in Oppland. The route runs through Sognefjellet mountain pass and the drive is simply called Sognefjellet by locals. The Sognefjellet is a mountain pass in central Norway, joining the Sognefjorden in the west with the Ottadalen branch of Gudbrandsdalen in the east. The route has been named one of 18 national scenic routes because of the varied landscape and fine scenery. Route 55 runs between the great western fjords and the wide eastern valleys, and runs through the steep slopes between fjords and high mountains, passed glaciers and alpine peaks, and along big valleys with powerful rivers. The route offers a shortcut between inner Sognefjord and eastern valleys in an area where overland transport is blocked by glaciers and wild mountains. Alternative drives are through Valdres or E39 through Stryn. From west to east the road runs from Sogndal village passed Hafslo lake then along Lustrafjorden to Skjolden village at the far end. After a few kilometers passed Fortun in the deep valley the road climbs steeply and through several hairpins to the mountain pass, Turtagrø hotel is about half way to the highest point. For some kilometers at the highest the road runs across a small plateau surrounded by glaciers, lakes and alpine summits. Just east of Sognefjellshytta lodge the road descends steeply along a deep barren valley. Below the forest line Bøverdalen valley is largely gentle with a partly flat valley floor but also with narrow gorges.

Understand
At 1,434 metres above sea level the Sognefjellet is the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe, and it is only accessible in the summer with a varying opening time. Sognefjellet lies on the northern edge of Jotunheimen and south of Breheimen mountain range. At Lom in Ottadalen branch of Gudbrandsdalen valley route 55 connects to route 15 (Otta-Stryn). Ottadalen valley runs along the south edge of Reinheimen national park, a wide mountain range and plateau. About 1 hour upstream from Lom road 15 connects to Geiranger road which is part of Road 63 (Norway).

Work on the road through the mountain pass began in 1936 when the ministry of social affairs wanted to create jobs for unemployed young people. Some 100 from Sognefjord area and 100 from Oppland county joined and the road was completed in 1938.

Prepare
Get last minute information from road authorities and read weather forecast for drives in spring and autumn. Snowfall and frost can occur also in summer although rarely an issue in the middle of the day.

Get in
Despite being one of the most remote and rugged roads in Europe, the Sognefjellet is easily accessed by public transport, with two buses daily in the summer leaving Sogndal on the South-West side, and Lom in the North-East side, connecting with buses to Otta (route information on Fjord1 |Sognefjellet).

By bicycle
British newspaper the Guardian named the Sognefjellet one of the top 10 cycle rides in the world (Guardian (2007) |The). The road is steep on both the western and eastern side of the pass. Between Skjolden and Sogndal the road is mostly horizontal and at sea level. In Bøverdalen the road is rather flat between Røisheim and Lom village. There are no tunnels east of Skjolden, but a few shorter tunnels between Skjolden and Sogndal - the longest is and with bicycle/pedestrian path on the outside. On the very mountain pass, temperatures can drop close to zero Celsius even in summer.

By bus
From Sogndal the bus headed out from the town and joins the Lustrafjorden, the very end of the Sognefjorden – the longest in Norway. The road impressively and smoothly traverses its shores to the village of Skjolden where the waters end.

From there the route heads steeply up past gulleys and streams, menacing waterfalls, impassable rapids, into the cloud, and beyond. The glacier and rain-fed rivers get ever wilder, until, dramatically, the road sweeps onto the flat plateaux.

The landscape is bare rock, and even in July ice is all around: floating in opaque blue lakes, in great drifts covering whole mountain-sides, and hanging from peaks higher-still, the great glaciers of the Jotunheimen. Other than a couple of hostels there is little but rock and ice, and our trusty road, the Sognefjellet.

As suddenly the road joined the plateaux it leave it: at Krossbu the road glides into the virgin Bøvre river valley, a narrow scar in the highlands, fringed with dizzying waterfalls, which gradually widens and opens out into the Ottadalen at Lom. From there it connects to buses towards Otta, you can also catch servies from here back East.

See

 * The Lustrafjorden arm of the Sognefjorden, the longest fjord in Norway and the second longest fjord in the world.
 * Norway's largest glacier, the Jostedalsbreen Glacier.

Sleep
There are a couple of hostels up on the plateaux, bustling with skiiers and hikers.DNT and Sognefjellet.

Sogndal village has a handful standard hotels.

Stay safe
There are some steep descents. Use engine and gear to control speed so breaks are not overheated.

Waterfalls are treacherous. Watch your step and keep a safe distance.

Glaciers should be observed from generous distance. Large chunks of ice can fall off and kill. Never hike on a glacier on your own. Go with a professional guide and proper gear.

Go next

 * Road 63 (Norway) (via road 15)
 * E6 through Sweden and Norway (at Otta)
 * European route E39 (at Skei near Sogndal)

title: Road 55 (Norway)


text:
Sognefjorden

Sognefjorden is a fjord in the county of Sogn og Fjordane in Norway. The district surrounding the fjord is known as Sogn. Sognefjorden is the longest fjord in Europe and the second longest in the world. Nærøyfjord, a World Heritage Site, is one of the branches of Sognefjorden. Several of the few remaining stave churches, including UNESCO listed Urnes stave church, are found in Sognefjord district.

Regions

 * Indre Sogn — literally Inner Sogn. Comprises Aurland, Luster, Lærdal, Sogndal, and Årdal municipalities.
 * Ytre Sogn — literally Outer Sogn. Comprises Balestrand, Gulen, Hyllestad, Høyanger, Solund, and Vik municipalities.

Villages

 * — classical resort on the north shore
 * — gateway to Norway's largest glacier, lovely branch of the main fjord
 * — popular cruise port and via Flåm railway access to national rail network via Myrdal junction
 * - major valley with connection to East Norway through mountain passes
 * — The innermost town of the fjord, Luster area
 * — Charming, sheltered village on the shores of the Lustrafjord, good base.

Other destinations

 * — mainland Europe's largest glacier
 * — small village at the intersection of iconic Nærøyfjorden and dramatic Nærøydalen valley.
 * — district in the innermost part of the fjord, lovely fjord and deep valleys surrounded by Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen
 * — alpine, high mountains around inner Sognefjorden
 * — wild, western part of Jotunheimen, between Luster and Årdal
 * Urnes Stave Church

Understand
Sognefjorden is the longest fjord in Europe and the second longest in the world. The fjord stretches more than 200 km from the rugged islands on the North Sea to the central mountains, including the alpine Jotunheimen. With the many arms or branches the entire Sognefjord system has a coastline of at least 500 km, more than the French and Italian Rivieria combined.

It is also the second deepest fjord in the world, more than 1000 meters deep - if all water was removed the fjord would appear as a huge gorge some 2000 to 3000 meters deep. The fjord is actually 1300 meters at the deepest point, or 1500 meters to the bedrock because of some 200 meters thick sediments. The greatest depths are in the central parts of the fjord, at the mouth there is a relatively shallow threshold of some 150 meters. From the water surface to the high summits there is some 1500 to 2500 meters. About 5,400 km3 (or 5,400,000,000,000 m3) were removed to create this vast gorge. Sognefjord's scale can be compared to Arizona's Grand Canyon. The Sognefjord area is about the same width as New Zealand's Fiordlands. While there are large and deep fjords in Greenland and Antarctica, this is the only such great fjord with significant ordinary settlement and easily accessible by road or public transport. In fact, two of Norway's main roads, the E16 (Oslo–Bergen) and E39 (Bergen–Trondheim), run along or across the fjord.

The main fjord is too deep and wide too to cross by conventional bridges. There are 3 main ferry crossings for each of the 3 main roads E39, road 13 and road 5. It is basically not possible to travel in the north–south direction except by ferry, although in summer it is possible to circumvent the fjord via a mountain road through Jotunheimen.

Sognefjorden is more than a single fjord, it is wide fjord system. Each branch (arm) of the Sognefjord is a great fjord on its own and with its own name, but is still regarded as part of the greater Sognefjord system. Even a single branch like Nærøyfjorden is longer than for instance Milford Sound in New Zealand. Steep mountains rise directly from the water leaving little space for roads and settlement, except in the deep valleys such as Lærdal valley and Flåm valley. These river valleys are surprisingly flat offering excellent ground for farming. This complex topography makes overland transport challenging but highly rewarding in terms of scenery and impressive engineering.

On the northern shore, Sognefjorden district includes Jostedalsbreen, mainland Europe's largest glacier. Numerous rivers transport "thick" (opaque) glacial melt-water to lakes and to the fjord, giving fjords and lakes a milky turquoise appearance, particularly in Luster area. Because of generous precipitation and altitude differences, the area is also home to significant hydro electric power plants as well as a couple of aluminum factories. These man-made objects are however dwarfed by the grand scale of the landscape.

The Sognefjord district covers some 11,000 km² (about the size of Montenegro) with some 30,000 inhabitants.

The Sognefjord is crossed by the second largest stretch of a power line in the world. Its span width is 4,597 metres. Do not expect tall pylons at the ends of this stretch. They are not required, because of the topography.

Climate
Because the fjords runs from the ocean to the deep interior, both landscape and climate changes along. The outer section where mountains rise from the ocean, is one of the rainiest areas in Europe, but also one of the mildest areas in Norway. The easternmost or inner part of the fjord is one the driest areas in Western Norway. In particular Lærdal do not get much rain. The shores of the inner area enjoys relatively warm summers allowing extensive fruit and vegetable production. The favourable climate even made tobacco farming possible: Norwegian emigrants returning from America around 1900 brought seeds and knowledge that initiated a local tobacco industry that thrived for some 40 years.

Talk
As in the rest of Norway, English is widely understood and spoken. Other European languages such as German and French may also be understood, although less common than English. Spoken language is generally Norwegian, signs are in Norwegian (and English in tourist hotspots). The local dialect, Sognamål (lit. Sogn language) is used to a great extent in Indre Sogn. It is one of the more distinct in Norway.

Get in

There are a number of ways to get to the Sognefjord and surrounding area.

By boat - Arguably the most enjoyable way is via a boat from nearby towns. The most convenient would be one of the high speed catamaran services operated several times each day from Bergen. Hurtigruten calls at Florø (near the mouth of Sognefjord) and Bergen.

By air - The nearest airports are located in Sogndal and Førde, although the nearest international airport is located in Bergen. The eastern section of Sognefjord is about 260 km from Oslo airport Gardermoen, the same distance as from Bergen airport.

By rail - Reaching the town of Flåm, sitting at the end of a fjord that branches off the Sognefjord, is possible via an incredibly steep railway line. Flåmsbana, the Flåm railway line, connects to the Bergen line (Oslo-Bergen) at Myrdal. This is the only railway in the county. Alternative railway stations are at Voss and Gol, connections to Sognefjord by bus or car.

By coach - Many of the towns situated along the fjord are also accessible by up to several daily coach services. Long distance coach services connect Sogndal with Lillehammer, Lom, Oslo and Bergen. The outer Sognefjord area is connected by long-distance coaches to Ålesund, Trondheim and Bergen.

Because of modest population and infrequent public transport, a self drive may be the easiest and most flexible way to get a distant corner of Sognefjord. The main road Oslo-Bergen (E16) runs through the area, as does the main road Bergen-Trondheim (E39). Except for the E16, travel in this area usually involves ferries, those are not separate means of transport but an integral part of the road network.
 * By car

Get around

There are several local bus lines as well as long-distance coach lines. Timetables for public transport and car ferries are administrated by Kringom. There are local high-speed passenger boat services and car ferry services. Passenger services are known as boats (hurtigbåt), while car services are known as ferries (ferje). Keep in mind that some routes may have a limited schedule.

Car rental firms are located in Sogndal (major ones including Avis, Hertz and Europcar), Flåm and Årdalstangen, as well as in Førde which is not located on the Sognefjord.

By passenger boat — The Flåm-Balestrand service is very scenic. Other services is the combined ship sailing between villages on the southern side of the fjord between Ortnevik and Vik, one can also cross the fjord from Ortnevik to Måren and Nordeide. High-speed catamarans (express passenger boats) can also be used within Sognefjord - to cross the main fjord (north-south) or to travel east-west.

By car ferry — The Sognefjord is crossed at several points by car ferries with frequent departures. During day time departures are usually so frequent that travellers should not worry about timetables. These ferries are not a separate means of transport, but a continuation of main roads E39, road 13 and road 5. Fjord1 is the major operator. Car ferries take all kinds of vehicles as well as foot passengers, but docks are usually in a remote place at the most narrow crossing.

By tourist boat/ferry — There are several summer-only tourist routes, including Fjord1 operated Bergen to Flåm catamaran, the ferries from Flåm and Lærdal to Gudvangen, as well as other trips on the Fjærlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord.

By bus — The larger settlements are served by local buses to rural areas, and long-distance coaches and local buses connect the settlements. The schedules may be very limited, with routes often only operating a couple of times a day, and even a couple of times a week for some sparsely populated areas. Roads E39, E16 and 5 pass through the area, and express buses north-south and east-west run along these roads.

See

 * The Norwegian Glacier Museum and Ulltveit-Moe Climate Centre in Fjærland offers interactive exhibits and films about the glacier and more. Glaciers visible close to the road (arms of the main glacier.) Fjærland is called the Norwegian Book Town because of its many bookshops.
 * The Breheimsenteret visitor centre in Jostedal is the information centre for glacier national park in the glacier. Enjoy the stunning views of the Nigardsbreen from the restaurant. It is also a centre for outdoor activities.

Do

 * The Flåm railway climbs from Flåm at sea level to 866 m (2841 ft) in 20 km (12 mi), making it the third steepest normal railway in the world. View of high mountains and waterfalls, joins the Bergen railway at Myrdal.

Through exhibitions, an outdoor museum and a traditional farm with live animals, Sogn Folk Museum / The Heiberg Collections at Kaupanger shows you how life is lived along the Sognefjord.

In the Sognefjord Aquarium in Balestrand you can visit the maritime activity centre, where you can observe more than one hundred different species of fish from the Sognefjord.

Eat
In Indre Sogn, the climate is suitable for growing fruits and berries, and alongside Hardanger, it is one of the major areas of fruit production in Norway. A local company named Lerum, located in Kaupanger near Sogndal, makes jam and other fruit and berry products. The entire county has a strong culinary tradition.

Drink
The tap water is safe to drink, and may be of very good quality. Olden is a bottled water brand made by the Jostedalsbreen glacier. There is a brewery in Flåm, called Ægir. Depending on the season, they brew up to eight different types of beer and ale.

Stay safe
The county is one of the safest in Norway. Keep a safe distance from glaciers. Never hike on glaciers without a guide and proper equipment. Be careful around waterfalls. The fjord itself is extremely deep and very cold most of the year.

Go next

 * Bergen — the capital of the western fjords
 * Voss — one of the few "inland" towns and areas of Hordaland, hub between Hardanger and Sogn
 * Valdres — a major valley and upland area just east and south of Sognefjord
 * Hallingdal — a major valley and upland area just south of Sognefjord
 * Hardanger — the other major fjord
 * Jotunheimen — Norway's highest mountain at the end of the fjord
 * Nordfjord: Stryn, Olden and Loen

title: Sognefjorden


text:
Sogn og Fjordane

Sogn og Fjordane is a county in West Norway. Sogn og Fjordane borders Hordaland in south, Møre og Romsdal in north. And Oppland and Buskerud to the east. This county sits in the centre of Norway's famous western fjords, and it also home to the longest and deepest fjord in Europe. The eastern end of the great fjord cuts into Scandinavia's highest mountains where also meltwater from the largest glacier flows into the fjord. Deeper fjords are found in Antarctica only. Unlike great fjords of Greenland and Antarctica, these fjords are easily accessible by train and car.

Understand
Sogn og Fjordane is the part of Norway most dominated by fjords and glaciers. The majestic Sognefjord cuts through the southern section right to the alpine Jotunheimen mountains, while romantic Nordfjord cuts through the northern part to Jostedalsbreen glacier. Between are several other fjords.

This is the least urbanised part of Norway. There are hardly any towns and some areas only have tiny villages. The area is very mountainous, about 50% of the area is around 1000 metres above sea level or more. Road construction is extremely difficult and long stretches of fjords are untouched by roads. A couple of main roads allow relatively fast transport through the county.

Towns and villages
There are no big towns in this county. Regional hubs include Førde, Sogndal, Nordfjordeid and Stryn.

Towns

 * - regional centre in Sognefjord area.
 * Small, charming coastal town.
 * . The regional centre.

Villages

 * – A charming village by the Sognefjord.
 * – Small village beneath the Jostedalsbreen glacier
 * – Popular port for cruise ships and terminus for Flåm railway
 * (Hermansverk) – Fjordside settlement in Sogndal district, administrative centre of the Sogndal municipality and the Vestland county (former Sogn og Fjordane county)
 * – Where the biggest fjord, the highest alpine mountains and the biggest glacier meet. Great waterfalls, lovely lakes and Urnes stave church.
 * – Pretty valley stretching towards the mountain passes
 * – Major fishery port at the mouth of Nordfjord
 * – administrative centre of Stad, with several tourist attractions, including the Sagastad viking ship
 * – administrative centre of Gloppen
 * – A pretty village at the beautiful lake Jølstervatn.
 * – a key village in Luster district.
 * and Olden. Romantic fjords, lovely lakes and iconic glaciers.

Other destinations

 * — the largest glacier in Norway occupies a prominent position within the county, arms can be observed from various locations in the region.
 * — Norway's highest mountains, including alpine summits and blue lakes

Understand
Sogn og Fjordane is characterised by its many fjords, of which the Sognefjord, with a length of 204 km (127 mi), is the longest fjord in Europe (although not the longest in the world as claimed in some tourist brochures). The fjord systems in this county is complex and mountains rise directly from fjord making land transport challenging. Nærøyfjord an arm of Sognefjord is together with Geirangerfjorden listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. North of Sognefjord there are two shorter fjords, Dalsfjord and Førdefjord. North of those you will find Nordfjord, which is 106 km (66 mi) long. The geography of the county is very varied and complex, featuring high mountain peaks, islands, and glaciers (including the Jostedalsbreen glacier, the largest glacier in continental Europe), gorge-like valleys, lovely lakes and some of the world's tallest waterfalls. Because of the very fragmented landscape settlement and roads are largely confined to narrow spots such as low valleys and shores. Sogn og Fjordane is also home to Norway's largest population of red deer ("hjort"). Often seen along roads at dusk or dawn, particularly in spring.

Talk
People speak a Norwegian dialect. There is a vast variety of dialects, even in single municipalities there may be several. Nynorsk is the official form of writing in all municipalities. This writing form differs from Bokmål Norwegian written in urban areas and East Norway, and is more similar to the dialects spoken on the west coast.

Most people speak English, and many also have some knowledge of German.

By plane
There are four small airports in Sogn og Fjordane, all have scheduled flights from Oslo and Bergen.
 * The nearest airports seeing international traffic are:
 * Bergen airport
 * Oslo airport
 * Ålesund airport
 * The nearest airports seeing international traffic are:
 * Bergen airport
 * Oslo airport
 * Ålesund airport

By rail
Sogn og Fjordane has only one railway line, the railway between Myrdal and Flåm, which is a great scenic ride, and a big tourist attraction. Myrdal is a station on the Oslo-Bergen line. A train journey from Oslo to Myrdal and then to Flåm, is an interesting way to enter Sogn og Fjordane.

By bus
There are long-distance coach lines from Bergen, Ålesund, Trondheim, Lillehammer and Oslo. Search on rutebok.no

By boat
There are two high-speed catamaran services from Bergen operated by Norled. One runs from Bergen up the coast and into the Sognefjord, ending in Flåm. The other runs up the coast of Sogn og Fjordane, ending in Selje at the border with Møre og Romsdal. Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Steamer) calls Florø and Måløy.

By car
E39 is the major route from Bergen. From north on E39, from Ålesund. E16 (or the more scenic road 50) from Oslo to southern Sogn og Fjordane. Road 15 is a good road from Oslo to northern Sogn og Fjordane. Route 55 from Lom to Sogndal is a beautiful scenic drive over the highest mountain pass in Norway, 1440 m (4724 ft) above sea level.

By bus and passenger boat
Because of sparse population public transport is limited. The entire county is covered, although departures are scarce. However with some planning it is possible to experience Sogn og Fjordane by bus. Schedules for all http://www.ruteinfo.net/en/ public transportation can be found on internet]. Schedules covering all public transportation can be found on ferries, buses, bus stations and tourist information offices.

These schedules are usually in Norwegian. But they can be deciphered in the following way: On top of each row in the schedule some letter and numbers are found. This tells which day this route is operated. D=daily, numbers is days of the week (1=Monday, etc.), x means except (Dx7 means every day except Sunday). Schedules on a grey background are operated only in winter(mid Aug-mid Jun), schedules on a red background are operated only during summer.

Express passenger boats ("hurtigbåt") operates like buses on water. Trips must often be pieced together by combining boat and bus service. For some connections car ferries are useful also for travellers without car, for instance the sightseeing ferry Gudvangen-Kaupanger.

By car and ferry
The easiest way to explore Sogn og Fjordane is by car, since the public transportation is not so good, and the distances are long, and some attractions is only possible to reach by car. The main south-north route is E39. Route 5 runs mainly east-west from Sogndal to Skei and all the way to the coast in Florø. Route 13 goes from Balestrand over the mountain to Førde.

The fjords are generally possible to cross only by car ferries. These ferries depart 1-2 times per hour, crossing time is typically 10-25 minutes, and need no prebooking. They have fees, often between 50-100 kr. Car ferries are generally not a separate means of transport as most docks are often in remote places far from towns and villages.

By bicycle
Cycling is nice way to experience the rugged nature of western Norway. Unpredictable weather, many tunnels, narrow roads (without shoulder) and steep hills at mountain passes does however make bicycle travel more challenging than most other places. The bicycle tourist should read maps carefully to understand what tunnels are not recommended or in fact illegal for bicycles. New tunnels often replace an old road that remains open to bikes. Some tunnels, such as Høyanger tunnel on road 55, does not have an old road alternative and bicycles are not allowed in the tunnel. Car ferries and passenger boats are nice ways to avoid tunnels and unpleasant roads such as E16 Gudvangen-Flåm.

See
The wild landscape is the main "must see" in Sogn og Fjordane. The area has many waterfalls, high peaks and breathtaking views.

Nature

 * Briksdalsbreen, glacier in Olden.

Culture

 * Glacier museum in Fjærland.
 * The Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre in Lærdal.
 * Astruptunet at Jølster lake near Skei, the home of painter Nikolai Astrup (1880-1928). In his own particular style Nikolai Astrup captured the feeling of West Norway's landscape and Jølster in particular. "Astrup does that rare thing: he makes landscape painting seem fresh and alive again.", Astrup remained too long in Edvard Munch's shadow (The Telegraph).
 * The world's longest road tunnel, 24 km, on E16 near Aurland.

Churches

Do
There are many opportunities for an active holiday in Sogn og Fjordane. Many scenic routes for trekking in the mountains can be found with breathtaking views from many mountaintops. Fishing in the sea or in lakes is a favourite with many tourists.
 * Lighthouse sightseeing in Florø.

Eat
Traditional dishes include pinnekjøt (sheep's ribs), raspeballar and spekekjøt.

Drink
Tap water is drinkable and often of very good quality. Olden is bottled water, the source of which is the glacier Jostedalsbreen. It is sold as natural water (In Norwegian: Uten kullsyre), or as carbonated water (In Norwegian: Med Kullsyre).

Stay safe
The crime rate in Sogn og Fjordane is low. But even so, common sense applies. Visitors should stay a generous distance away from glaciers. Hiking on glaciers can only be done with a guide and proper equipment. Be careful around waterfalls. Along the very coast, Atlantic waves are treacherous. Fjords and lakes are very deep and very cold most of the year.

Glaciers
Glaciers are one of the most dangerous places for visitors to the Norwegian outdoor. Never underestimate the power of the glacier. Observe warning signs. Never approach the front of the glacier. A glacier is not a stable piece of ice, it is constantly moving and huge chunks regularly fall of.

Do not enter a glacier without proper equipment and a skilled local guide. Sunrays get reflected from the white snow, so it necessary to use sunscreen to protect your skin. Bring warm clothes for tours on the glacier.

Go next

 * Do you want to see more fjords? Continue north to Møre og Romsdal (including Geiranger and Ålesund).
 * Or do you want some city-life? Head south to Bergen.
 * Inland valleys and highlands: Jotunheimen, Valdres and Gudbrandsdalen in Oppland

title: Sogn og Fjordane


text:
Sohar

Sohar is a city in Northern Oman, 220 km north of Muscat.

Understand
This is the home city of Sindbad the sailor, once an important Islamic port, and the largest town in the country. Nowadays, Sohar has a new port under construction, being built at a cost of RO 120 million. The city is renowned for its copper deposits, and archaeological evidence points to copper extraction being carried out 5000 years ago. There are still three copper mines in operation in Sohar with over 18 million tonnes of copper deposits.

This is an attractive region for tourists due to its clean, safe beaches and the plethora of archaeological features. Visitors will be attracted to its large souq with handy tailors, fruit sellers and fishermen vying for space, and its fort which stands apart with its four-story walls and six towers, an imposing sight overlooking the bay.

One of the first references to 'Sohar' is in the work of historian, Yaqut al Hamawi who implies that the city took its name in the 6th century AH (13th century CE) from a descendant of Noah: Sohar bin Adam bin Sam bin Noah. When the Palestinian Arab scholar Muqadisi visited the city in 10th century AH (17th century CE) he described it as a "flourishing city with a large number of people living there. It is a beautiful city with a comfortable life, ... and its mosque overlooks the sea... the Mihrab (indicator of the direction for prayers) changes colour because it is covered in copper...."

By car

 * From Emirates crossing the border in Al Ain, 1 hour 30 min away by car.

By plane

 * Daily flights from Sharjah (Emirates)

Do
The long quiet beach is ideal for jogging, with or without shoes.

Restaurants
A number of Omani coffee shops are present which serve Omani foods such as shwarma. Other than that, , and are in the centre.

Drink
The only bar where you can drink alcohol is at the Sohar Beach Hotel.

Go next

 * Ibri
 * Muscat, the capital 220 km away, 2h 15 minutes by car

title: Sohar


text:
Soho

There is more than one place called SOHO:

Hong Kong

 * Hong Kong/SoHo - in Central, Hong Kong

United Kingdom

 * London/Soho - in London

United States of America

 * Manhattan/SoHo - in New York City

title: Soho


text:
Soja

Soja (総社市 Sōja-shi) is a city in Okayama Prefecture.

Tourist information sites

 * The city government has an official Japanese-only guide site.
 * The local tourist association also has a Japanese-only guide site.

By train
You can travel directly to Soja from Okayama via the JR Kibi Line (¥410) or JR Hakubi Line (¥500) to Soja Station. The JR Hakubi Line connects to many more cities in Okayama. From Kurashiki, you can get to Soja for only ¥240. From Takahashi, it costs ¥410, and from Niimi it costs ¥970. You can also take the JR Limited Express Yakumo 16 from Yonago for ¥4420.

By car
Route 180, which runs from Okayama to Yonago, cuts directly through Soja. The Okayama Expressway also travels through Soja. Those traveling from the north can connect in Maniwa via the Chugoku Expressway, and in the south it branches off from the Sanyo Expressway.

By bike
Thanks to the Kibi District Cycling Trail, Soja is a great place for biking. Most of the sites can be reached by bike, and the bike rental is located just outside Soja Station. Rent a bike for two hours for ¥300 or for a day for ¥1000.

Go next

 * Kurashiki — A charming city famous for its large, well-preserved historic district
 * Okayama — Bike in via the Kibiji Cycling Trail or go into the inner city to explore Korakuen Garden, the castle, and a variety of museums
 * Takahashi — Home to Japan's highest castle, which is also one of Japan's few remaining original castles
 * Yakage
 * Ibara
 * Fukuyama
 * Niimi
 * Tsuyama

title: Soja


text:
Sokaraja

Sokaraja is a town in Banyumas Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, close to Purwokerto. It is famous for the local snack getuk goreng.

Understand
Sokaraja is a small town located close to the city of Purwokerto in Banyumas Regency, Central Java. Approximately located about 4 km from Purwokerto, it known as the commuter city. It is also a transit place for the people who want to go to some major cities such as Purwokerto, Purbalingga, Wonosobo, Semarang, Yogyakarta, and Bandung.

By plane
The nearest airport to Sokaraja is in Cilacap, but this airport is served by only a few flights. The nearest larger airport, with connections from most major Indonesian cities and a few international flights, is in Yogyakarta.

By bus
Although Sokaraja doesn't have any bus station, there are a lot of buses that pass through this town from various major cities. There are also regular services to various major cities, including Jakarta (9 hours) with customer recommended Sinar Jaya bus, Yogyakarta (4 to 5½ hours) with Raharja and Efisiensi bus, Semarang (6 hours) with Nusantara bus and Bandung (6 to 8 hours) with Budiman and Goodwill bus. The tickets are usually sell in the bus pool. If you're looking for more bus destination around the nation, head to the Purwokerto Bus Terminal.

By train
There are a lot of trains from major cities of the island to Purwokerto. From the Purwokerto Railway Station, then go by road to Sokaraja.

Get around
Sokaraja is a small town. The town's core is located along the Jalan Jenderal Sudirman and Jalan Gatot Subroto. You can walk through town in only 20 minutes.

By trishaw
Traditional three-wheeled pedal-powered carts known as 'becak'. Very common in Indonesia.

By angkot
The F2 Angkot serves direct route from Sokaraja to Purwokerto.

Do

 * Waterpark: Depo Bay in the Depo Pelita (Jalan Menteri Supeno no. 10) is the only waterpark in town. Although not really big, this waterpark is visited mostly on Sundays and holidays.

Traditional market
The largest traditional market in town is Pasar Sokaraja.

Local snacks
Sokaraja is famous for its local snacks. There are a lot of other snack stores in Sokaraja that you may check it out one by one. Mainly, snack stores are along Jalan Jend. Sudirman.

Eat
Sokaraja is also a culinary city. The typical dish of Purwokerto is Soto Sokaraja. There are plenty of soto stores along the Jalan Jend. Sudirman.

North East

 * Purwokerto, region's largest city.

North

 * Baturaden, resort town with a number of tourist attractions.

South East

 * Tambak, transit town famous for Sate Bebek.

South

 * Banyumas, an old historical town with plenty of heritage buildings and monuments.

title: Sokaraja


text:
Sokcho

Sokcho  (속초) is a city in Gangwon, South Korea. It's quite a sleepy city and is known as a gateway to Seoraksan National Park, which is a 30-minute bus ride from the central hub. Also, the DMZ is an hour north by bus, from the central hub. The city has many beaches and areas to view the East Sea, or Sea of Japan.

Understand
The population is about 83,000 (2022), the fifth largest in Gangwon-do after Wonju, Chuncheon, Gangneung, and Donghae, and also ranks as the city with the highest population density in the province. In particular, it is the largest city north of the 38th parallel and the northernmost city in South Korea, being even higher in latitude than North Korea's Kaesong city. The two cities in South Korea farthest away from each other are Sokcho and Mokpo, separated by a distance of 530 km. Along with Jumunjin in Gangneung-si, it is one of the major fishing ports on the east coast, and Seoraksan National Park occupies about half of the city's area.

By bus
Buses leave the Seoul Express Bus Terminal approximately every 30 minutes. It takes around 2:30 - 3:00 hours and buses arrive at the Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. Tickets are approximately ₩15,000 per person. There is rarely need to get tickets in advance.

Buses leave from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Gangbyeon Station Line 2) to Sokcho every 30 minutes.

From Chuncheon, they are 17 buses per day leaving from 06:15 until 20:00. The ride takes 2 hours and costs ₩13,400. Buses from Gangneung costs ₩6,300.

The bus terminals in the jurisdiction include 'Sokcho Express Bus Terminal' and 'Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal'. The two terminals are in the southern and northern parts of Sokcho, respectively, and are about 3 km away, so be careful.

The city buses in the jurisdiction are Donghae Commercial Express and Gangwon Passenger, and T-money and Cashbee are used for transportation cards. Some postpaid transportation cards are not available, so be careful.

New BS has a high proportion, and there are diesel and electric buses. Donghae-si is the only city bus in the Yeongdong area where gas cars roll.

By train
As of 2023, no trains serve Sokcho. Hence, if you want to travel from Seoul to Sokcho by train, you have to take a KTX from Cheongnyangni Station to Gangneung, then transfer by bus from Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal to Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal. If plans for a railway to be completed and opened by 2027 materialize, travel from Seoul is expected to take an hour and 39 minutes without a transfer.

By ferry
Sokcho also serves as the terminal for ferries from Zarubino near Vladivostok on the Russian east coast.

By car
National Road No. 7 is the only national road, and it crosses from Yangyang-gun, passes through Sokcho-si from north to south, and then passes to Goseong-gun. Along with National Route 7, the main interstate road in Sokcho City is Local Road 56, which connects downtown Sokcho, Sokcho IC, and Misiryeong Tunnel.

With the opening of the Donghongcheon IC-Yangyang IC section of the Seoul Yangyang Expressway, it has become easier to move to Gangneung and Samcheok. As a result of driving on the highway from Jamsil to Sokcho, Seoul, on weekdays in June 2020, it was able to run in 2 hours and 5 minutes despite traffic congestion in the existing Gyeongchun Expressway section.

By bus
Sokcho is a sprawling city but transport by bus is easy. Bus routes are available through the Naver map app but timetables are not given.

The two bus terminals (intercity and express) are at some distance from one another. City buses leave regularly for Seoraksan National Park. The bus leaves irregularly for Osaek (south Seoraksan) from the intercity bus terminal.

By car
Sokcho is a great place to travel by car. Because the area is not large, it is good to go from place to place. Sokcho is also close to Gangneung, so it is very convenient to move by car.

By bicycle
There is a place where bicycles are rented. You can rent a bicycle there and enjoy the riding course in Sokcho.

Yeongnangho Lake is a great place for a bicycle course.

See

Do

 * Visit the Seoraksan National Park
 * Bikes are available from outside the GS25 Sokcho Tower Branch (next to the Sokcho Tower). They cost approximately 20,000 won/day to rent and there are a range of sizes. Call 0505-929-7000 for more info (updated Sep 2023).
 * Bikes are available from outside the GS25 Sokcho Tower Branch (next to the Sokcho Tower). They cost approximately 20,000 won/day to rent and there are a range of sizes. Call 0505-929-7000 for more info (updated Sep 2023).

Buy
If you're lost without an essential and are having trouble finding it try the E-mart near the express bus terminal. Also, fans of dried squid can find a whole package of squid for only ₩10,000, which is the same price, if not less, that most restaurants sell one squid for.

Famous foods

 * Red crabs

The area is famous for red crabs. Compared to snow crabs which are seasonal, red crabs are always available for purchase at Sokcho Jungang Market. Red / snow crab is available from many restaurants. It can be expensive at around ₩100,000 for a crab, including sides such as sashimi, rice, and pickles. A cheaper way of trying crab is at the Sokcho Fish market where takeaway steamed crab is available for ₩15,000.

 * Cold noodles with pollack

A spicy and savory dish, it came about due to the fact that noodles made from sweet potato starch, potato starch, or buckwheat starch were not traditionally eaten with side dishes. At some point, people started to pair these noodles with pollack or flounder.

 * Soft tofu (sundubu)

Hakhakpyeong, located on the way from downtown Sokcho towards Ulsan Rock (Mishiryeong Old Road), is home to several soft tofu restaurants. Made from pure Mt. Seoraksan water and seawater, it is chemical-free, nutritious, tasty and usually costs only ₩5,000 at most places.

 * Sundae

One of the types of sundae (again, not the eponymous dessert) unique to Sokcho is squid sundae, made using squid instead of pork intestines. It consists of squid stir-fried with noodles and blood sausage, with carrots, onions, seaweed and spices mixed together. The whole thing is then covered in egg yolk and fried. It runs about ₩10,000 per dish.

 * Salted fish

Sokcho is also known for raw, salted fish, especially flounder and pollack. It can be quite expensive in restaurants (₩70,000 for two).

Drink
Sokcho is not filled with the plethora of hofs (restaurants with a drinking atmosphere), but almost all restaurants serve beer and soju (sweet potato wine, 20% proof). Beer and soju usually cost around ₩5,000 in restaurants.

 * A small bar with nice views exists near the small hand pulled ferry crossing to the Abai village. It serves local craft beer (₩10,000 a can) and Korean lagers at ₩4,000. It has music and possibly karaoke on particularly lively evenings.

Connect
There are tourist information kiosks beside both the intercity and express bus terminals.

 * Sokcho city government home page
 * Sokcho city government English-language home page
 * Sokcho-si Tourism Org
 * Sokcho-si :Official Site of Korea Tourism Org

Go next

 * DMZ About an hour's bus ride north is the De-Militarized Zone between North and South Korea.
 * Seoraksan National Park is about a 30-minute bus ride and served by the 3 and 3-1 buses (as of August 2009)
 * Gangneung Another major city in Gangwon-do. There are many tourist spots in Gangneung like Daegwallyeong and Gangneung Coffee Street.

 * Cycle the coastal path. A cycle track asking the coastal path goes all the way to the DMZ Unification Observatory (approximately 60km). A 2-3 day round trip from Sokcho, expect to see beaches, quiet villages and lots of fences nearer the DMZ. See the 'Bikes' section under 'Do' for bike rental information. More info on bike path: https://www.koreabybike.com/routes/gangwon-bicycle-path/sokcho-goseong/

title: Sokcho


text:
Sokobanja

Sokobanja (Serbian Cyrillic: Сокобања, also written as Soko Banja/Соко Бања) is a famous spa-town in the Podunavlje region of Serbia

Understand
"Banja" means spa in Serbian.

Get in
There are direct bus connections from Niš and Belgrade.

See

 * Sokograd
 * Milošev Konak
 * Lake Bovan
 * 16th century baths
 * Ozren Mountain

Go next

 * Niš
 * Paraćin
 * Kragujevac
 * Belgrade

title: Sokobanja


text:
Sokone

Sokone is a town in the Fatick administrative region of Central Senegal. Sokone is a tranquil town on the Southeastern Sine-Saloum Delta amid the mangroves. It's on the road from Kaolack to Banjul, 50 km south of Kaolack and 66 km north of Banjul, so it is a good place to stop and relax when traveling between the two larger cities.

Understand
During the colonial period, the town was a peanut port and the old warehouses can still be seen around town along with a large number of peanut fields in the surrounding country side. Along with peanuts, millet, cashews, and many fruits and vegetables are grown. Agriculture and fishing continue to be the main economic activities in the area. The dominant ethnic group in the area is the Sereer people, followed by the Wolof, Pulaars, and Mandinkas. Wolof and Sereer are the most commonly heard languages, but many people in the town speak French as well.

Climate
The travel season in Sokone and most of Senegal is between the drier months of November through May. This time of year is characterized with little rainfall, low humidity and mild temperatures. During this period, the migratory birds of Europe come to Senegal for nesting, giving the tourist the perfect opportunity for bird observation. The months of June through October see increased rainfall and rising temperatures peaking around August through October.

Get in
Travel to Sokone can be arranged through the hotel/campement or one can use private or public transportation.

For those taking private transportation from Dakar, take the N1 through Mbour to Kaolack. In Kaolack turn right onto the Trans-Gambian Highway. Immediately after exiting Kaolack, turn right on the N5 (Kaolack-Banjul Road). Sokone is about 50 km from Kaolack and it is the second large town on the Kaolack-Banjul Road. If using public transportation to get from Dakar to Sokone, take a sept place (3,150 CFA) to Kaolack from Garage Pompiers. These vehicles go to Garage Dakar in Kaolack, so it is necessary to take a taxi from Garage Dakar to Garage Nioro. From Garage Nioro, take a sept-place (1,100 CFA) to Sokone. Another option is to take the bus directly to Sokone It leaves from Rue 1, Medina, behind the RTS office at 08:30 every day except Sunday. The price is 3,000 CFA.

Get around
It's possible to get to anywhere in Sokone by walking, but motorcycle taxis and donkey or horse drawn carts are also available to rent for travel within Sokone or to the outlying villages and sites.

See

Sokone has a range of activities that will satisfy those who want adventure, a cultural experience, or just relaxation. Every Wednesday there's a weekly market or looma which draws in people from the surrounding villages and animates the quiet town. To cool off take a swim among the mangroves in the salty delta river or relax in the shade and learn to make Senegalese tea with your hosts. See the list below for more activities and sites for tourists to enjoy at Sokone:

 * Baumbougar: This ancient baobab tree is near the village of Baumbougar, a short charette ride from Sokone.
 * Ndiafe Ndiafe: Take a charette out to this village which is about 2 km from Sokone. This ancient village is the original village in the area and Sokone as well as many of the surrounding villages are descendants of Ndiafe Ndiafe.  Spend the day learning about the culture and history of the village and region and visit the sacred baobab.
 * Visit one of the other neighboring villages: Rent a charette and visit one of the many villages around Sokone to experience life in a Wolof or Sereer village. Visitors will receive a warm welcome due to the strong tradition of teranga (hospitality) throughout Senegal.
 * Ndef Lang: A women's training center that works with the Catholic Mission in town. Many women and girls attend training classes here to learn skills such as sewing, embroidery, cloth dying, and jam/juice-making so that they have a means to augment the income of their family.  Visit the center and spend the afternoon talking to the women who will also be willing to let visitors participate in the activity of the day.  Don't forget to buy some of the delicious jam or juice before leaving.

Do

 * Take a pirgoue to the islands: Rent a pirogue and spend the day on the water, gliding through the mangroves. Then visit the island communities, where the people will very happily show you around.  Or visit the shell or bird islands, which are both very appropriately named.
 * Rent a pirogue and go fishing: Take advantage of the proximity of the river and go fishing. There are a couple of hotels/campements that specialize in fishing expeditions.  See the section on lodging below.  But if you choose to stay at a different campement, the manager will be happy to help make arrangements.
 * Learn how cashews are locally processed: Sokone is in the peanut basin but there are also an abundance of cashew trees. A women's group processes cashews.  Spend the morning or day with the women to learn the lengthy process for getting cashews ready to eat and buy some delicious cashews for a snack.
 * Traditional Sereer Wrestling: One of Senegal's most popular sports, all visitors should take the opportunity to see this spectacle if possible. Tradition, mysticism, and theatrics prior to each match are just as important as the match, and are very elaborate.  Sokone has a wrestling arena but there are also smaller matches arranged in an open area of town sometimes.  Talk to the campement/hotel manager when making reservations to see if there will be a tournament coinciding with your stay.

Buy
At the looma, you can find almost anything, including fruits and vegetables, cloth and jewelry. There are also a few men who sell carved wooden figures at the looma. They don't have stands but they wander around with their bags of carvings so keep an eye out for them and be ready to bargain. Bargaining is part of the culture and is expected by most vendors who don't have permanent structures in the market. For those who don't visit on looma day, which is Wednesday, there are a couple of options for buying souvenirs and gifts for those back home:

 * The Handicapped Association: A short walk from the market, one is unlikely to find the Handicap Center unless they know to look for it. But it is worth the walk to visit their boutique which sells bags, clothing, tie dye cloth, and an assortment of other handicrafts.  The Center was created to provide training for the handicapped population of Sokone so that they can earn a living.  In order to provide financing for the center and make the classes affordable, they've created a boutique which sells some of the products they are teaching their members to make.
 * Ndef Lang: This training center for women and girls, which is located a couple of blocks behind the garage, sells clothing, embroidered and tie dyed goods, and juice and jams from local fruits and vegetables. If one wants to have traditional clothing made, Ndef Lang provides quick service at a reasonable price.
 * Ismael's Boutique: This small straw structure across from the Caiman Hotel doesn't look like it has much; but when one walks in, they are greeted by a wide array of beautiful wooden figurines, masks, and key chains as well as paintings. This store has a wider selection of goods than the artisans at the looma and friendly customer service.
 * Afric-Art: A store in the main market with jewelry, postcards, shoes, and traditional drums. With a convenient location, friendly staff, and expanding stock, this store is another good option for finding mementos of your visit.

Money
The national currency of Senegal is the CFA franc. The CFA is pegged to the euro, so it is permanently fixed at 650 CFA to 1 euro.

Eat
There are a couple of restaurants to choose from if you choose not to eat at your lodging establishment. There are also a number of dibiteries and sandwich stands that cater to locals.

 * Restaurant Jokkoo: This restaurant is just off the main road as one enters the town from Kaolack. It is popular with locals and tourists because they offer a delicious meal at a low price. The menu includes traditional Senegalese dishes like ceeb u jen and yassa as well as sandwiches.
 * Handicapped Association: This intimate restaurant is in the Centre for the Handicapped. They serve traditional Senegalese meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a low price.
 * Le Cailcedrait: This restaurant is on the main road at the entrance of town coming from Kaolack. They cater more to tourists than to locals and have items on their menu such as hamburgers and pizza as well as Senegalese plates. They also serve beer and liquor. The prices are little more expensive than some of the other restaurants in town, but still very reasonable because they have a wider selection and a more upscale atmosphere.
 * Ker Rose: Overlooking the river, this is the perfect place to have dinner and watch the sunset over the water. The restaurant is located just past the market before the land bridge to Mbouldiame.

Sleep
There are a number of lodging options within Sokone and just outside the town limits that cater to different types of tourists. The staffs at all of these establishments are willing to help arrange activities and outings for their guests.

Go next
Once your visit is finished and it is time to leave Sokone, go to the garage to catch a car out of town. If you are returning to Dakar, take a car to Kaolack (1,200 CFA). Then from Kaolack, continue on to Dakar. Another option if you are going to Dakar is to take the horaire. It is a bus that leaves Sokone every night at 23:00 and goes straight to Dakar. You will need to purchase a ticket a couple of hours before the bus leaves in order to reserve a seat. Ask your lodge about buying a ticket if you would like to take the horaire.

If you are not returning to Dakar but continuing your trip through Senegal, you should return to Kaolack unless you are heading south to Toubacouta or Banjul. Once you have reached Kaolack you can find a car that is going to your next destination. If you are heading South or east, you will find a car at Garage Nioro (the garage that you will arrive at from Sokone) but if you are going North or West, you will need to take a taxi (200 CFA) to Garage Dakar.

If you're next stop is south of Sokone, in the direction of Banjul, you can go to the garage and take a car that is going to Karang (1,000 CFA) or catch a ndiagen-ndiaye on the side of the national highway.

Or you can go by pirogue if your next destination is one of the islands or Palmarin. Discuss this option with your lodge and be prepared to negotiate and pay a lot for taking a boat.

title: Sokone


text:
Solan

Solan town is a city in Himachal Pradesh. Located on the Punjab-Himachal Border, Solan is nestled in the Shivalik hills of the Himalayas. Solan has ancient temples and monasteries, and the city has one of the oldest breweries in the country. This city also has a 300-year-old fort at the top of a hill. The Shoolini Mata Temple and Jatoli Shiv Temple are popular places for tourists. One of the most famous monasteries in this region is the Yundung Monastery.

Understand
The place is named after the Hindu goddess Shoolini Devi. Every year in June, a fair venerating the goddess is held, featuring a 3-day mela at the central Thodo ground. Solan was the capital of the erstwhile princely state, Baghat.

It is known as the "Mushroom city of India] because of the vast mushroom farming in the area, and because of the Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR) at Chambaghat.

Solan is also called the "City of Red Gold", due to the bulk production of tomatoes in the area.

Get in
Solan is 70 km from Chandigarh, 300 km from Delhi, and 45 km south of Shimla, is easily approachable through road route by state transport buses or taxis (₹1000 from Chandigarh and 3500 from Delhi); is en-route Shimla on NH-22.

The narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla railway passes through Solan. All trains from Kalka to Shimla stop over at Solan.

The nearest airport is the Shimla Airport.

Get around
Seventy kilometers from Chandigarh and in proximity to Shimla, Solan draws a large number of tourists every year.

The star attraction for tourists is its three parks, namely Jawahar Park, Children Park and Mohan Park. The 7000-foot high Koral cave and a variety of stone fruit are other attractions. The walks, roads and shopping joints of this city are beautiful. The fruits are cheap and fresh.

Do

 * Trek to Karol Tibba & Meteol Tibba. At 2237 metres "Karol Ka Tibba" is the highest point near Solan. A temple dedicated to Goddess Kali has been constructed on the hill top. The 5.6-km (one way) moderate trek starts from Chambaghat and can be completed in 3 hours.
 * Trek to Pandava Gufa. Locals believe it to be the oldest and longest (around 28 km) cave in the Himalayan region. They also believe that the Pandavas from Mahabharata lived and meditated in this cave during their exile. Owing to this religious connection, a temple is constructed beside the cave. The other end of the cave is believed to be at Pinjore (Haryana).

Eat
Solan is renowned for its roasted corn, and is famous for its seasonal fruits and vegetables. The fresh cucumber is great and the fresh corn is the sweetest.

Must haves.... Solan chana, on the mall road, near old bus stand. Famous sweets on different sweet shops. Samosa at Rattanjee's mall road, burfi at Preemjee's old bus stand, Jalebi in upper bazar/chowk bazar (paddu Halwai), gulab jamun at Sharma Sweets near DC office.

Sleep
There are a large number of hotels offering accommodation facilities to visitors. For the high-end travelers, there are the luxury hotels and resorts of the town. Those who are concerned about rentals, the economy and budget hotels of Kasauli are the best bet. In case you want to get a taste of royalty, make sure to book a room at one of the heritage hotels in Kasauli.

Go next

 * Sadhu Pul is around 18-20 km from Solan. Beautiful water falls on the way and you reach a heavily flowing gorge good for fishing and swimming.
 * Another few kilometers ahead there is a place called Chail, which has history of its own. Patiala's king is known to have picked up the most beautiful girl of Shimla town from the Mall Road and that point is known as Scandal Point.
 * You can visit Kasauli which is also an army base and a beautiful town known for its Snawar School.

title: Solan


text:
Solana Beach

Solana Beach is a city on the northern coast of San Diego County in Southern California. It is near San Diego. It's a hangout for locals who love to surf, swim, and snorkel. This laid-back town offers a nice variety of galleries, shops, and trendy boutiques if shopping is on the agenda. There aren’t many tourists here, so expect plenty of room to breathe and stretch out.

By car
Solana Beach is located about 20 miles north of San Diego on Interstate 5. Exit at Lomas Santa Fe or Villa de la Valle and head west.

By train
The Solana Beach railway station is located downtown off of Lomas Santa Fe and Cedros. The station is serviced by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and San Diego County's COASTER.

By plane
The closest international airport is San Diego International Airport. From the airport, take San Diego Transit's Route 992 bus to the Santa Fe Depot and connect to the COASTER or the Pacific Surfliner.

By car
Solana Beach is small enough to be navigated by car. Most of the time you won't stray far from Interstate 5.

By bus
The Breeze is a public bus service operated by the North County Transit District within Solana Beach and the surrounding area.

By train
The COASTER connects Solana Beach with other locations in San Diego County.

See
Solana Beach has one of the most beautiful seashores in Southern California. The atmosphere is more relaxed and peaceful than in nearby San Diego.

Go next
All the destinations listed below are accessible from Solana Beach by train.
 * Orange County
 * Los Angeles
 * Del Mar
 * Encinitas
 * Carlsbad
 * San Diego/La Jolla

title: Solana Beach


text:
Solano County

Solano County is in the Bay Area of California. It is more rural than many other Bay Area counties with a population of approximately 400,000.

Understand
Solano County was one of the state's original counties at the time of statehood in 1850, and two of its cities have served as early state capitals: Vallejo was the capital in 1852 and again in 1853, while Benicia served as the capital from February 1853 until February 1854. The county is named after Chief Solano of the Suisun people, a Native American tribe of the region that was closely allied to General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo.

Get in
Interstate 80 is the main highway through the region, taking travelers from San Francisco northeast through the county towards Sacramento. Interstate 680 provides access from the East Bay, while Interstate 780 cross along the Carquinez Strait connecting Interstate 80 to Interstate 680. Interstate 505 enters the county from the north and provides access for travelers traveling south on Interstate 5, the main north-south route through California.

Go next

 * - Neighboring Solano County to the northwest, America's preeminent wine-producing region attracts more than five million annual visitors to over two hundred wineries, often overcrowding the roadways on summer weekends. Travelers will find world-famous restaurants to complement the wines, and lodging that includes luxury spas, B&Bs, and upscale hotels. Those uninterested in viticulture may choose to enjoy the hot springs of Calistoga or hike/bike the many parks and trails in the area's beautiful rolling hills.
 * - With extensive farmlands, Solano County's northern neighbor offers numerous opportunities for visitors to engage in agritourism: farmer's markets are held regularly, organic farms offer tours and the opportunity to pick your own produce, and more than 35 wineries can be found in the county. The college town of Davis is home to California's third-largest state university and boasts the highest number of bikes per capita in the USA, a statistic that led the US Bicycling Hall of Fame to move to the town in 2010.
 * - Bordering Solano County to the east, Sacramento County stretches from the wetlands at the edge of the San Francisco Bay to the rolling hills of Gold Country. The Sacramento and American Rivers played prominent roles in the county's development, and today offer outdoor opportunities ranging from boating to fishing to birdwatching.  The capital city of Sacramento is located at the rivers' confluence, and visitors will appreciate its historic districts and more than 25 museums.
 * - Solano County's southern neighbor is a primarily residential county that offers a vast array of food, shopping, and lodging options for Bay Area visitors. The landscape is dominated by Mount Diablo, a peak that provides excellent hiking opportunities and, on clear days, summit views that stretch for well over 100 miles in all directions. Other attractions include the John Muir Historic Site in Martinez, the estate of Nobel winning playwright Eugene O'Neill in Danville, and a WWII shipyard, now a national historic site, in Richmond.
 * - The heart of the Bay Area, famous for its scenic beauty and unique culture.
 * - Visitors to Solano County's neighbor to the west can see migrating gray whales while strolling the wind-swept beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore, take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Marin Headlands, or soak in the majesty of the redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument. The county's tiny towns are full of character, and include the artistic enclave of Sausalito, as well as Bolinas, whose reclusive residents are notorious for removing any road sign that points the way into their town.
 * - Although its wineries may not be as famous as those in the Napa Valley, Solano County's northwestern neighbor is actually the largest wine producer in California Wine Country and home to over 250 wineries. More than seven million visitors each year explore the county's open spaces and beautiful coastline, including the big trees at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and the seaside town of Bodega Bay where Alfred Hitchcock's thriller The Birds was filmed. For those interested in early California history, Fort Ross is a state historic site that preserves a fur trading outpost that was operated by Russia from 1812-1841.

title: Solano County