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Trondheim

Trondheim, formerly Trondhjem or Nidaros, is an old city in central Norway. It is a key city in Norway, its skyline dominated by the lovely cathedral and its city life dominated by the university. Central Trondheim is beautifully inside a large river bend where the river meets the wide Trondheimsfjord.

Understand

Trondheim is the oldest of Norway's major cities, and its rich cultural heritage can still be traced in and around the city centre. It's a scenic city on the southern shore of the Trondheimsfjord, which is the third longest in Norway. Even if the size is modest, there is a lot going on in Trondheim. Music, arts, culture, alternative politics, nightlife and student life — all combine into making Trondheim one of the most exciting city centres of Northern Europe.

The city centre is roughly the area inside the meandering Nidelva. The marvellous Nidaros Cathedral, the second-largest church of Northern Europe and the only Gothic cathedral in Norway, towers over the city centre. Legend has it that it was built over the grave of St Olav, Norway's patron saint. Regarded as a national treasure, it has been the site of the coronations of Norway's kings. In 1958, Olav V chose to receive benediction there as did the current king, Harald V, in 1991. The cathedral has been under restoration since 1860 and as the only state church in Norway, obtains grants directly from the parliament through the state budget.

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is the main technical university of Norway and contributes greatly to the city's social profile and economy. Out of Trondheim's 210,000 inhabitants (2020), 42,000 are students at NTNU (2019).

Melhus village near the mouth of Gaula river valley is part of wider Trondheim area.

History
The city celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 1997 but contrary to popular belief Trondheim was not so much of a centre for the Vikings as it was founded at the end of the Viking Age. However, it was the religious centre of northern Europe during the Middle Ages and a vital hub for North Atlantic trade, giving it plenty of characteristic mansions and harbour houses. From 1152 until the Protestant Reformation, Trondheim (or Nidaros as it was called) was the seat of the Archbishopric of Norway (present-day Norway plus Iceland, Orkney and Shetland). The ancient name Nidaros reads "mouth of river Nid". For centuries, Trondheim was the northernmost mercantile city in Europe, giving it a special "edge-of-the-world" feeling. This also resulted in a more outgoing international culture than many other Scandinavian cities at the time. The inhabitants like to call their city the historical, religious, and technological capital of Norway.

Climate
Comparable to Scotland, the climate is oceanic and Trondheim is warmed by the Gulf Stream in the winter. Therefore the winters are much milder than you would expect at 63° north — temperatures of over +10°C can be encountered well into October. There is snow in the winter, but the temperature is certainly more pleasant than, say, at the same latitude in Canada or even Finland. Don't expect Mediterranean temperatures in the summer, though. Being practically located at the Atlantic Ocean, strong winds are common; moreover, few days are free of rain, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket even in the summer.

Tourist information

 * Visit Trondheim website

By plane
The following options are available for transfer to downtown Trondheim, listed from cheapest to most expensive. The cheapest and most convenient option is the train, as the ticket is also valid on buses and trams in the city for 1.5 hours after purchase (3 hours on weekdays after 6pm or weekends). The ticket does not need to be valid for the entire duration of the trip; as long as it is valid when you enter the bus or train, it will remain valid until you exit, even if it expires during the trip.
 * Trains and buses are managed by the public transportation company AtB. Tickets purchased through AtB are therefore valid for both modes of transportation. Single tickets cost kr 46 (as of Feb 2024) and are cheaper for children.
 * Trains depart to Trondheim once per hour on weekdays, once every two hours on weekends. Corridor to railway station begins next to baggage belt 2. The train is more scenic than by bus, but far less frequent. Journey time to Trondheim Central Station is 35-40 min. Train may however be the best option for transfer to many other destinations such as Levanger, Verdal and Steinkjer. Long distance Regiontog towards Fauske and Bodø in Northern Norway pass the airport three times daily.
 * Bus lines 70 and 311 regularly run to the city. The full list of routes is available here. The stop is called "Trondheim lufthavn". To find it, enter the parking garage, walk straight through to the other side (about 100 meters), exiting the opening on the lefthand side. Follow the road, bearing right, for about 130 meters, and you should see the stop on the other side of the street from a gas station. Travel time to the city center is about 1 hour.
 * There are four ways to purchase a train/bus ticket:
 * The AtB official app is available for Android and iOS and has English options.
 * Send an SMS to 2027 with the text "VOKSEN"
 * Tickets may also be purchased on board via cash or credit card, but only on trains and not on buses
 * Tickets may be purchased from the small green and black ticket machines located on the floor above the train platforms.
 * Værnes-Ekspressen is by far the most expensive option, although it stops directly in front of the baggage carousel, making it slightly more convenient. Check the schedule before buying a return ticket. Tickets cost, as of Sep 2023, kr 390/220 (student kr 270/150, child or senior kr 220/110). Prices are slightly cheaper if tickets are purchased in advance. Travel time to the city center is about 35-45 minutes.
 * Taxi companies include Trøndertaxi, Norgestaxi and Stjørdal Taxi. Many offer fixed price to Trondheim in shared or chartered taxi.

By train

(Trondheim sentralstasjon) is fairly small, and just a few minutes north of the city centre. The bus station is next door, and an elevated causeway connects the train and bus stations with the terminus for boats on the Trondheim fjord. Toilets and lockers are available for a fee. A kiosk is available in the terminal itself, while there is a decent bakery and restaurant on the causeway above the tracks. There is a supermarket five minutes away, towards the centre.

There are four daily trains between Oslo and Trondheim S on the Dovre line. These are the quickest ground transport between the cities, and you may find cheap discount tickets on the Vy website.

There are no longer direct trains from Oslo on the Røros line, but there are two daily connections with Oslo, with changes in Røros and Hamar.

Three daily trains make their way southwards on the Nordlandsbanen from Mosjøen and Mo i Rana, with two of them all the way from Bodø and Fauske. Fauske is the main hub for buses from the north, for instance from Lofoten. Incidentally, the night service passes Hell station just before midnight.

Local trains between Trondheim and the airport, continuing to Steinkjer, depart every hour on weekdays, roughly every second hour on weekends. Trains from Oppdal and Røros depart a few times per day. These trains also call at local stations in Trondheim.

The Meråkerbanen (Nabotåget) service runs twice daily from the city of Östersund and the ski resort Åre in Sweden, passing the border at Storlien. There are connections from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, and other cities in Sweden.

By car

The Norwegian north-south highway E6 passes Trondheim. Alternatively from Oslo, the road number 3 can be used. It is shorter and faster than E6, and less affected by snowstorms in winter, but E6 is more beautiful from a touristic point of view. The coastal highway E39 has its terminus at Klett, 10 km south of Trondheim. The eastbound E14 forks off from E6 near the airport. If driving to the city along the highways, be aware that there are automatic tolls on the highways both from north and south.

Parking in the city centre is easy, but expensive. Useful parking spots include the central station, the garage under the main square, the garage in Fjordgata, the Central Park garage, the garage in Sandgata (there are always empty spots here). Parking in Ila is free.

By bus
The Mørelinjen express, operated by Fram, runs down the coast towards Kristiansund, Molde and Ålesund.

Other express bus lines from Trondheim include the useful Bergen line, passing the fjord areas of western Norway on the way and connecting these with Trondheim. All the way to Bergen, it takes a whopping 14 hr.

By boat
If you have the time and money, you should definitely take the, Hurtigruten. It runs from Bergen to Trondheim, and on to Bodø, Tromsø, Hammerfest and finally Kirkenes, just on the Russian border. The trip from Bergen takes 36 hours and costs about kr 750 if you are a student (be sure to check for updated prices on their home page). This trip takes you through one of the most magnificent parts of coastal Norway, even popping by the famous Geiranger fjord during summer. Travelling north, Bodø is reached in 24 hr, while Tromsø takes 50 hr. All the way to Kirkenes takes another two days from Tromsø.

There is also a twice a day.

By pilgrimage
As the religious centre for much of northern Europe, Trondheim was a pilgrimage destination. Some of the routes have been revived as the Nidaros Path or St. Olav's Way and can be used for real pilgrimage or just slow-tourism through countryside and beautiful landscapes, with local food and many cultural sights. There are several routes, among them:
 * The Gudbrandsdalen path (643 km) from Oslo to Trondheim, the longest pilgrim route in Norway and the main road to Nidaros in medieval times. It goes through countryside with cultural sights as well as dramatic wilderness landscapes.
 * The Østerdalen path from Värmland in Sweden through Trysil and Tynset, much of it through sparsely inhabited areas.
 * The St. Olav path from Selånger outside Sundsvall on the coast of Sea of Bothnia.
 * The Fjord Pilgrim route (Kystpilegrimsleia) from Rogaland, 1400 km through dramatic landscapes. Parts are suitable for bike and foot, parts for kayak and small boats.
 * The St. Olav Waterway from Turku via the Archipelago Sea and Åland – partly by ferry or own vessel – connects to the established leg from Hudiksvall in Sweden.

Get around

If you want to find locations in Trondheim, try the Yellow Pages website. The maps have more detail than popular map websites, and are very useful if you've heard the name of a place, but don't know where it is.

By bus
Trondheim has a well developed bus network, covering nearly all of the city. Buses are operated by the company AtB. There are frequent departures during the day, less frequent during evenings. Within the zone Stor-Trondheim it costs kr 46 for single tickets, kr 23 for under 20 year olds, kr 138 for a day pass (kr 69 for under 20 year olds), and kr 322 for a 7-day pass (kr 130 for under 20 year olds), as of Feb 2024. Night bus service (running between 00:30 and 04:00 on weekends) is available at an extra cost. You can buy tickets in the AtB app (the one with a gray logo, the others are being deprecated), from the driver (see note below), at some convenience stores (Narvesen, 7-Eleven and Deli de Luca), by sending an SMS to 2027 with the message "VOKSEN", and ticket machines (accepting cash and card). Be aware that the ticket machines are not well maintained and may be unreliable. Tickets purchased prior to boarding the bus are cheaper than buying with cash from the driver. You can find online timetables and a map of the system.

Not all buses allow you to buy a ticket onboard, and it will be more expensive than the other options. In general, you can only buy tickets on the region buses (the blue ones), and on city buses departing from stops that are not served by metrobus lines. For example, if you travel from Lerkendal Gård using line 11, you can buy a ticket onboard. However, if you take line 11 from Hesthagen, you can not buy a ticket onboard, since Hesthagen is also serviced by metrobus lines 1 and 2. Finally, the green city buses are cash–only, and require you to pay the exact amount. For these reasons, use one of the options for prepaid tickets instead.

Make sure that your ticket is valid before entering the bus. There have been cases where passengers have been fined for entering the bus after purchasing a ticket that wasn't validated due to a lag or error in AtB's own system. Note that the rule is that you must have a valid ticket when entering. This means that as long as the ticket was valid the moment you entered the bus, it will still be valid even if it expires during the journey. This is useful for transfers or for quick trips.

Aa separate ticket is required to bring a bicycle onboard (kr 23 as for Feb 2024), although this seems to be rarely enforced.

Do not buy a student ticket unless you are prepared to show proof of recent enrollment (e.g. paid semester fees, etc.) Ticket control is very strict about this policy and will give you a fine if they are not satisfied with the proof you offer them.

By rail
Gråkallbanen, the tram line operates from St. Olavs gate near the centre to Lian, up in the Bymarka forests. It's a quite scenic ride with good views of the city and surroundings both on the way up and down and well worth taking if you have an hour. It operates on the same fare schedule, so day passes are valid. The tram is the northernmost tram service in the world.

Trønderbanen, the local train runs between Støren and Steinkjer, and thus covers large parts of the county. Bus and tram tickets bought from AtB are valid on all trains within zone A.

By taxi

 * Uber
 * Uber
 * Uber

By boat
The resort island of Munkholmen, can be reached by boat from Ravnkloa every day from May to September, hourly departures. Make sure you don't miss the last boat home in the evening! A return ticket costs kr 80 for adults, kr 45 for children and kr 45 for strollers. Cash only.

By foot
Downtown is fairly compact and walkable. However many points of interest are several kilometers away and there are some steep hills in the south of the city. Unless you particularly enjoy walking, take some other means of transport there.

By bicycle
Getting around by bicycle is relatively popular. Electric bicycles are a common sight due to the number of hills in the city. There is a well connected bicycle network with major routes running along the fjord waterfront (near Brattørkaia and Skansen) as well as running along the river. If you desire to go further out in the city, there is a route toward Lade (east of city center) and a route running parallel to Elgeseter gate (south of city centre). Miljøpakken, the organization for regional sustainable transportation in Trondheim, maintains an updated map of the bicycle routes here.

There is a bicycle sharing system available from Trondheim Bysykkel. Bicycles and can rented and unlocked from stations throughout the city. The cost is kr 19 per 30 minutes or kr 429 for an unlimited or seasonal pass, as of Sep 2023.

If want to get up to the fortress along the steep Brubakken by bike you can use the locally famous and allegedly only bicycle lift in the world, "Trampe".

Note that bringing a bicycle onboard the bus requires a separate, additional bicycle ticket.

By car
It is quite easy to find a parking spot downtown, but getting around by car itself can be frustrating with a lot of one-way streets and short green light periods for cars in the intersections.

Architecture
Stay close to the The river is a good place to take a break and relax   just behind the cathedral. Behind the cathedral there is a park with a children's playground. There are a lot of wooden mansions in and around the city centre., the King's local residence, is the biggest together with the Singsaker summer hotel, but the small, wooden houses in parts of the city like, , and  are even more picturesque. Wooden harbour buildings can be seen along Kjøpmannsgata, Fjordgata and Sandgata. The best view is from the across Nidelva river, leading from close to the cathedral to Bakklandet.

Other

 * The small community of squatters in the district of (known informally as Svartlamon), now an ecological experiment-part of the city. A different neighbourhood to walk around in, with very few shops, cafes and lots of graffiti.

Do

 * Check out Trondheim's bustling nightlife. During term time, the students make the nightlife rocking all week, and skyrocketing in weekends. Check the "Drink" section for more.
 * Watch football at

Swimming

 * Have a swim in the modern swimming pool, a magnificent water palace just by the sea, but definitely warmer! (Bus 46 or 52 to Pirterminalen, end station)
 * Have an even cooler swim in the, a tiny little, but very cosy beach that consists of not much more than a wooden diving tower. It gains its uniqueness through its location, right to the left behind the central train station, in the area of harbour and industries. Don't worry, it's the cleanest water in the world!
 * If the weather is nice and the fjord is warm, the best swimming spots are found east of the city. The area contains a footpath along the fjord, which passes many of the best swimming spots. (Bus 3 to Strandveikaia, then walk along the industrially-looking road to the left... and you'll find beauty soon!) Also, the  area further out is brilliant for sunbathing and swimming. (Bus 6 to Rotvoll or longer, or local train to Rotvoll station)
 * A newly opened venue,, also offers bathing in the fjord. There is also a bar, restaurant, concert stage, and saunas on site.

Hiking
Hiking and backpacking are popular activities in the areas around Trondheim. The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) is a good resource for planning hiking trips. The local branch of DNT is where you can ask for trip planning advice, reserve overnight cabins, and purchase camping equipment.

If you hike outside of the city, do not rely on Google or Apple maps. They have incomplete information on hiking paths. Instead, consider DNT's UT.no, OpenStreetMap, or paper maps from DNT.

Winter sports

 * Go skiing at just outside Trondheim, in the season there's a bus service from Munkegata, and a Ski Shop with ski and snowboard rental service.
 * Cross-country skiing is popular from November to April with hundreds of kilometres of tracks in and . You can rent skis at  in Bymarka, bus 10.

Events
If you want to know what's up right now on the local culture scene, consult the city's official event calendar trdevents.

 * Every year in the end of July and the beginning of August, you can visit the St. Olav Festival. The festival is a celebration of Olav Haraldsson, who attempted to Christianise Norway. The festival's programme consists of both religious contributions, like masses for pilgrimages in the Nidaros cathedral and cultural festivities like concerts, Medieval plays, lectures, exhibitions and many other activities.

Learn
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim represents academic eminence in technology and the natural sciences as well as in other academic disciplines ranging from the social sciences, the arts, medicine, architecture to fine arts. Cross-disciplinary cooperation results in innovative breakthroughs and creative solutions with far-reaching social and economic impact.

Work
If you're looking for work check out the website of the governmental agency NAV. Tech industry boom; Yahoo's arrived & there's other start-ups. If you are truly impressive in this field they'll pay for your move and process your work visa. But you have to excel in your field; if there's a Norwegian that can do your job, they'll get him/her not you.

Malls

Eat
Trondheim has food spots to suit every taste, though remember that eating out is generally very expensive, just like elsewhere in Norway.

Budget

 * Hot dogs: There are several hotdog stands and carts across the city. Several kiosks offer pølser (sausages) in a bun or lomper (a soft flour or potato-based flat bread) with or without condiments.
 * Hot dogs: There are several hotdog stands and carts across the city. Several kiosks offer pølser (sausages) in a bun or lomper (a soft flour or potato-based flat bread) with or without condiments.
 * Hot dogs: There are several hotdog stands and carts across the city. Several kiosks offer pølser (sausages) in a bun or lomper (a soft flour or potato-based flat bread) with or without condiments.
 * Hot dogs: There are several hotdog stands and carts across the city. Several kiosks offer pølser (sausages) in a bun or lomper (a soft flour or potato-based flat bread) with or without condiments.
 * Hot dogs: There are several hotdog stands and carts across the city. Several kiosks offer pølser (sausages) in a bun or lomper (a soft flour or potato-based flat bread) with or without condiments.
 * Hot dogs: There are several hotdog stands and carts across the city. Several kiosks offer pølser (sausages) in a bun or lomper (a soft flour or potato-based flat bread) with or without condiments.
 * Hot dogs: There are several hotdog stands and carts across the city. Several kiosks offer pølser (sausages) in a bun or lomper (a soft flour or potato-based flat bread) with or without condiments.
 * Hot dogs: There are several hotdog stands and carts across the city. Several kiosks offer pølser (sausages) in a bun or lomper (a soft flour or potato-based flat bread) with or without condiments.

Mid-range

Drink
Trondheim has a rocking nightlife. However, everything closes fairly early, meaning that there's a well developed culture for after-parties in homes. To find one, the northern end of Nordre gate is the best bet, or befriend someone working at the Studentersamfundet, that can take you into the private quarters of the house. They are only allowed one guest each.

Learn the customs if you want a good time: essential words are "Vorspiel", referring to the pre-parties people have before they go out, and "Nachspiel", the after-parties. Vorspiels are necessitated by the very high prices in bars and clubs: the idea is generally to drink as much as you can before going out, spend as little as possible while in the venue, and drink more afterwards.

The stringent regulations governing the sale of alcohol in Norway mean that you can only get drinks of strength 4,7% or less from regular shops. So, only beer. Also, they stop selling beer at 20:00 sharp on weekdays, 18:00 sharp on Saturdays and they don't sell it at all on Sundays. There is lots of alcohol-free beer too, and many people drink it if they are driving — if you see beer that seems cheaper than the rest, check the strength.

If you want wine or spirits, you'll need to find a Vinmonopolet, the state-run liquor stores. There are only a few in Trondheim, and they close early, 17:00 or 18:00 during the week and 15:00 on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays. The most central one can be found in Søndre gate, as well as in Trondheim Torg mall, Byhaven mall, Solsiden mall, Valentinlyst mall, City Lade mall and City Syd mall.

The cafe scene in Trondheim is the best developed in Norway, with tons of fine coffee-and-cake spots around. Most double as pubs during the night.

Alcohol

At Trondheim Airport
If you have an early morning flight or a layover, it is possible to stay overnight in the airport. The arrival and departures halls outside of security remain open 24 hrs a day. It is not comfortable but it's warm and there are benches and outlets on the lower level next to the Starbucks. Additionally, there is free Wi-Fi in the building. Check in and security lines reopen typically around one hour before the first flight of the day. Be sure to have a valid flight ticket ready to present to any security guards.

Camping
There are several managed camp sites, some with huts. If you want to go free-camping, get the tram to the terminus at Lian and walk into the forest from there. Some people camp rough in the area around the fortifications of Kristiansten Festning. Do this at your own risk: it is a park. There is an unofficial law in Norway stating that nature is for everyone, you may camp out anywhere if you keep a distance of 300 m from homes/structures. It underscores Norwegians' deep love of the outdoors and their trust in people using but not abusing this precious resource. If you want to camp close to the city, it's allowed to camp behind the Studentersamfundet, under the administration of Trondheim InterRail Centre, during the summer months for a low fee. Contrary to its name, Trondheim Camping is not a campground; it is an indoor mini-golf bar.

Stay safe
Generally considered to be the sort of city where little old ladies can walk safely in dark alleys. It is also not terribly uncommon that regular people will go to great strides to give you back your wallet if you drop it, with cash and credit cards intact.

The only "danger" you might encounter are the occasional youths stumbling around in large groups on Friday/Saturdays. The same goes for Trondheim as anywhere else; leave drunk people alone and it's a good chance they'll leave you alone as well.

There are some beggars and rough people. Norway has an extensive social welfare system, and everyone is guaranteed a place to live and a minimum hand out from the government (for single person approx. kr 5000 a month). Beggars are therefore usually people whose economical difficulties are related to excessive use of drugs or alcohol. In the summer, you might also encounter foreigners who have travelled to Norway on the purpose of begging for money. Begging is not illegal in Norway.

Connect
Internet cafes are scarce as most people are connected at home. You will however find a few PCs at some museums and public buildings, reserved for visitors, and more at the public library (may be waiting time). Your accommodation will likely offer free Wi-Fi.

 * The Railway Station has an electronic information kiosk about the city. It has a keyboard but the web browser has no address bar, so you can only click on links to other sites. But find your way to Google (it's possible, be creative), and you can type in the address of the website you want to visit into Google Search.
 * The Railway Station has an electronic information kiosk about the city. It has a keyboard but the web browser has no address bar, so you can only click on links to other sites. But find your way to Google (it's possible, be creative), and you can type in the address of the website you want to visit into Google Search.
 * The Railway Station has an electronic information kiosk about the city. It has a keyboard but the web browser has no address bar, so you can only click on links to other sites. But find your way to Google (it's possible, be creative), and you can type in the address of the website you want to visit into Google Search.

Go next
The two main areas for those who are fond of hiking are Estenstadmarka and Bymarka. To get to Estenstadmarka, take for example bus #5 to Dragvoll. Bymarka you can reach by the Trondheim's only tram line — Gråkallbanen. Be sure to put on a pair of good boots: the terrains of Trøndelag tend to be very wet.

Day trips

 * Øysand near Melhus is one of the best beaches close to Trondheim. Get the Orkanger-bound buses. You may also rent a car.
 * Take the local train to Hell station and get a photo of yourself in the front of the cargo office ("Gods-Expedition"). If you can't be bothered going there, you can still buy a one-way ticket to Hell from Central Station... for that special someone.
 * For alpine and cross-country skiing, there are two major ski resorts on the Swedish side of the border; Storlien is 100km from Trondheim, Åre about 150km.
 * Røros (150km southeast) a world heritage listed old mining town.

Further away

 * Kristiansund (200 km west) a city with interesting architecture next to the ocean. If you're with a car, why not continue along the Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) to Molde; this is often listed as one of the world's most spectacular drives.
 * Board a Hurtigruten ship; the southbound one goes to Bergen, the northbound one all the way to Kirkenes near the Russian border.
 * Northwards there's more than a day's drive to the Lofoten archipelago, a little less to Vega (Norway). South you can get to places like the scenic Geiranger fjord, Galdhøpiggen (Europe's highest mountain north of the Alps) and other amazing landscapes of mountains, fjords and glaciers. And, of course, the capital Oslo.
 * You can of course also head across the border into Sweden, the nearest provinces being Jämtland County and Dalarna.

Hitch-hiking
Hitching a ride out of Trondheim can be difficult. The best spots require a bus ride at the start.

For south/south-westbound travel, the bus stop close to the Shell station at E6, just across the street from City Syd shopping mall, may be the best choice within city limits. Get bus 46 to City Syd and walk, or get the Orkanger/Fannrem-bound bus that stops right there. If you want to make it clear whether you are going the E6 (towards Oslo) or the E39 (towards Molde/Ålesund), you need to get the Orkanger/Fannrem-bound bus to Øysand (for E39) or the Støren-bound bus to Kvål (for E6). This may be sensible, as the traffic splits roughly in half at Klett/Leinstrand, where the two main roads meet. If you are lucky, a bus driver would drive you to the best available hiking spot free of charge (especially if you are from abroad).

For north/eastbound travel, get bus 7 or 36 to Travbanen stop. Sadly, there are no good hitching spots beyond the start of the highway. To avoid short runs, it may be wise to get a bus or train to Stjørdal (close to the airport), then hitch on the E6 or E14 depending on where you want to go. In Stjørdal, there are good spots at both roads close to the station.

title: Trondheim


text:
Trongsa

Trongsa is a town in Bhutan, often known as the gateway to the east of the country.

Understand
Trongsa is one of Bhutan's most historic towns, and the first monastery was built here in 1543.

The town's dzong is particularly impressive and is often described as a dragon flying over mountain peaks. Constructed in 1644, it served as the original seat of power of the House of Wangchuck before it became the ruling dynasty of Bhutan in 1907. All kings of Bhutan are first given the title of penlop (governor) of Trongsa, and the first and second kings ruled from the town.

The main bazaar is a smart street of three story white traditional houses. It is a good place to break the journey from Thimphu to Jakar.

Get in

 * Roughly six hours by bus from Thimphu and two hours from Jakar.

Get around

 * Trongsa is a small town, and so it's easy to cover on foot.

See

 * Trongsa Dzong. Constructed in 1644 and located on the top of an imposing hill, this dzong creates an impressive sight for miles around.
 * Thruepang Palace. The palace was built by the second king and was the birth place of the third. It's used by reigning monarchs when on official visits to Trongsa. The building is closed to the public and like many of the early palaces is unimposing, but from an architectural and historical point of view it is still worth viewing.

Do

 * Trongsa Tsechu (festival) 2-4 Jan 2012. Held in the dzong.

Buy

 * Handicrafts. Phuntso Wangmo store on the main street (just down from the traffic circle) has a small selection of hand made goods such as woven cloth and wooden bowls.

Eat

 * Most of the buses heading from Thimphu to Jakar make a stop for lunch here, so there are plenty of places to eat on the main street.

Go next

 * Jakar is a 2- to 3-hour drive from Trongsa.

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

title: Trongsa


text:
Troodos Square

Troodos Square refers to a small collection of shops and accommodations high up in the Troodos mountain range (altitude 1707m).

Get in
By taxi, or car. In the summer most cars will make it, but in the winter season a 4x4 is a must. During heavy snowfall, cars without snow chains or 4 wheel drive are not permitted to drive to this altitude.

You can also get there by bus from Nicosia or Limassol. Bus line 408 leaves in Nicosia at Anoigma Kolokasi bus station at 08:00, 10:30 and 14:10 as of November 2021. The line has many stops in Nicosia and in between. The journey takes around 1:50 hours to Troodos Square. Buses back to Nicosia leave there at 10:05, 13:00 and 16:05.

Get around
On foot, or by car.

See
The nature, the rock formations, the views.

Do
Ski in the winter, trekking all year round.

Buy
Souvenir shops sell the usual tourist items. Focus on the local edible products such as soutzouko.

title: Troodos Square


text:
Troon

Troon is a seaside town in Ayrshire in southwest Scotland, with a population of 14,950 in 2020. It's about 50 miles from Glasgow so it's one of the closest beach resorts to the city, and is crowded on fine summer weekends. Another major attraction is golf, best known being the Royal Troon Golf Club which regularly hosts the Open. Troon is also a transport hub and base for exploring the rest of Ayrshire, including the islands of Arran and Great Cumbrae.

Understand
"Troon" probably derives from a Pictish word meaning "rocky headland", and it developed as a port at a time when Glasgow could not. In the early 19th century the Ayrshire coal mining industry was growing - big profits if you could ship the coal out. Troon was therefore built as a planned town and harbour, connected to Kilmarnock by Scotland's first railway. Ship building and other heavy industries were also established here and at other small ports along the Clyde coast. It was only in the 1880s that a deep-water channel was blasted up the Clyde to enable Glasgow to grow and overshadow these earlier ports. But the bonus was a big city population keen to escape at weekends "doon the watter", so Troon evolved into a seaside resort on the "Costa Clyde", the "Glesca Riviera". It still handles freight but no longer has regular ferries, though it sometimes serves as a diversionary port if rough weather closes some other harbour.

Get in
Reaching Troon by public transport usually involves travelling via Glasgow.

By plane: The best local airport is Glasgow, with flights from UK, Europe, and Canada; places beyond (such as the United States) are better served from Manchester MAN and the London airports. From GLA to Troon, travel via central Glasgow. The other airport, Prestwick, is much closer but only has budget flights to the Med, so few visitors arrive that way.

By train: Trains run from Glasgow Central every 30 min daily, taking 50 min via Paisley Gilmour Street, Kilwinning and Irvine, and continuing south to Prestwick Airport and town, and  Ayr. The last train out of Glasgow is at 11:30PM.

was destroyed by fire in 2021. All trains are running and calling as normal, but there are only makeshift facilities for tickets, toilets and so on, plus upheaval from demolition and rebuilding. The new station is due to open some time in 2024.

Barassie is a platform halt a mile north of Troon where some trains from Glasgow stop. You might use it for the north beach or golf course.

By bus: direct buses from Glasgow have been axed, so from Buchanan station either take the X77 and change at Prestwick, the X76 and change at Kilmarnock, or the X44 and change at Irvine; any of these routes will take about 90 min. From Belfast, take the direct bus towards Glasgow and change at Ayr.

Stagecoach Bus 10 runs from Kilmarnock hourly via Dundonald and Muirhead to Troon (55 min) and Barassie.

Bus 14 runs every 45 min from Irvine via Muirhead and Barassie to Troon (35 min) and continues to Prestwick and Ayr. Change at Irvine for the 585, which follows the coast to Ardrossan, West Kilbride and Largs.

The main bus stop is at the angle of West Portland St with South Beach. It's a just a bus shelter.

By car: From Glasgow and east and central Scotland follow M77 / A77 to Hurlford roundabout just outside Kilmarnock, then follow A71 and A759 into Troon. From England head for Carlisle, then A75 to Dumfries, A76 to Hurlford roundabout then as above.

By boat: Troon is no longer a routine ferry port, but is a bad-weather diversion port when the ferry berth at Ardrossan is exposed.

With your own boat, sail in to Troon Yacht Haven, sheltered and accessible at all tides. Call +44 1292 315553 to book your berth or check in online.

Get around
The town is compact and can easily be explored on foot. Bus 14 south to Ayr runs by Royal Troon Golf Club. Bus 10 east to Kilmarnock runs by Dundonald Castle.

The local taxi operator is In-Com (+44 1292 316000). Streamline are based at Prestwick (+44 1292 284545) and are less reliable.

See

 * Town centre is Victorian red sandstone low-rise. St Meddan or Our Lady of the Assumption (RC) was completed in 1911. Town Hall is cod-Georgian, completed in 1932.
 * Beaches have grand views over the Firth of Clyde. South Beach is the more sheltered, and the main visitors' beach. Barassie or North Beach is breezy and exposed. Further out, the sand dunes north and south of town are designated SSSIs: Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
 * on B749 Monktonhill Rd was built around 1681. Now a ruin, it was a "chapel-of-ease" to save parishioners the walk to the parish church at Dundonald.
 * Crosbie Castle and Fullerton Estate: don't bother. It stood half a mile north of Crosbie Church but is lost under the weeds and golf hazards.

Do

 * PGA Open Golf tournament is hosted by Royal Troon every seven years or so, with the next on 14-21 July 2024.
 * Open Links of Ayrshire is a combi-package with Royal Troon, Prestwick Old Course and Trump Turnberry south of Ayr. Reckon £2000 for a couple playing all three, plus accommodation and meals at Turnberry. You can't book this online, call +44 1655 333 991 or email reservations@trumpturnberry.com.
 * Other courses: Troon Links include the Darley, Lochgreen and Fullarton courses. Barassie Links north side of town are the home of Kilmarnock Golf Club, though that town is ten miles away.
 * Rugby: Marr RFC play rugby union in the Premiership, the amateur top tier in Scotland. Their home ground is Fullarton Park, a mile east of town centre beyond the golf course.
 * Dundonald Highland Games are held on the playing fields just north of Dundonald Castle, with the next probably on Sa 3 Aug 2024, tbc.
 * Winterstorm is a rock music festival held in late November at Troon Town Hall.
 * Winterstorm is a rock music festival held in late November at Troon Town Hall.

Buy

 * Supermarket: Morrisons is on Dukes Rd just north of town centre, open M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM.

Eat

 * Hotels: best reviews for dining go to Marine Hotel and Lochgreen House Hotel, see Sleep.
 * Hotels: best reviews for dining go to Marine Hotel and Lochgreen House Hotel, see Sleep.
 * Hotels: best reviews for dining go to Marine Hotel and Lochgreen House Hotel, see Sleep.
 * Hotels: best reviews for dining go to Marine Hotel and Lochgreen House Hotel, see Sleep.
 * Hotels: best reviews for dining go to Marine Hotel and Lochgreen House Hotel, see Sleep.

Connect
Troon and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of July 2022, 5G has not reached town.

Go next

 * Largs is a similar seaside town, with a short ferry crossing to Great Cumbrae.
 * Ayr has the Burns Heritage Centre at Alloway. Culzean Castle is a few miles further south.
 * Ardrossan is only worth visiting to take the ferry to the charming Isle of Arran.
 * Glasgow is a great destination that needs several days to explore.

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Infectious diseases

There are many infectious diseases that can pose a hazard to travellers who may not be familiar with them and their risks, because they are rare or absent in their home countries. This article is a basic introduction to some of these hazards of travel, how to avoid them, and how to deal with one if you contract it. For those unfamiliar with medical jargon, the words infectious and contagious have distinct meanings. An infectious disease is one that is caused by a pathogen, such as a virus, bacterium, fungus or other parasites. A contagious disease is one that is easily transmitted by being in the vicinity of an infected person. All contagious diseases, such as influenza and measles, are infectious diseases, but the reverse is not necessarily true, with various diseases such as AIDS or yellow fever being infectious but not contagious.

Vast improvements in sanitation and healthcare standards, combined with the widespread availability of vaccines, have made many once common diseases largely a thing of the past in developed countries. However, these diseases may continue to persist in less developed parts of the world where people do not have access to proper medical care and sanitation, and vaccine coverage is low. Also, differences in climate often mean that both pathogens and their vectors (carriers which are usually pests, such as mosquitoes) are quite different. Local people have developed immunity to many of the local pathogens, but travellers will be vulnerable. Travellers' diarrhea is the commonest of these infections.

Legal requirements
Many governments require visitors entering, or residents leaving, their countries to be vaccinated for a range of diseases. These requirements may often depend on what countries a traveller has visited or intends to visit. For example, if you have recently visited tropical countries in Africa or Latin America, then other countries may require evidence of yellow fever vaccination before letting you in (if they are also susceptible).

If you are bringing prescription medicine with you, carry a copy of the prescription, or at least have it in the original container with a pharmacy/chemist label showing both your and the doctor's name, name of the drug, and dosage instructions.

Health requirements
For much travel, especially to tropical or developing countries, additional vaccinations or other precautions such as anti-malarial medication may be necessary.

Before starting your travels you should consult a doctor with experience in the field of travel medicine. You should do this at least 8 weeks before you plan to leave, to give time for vaccinations.

Information sources
There are many sources of additional information for travellers:
 * The US government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who also maintain a Health map showing current outbreaks of many of the diseases listed below.
 * The International Society for Travel Medicine has an index of travel medicine clinics
 * The World Health Organization has a downloadable book written for doctors

Disease by transmission method
Pests are not only a nuisance in and of themselves; they can also spread microbe infections to people.

Arthropod vectors

Diseases in these categories are typically spread by being bitten by arthropods; a group of small animals including insects such as mosquitos, fleas and flies, as well as others such as mites, ticks and lice. The risk from such diseases can be reduced by appropriate clothing, mosquito nets, insect repellents and permethrin-treated fabrics, especially when travelling to rural areas.

Mosquito-borne diseases
Mosquitoes — in particular the "yellow fever mosquito" Aedes aegypti and "asian tiger mosquito" Aedes albopictus —  are vectors for many tropical diseases:
 * Malaria — a parasitic infection (Plasmodium spp.) transmitted by the Anopheles mosquitoes. There are multiple species of malarial parasites, which can cause a range of severity in illness. It is present in many regions around the world including tropical Africa, South America, southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. Infections require immediate qualified diagnosis and treatment. Preventative medications are available.
 * Yellow fever — a viral infection caused by the yellow fever virus. It is primarily present in the tropics of Africa and the Americas. It can cause asymptomatic infection to severe disease leading to multiple organ failure. Symptoms include fever, headaches, general muscle pains, nausea, and vomiting. A vaccine is available, and even mandatory for entering some tropical countries in Africa and the Americas.
 * Dengue fever — a mosquito-borne febrile virus transmitted by an infective Aedes aegypti or Aedes africanus mosquito. Causes high fever, headache, joint and muscle pain and in some cases leads to a more severe manifestation, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF), which can eventually lead to death. Occurs in many tropical countries and is the most important tropical infectious disease after malaria and the world's most serious (human) arbovirus disease. DHF infections require immediate qualified diagnosis and treatment – vaccine is only approved in Mexico and Brazil (as of 2016), but it is only 40 to 60% effective. Five serotypes of the virus exist, so having had dengue before only makes you immune to that one serotype, not the others. In fact, research has shown that the disease is usually more serious for those who have had it before because the immune system is busy producing the wrong antibodies.
 * Chikungunya (CHIKV) — also known as epidemic polyarthritis and rash, and buggy creek virus. A febrile virus transmitted, like dengue, by an infective A. aegypti or A. africanus mosquito. After 3-12 days flu-like symptoms develop including severe headaches, chills, fever, joint pain, nausea and vomiting - no vaccine is available. Historically present in Africa and Asia, since 2005 there have been outbreaks in Indian Ocean islands, Pacific islands, and countries in and around the Caribbean. Management of this disease is supportive care of symptoms.
 * Zika virus - a febrile illness linked with causing birth defects in infected pregnant women. For adults, the illness is usually mild. Spread by Aedes mosquitoes and causes symptoms that include fever, headache, fatigue, and joint and muscle pains lasting about a week. Management of this disease is supportive care of symptoms. It is present in South and Central America, parts of Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and some Pacific islands. Pregnant women and people trying to conceive should be cautious about traveling to Zika-affected areas, due to the risk of birth defects, and should consult their doctor. The virus can be found in semen for a couple of months and therefore can affect fetal development if there is conception.
 * Japanese encephalitis - an illness caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus transmitted by the Culex mosquitoes. Majority of people infected are asymptomatic, but in more severe disease can cause fevers, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, paralysis, and inflammation of the brain leading to death. It can have long term lasting damage due to the effects of the brain inflammation. The virus is present throughout most of Asia and areas of the western Pacific. Risk to travelers is low with risk highest in residents of rural agricultural areas. However, there can be outbreaks of this disease increasing risk. A vaccine is available for Japanese encephalitis. Management of infected people is supportive care of their symptoms.
 * Filariasis - a parasitic infection caused by long thread-like worms spread through the bite of a variety of Anopholes, Aedes, and Culex mosquitoes. Causes symptoms including fevers, lymph node inflammation, lung disease, and over the long term, elephantiasis (enlargement and hardening of limbs). Transmission of this parasite can be found in parts of Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific islands, but short term visitors to these areas have very low risk. Only with extended time living in endemic areas are you likely to be infected. There is treatment for this disease.
 * West Nile virus - a disease transmitted through the Culex mosquitoes where the majority of people infected with this do not present with any symptoms. Some may present with fevers, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and rash. Very rare individuals with develop serious effects such as meningitis. Documented transmission on all continents, but has the potential for outbreaks of more severe disease. Management of patients is supportive care of symptoms.
 * Other arboviruses - there are a variety of other viruses transmitted by mosquitoes that present in similar ways with a febrile illness. These include Ross River fever, Western/Eastern equine encephalitis, Rift Valley fever, St. Louis encephalitis, and many others. They are found in a range of locales around the world. Risk to travelers is low for transmission for these viruses and management of infection is usually supportive care of symptoms.

Tick-borne diseases
Ticks can transmit a number of diseases. After any activity in nature where some of the severe diseases is prevalent, you should thoroughly inspect your body (or, preferably: your companion's, reciprocally) for ticks.
 * Borreliose.png disease (aka borreliosis) — If you run a fever and experience other flu-like symptoms after hiking in tick-infested areas where deer ticks carry this disease (much of the temperate Northern Hemispere), especially if you've also seen a bull's-eye-shaped rash around the site of a bite (a common but not invariable symptom), see a doctor and get tested as soon as possible! Caused mainly by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi in North America. Other strains of the bacterium can cause this disease in Europe. In early stages, Lyme disease usually is well treatable with doxycycline or other antibiotics. However, if the disease is misdiagnosed or otherwise not treated early, it can cause chronic arthritis and other serious effects, including impairment of thinking due to infection of the brain.
 * EurAsia TBE-belt.svg-borne encephalitis (TBE). This is a viral infectious disease involving the central nervous system. The disease most often manifests as meningitis, encephalitis, or meningoencephalitis.  Can be fatal. Long-lasting or permanent neuro-psychiatric consequences are observed in 10 to 20% of infected patients. Vaccine is available (2 doses: 0 day and 30 day, 1 year; booster dose every 3 years) and recommended for extended stay in the worst areas. If not vaccinated, only symptomatic therapy available which is not very effective. Can be found in Central and Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. The tick-borne encephalitis virus is known to infect a range of hosts including ruminants, birds, rodents, carnivores, horses, and humans. The disease can also be spread from animals to humans, with ruminants and dogs providing the principal source of infection for humans.
 * Rickettsial (tick-borne) infections — Broad range of agents that cause a variety of diseases. Symptoms often include fever, headache and malaise as well as a rash. Can lead to serious outcomes involving multiple organs. Antibiotic treatment is available. Rickettsial infections include, but are not limited to:
 * Rocky Mountain spotted fever - United States (mostly in the southern US), Canada (Western Canada), Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Central America
 * Mediterranean spotted fever - Africa, India, parts of Europe and Middle East adjacent to the Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas.
 * African tick-bite fever - sub-Saharan Africa including Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Swaziland
 * North Asian tick fever - North China, Mongolia, Asiatic Russia

Mites
Mites can cause:
 * Scabies — an extremely contagious skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Children and the elderly are at the most risk, especially in crowded living conditions. The mites burrow into the skin to live and deposit eggs, and an allergic reaction of severe itching results. Despite its being contagious, you shouldn't fear shaking hands with others. The mites need minutes – not seconds – to infect. Only humans are susceptible; animals have a slightly different mite, and the infection is called "mange."
 * Scrub typhus - disease characterized by a skin ulcer with eschar formation followed by fevers, headache, rash, and can cause serious respiratory and neurological complications. Caused by the transmission of Orientia tsutsugamushi through bites of the chigger mite. Can be treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline.

Others

 * (Epidemic) Typhus — a bacterial infection caused by Rickettsia prowazekii transmitted by the human body louse. Presents with a sudden onset of headache, fatigue, fever, and generalized pains. A rash then forms which spreads across the body. Symptoms can also include a cough and confusion. Occurs in unhygienic conditions around the world, but especially focused in regions of Central and South America, Asia, and central and eastern Africa. Doxycycline can be used to treat the disease.
 * Chagas disease — Pronounced with a "SH" sound, and endemic to mainland Latin America and parts of the Caribbean, roughly from Mexico to central Chile and Argentina. (The Mexican border regions with the U.S. are safe, except for Matamoros. Most cases are in the southern half of Mexico.) It is a parasitic disease spread by triatominae (blood sucking bugs) and blood transfusions, and there is no vaccine against it. Unlike mosquitoes, bites are usually along the face. Never scratch these bites, as this is the main mode of infection. Chagas disease starts with little to no symptoms, but for 20-40% of all victims, it slowly develops into a chronic heart disease, and sometimes stomach disease. This can take decades, in some cases. Treatable with benznidazole or nifurtimox if caught early. Sleeping in thatched huts poses the greatest risk. If you stay in standard tourist accommodations, it's very unlikely you would get this disease.
 * Sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis), transmitted by the tsetse fly, kills tens of thousands of people every year in East Africa. Drugs can be used to treat this disease, but patients may relapse for two years following that.

Food and water-borne diseases
Diseases in this category are typically transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water. The best precautions are to do proper boiling or filtering of water before you drink it. This includes ice made from tap water, as freezing does nothing to kill germs. Also, ensure that any food you eat is well cooked. Fruits and vegetables that can be peeled are much safer than those that cannot. Be sure any knives used for cutting are clean.

If the main symptoms of an illness are an initial fever and vomiting with persistent diarrhea, it was most likely caused by something you ate. Most fevers are low grade, though a high fever may indicate a serious, possibly life-threatening illness.

Bacterial

 * Cholera is a bacterial disease caused by Vibrio cholerae. Transmission is through ingestion of contaminated food or water. It's mostly found in developing countries where sanitation remains poor. Common symptoms include painless massive watery diarrhea and vomiting. The profound water loss leads to severe dehydration, which can lead to death. Re-hydration is absolutely critical for affected patients with either oral re-hydration solution (ORS) or intravenous re-hydration. For severe cases, antibiotics may reduce the severity of symptoms. Severe cholera can kill within hours, so do not delay treatment.
 * Dukoral (brand name) is an oral vaccine that you drink for cholera and travellers' diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). It is only partly effective, and not effective against other bacterial illnesses, so still take precautions against contamination. Nevertheless, it does provide a measure of protection from the worst of the diarrhea diseases. Some countries don't require a doctor's prescription, such as the U.S. and most of Canada.

{{legend | red    | Strongly endemic}} {{legend | #e08040 | Endemic}} {{legend | silver | Sporadic cases}}]] Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by Salmonella enterica typhi bacteria, and is much more serious than the common Salmonellosis. It can cause prolonged fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhoea. Some patients may have a rash. Severe cases may lead to serious complications or even death. Typhoid is a general health problem in all less-developed countries. Unusually compared to other enteric illnesses, typhoid fever presents often with constipation rather than diarrhea. Transmission is by contaminated food and water, especially in rural areas. A vaccination is available, but offers no absolute safety. The best options are being careful with what you drink and eat. It can be treated by fluids and antibiotics.
 * E. coli diarrheal diseases is a grouping of diseases caused by a variety of E. coli bacteria. It is a frequent cause of traveller's diarrhea. They can present with fever, abdominal cramping, watery or bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Severe complications from these infections include rapid kidney failure, especially in infants, toddlers, and the elderly. Severe illnesses can cause death. Prevention of these diseases include good hand washing, avoiding or washing raw fruits and vegetables well, and drinking bottled water in places with non-potable water. Antibiotics can be used to decrease severity and duration, but antibiotic resistance is high – and antibiotics can make the situation worse by lessening competition from non-resistant benign bacteria. Re-hydration is recommended and anti-motility agents (e.g.loperamide) can also help with symptoms. There is an oral vaccine available (Dukoral) for the ETEC strains and cholera (see above).
 * [[File:Fievre typhoide.png|thumb|upright=1|Incidence of typhoid fever
 * Food poisoning or foodborne intoxicants refers to a grouping of illness caused by the toxins produced by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Bacillus cereus. They are caused by contamination of food with this bacteria and improper cooking and handling. These illnesses present in an abrupt onset of severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea usually lasting a day or two. Severe illness requiring hospitalization is rare. Adequate re-hydration is recommended if you come down with food poisoning.
 * Salmonellosis, the most common form of food poisoning, is caused by bacteria in the genus Salmonella, and is spread through eating contaminated under-cooked or raw food. Contamination after cooking is also possible, both by exposure and not thoroughly washing one's hands. Poultry is a common cause, and this can include ingredients such as raw eggs. Be especially careful with ice cream – even if the cream is pasteurized, the raw eggs might not be. Although bacteria can barely multiply while frozen, they do not die either. Thus, contaminated frozen food will remain contaminated indefinitely (unless well cooked, if applicable). Symptoms of Salmonellosis typically include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps. No vaccine is available, and the usual treatment for milder presentations of this disease is re-hydration. Severe, complicated salmonellosis should be treated with antibiotics.
 * Listeriosis is very similar to Salmonellosis (above) for the same foods, but is a more serious disease. An infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Parasites

 * Cryptosporidiosis, informally called crypto, is a parasitic disease caused by Cryptosporidium. Found worldwide, this disease is an untreated and chlorine-treated water risk. It can even be spread if an infected person bathes in a treated public swimming pool. It causes diarrhea, cramps and fever. Lasts about 10 days, but faeces carry infection for weeks. Prevention by avoiding mouth coming into contact with infected water or faecal matter and maintaining scrupulous toilet and bathing hygiene after being infected, to prevent reinfection of self or others. There is no cure. Prevented by boiling all drinking water, including tap water, in infected areas.
 * Schistosomiasis/Bilharzia is a nasty parasite that can be picked up by swimming in contaminated fresh water. The worm is carried by freshwater snails, and emerges daily into the water, where it is attracted to water turbulence, shadows, and chemicals found on human skin. While unlikely to be fatal, Schistosomiasis is a devastating disease, which should be treated as soon as possible. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, coughing, genital sores, itching especially around the feet, but above all serious fatigue. Schistosomiasis, while present throughout much of the world, is primarily a problem in sub-Saharan Africa, and is easily, if unhappily, prevented by not swimming in fresh water.
 * Trichinosis — a roundworm - from eating improperly cooked infected meats, particularly pork.
 * Strongyloidiasis — another roundworm. Risk from going barefoot in areas with poor septic systems and poverty.
 * Cysticercosis — a tissue infection caused by the young form of the pork tapeworm
 * Hydatids — another tapeworm - from eating improperly cooked infected meats, particularly sheep/mutton. Can also be spread by dogs that have been eating infected meat.

Viral

 * HAV prevalence 2005.svg Hepatitis A. Contracted through food or water contaminated with faeces, often by unwashed hands. The virus can remain active for days. Young children who contract it do not usually show symptoms. In older children and adults, symptoms appear two to six weeks after infection, and usually last less than two months, though may continue for six months. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain, which may lead to jaundice. Acute hepatitis A resulted in 11,200 deaths in 2015. The mortality rate for hepatitis A was estimated to be 0.015% for the general population, but ranged up to 1.8-2.1% for those aged 50 and over. The disease gives lifelong immunity. Hepatitis A occurs throughout the world but levels are low in high-income regions (Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, Japan, South Korea and Singapore). Travellers from low-income countries often have immunity due to childhood infection. A vaccine is available, and vaccination is the best way to prevent infection. Travellers from high and medium-income countries may consider vaccination before travelling to low-income countries.
 * Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus, is a very common disease associated with profuse vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, and muscle aches lasting up to three days. Hospitalization is rare unless people become severely dehydrated. It is frequently implicated in outbreaks on cruise ships and restaurants because it is highly transmissible. It is spread both through contaminated food and water and through person-to-person transmission from aerosolization of bodily fluids. Management is through adequate re-hydration.
 * Polio is a viral disease that is spread through contaminated food or water. The vast majority of infections are asymptomatic, but the virus invades the nervous system in some individuals and may cause paralysis to one degree or another. Sometimes, patients can develop permanent respiratory difficulties as a result of damage to nerve tissue controlling the diaphragm, which often results in death. Thanks to widespread vaccination efforts, polio is no longer an issue in most countries, but continues to persist in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where vaccination rates remain relatively low due to the influence of extremist Muslim clerics who claim that polio vaccinations are a conspiracy by the West to make Muslims sterile. If travelling to those areas, make sure you get vaccinated before you go.

Other

 * Seafood poisoning is a group of diseases caused by the toxins of algae contaminating seafood or of the seafood itself. It can range from tingling and burning sensation in the mouth (scombroid poisoning) to paralysis from eating shellfish (paralytic shellfish poisoning) contaminated with toxins from algae from red tides. Common symptoms also include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. A rare risk is puffer fish poisoning leading to paralysis and death from eating improperly prepared fugu - a Japanese delicacy.

Sexually transmitted infections/blood-borne diseases
Diseases in this category (also known as sexually transmitted diseases, STDs) are typically spread by having unprotected sex with infected persons. However, many of them can also be transmitted by sharing needles, or through contaminated blood transfusions. The best forms of protection against such diseases are monogamy, abstinence, or safe sex practices. Sharing of needles should be avoided, and should you need to receive an injection, ensure that all needles used on you are properly sterilized. Some travellers bring their own sterile disposable needles.

While these diseases are not spread by casual contact, the reverse is not true — all contagious diseases can be transmitted through sexual activity. In addition, some vector-borne diseases, such as Zika, can infect via sexual transmission.
 * Hepatitis B and C. Can be spread by entry of blood or bodily fluids from an infected person into the body, such as through sexual contact, sharing of hypodermic needles, or blood transfusion. "Hepatitis B is not spread through food or water, unlike hepatitis A (US CDC FAQ); nor by sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, coughing, sneezing or casual contact." Symptoms of acute hepatitis A or B include abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice; either can sometimes kill. Acute hepatitis C is rare. Over many years, any of the hepatitis infections can cause liver scarring and liver cancer.
 * There are effective vaccines for hepatitis A and B, often combined into a single shot. These are recommended for many travellers; check with your doctor. As of mid-2021, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C yet.
 * It is controversial whether type C is even sexually transmitted at all. However, this matters little to the average person, who must take precautions against the myriad of other STIs. Hepatitis B infection can be suppressed with antiviral medications similar to HIV. Hepatitis C can be completely cured in most cases, but the price of the medication used varies hugely; see medical tourism for details.

 * HIV (AIDS). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is spread in the same way as hepatitis B. If left untreated over several years, the virus will cause a person's immune system to fail and lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Chastity or safer sex practices such as always correctly using high-quality condoms – and an absolute ban on needle-sharing – are wise precautions in any country of the world. No vaccine is available and there is no cure. Antiretroviral medication can keep an HIV infection from progressing to AIDS for decades and is used prophylactically for those who have been exposed or at high risk of being exposed to the virus (e.g. after a needlestick injury).
 * Herpes. A viral disease spread primarily by sexual contact, but also through kissing. Primarily has two forms - oral herpes and genital herpes. Symptoms of the disease are typically cold sores. The virus is able to stay latent in the human body, and reactivate later in life. While medical treatment can reduce the recurrence of a relapse, there is no cure or vaccine.
 * Gonorrhea. A bacterial disease primarily spread through unprotected sex. Symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, as well as pus being discharged from the penis in men. Particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can spread to the baby during childbirth. No vaccine is available, but it can be treated with antibiotics.
 * Syphilis. A bacterial disease primarily spread through sexual contact. Early symptoms include chancres on the genitals. In later stages, papules and nodules can start to form all over the body. Severe cases cause infections of the brain. If not treated, it can cause architectural distortion of all parts of the body called gummatous syphilis. Particularly dangerous for pregnant women as it can spread to unborn babies and cause deformities, a condition known as congenital syphilis. No vaccine is available, though it can be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin.
 * Chlamydia. A bacterial disease that is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. Symptoms include pus discharge from the penis in men. Infection in women is usually asymptomatic, but sometimes causes inflammation of the cervix. If left untreated, it can spread to the eye and cause blindness. No vaccine is available, but antibiotics such as azithromycin are available to treat the disease.
 * Cervical cancer. One of the few infectious cancers in humans, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is primarily spread by sexual contact. A vaccine for some strains of HPV is available, and while it does not prevent all cases, it greatly reduces the risk of contracting the disease. However, the vaccine is most effective when administered to girls a few years before their first sexual intercourse.

Respiratory transmission
Diseases in this category can be extremely contagious. They are spread through respiratory droplets of infected individuals. Some can be contracted simply by sharing the same airspace with an infected individual (e.g. measles, chicken pox, and tuberculosis). There is realistically nothing much you can do to avoid them completely, but you can mitigate the risks. Hand washing with soap and water, or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and the use of personal protective equipment such as masks can decrease risk of transmission for some of these diseases. Surgical masks are a popular measure but their effectiveness is unclear. Ensure you have all the relevant vaccinations (e.g. measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, chicken pox, influenza) where available. Avoid traveling to areas where there are epidemics of such diseases if you are not adequately immunized, especially for highly contagious diseases such as measles. Note: Smallpox was eradicated in 1977, and there is no vaccine anymore.

 * COVID-19 or Coronavirus Disease 2019. A pandemic of this illness, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, began in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. As of January 2022 the pandemic had caused hundreds of millions of cases and millions of deaths around the world. Its fatality rate is highest for older people and those with underlying health conditions. Infected people who do not have symptoms can transmit the virus to others. Mask wearing, frequent handwashing, physical distancing, and avoiding travel to affected areas are the recommended preventative measures. Self-quarantine for 10–14 days is recommended for travellers coming from some areas; in some cases quarantine is mandatory. The situation is changing rapidly, so stay up to date on official guidance and restrictions. Vaccines have been available since December 2020, though their availability varies widely between countries.
 * Avian influenza. A viral infection normally affecting birds but the Avian Influenza A virus has also been found, albeit extremely rarely, in some human infections. Current outbreaks among animals occurred in South-East Asia (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam). The disease is transmitted to humans by contact with infected birds (especially poultry) and their excrement and may cause serious disease. Precautions include avoiding contact with wild birds and their excrement. Avian influenza infection appears frequently in the news because it could be a source for new influenza strains to which no-one has immunity and which have the potential to evolve to cause deadly epidemics. However, from the traveller's perspective the personal risk from avian influenza is extremely low. Travellers should obey recommendations on contact with poultry as a matter of civic duty, to prevent spreading the avian disease to birds in other countries. There is no vaccination available.
 * Influenza or the flu. Outbreaks of the flu occur every year in the colder half of the year. The disease kills an estimated 36,000 Americans each year, and results in 200,000 hospitalizations a year (CDC flu page). It is generally a miserable but not otherwise dangerous disease for the vast majority of people, and most deaths from influenza are of people who have other underlying health issues, with few deaths being reported in otherwise healthy individuals. As a general precaution an annual vaccination is often recommended for the latest strains prevalent in the countries you are visiting. The flu comes in many strains, with new ones being discovered every year, and vaccination will only protect you against certain strains, and not the others. There is no substitute for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which will reduce the risk of complications from the disease.
 * Chicken pox. An extremely contagious viral disease. Symptoms include vesicular skin rash, fever and oral ulcers. It is generally a mild disease in children, who usually recover after a week or so. However, it tends to be more severe in adults, who are at a greater risk of developing complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and rarely, hepatitis (inflammatory, not contagious to others), all of which could eventually lead to death. Chicken pox is easily preventable by vaccination. If you've had chicken pox in the past, and are roughly over the age of 50 or 60, a shingles vaccination is available to avoid a nasty rash and possible eye damage. Persons with shingles are contagious to those with no immunity to chicken pox, though shingles itself is not contagious.
 * Measles. An extremely contagious viral disease. Symptoms include rash, fever, running nose, cough and sore, red eyes. A mild though extremely unpleasant disease in most people, who usually recover after a few days' rest, it has nevertheless been the cause of many deaths, for example from the complication of encephalitis. The virus causes epidemics in populations with poor immunization coverage due to its high transmissibility. Every one infectious case is estimated to be able to infect 12 to 18 non-immune individuals. Easily preventable by vaccination.
 * SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Caused by a coronavirus that is believed to have originated in bats, and spread to humans via civets and was highly infectious. Its control is an example of how unidentified (new) diseases can be controlled by simple but burdensome public health measures. As of early 2020, there is no evidence that this virus is present in humans.
 * MERS - Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). Another illness caused by a coronavirus thought to have originated in bats, and spread to humans via camels. First discovered in 2012 in Saudi Arabia, it can cause a range of illnesses from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory symptoms resulting in death. Sporadic cases continue to occur in the Middle East with some outbreaks linked with circulation within hospitals. There is no vaccine and treatment consists of management of symptoms.
 * Tuberculosis (TB). An illness caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and formerly known as consumption. Considered a third world disease due to its link with poverty and poor health care. About a quarter of the world's population is infected with the bacteria. Ninety percent of people infected are asymptomatic (latent TB), but it can reactivate causing pulmonary tuberculosis with symptoms of chronic, sometimes bloody, cough, fatigue, and weight loss. TB can also affect other organs (extrapulmonary TB) including bones, the brain, and the skin. TB is endemic in many parts of the world with the greatest burden in India. It can occur in developed countries where the health care system makes treatment expensive or in marginalized groups such as the homeless. Starting a new job after moving internationally or taking an extended international trip sometimes requires a TB test (a chest X-ray, skin test, or blood test). TB is curable with antibiotics, but mis/incomplete treatment in some countries means antibiotic resistant strains are also a problem. A vaccine is available, although there is questionable efficacy in adults and it is usually not recommended for adult travelers. Discuss with your health care provider about the appropriateness.
 * Diphtheria. A contagious bacterial disease that is spread by coming into contact with infected people. Symptoms include a fever, and sore throat, as well as a swollen neck in more severe cases, which often results in death. If suspected, it is important to get immediate medical attention, as delaying treatment will usually result in the treatment being less effective. Preventable by vaccination.
 * Pertussis. Also known as whooping cough, an extremely contagious bacterial disease. The main symptom is usually severe coughing fits characterized by a whooping sound. Vomiting can also occur due to the severity of the cough. While rarely fatal in otherwise healthy adults, it is extremely dangerous in young children and babies, often resulting in death. Preventable by vaccination.
 * Meningococcal disease. A disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis that is spread primarily through saliva and can be aerosolized by sneezing and coughing. Usually it colonizes the nose without causing any symptoms. However, rarely it can cause infection of the blood and the membrane covering the brain (meningitis) leading to severe disease that may result in death. Blood stream infections are characterized by rapidly spreading bruise like rashes while meningitis is characterized by confusion, severe headaches, and neck stiffness. It's a particular problem in the meningitis belt of Africa and in Saudi Arabia. There are vaccinations that protect against the strains that cause meningococcal disease. Infections of this disease require hospitalization and treatment with intravenous antibiotics.
 * Mumps. A contagious viral disease. Symptoms include fever, headache, loss of appetite, and painful swelling of the salivary glands. The disease is rarely fatal, though it is more commonly known to cause inflammation of the testes and sometimes, sterility in adult men. It is also known to cause miscarriages in infected pregnant women. Preventable by vaccination.
 * Rubella. Also known as German measles, a contagious viral disease similar to but distinct from measles, hence the alternative name. Symptoms are similar, but tend to be milder than those for measles. Although it is a mild disease for most people, it is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as the disease often causes deformities to develop in unborn babies, a condition known as congenital rubella syndrome. Preventable by vaccination.

Others
]] /> If you have any suspicion that you have been bitten or infected, thoroughly wash the wound as soon as possible with soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes and use a virus killing antiseptic such as iodine tincture. Alcohol is also good – the stronger the better, though it must contain some water (min. about 10%) to be effective. Also, flush your mouth, nose and eyes well with water in case drops of saliva have hit them. Seek proper medical care as a matter of extreme urgency. Slow transport or a lack of medical facilities may mean victims cannot be quickly treated after being infected. Treatment must begin before symptoms appear, as once symptoms have started to appear, medical treatments are useless and death is virtually certain. There have been several million cases of symptomatic rabies over the last century, and only around 14 documented case where the patient survived. There is a pre-exposure vaccine recommended to animal workers, outdoor travellers, and people living in remote high-risk areas with limited local access to rabies biologics. However, you must still seek treatment as soon as possible. The prophylactic vaccine only buys you some more time, and less painful and complicated treatment. Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) and rabies vaccine are both required as post-exposure measures (PEP), but are difficult to access in many countries. As much of RIG as is anatomically feasible should be injected at the wound site. Because rabies virus can persist in tissue for a long time before invading a peripheral nerve, a traveler who has sustained a bite that is suspicious for rabies should receive full PEP, including RIG, even if a considerable length of time has passed since the initial exposure. If completed in time, rabies treatment after infection is completely effective and will save your life. More info on WHO website.
 * Ebola. Found largely in Sub-Saharan Africa after contact with infected animals (especially bats, humans and other primates), this disease is usually fatal if not treated aggressively and early and has a 70–90% fatality rate overall. Call a hospital immediately upon experiencing symptoms. In 2014, a major ebola outbreak in West Africa caused over 4,000 deaths, including visitors from the United States and Spain. Since late 2019, vaccines have become available.
 * Lassa fever. An acute viral illness that occurs in West Africa. In areas of Africa where the disease is endemic (that is, constantly present), Lassa fever is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. While Lassa fever is mild or has no observable symptoms in about 80% of people infected with the virus, the remaining 20% have a severe multi-system disease. Lassa fever is also associated with occasional epidemics, during which the case-fatality rate can reach 50%.
 * Leptospirosis. A bacterial disease carried mostly by rodents, but all animals are susceptible. It is often transmitted by animal urine or by water or soil containing animal urine coming into contact with breaks in the skin, eyes, mouth, or nose. Fortunately, most cases are mild, but kidney failure, severe pulmonary hemorrhage syndrome, and meningitis do occasionally occur. Seek immediate treatment, as it can be deadly.
 * Q fever. A bacterial disease caused by Coxiella burnetti due to contact with soil and dust contaminated with infected carcasses from goat, sheep, and cattle and also through contaminated unpasteurized milk.[[File:Rabies world map-Deaths per million persons-WHO2012.svg|thumb|right|upright=1|Deaths from rabies per million persons in 2012
 * Rabies. A horrific disease which is almost invariably fatal once symptoms develop. All warm-blooded creatures are capable of infecting you with rabies, but dogs and bats are the main source of human rabies deaths, contributing up to 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans. Human deaths following exposure to foxes, raccoons, skunks, jackals, mongooses and other wild carnivore host species are very rare, and bites from rodents are not known to transmit rabies. Almost all of the estimated 55,000 annual human deaths are in Asia and Africa. Human-to-human transmission through bites or saliva is theoretically possible but has never been confirmed. The same applies for transmission to humans via consumption of raw meat or milk of infected animals.<br
 * Cat-scratch disease. Caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae transmitted by the bite, scratch, or lick of a cat or kitten (young cats pose a greater risk than older cats). Symptoms include fever and inflamed lymph nodes and typically begin within 3–14 days following infection. The primary treatment is supportive. Antibiotics speed healing and are recommended in those with severe disease or immune problems. Recovery typically occurs within 4 months but can require a year.
 * Sepsis. Formerly described as "blood poisoning", it has been discovered that this life-threatening disease is caused by the body's overreaction to a serious infection. Sepsis can even continue after the infection is gone, and causes millions of deaths globally each year. Although sepsis isn't contagious, the initial infection certainly could be. If one person in your group develops sepsis, anyone else with the same infection should be closely monitored – especially blood relatives. Symptoms typically include those related to the infection, but are often accompanied by high fever, hot and flushed skin, elevated heart rate, hyperventilation, altered mental status, swelling, and low blood pressure. The disease is both more likely and more deadly in the very young and old; these victims may also have a dangerously low body temperature (hypothermia). Gangrene is a common complication of untreated sepsis, and doctors may have no other choice than to amputate affected limbs. Regardless of age, seek medical treatment immediately.
 * Tetanus. Also known as lockjaw, it is a bacterial disease which is usually contracted by coming into contact with contaminated soil through an open wound. The disease generally causes painful muscle spasms throughout the body for up to four weeks, and in some cases causes problems with muscles involved in breathing, which leads to respiratory problems. Without treatment, it usually results in death. Unlike many other diseases, having suffered from tetanus does not result in immunity. However, a vaccine for tetanus is available, and vaccination usually prevents or at least reduces the severity of the disease. Virtually everyone should get this vaccine every ten years, regardless of travel. However, a booster vaccine is recommended if it's been over five years, and you have an open wound, or are traveling somewhere with limited medical access.

After travel
If you feel sick in the weeks after your trip, you should tell your healthcare providers about your travel history. If you were in a malaria zone, allow for one year.

In some outbreaks it may be recommended to self-isolate or monitor yourself for symptoms after travel. Self-isolation is recommended for many travellers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Aid workers who may have been exposed to Ebola are advised to self-monitor for symptoms.

title: Infectious diseases


text:
Trowbridge

Trowbridge is the county town of Wiltshire in the West Country of England.

Understand
Modern-day Trowbridge is a rather uninspiring mid-sized English town, but one with a surprisingly rich history.

The Kennett and Avon canal runs to the north of Trowbridge and played a large part in the development of the town as it allowed coal to be transported from the Somerset Coalfield. The town was an also a major British centre in the textile industry in south west England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and was even described in 1820 as "The Manchester of the West". The textile industry is now mostly all long gone, but evidence remains by way of buildings and a decent little local museum.

By car
From M4 Coming from the east, travelling west get off at junction 17 and take the A350 south. At Semington take the A361 west

By train
is on the Wessex Main Line which runs from Bristol to Southampton.

See

Do
Mini Golf Civic Centre

Eat
The town has few restaurants. The Assam Indian restaurant is good value and is bring-your-own.

The smart cafe La Dolce Vita manages to be sophisticated and homely too, good for families with well behaved children (and adults!).

Drink
Plenty of local watering holes

Go next

 * Bath - one of England's most popular cities for visitors is just 10 miles to the west and easily reached by train, bus or car.
 * Bradford on Avon - a lovely little town just a couple of miles to the west and on the way to Bath.
 * Salisbury - with its magnificent cathedral and the ancient settle of Old Sarum is about 30 miles to the south.
 * The world-famous standing stones at Stonehenge and Avebury are less than hour's driving to the southeast and east respectively.

title: Trowbridge


text:
Trowulan

Trowulan is an archaeological site located in Trowulan district, Mojokerto Regency in East Java. The city is the only Hindu-Buddhist classical age site in Indonesia that has been discovered. The site covers an area of 11 km x 9 km.

Understand
Trowulan site has been suggested as the site of the eponymous capital city of the Majapahit Empire, which is described by Mpu Prapanca in the 14th-century poem Nagarakretagama and in a 15th-century Chinese source. It was razed due to the invasion of Girindrawardhana to defeat Kertabhumi in 1478. After this event Majapahit's capital moved to Daha (Kediri).

Most of archaeological relics discovered in Trowulan and its vicinity are stored and displayed in Trowulan Museum, on the west side of the Segaran pool. Excavations in and around Trowulan have shown that parts of the old settlement still lie buried under several metres of mud and volcanic debris, a result of the frequent eruptions of nearby Mount Kelud, as well as frequent flooding of the Brantas River. Several archaeological ruins lie scattered around Trowulan village. Some are quite damaged, while others have undergone reconstruction. Most are constructed of red brick.

The ancient city ruins at Trowulan were discovered in the 19th century. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies from 1811 until 1816 and an indefatigable enthusiast for the island's history, reported the existence of ' ruins of temples.... scattered about the country for many miles '. Much of the region was blanketed with dense teak forest at that time, making detailed survey impossible. Nonetheless, Raffles was so impressed by what he saw that he was later to refer to Trowulan as ' this pride of Java '

By bus
From Bungurasih bus terminal in Surabaya, take a bus headed for Jombang and ask to get off at "Trowulan perempatan, lampu merah" (Trowulan junction, traffic lights). The bus ticket costs Rp7,000 and takes approximately 1.5 hours. The Trowulan Museum is a 1 km walk from the junction, but you can also take an ojek (motorcycle taxi) or becak (bicycle rickshaw).

By car
Trowulan is 60 km from Surabaya on the road towards Solo. The road have been upgraded to tolled motorways. From Surabaya, the journey to Trowulan takes about 1.5 hours if traffic conditions are good, but because of frequent traffic congestion you should count on 2.5 hours.

Get around
The easiest way to see the sites at Trowulan is by car, as the temples are spread out over a large area. You can negotiate with a local driver to chauffeur you around for the day. A starting price of Rp. 500,000 is fair. Farid Musada is a local driver who you can contact at +62 815-5416-1895 by phone or Whatsapp.

See

 * Candi Tikus is a ritual bathing pool (petirtaan) which is perhaps the most exciting recent archaeological finding at Trowulan. Candi Tikus means 'rat temple', the name given to the discovery in 1914 because the site appeared during the excavation to be a rat-breeding enclosure. Restored to its present condition in 1985 and 1989, this complex of red brick takes the form of a sunken, rectangular basin, into which a flight of steps descends on the northern side. The principal structure, which projects from the southern wall of the basin, was apparently modelled on the legendary Mount Mahameru. No longer complete, it consisted of terraced foundations, upon which would have rested a concentric arrangement of 'turrets' surrounding the highest peak of the building.
 * Bajang Ratu is an elegant red brick paduraksa gate dating from the mid-14th century. The form of the structure is tall and slender, rising to a height of 16.5 metres and displaying intricate relief decoration, especially on the roof section. Bajang Ratu in Javanese literally means 'dwarf or defect monarch'. Folk tradition links the gate with Jayanegara, the second Majapahit king, successor to Kertarajasa Jayawarddhana, founder of the Majapahit Empire. According to tradition, Jayanegara fell from the gate as a child, causing defects to his body. The name probably also means 'little monarch', as Jayanegara ascended to the throne at a young age. Historian connect this gate with Çrenggapura (Çri Ranggapura) or Kapopongan of Antawulan (Trowulan), the shrine mentioned in Nagarakertagama as the dharma place (holy compound) dedicated to King Jayanegara during his death on 1328.
 * Wringin Lawang is located a short distance south of Indonesian National Route 15 at Jatipasar village. The name in Javanese means 'The Banyan Tree Gate'. The grand gate portals are made from red brick, with a base of 13 x 11 metres and a height of 15.5 metres, and date from the 14th century. The gate is of the 'Candi Bentar' or split gateway type, a structure which may have appeared during the Majapahit era. It is one of the oldest and the largest surviving 'Candi Bentar' dated from Majapahit era. The 'Candi Bentar' took shape of typical Majapahit temple structure – consists of three parts; foot, body and tall roof – evenly split into two mirroring structures to make a passage in the center for people to walk through. This type of split gate has no doors and provides no real defensive purpose but narrowing the passage. It was probably only serve the ceremonial and aesthetic purpose, to create the sense of grandeur, before entering the next compound. Most historians agree that this structure is the gate of an important compound in the Majapahit capital. Speculations concerning the original function of this majestic gateway have led to various suggestions, a popular one being that it was the entrance to the residence of Gajah Mada.g
 * Candi Brahu in the Bejijong village is the sole surviving structure of what was once a cluster of historic buildings. According to popular folk belief, it was in the vicinity of Candi Brahu that the cremation ceremonies for the first four Majapahit rulers were carried out. This tradition, while difficult to prove, is supported in part by material evidence, which suggests that the monument once served as a royal mortuary shrine. The royal personage to whom the building was dedicated remains unclear. The ruin of Candi Gentong lies nearby.
 * The Islamic tomb of Champa Princess is believed to be the tomb of a Majapahit king's consort. According to local traditions, she is said to have married one of the last of the Majapahit kings and to have converted him to Islam before her death in 1448.
 * Segaran Pool is a large rectangular pool 800 x 500 metres in size. The name Segaran originated from the word 'segara' in Javanese which means 'sea', probably based on the local suggestion that the large pool is the miniature of the sea. Surrounding the water basin is a rectangular wall made of red brick. The brick pool structure was discovered in 1926 by Henri Maclaine Pont; at that time the pool was covered in dirt and mud. Reconstruction took place some years later and now Segaran pool functions as a recreational pool and fishing pond. The brick structure originated from the 14th–15th century Majapahit era. The actual function of the pool is unknown. A study suggested that the pool probably served various functions, but mainly the as the city reservoir, the source of fresh water essential for high density urban area, especially during the dry season. Another popular local belief is that the pool was used as the bathing place and as a swimming pool to train Majapahit troops, and as recreational pool for Majapahit royalty to entertain envoys and guests.
 * Candi Menak Jingga is a ruined structure within the vicinity with the base still lies buried underground. Excavation still on the progress. The structure is made from carved andesite stone on outer layer with red brick in inner layer. The most exciting feature of this structure is the parts contained ornaments (probably roof part) identified as Qilin, a Chinese mythical creature. This might suggested a strong cultural relationship with China especially during Ming Dynasty. The local tradition linked this site with the pavilion of Queen Kencana Wungu, the Majapahit queen from the tales of Damarwulan and Menak Jingga.
 * Umpak are stones that formed the base for wooden pillars, which were probably part of wooden building. The organic material has decayed and only the stone base remains.
 * Troloyo hamlet is a numerous Islamic tombstones that have been discovered during the archaeological progress, the majority of which date from between 1350 and 1478.

other site that can be visited includes:
 * Balong Bunder
 * Pendopo Agung
 * Goldworking and bronzeworking sites
 * Nglinguk
 * Candi Kedaton
 * Sentonorejo
 * Candi Sitinggil

Do
In the archaeological site of Truwolan lies a museum which holds numerous statues and artifacts which were discovered in the site with an entrance fee of Rp2,500, it is advisable not to miss this museum. The site is basically a large park with monuments scattered around which is good to be explored and appreciated if you are into Javanese culture.

Buy
Sandals are popular. Expect to pay Rp10,000.

Eat
There are numerous warung along the route. Popular dishes include Bakso and Es Degan. By the Troloyo Grave and Pendopo Agung there are numerous Pentol sellers.

Drink
Es degan (sweetened young coconut juice) or cheap (Rp1000!) ice cream.

Sleep
It is advisable for travellers to stay in Surabaya as the hotels are more accustomed to using the English language. There are also hotels in Mojokerto.

Go next
Head to the nearby mountainous retreats of Trawas and Tretes.

title: Trowulan


text:
Troy

Troy (Turkey) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and archaeological site famous for the Trojan War. Other places of the same name draw their name from ancient Troy.

Canada

 * Troy (Nova Scotia) - a town in Nova Scotia

United States of America

 * Troy (Alabama) - a town in the state of Alabama.
 * Troy (Idaho) - a town in the state of Idaho.
 * Troy (Illinois) - a town in the state of Illinois.
 * Troy (Indiana) - a town in the state of Indiana.
 * Troy (Kansas) - a town in the state of Kansas.
 * Troy (Maine) - a town in the state of Maine.
 * Troy (Michigan) - a town in the state of Michigan.
 * Troy (Missouri) - a town in the state of Missouri.
 * Troy (Montana) - a town in the state of Montana.
 * Troy (New Hampshire) - a town in the state of New Hampshire.
 * Troy (New York) - a city located northeast of Albany in New York State's Capital District.
 * Troy (North Carolina) - a town in the state of North Carolina.
 * Troy (Ohio) - a town in the state of Ohio.
 * Troy (Pennsylvania) - a town in the state of Pennsylvania.
 * Troy (South Carolina) - a town in the state of South Carolina.
 * Troy (Tennessee) - a town in the state of Tennessee.
 * Troy (Texas) - a town in the state of Texas.
 * Troy (Vermont) - a town in the state of Vermont.
 * Troy (Wisconsin) - a town in the state of Wisconsin.

title: Troy