text:
Northern Norway

Northern Norway (Nord-Norge) is Europe's northernmost region mostly north of the Arctic Circle. Northern Norway has an endless and very rugged coastline, yet landscape varies from incredible jagged island mountains to endless open plateaus. Summers have non-stop daylight (and midnight sun) while during the darker season there is frequent display of northern lights (aurora borealis). Northern Norway covers 50% of Norway's area but is generally sparsely populated with only 10% of Norway's population.

Together with the corresponding areas in northern Sweden (Norrbotten), Finland (Lappland) and Russia (Murmansk Oblast), the entire region is also referred to as Cap of the North. It roughly corresponds to the traditional area of the Sami people.

Other destinations

 * archipelago, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * archipelago, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * archipelago, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * archipelago, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * archipelago, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * archipelago, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * archipelago, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * archipelago, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Understand
With a low population density, Northern Norway is dominated by nature. Northern Norway is more than half of Norway's length, but only 10 % of the population. The area is about the size of Greece or South-Korea, but with a population of only ½ million. Road E6, Norway's main road, runs 1,700 km (1,000 miles) south-north through Northern Norway.

Since the ice age ended 12,000 years ago, the coast has remained ice free in winter. The coast is protected by islands in most areas (except east of North Cape), and until modern technology helped build good roads, travel by sea was always more practical than across the rugged land. The sea has a rich life, and fishing provided food year round. Fishing in combination with small scale agriculture as far north as Troms was for centuries the dominant way of life. Today, North Norway has good communications and a more varied economy than ever before. Nature, however, is still dominant in most areas outside the towns, although you might notice small farms along the fjords and on the coastal lowlands.

Northern Norway includes some of the driest and coldest areas in Europe. Because of the mostly low or modest temperatures these places not however turn into desert. The interior of Finnmark (Finnmarksvidda), inner parts of Troms and Saltdal area in Nordland only gets about 300 mm precipitation per year compared for instance to Athens (the driest major city in Europe) that gets 400 mm and parts of western Norway that get 3000 mm per year.

History and culture
In the Middle Ages Northern Norway was known as Hålogaland from Trøndelag until somewhere around Lofoten or Tromsø. The land further north was the land of the Sami people, called Finnmark in Norway (the Sami people were called "Finn" by the old Norse people) and Lapland in Sweden/Finland. Finnmark means the land of finns or the borderland of Finns. The Finnish, Kven and Sami languages belong to the Uralic language family, completely unrelated to Scandinavian languages (modern Norwegian, Danish and Swedish). Borders were not fixed in the open range of the north and the definition of "Finnmark" was very flexible and variable. In one Viking saga Finnmark was described as "enormous" completely surrounded by the endless ocean west and north, covering the entire land north of Trøndelag, Halsingland and Karelia (that is most of northern Norway, Sweden and Finland as well as Russia's Kola Peninsula) – this largely corresponds to Sápmi, the traditional area of the Sami people. The southernmost Sami language was spoken in the border region east of Trondheim. It is not clear how much of the north was ruled by Scandinavian kings or if the northernmost areas were largely land without state. Norwegian settlement in Finnmark began around 1300 and coastal villages came under Norwegain/Danish rule. The interior was open range without fixed borders between states until around 1800. The very northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia was largely a common area. The border with Russia was fixed in 1826 and Kirkenes became part of Norway. Kautokeino and Karasjok became part of Norway (itself under Danish rule at that time) when the border with Sweden (still including Finland half a century) was set in 1760.

Erik Valkendorf (died in 1522) was archbishop of Nidaros (Trondheim) and viceroy of Norway. He was the first authority figure to sail the entire coast from Trondheim to eastern Finnmark. He was deeply fascinated by the grand landscape, the long distances and the way of life in the barren nature. Valkendorf described his experiences in a letter to Pope Leo X. Valkendorf described the nomadic nature of fishermen in Finnmark area. He also described the production of stockfish in the dry cool air and how locals could store stockfish for many years.

In 1432 the merchant ship of captain Pietro Querini was ravaged on the west coast of Røst. Querini and a handful of his men in lifeboats were transported by wind and sea currents to Lofoten. They survived there with the help of locals. He subsequently returned to Venice, where he wrote a report of his travels including how locals could catch enormous amounts of cod that was turned into stockfish. He is credited with popularizing stockfish in the Veneto region. Querini made an accurate description of the way life at these outskirts of Europe. This is one of the few eyewitness accounts by outsiders from the Middle Ages. Querini described life on the island of Røst as "first sphere of paradise" because of inhabitants' hospitality and natural way of life. While an outskirt, the far north was connected to international trade via Bergen and the local priest was a German Dominican friar.

Northern Sami spoken in Finnmark and Troms is the most common of the Sami languages. Lulesami is spoken largely along the Lule river, Southern Sami is spoken further south in Nordland and Trøndelag. Between these are the areas of the Pite and Lule Sami with few speakers. Even Lule Sami is spoken only by a few thousand people.

Talk

Norwegian is the official language of Norway and it is the most commonly spoken language in Northern Norway. Norwegian is mutually intelligible with Danish and Swedish. Sami is official in seven municipalities (mostly Northern Sámi) and Kven (close to Finnish) is official in one municipality. Sami names of towns and places are often displayed on road signs together with Norwegian names. In some cases there are only spelling differences, for instance when the name has a Sami or Kven/Finish origin, such as Kautokeino (Norwegian), Guovdageaidnu (Sami) and Koutokeino (Kven/Finish). In other cases names are completely different. In the core Sami areas signs for places may be in Sami only.

Russian is a common language in Kirkenes due to immigration, but it is not an official language.

Most Norwegians speak English well. In theory, all Norwegians are also able to speak a third language, usually German or French (but also Spanish, Italian or Russian), as learning a third language is mandatory in the Norwegian school. However, most people's knowledge of their third "school language" is basic at best.

Get in
The easiest way to travel to Northern Norway is by air. It is also possible to drive or to travel by boat. Some parts of Northern Norway can be reached by train.

From Southern Norway
The following cities/airports have non-stop flights to Southern Norway

 * Bardufoss, from Oslo
 * Bodø, from Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim
 * Harstad and Narvik, Evenes airport, from Oslo, Trondheim
 * Alta, from Oslo
 * Kirkenes, from Oslo
 * Lakselv (summer only), from Oslo
 * Tromsø, from Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim
 * Located in Southern Nordland, Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Mosjøen and Mo i Rana have flights from Trondheim

Flights from Oslo depart from Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL).

Domestic flights are operated by SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe

International
To Tromsø:
 * London Gatwick, United Kingdom, operated by Norwegian
 * Stockholm, Sweden (summer only, Mondays and Fridays, operated by SAS
 * Murmansk/Arkhangelsk, Russia, operated by Nordavia
 * Several tourist cities in Southern Europe, both charter and regular.

The international flights do not go every day. See also Tromsø Airport on Wikipedia, where there is a better updated list.

By car

E6 is the main route to Northern Norway when driving from the southern parts of the country (Oslo, Trondheim). Oslo is about 800 km from the southernmost part of Northern Norway. The rest of E6 through Northern Norway is about 1,600 km. The distance from Trondheim to Mo i Rana is about 450 km, to Narvik 920 km and to Tromsø about 1,160 km.

When going from southern Norway to Finnmark, driving through Sweden and Finland may save time and kilometres. E45 has connections via Finland to western Finnmark, deviating from it at Arvidsjaur one can drive to Haparanda and by E75 in Finland towards eastern Finnmark.

The main connections from abroad are E8 (through Finland to Tromsø), which joins E6 at Skibotn, E75 (via Finland to Vardø), which joins E6 in Tana, and E105 (via Russia to Kirkenes) to the end of E6.

Norway has one overland border crossing with Russia 15 km from Kirkenes. This is a Schengen border so passport and visa are needed. The border with Russia can only be crossed in vehicles, not on foot (as of 2015).

If you arrive during winter, be aware that winter tires are necessary and required by law. Do not try to drive without, even if you don't expect snow or ice. Some roads may be closed in wintertime, after first heavy snow. See Driving in Norway and Winter driving.

By bus
From Southern Norway:

There is no bus connection between Northern and Southern Norway, except for a few local routes in the border area.

From Sweden:
 * Skellefteå–Bodø (a.k.a. Silverexpressen). Operated by Skelleftebuss Skellefteå–Jäckvik and Nordlandsbuss Jäckvik–Bodø. See nbuss.no
 * Kiruna–Narvik. Operated by Ofotens Bilruter.
 * via Haparanda, then using the coach network of Finnish Lapland, see below.

Timetables, 177nordland

From Finland:

Eskelisen Lapin Linjat operates buses to Tromsø, Alta, Nordkapp/Lakselv, Vadsø and Kirkenes from Rovaniemi/Oulu. Summer only. At Utsjoki walking over the border (to Roavvegieddi in Tana), or taking a taxi ride, should be feasible, as at Karigasniemi – at most other places there would be a very long taxi ride to get to Norwegian bus routes.

By train
Trains to Northern Norway depart from Trondheim. There is usually two trains per day, one leaves in the morning and the other leaves in the late evening. The train stops at Mosjøen, Mo i Rana and Fauske (and other smaller places) before it reaches its end destination Bodø just above the Arctic Circle. The journey to Bodø takes about 9 hours and 30 minutes. Prices may vary, lowest possible price as of January 2008 is 199 kr (one way, limited number of seats, look/ask for "minipris"). Trains are operated by NSB.

Narvik is part of the Swedish rail network with connections to south Norway and mainland Europe. Trains are operated by SJ and go from Stockholm. Finland has a wider gauge and is not directly connected to the Swedish network, transfer needed.

There is no railway in the two northernmost counties, Troms and Finnmark.

By boat
The Hurtigruten (Coastal Express) sails along the coast of Norway, from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes close to the Russian border. It calls at 25 ports in Northern Norway and 9 ports in Southern Norway. Each port is visited twice a day, once by the southbound boat, and once by the northbound boat.

Get around

Northern Norway has less than 10% of Norway's population but covers almost 2000 km by land. Landscape is very fragmented. Long distance sea or land transport is time-consuming, although the most rewarding for sightseeing. Air transport is usually the most convenient for short visits to distance corners of Northern Norway.

By plane
The distances are long, and air planes are important to get around for longer distances in Northern Norway. Flights inside Northern Norway generally start at one of the regional hubs: Bodø, Tromsø or Kirkenes. Bardufoss and Alta airports take larger aircraft and Alta is the busiest in Finnmark. There are at least a dozen small airports. Most flights serving them are operated by Widerøe and are usually fairly expensive. Smaller airports have short runways and are served by small propeller aircraft such as Dash 8. Train can be used as far north as Fauske and Bodø, and from Sweden to Narvik.
 * By train

By boat
Hurtigruten follows the entire coast and calls at all major ports, except Mosjøen, Mo i Rana, Narvik and Alta (which are all situated in the innermost parts of long fjords which would be too far to detour). There are also local express boats. An express boat connects Tromsø and Harstad in less than three hours.

By car
Travel by own car or rental car is the most practical, as there are road connection to virtually every small village, and buses are not frequent outside cities. Note that the distances are very long, and driving takes time. Also do fill the tank in time. Driving in winter is not for beginners - there is little or no daylight, and weather is often rough on the coast and on the mountain passes, while in the interior often bitterly cold. During winter roads are usually covered in ice, snow or slush.

The distance from Mo i Rana to Tromsø is 680 km, needing around 10 hours plus stops. From Narvik to Alta it is 510 km, needing around 7 hours plus stops. The entire road E6 through Northern Norway is some 1700 km, or more than 24 hours non-stop drive at 60 km/h average. The E6 has one ferry crossing.

By bus
Without a car, travel by scheduled bus routes is the most economical. They have sparse schedules. Important bus connections are the routes from Bodø/Fauske (end of railway) to Narvik and Harstad, from Narvik to Tromsø and Tromsø to Alta (there are many other routes). Search at en-tur.no.

See

The best views are seen from a little altitude, where amazing views over mountains, fjords and sea can be seen. To reach these, hiking is usually the preferred way.
 * In Tromsø and Narvik there are aerial lifts, which easily take you up in the mountains.

Do
Be well dressed, because this is far north and temperatures can be low also in summer.

There's a plethora of activities:
 * Experience the amazing northern lights or the midnight sun, depending on the time of year
 * Whale watching (in the country which also harvests in these animals)
 * Fishing in some of the world's richest fishing waters, such as Lofoten
 * Dogsledding
 * Reindeer sledding
 * Snowmobiling
 * Explore the indigenous Sami people and their lifestyles and culture
 * Mountain climbing
 * Mountain hiking
 * Diving
 * Boating
 * Canoeing
 * Kayaking
 * Sailing
 * Rafting
 * Cycling
 * Skiing
 * Swimming in not well tempered waters (or indoors)
 * Hiking
 * Golf
 * Strolling small towns and villages

Eat
Norwegian cuisine is known for eclectic food with a good supply of many local ingredients.

Northern Norway is particularly famous for seafood, lamb, reindeer, and wild berries such as cloudberry.

Drink
Local Norwegian beer, aquavit and cider. Or simply clean and fresh tap water.

Stay safe
If you venture outdoors, know what to do! Limited daylight during winter months makes all outdoor activities more challenging. Weather can be rough on the coast and bitterly cold in the interior. Long distances and sparse population mean that one must be able to manage.

There is little crime in the region, but you may end up in trouble if you try really hard.

Go next

 * North to the North pole (not recommended) or Svalbard,
 * east to Russia's Murmansk Oblast
 * south or east to Finnish Lapland and the rest of Finland
 * south or east to Sweden's Norrbotten County
 * Domestic south in Norway, Trøndelag

title: Northern Norway


text:
Northern Ohio River Region

Kentucky's Northern Ohio River Region lies along the state border on the Ohio River with Ohio.

Cities
Many of the following are basically a continuation of Cincinnati across the river into Kentucky from Ohio.

 * Northern Kentucky

Understand
Kentucky's Northern Ohio River Region is where the North meets the South. From the very urban cities of Ludlow, Covington, Newport, Bellevue, and Dayton (not to be confused with Dayton, Ohio) which are virtually an extension of Cincinnati down to the start of the rolling bluegrass country and horse farms, the region is a surprisingly diverse one and is probably the most culturally Midwestern region of Kentucky—at least the parts closest to Cincinnati.

The term "Northern Kentucky" is used mainly for the counties within the core of the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Outside of that area, the culture becomes somewhat more southern, though not to the extent of areas to the geographic south. For example, Maysville is included in some definitions of the Cincinnati area, but is far enough away from the city to be culturally distinct.

The terrain is very hilly, particularly near Cincinnati. This provides many famous vantage points of that city, including Covington's Devou Park, a once notorious stretch of I-75/I-71, The Cut-in-the-Hill with one of the most stunning views of any urban area, and finally the many vistas one gets while travelling around I-275 from I-471 to I-71/I-75. A particularly spectacular vista that is less known can be found where I-275 crosses the Licking River right after the exit for KY 9 and the AA Highway, its a stunning view that may cause accidents due to drivers rubbernecking to see the hills of the Licking River Valley give way to Cincinnati's famous skyline on the horizon.

Accents and culture gradually get more northern as you head north. Many people in the suburbs of Cincinnati are transplants from that city, whereas some of the outlying areas have everything you'd expect from the south. A cool landmark signifying the beginning of these southern accents is the Florence Y'All water tower in Florence.

The urban areas near Cincinnati are very nicely preserved. Newport developed a particularly nice collection of family entertainment options while Covington is waiting for magnificent old architecture to come back to life again. Bellevue has redeveloped its business district bringing in some charming restaurants and shops along with a new brewery in the works. The historic architecture is stunning in these areas, looking more East Coast than Southern or Midwestern and generally better preserved than in Cincinnati.

Talk
American English is the language of choice. You'll hear more Northern, Midwestern accents as you head closer to Cincinnati, and more Southern ones away from the city.

Get in

 * Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is located in Hebron, and is a short drive from Cincinnati.
 * Northern Kentucky can also be reached via I-75, I-71, I-275.

See
Two area attractions (in)famous around the country are the Creation Museum just outside Hebron and Ark Encounter near Williamstown. Both are owned and operated by a group that promotes a "young-Earth" interpretation of the Book of Genesis... and we'll leave it at that.

Drink
Newport offers the most lively nightlife in the region with such places as the Hofbräuhaus Newport and Arnie's. Covington also has a strong nightlife centered around its historic German district Mainstrasse Village. The area is also well known amongst Ohioans as a place where alcohol laws are looser, as a result there are many large liquor stores immediately across the river.

Go next

 * Greater Cincinnati
 * Bluegrass Region
 * Kentucky Appalachians
 * Kentucky Derby Region
 * Southern Indiana

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

title: Northern Ohio River Region


text:
Northern Oman

Northern Oman is the region hosting the capital city Muscat, fertile Al-Batinah coast, majestic Hajar Mountains and the Musandam Peninsula. It borders the United Arab Emirates to the north and Saudi Arabia to the west.

Cities

 * — the historic capital and largest city
 * — oasis town with a
 * — border crossing town adjacent to Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates
 * — capital of Musandam Peninsula and historic port to Iran
 * — home the best-known fort in Oman
 * — the legendary home of Sindbad
 * — land of Wadis and Suqs

Other destinations

 * — a majestic range, which stretches into the United Arab Emirates
 * — tiny exclave of Oman completely surrounded by the United Arab Emirates
 * — a rocky exclave on the Straits of Hormuz with some magnificent wadis and a coastline with fjord-like fingers out into the ocean

Get in

 * Muscat International Airport

Stay safe
Large areas of the south are uninhabited, and travelers should make adequate preparations for survival in a desert wilderness.

title: Northern Oman


text:
Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario is the large and sparsely-populated region that dominates the map of Ontario but lies far away, both geographically and culturally, from the big cities of the south.

This is land of rocks, lakes, and "muskegs" (bogs) and few farms or towns, never mind cities. Those communities that do exist are mostly based around mining and forestry, but there are also a number of lake-front vacation home communities and the area is known many for it outdoors activities. As well, Indigenous cultural tourism is of increasing importance here.

Distances are large in Northern Ontario – it's 1600 km (1000 miles) from North Bay to the Manitoba border, so consider focus on a particular sub-region unless you have a lot of time to spend. However, this region may also interest you are considering driving the famous Trans-Canada Highway or riding The Canadian to get between Western and Central Canada.

Cities
Northern Ontario has nine cities (Greater Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Timmins, Kenora, Elliot Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Dryden) and many small towns.

With the exception of the Greater Sudbury municipality, all of northern Ontario's land is divided into districts. These districts include vast tracts of sparsely-populated territory where public services are provided by the government of Ontario.

 * — home of Maximillian the Moose, an 18 ft (5.5 m) tall statue
 * — a former mining boomtown that now seeks to attract tourists and retirees
 * — a vacation resort town
 * — calls itself the "gateway to Northern Ontario"
 * — the starting point for the Agawa Canyon tour train
 * — Northern Ontario's largest city
 * — a popular retirement and recreational destination
 * — the metropolis of the northwest
 * — its main attractions are mining tours and outdoor recreation

Other destinations

 * — a 2314-ha pak for hiking, canoeing and birding
 * — spectacular and diverse scenery, and the Agawa Pictographs
 * — the world's largest freshwater island
 * — a mixed (natural and cultural)
 * — popular as camp and cottage country
 * — its 60-km Coastal Trail offers a challenging but rewarding wilderness experience along the steep Lake Superior coastline
 * — one of the world's largest boreal forest reserves, almost the size of Puerto Rico

Understand
Ontario is Canada's most populous province, with nearly 40 percent of the country's population, but most of Ontario's 13.5 million people live in southern communities along the Windsor-Quebec corridor. This leaves the rest of the province very sparsely populated, with Northern Ontario's few people spread across a vast area which spans two time zones. Northern Ontario covers 90% of the area of Ontario, but has only 6% of its population—about 730,000 people.

Don't expect to drive across all of Northern Ontario in a day; it's of Trans-Canada Highway from North Bay to the Manitoba border and a few communities (mostly on Indigenous lands around Hudson Bay) have no intercity road access at all.

Most of Northern Ontario sits on the Canadian Shield, a vast rocky plateau, and most of it is covered by boreal forest. As a result, the region's main businesses are mining and forestry, although tourism also plays a role in the economy. Its main population centres are Greater Sudbury in the east, and Thunder Bay in the West.

In the early 20th century, Northern Ontario was often called "New Ontario", although this name fell into disuse because of its colonial connotations. (In French, however, the region may still be referred to as Nouvel-Ontario, although le Nord de l'Ontario and Ontario-Nord are now more commonly used.)

Talk
There are several small francophone communities in Northern Ontario, but English speaking travellers shouldn't encounter any issues with language since most of those living in these communities are bilingual (English-French). There are also many communities that speak mainly Cree or Ojibwa (Aanishenabe), though there are usually English speakers there as well.

By plane
Air Canada Express provides daily service from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins and Thunder Bay from Toronto (Thunder Bay also served from Winnipeg, Manitoba). Westjet flies to Thunder Bay from Toronto. Bearskin Airlines (based in Thunder Bay) provides services to various smaller communities in Northern Ontario, including Red Lake, Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Kenora from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Porter Airlines flies to Timmins, Thunder Bay, Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie from Toronto City Island Airport.

By car
The 2 main routes through Northern Ontario are Highways #11 and #17. They diverge at North Bay with Highway 11 going north and Highway 17 going west to Sault Ste. Marie then north from there. Both highways continue westward toward Manitoba, with a few points where there is only one road. The Trans-Canada Highway distance from North Bay to the Manitoba border is approximately 1650 km (1050 mi).

By rail
Via Rail provides service from Toronto to Parry Sound and Sudbury Junction (10 km from the city), and continues through Northern Ontario with stops at Hornepayne, Longlac, Sioux Lookout and several minor stops, to Winnipeg, Manitoba and westward.

While the former Ontario Northland passenger rail service from Toronto to North Bay and Cochrane, Ontario has been replaced by a bus, there is passenger rail service from Cochrane to Moosonee on the Polar Bear Express.

By bus
Ontario Northland operates the following routes in the region as of Dec 2023:
 * Toronto - Barrie - Muskoka - North Bay
 * Toronto - Barrie - Parry Sound - Sudbury
 * North Bay - Timmins - Cochrane
 * Sudbury - Timmins - Cochrane - Hearst
 * Ottawa - North Bay - Sudbury
 * Sudbury - Sault Ste. Marie
 * Thunder Bay - Sault Ste. Marie
 * Thunder Bay - Kenora - Winnipeg

Kasper Bus serves western areas as of Dec 2023:
 * Thunder Bay - Longlac
 * Thunder Bay - Sioux Lookout - Winnipeg
 * Thunder Bay - White River

By car
Car rental services are available in most of the larger centres, including Kenora, Red Lake, Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Terrace Bay, Marathon, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, and North Bay.

In Northern Ontario, a car is a must if you wish to get from place to place. In most cases, you will be driving the Trans-Canada Highway (a cross-Canada network of highways, often offering more than one route), either on Highway 17 or Highway 11. Highway 17 follows a more southerly route hugging Lake Superior, while 11 ventures northward at North Bay and heads through a less populous region of the province (avoiding the winds off of the Great Lakes, so this route is popular with truckers) before heading southwards. Highways 11 and 17 run concurrently from the Nipigon River west to the Thunder Bay region, a single point of failure. To the west, 11 heads to the US border at Rainy River while Trans-Canada 17 continues west to Manitoba.

The heavy logging trucks that are common on the roads here take a long time to stop. Be sure to give them a lot of space, as cutting one off is a quick ticket to a collision that you will lose.

By train
Ontario Northland operates the Polar Bear Express railway between Cochrane and Moosonee, on the James Bay shore, hauling mostly locals (the railway is the only method of overland access for many isolated Northern communities) and freight, plus some tourists. This train is one of the few remaining in North America that lets you flag it down to get picked up. Northbound trains leave Cochrane at 9AM four days a week, arriving in Moosonee at 2:20PM. Going the other way, trains depart Moosonee at 5PM and return to Cochrane at 11:30PM.

See

 * Ouimet Canyon, near Dorion, is 100 metres (330 ft) deep, 150 metres (490 ft) wide and 2 km (1.2 mi) long. It is protected as part of Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park.
 * Aguasabon Falls and Gorge near Terrace Bay is a 30-m (100-foot) waterfall that was created as a spill basin for a generating station. It offers tourists an amazing view through a wheelchair accessible boardwalk that overlooks the falls.
 * Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre (Manitou Mounds) 33 km from Rainy River, is one of the most significant centres of early habitation and ceremonial burial in Canada. The centre offers interpretive tours and galleries, a collections space with over 16,000 artifacts, a gift shop that showcases artwork by local Indigenous artists, and a restaurant that serves traditional Ojibway cuisine.
 * M.S. Kenora cruise is a great way to experience the splendour of Lake of the Woods. The cruise passes by Coney Island beach, through the scenic channels south of Kenora, and returns through the exciting ‘Devil’s Gap’, a channel guarded by a mythical rock bearing its name. Bald eagles and wildlife can also be sighted.
 * Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay is a recreation of the days of the North West Company and the Canadian fur trade circa 1815. It offers a look at fur trade life, culture, rafts, medicine, business, domestic life and heritage farming.
 * Agawa Canyon Tour Train is a very popular scenic one-day rail excursion to Agawa Canyon Park, 114 railway miles north of Sault Ste Marie. There is a three-hour stopover at the canyon where there are hiking trails and a railway museum. The train has dining cars, dome cars, and regular coach cars.
 * Science North is a science education centre in Sudbury with an IMAX theatre, a butterfly gallery, a robotics lab, and interactive exhibits on geology, animal biology and other areas of science.

Do
There are some amazing scenic drives in Northern Ontario, especially Highway 17 from Sault Ste Marie is particularly beautiful, as are both the Highway 11 and Highway 17 routes from Thunder Bay to Kenora.

Northern Ontario has a lot of provincial parks, some for day use only and others that have camping facilities. There are 3 large ones accessible by highways: Quetico Provincial Park; Lake Superior Provincial Park and Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. Wabakimi Provincial Park is not accessible by highway, but is accessible from The Canadian passenger rail line (which can be flagged down, and features a baggage car that can handle canoes).

There is one national park: Pukaskwa National Park (pronounced "puck-a-saw"; just south of Marathon) which offers day use and overnight facilities. No motorized boats are allowed to be used in the park except those that access the park from Lake Superior.

Many towns through the region have outfitters who will equip you with everything you need for fishing, hunting or snowmobiling trips, and can provide guides, or organize the whole trip for you, often to remote private lodges, some accessible only by float planes.

Stay safe
Cell/mobile phone service is not available on many stretches of highways through the region, even those most travelled (Highways 11 and 17). You will have service in and around cities and towns, but you should bring some emergency supplies in the case of a breakdown, such as water, blankets, and food.

Summer
Black flies and mosquitoes are abundant throughout Northern Ontario. To protect yourself when camping or hiking, wear long sleeve shirts (white or brightly coloured), thick socks, and long pants (tuck the pants into the socks), and apply insect repellent containing DEET. A mosquito net can be nicer than applying repellent to your face. Also some type of bug netting in your tent is advised. Flies are most active at dawn and dusk between mid-June and late July.

Winter
Winter driving in the North can be treacherous, given the inclement winters here. Be prepared to adjust or cancel travel plans should the weather conditions require it.

Go next
West to Manitoba; south to Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Central Ontario and Eastern Ontario; east to the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region of Quebec; or, if you have access to an aircraft, north to Nunavut.

title: Northern Ontario


text:
Northern Oregon Coast

The Northern Oregon Coast is a region of Oregon made up of the northern Oregon Coast as well as Columbia County along the Columbia River.

Coastal Cities

 * — A historic fishing town at the mouth of the Columbia River, boasting many shipwrecks in the area.
 * — Beach town with family attractions and plenty of accommodation options.
 * — Popular stopping point and vacation area with miles of sandy beach and Haystack Rock, the third largest monolith in the world.
 * — Beach village that is a popular getaway for Portlanders who want to be away from the hubbub of Cannon Beach and Seaside.
 * — Small town probably best known for its cheese factory with interactive exhibits and large cheese (and dairy) shop. There are also a couple of small museums in town. The surrounding area is definitely worth exploring.
 * — Small coastal town with a famous dory (flat-bottom beach launched boat) fleet and the towering dune at Cape Kiwanda.
 * — Small coastal town with a famous dory (flat-bottom beach launched boat) fleet and the towering dune at Cape Kiwanda.

Along the Columbia River

 * — Small city on the Columbia River near Portland.

By car
The northern coast is easily accessible from Portland via U.S. Route 26, U.S. Route 30, or OR-6 depending on which area you plan to go to. Note that driving conditions on OR-6 are often marginal during the stormy winter months. Darkness, fog, heavy rain, and snow can even make the trip treacherous, so use caution or use an alternate route if necessary.

If heading toward Pacific City or Tillamook from Salem or somewhere else from the south, you can also take OR-22.

By bus
Oregon Point serves Seaside and Astoria.

The Tillamook County Transportation District has a bus route from Portland to Tillamook.

By car
serves as the main north-south highway to access all main coastal destinations in the region. Other towns and cities are connected by highways.

By bus
The Tillamook County Transportation District runs buses from Tillamook north to Manzanita and Cannon Beach, south to Lincoln City, and west to the coastal towns of Netarts and Oceanside. There's one main stop in each town along these routes, but you can stand on the side of the road anywhere along the route and flag the bus down, and ask the driver to drop you off anywhere else along the route.

The fare is $1.50 per zone traveled. There are three zones in Tillamook County.
 * Zone 1 is between Hobsonville Point (south of Garibaldi) and Sandlake Road (north of Hemlock), and includes Bay City, Tillamook, and Pleasant Valley.
 * Zone 2 is between Hobsonville Point and the Clatsop County line, and includes Garibaldi, Rockaway Beach, Wheeler, Nehalem, and Manzanita.
 * Zone 3 is between Sandlake Road to the Lincoln County line, and includes Beaver, Hebo, Cloverdale, Pacific City, and Neskowin.
 * Zone Cannon Beach includes travel in Clatsop County.
 * Zone Lincoln City includes travel in Lincoln County.

See
There are many State Parks along the rugged coastline including the popular Ecola and Cape Lookout State Parks that provide sweeping views of the surroundings. Fort Stevens and other Lewis and Clark National Historical Park sites provide history into the exploration and military activities of the region.

There are two lighthouses along the northern coast: Cape Meares near Oceanside, and Tillamook Rock which is offshore but visible from Ecola State Park. Some would also say that the Lightship Columbia at the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria counts as well.

Pacific City, Oceanside, Manzanita, and Cannon Beach are known for their scenic sandy beaches, though lounging-appropriate weather can be extremely difficult to find outside of the summer months.

Eat
The region is known for its fresh high quality seafood, particularly Dungeness Crab, but fish, clams, and oysters can also be readily found. You can buy seafood at both markets and restaraunts, or go out and catch them yourself!

Drink
The award winning Pelican Brewery has its original location in Pacific City, and a new expansion location in Tillamook. Astoria has two regionally renowned breweries: Fort George and Buoy.

title: Northern Oregon Coast


text:
Northern Pacific Coast (Nicaragua)

Northern Pacific Coast is a region along the Pacific coast in western Nicaragua. It has beautiful beaches, impressive volcanoes and colonial cities and churches.

Cities

 * - a colonial city and the intellectual center of Nicaragua
 * - a commercial and agricultural center
 * - with Nicaragua's largest port
 * - an old historical city with indigenous roots
 * - a pilgrimage city

Beaches

 * , El Velero, Playa Hermosa & El Tránsito- a string of Pacific beaches close to Managua.
 * & Las Peñitas - two Pacific beach towns near León.
 * - northern beach with the famous Boom surfing wave.
 * - beach next to the Padre Ramon Nature Reserve.

Nature

 * - a huge estuary and the home of wild growing corn
 * - which in 1835 had the third largest volcanic eruption in recorded history.
 * - a chain of impressive volcanoes, many active. On Cerro Negro you can do Volcano surfing.
 * hot springs.

History

 * - the ruins of old León, destroyed by a volcano eruption in 1610. Now an UNESCO world heritage site.

Understand
The Northern Pacific Coast of Nicaragua consists of the departments of Chinandega and León with an approximate population of 865,000 (2020). Along the Pacific coast, there are many beaches and estuaries. A chain of active volcanoes, the Cordillera Los Maribios, cuts through the region.

The two major cities are León and Chinandega, Nicaragua's second and fourth largest cities respectively. León, a colonial city founded in 1524, is the country's intellectual center with the oldest and largest cathedral, the oldest university and many museums. Chinandega is a commercial and agricultural hub. Corinto has Nicaragua's biggest port.

The region is a major agricultural producer. Important crops include sugar cane, rice, soy, corn, beans, bananas, peanuts and sesame seeds. There are fishing villages, shrimp farms and salt producers along the coast.

Talk
Spanish

Get in

 * Internationally by air through Managua Airport or by land from Honduras.
 * From Managua by bus, car or taxi.
 * From the Northern Highlands by bus or car.
 * From Honduras via the border crossing at Guasaule.
 * From El Salvador by boat from La Union to Potosí.

Get around
There are frequent buses between León, Chinandega, Corinto, El Viejo and all other major towns in the region. From León there are frequent buses to Poneloya and Las Peñitas, and from Chinandega to Corinto, but other beaches are harder to reach.

See

 * The colonial city of León, founded in 1524.
 * Cathedral of León, the largest in Central America.
 * Ortiz-Gurdián Art Museum in León.
 * Sutiava, the indigenous neighborhood in León.
 * Chorotega Nicarao Archeological Museum in Chinandega.

Do

 * Hike up Volcan Cosigüina or one of the many volcanoes in the Cordillera Los Maribios.
 * Surf down Volcan Cerro Negro.
 * Swim or surf the Pacific beaches in Poneloya, Las Peñitas, Aserradores or Jiquilillo.
 * Kayak in the Juan Venado, Padre Ramos or Estero Real Nature Reserves.
 * Enjoy the hot springs in San Jacinto.

Drink
Temperatures can rise well above 35°C (100°F) during the dry season (December - April), so make sure to stay hydrated. Although some say that tab-water in León is safe, stick to bottled water, delicious juices, beer or the local Flor de Caña (Nicaraguan rum).

Stay safe
Pacific coast currents can be very strong and dangerous even for trained swimmers in their best health. Don't go too far out, stay on official beaches, don't go too far out and follow any warning signs. Weaker swimmers may prefer to enjoy the estuaries with their calmer waters.

Go next

 * Northern Highlands for cooler temperatures.
 * Southern Pacific Coast for more beaches and more surfing.
 * Granada to check out the historical rival of León.
 * Honduras

title: Northern Pacific Coast (Nicaragua)


text:
Northern Paraneña

Northern Paraneña is a region of Paraguay.

Cities

 * – The capital of the department and a city distinguished by the beauty of many of its public buildings and residences. One of the prettiest towns in Paraguay. It can be a good starting point for touring the northern sections of Paraguay. There are a number of national parks, touristic estancias and some pretty small towns that are picturesque, historic and interesting to visit. Additionally, independent travellers and backpackers continue to the Pantanal region of Bolivia and Brazil sailing up the Paraguay river by boat.
 * – The oldest town in the department, a former Jesuit mission and on the Tropic of Capricorn, 25 km east of Concepción.
 * – A large town with an important cattle and agricultural production.
 * – A small picturesque town not far from Concepción.
 * – Beyond Cerro Corá National Park and bus destination for trips to the national park. Also features numerous shopping opportunities due to its border town nature.
 * – the main city along the way between Asunción and Concepción - Pedro Juan Caballero.
 * – A riverside town at the top northwest corner of the department. A cement producer town with more than 50 caves to explore nearby.
 * – A riverside town at the top northwest corner of the department. A cement producer town with more than 50 caves to explore nearby.

Other destinations

 * (part of Chaco) – Gateway to Bolivia and Brazil, only reachable by cargo ferry once a week or bus from Filadelfia on Monday when it did not rain before.
 * (part of Chaco) – A busy port town along the Aquidabán river only reachable by cargo ferry with two/three interesting hills to climb nearby for fantastic view.

Understand
While Northern Paraneña is a region of beautiful rivers and dramatic landscapes, poor road quality often makes areas to the north especially hard to reach. However, attractions close to the Paraguay river such as the limestone caves in Vallemí and San Lázaro are also accessible by boat. The Aquidabán river, about 45 km to the north of Concepción on the road to Vallemí, draws visitors from the region to its serene sandy beaches. Parque Nacional Paso Bravo and Parque Nacional Serranía de San Luis are national parks with abundant flora and fauna but no infrastructure for visitors.

By road
Route 3 and Route 5 connect the region with the rest of Paraguay. Route 5 links Concepción to Pedro Juan Caballero 215 km to the northeast at the border with Mato Grosso do Sul State in Central-West Brazil. Route 3 departs Asunción heading northwest past San Estanislao and reaches Yby Yaú where it turn west on Route 5 to reach Concepción city after 460 km. An alternative is travelling along the Transchaco Highway up to Pozo Colorado then turn east on Route "Coronel Rafael Franco" towards Concepción travelling through the Chaco wilderness and crossing the Paraguay river through the Nanawa bridge for a total journey of 410 km. Route "Coronel Rafael Franco" that links Concepción to the central Chaco where it joins the Transchaco Highway at Pozo Colorado and continue northwest to reach the Mennonite colonies of Filadelfia, Loma Plata and Neuland which are 335 km away. This route offers the chance to watch bird-life and the wilderness of the Chaco. The Transchaco continues northwest past Mariscal Estigarribia and reaches Bolivia after 630 km from Concepción.

By road
Only Route 5 and the route to Vallemí are paved. To access the National Parks and the most remote locations, the roads are dirt and in rainy weather tourists are not advised to travel.

By bus
Buses depart from and travel between the bus terminals of Concepción, Vallemí, Pedro Juan Caballero, Horqueta, Loreto and Belén every hour or couple of hours throughout the day.

By thumb
Seems to be more easier that in northern Argentina, especially if you look like a tourist.

By boat
See for the famous Aquidabán Cargo Ferry and alternatives.

By plane
There are some smaller planes that can be used between Asunción and Bahía Negra for example.

See

 * Concepción's three museums each represent a different era of Paraguay's history.

Do

 * The yearly Expo Norte fair held every September. There are rodeo shows, food and games, and a beauty pageant.
 * There are estancias around Concepción that welcome visitors.
 * The river Aquidabán, north of Concepción, has some of the finest beaches in the country, with big stretches of proper yellow sand, but the best is the Tagatiyá stream, which is famous for its crystalline waters and coloured little fish. There are also small waterfalls, and beautiful scenery.

Stay safe
It is said in the region Pedro Juan Caballero is rather unsafe due to its closeness to the Brazilian border. However, perception of such things often seem to be beyond what is the actual truth with people in Paraguay. Nevertheless, be aware. The rest of the region is laid-back.

Immigration
There is a Paraguayan immigration office in Concepción in case you are coming from Bolivia or heading there. Note, there is no immigration office on the Brazilian along the Río Paraguay, in case you are planning to leave the ferry and head straight into Brazil. Your best bet would be instead to continue until Puerto Suárez (Bolivia) and enter Brazil from there via Corumbá.

Go next

 * The Chaco is a large, wild, semi-arid plains extending to the east of Concepción.
 * Northern Paraneña allows for convenient onward travel into Eastern Bolivia (via Puerto Suárez) and Western Brazil (via Corumbá).

title: Northern Paraneña


text:
Northern Plateau

The Northern Plateau is a region of Zambia.

Cities

 * — hometown of former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda
 * — capital of the Northern Province
 * — provincial centre of Luapula Province
 * — fast growing town of Northern Province
 * — on Lake Tanganyika

title: Northern Plateau


text:
Northern Portugal

Northern Portugal (Portuguese: Região do Norte) is the "oldest" region of Portugal, where the nation began.

Cities

 * — the main hub and largest city, a
 * — a beautiful city and a popular pilgrimage destination
 * — the country's religious capital city, sprawling along the Cávado valley
 * — one of the oldest cities in Portugal, with a fine medieval castle
 * — a seaside resort and fishing town
 * — the founding place of the nation, an historic city, a
 * — an ancient city, dating back to Roman times, where D. Afonso Henriques was acclaimed the first King of Portugal in 1140
 * — one of the oldest fishing towns in Portugal, and a beach resort
 * — visitors come for the Pilgrimage of Nossa Senhora da Agonia and the amazing views of the Lima River

Other destinations

 * – 2,000 year-old wine region, where Port wine (vinho do Porto) is produced, a
 * — Portugal's only national park, set in the mountains of Peneda, Larouco, and Geres
 * — prehistoric archaeological area and an inscribed

Understand

Região do Norte (rr(ih)-zhee-UHNW doo NOHR-t(ih), /ʁɨ.ʒi.ˈɐ̃w du ˈnoɾ.tɨ/)

Talk
While Portuguese is the national language throughout the country, Mirandese is a recognized local language spoken in the Terra de Miranda area around Miranda do Douro.

Get in

 * Campanhã railway station
 * Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport),

Get around
Drive, take the bus or train; subway in Porto metropolitan area.

See

 * Porto Riverside (Ribeira do Porto)
 * Castles in Guimarães, Feira, Bragança
 * Basilica in Viana do Castelo
 * Valença Fortification
 * Natural wonders of the Douro Valley, Miranda do Douro and Peneda-Gerês National Park

Do

 * Porto museums
 * Walk through Dom Luis bridge
 * Beaches
 * Casinos of Espinho and Povoa.
 * Douro river cruise

Eat
Bacalhau (cod), Francesinha

Drink
Port wine

Stay safe
Generally safe.

Go next

 * Aveiro — city noted for its canals and Art Nouveau architecture
 * Beiras – Portugal's central region to the south
 * Castile and Leon — Spanish region to the east and northeast with many UNESCO World Heritage cities
 * Coimbra — site of Portugal's most oldest and most prestigious university
 * Galicia — Spanish region to the north whose Galego language is closely related to Portuguese
 * Viseu — historic cathedral city

title: Northern Portugal


text:
Northern Province (Sri Lanka)

The Northern Province is in Sri Lanka.

Cities

 * — former beach resort and Tamil Tiger capital, gutted by decades of civil war

Understand
The Northern Province is Sri Lanka's Tamil country and, for several decades, was mostly under the control of the Tamil Tigers. The North's major cities are gutted, its beaches and jungles strewn with unexploded ordinance, and most of the population lives in squalid refugee camps.

Get in
There is daily train service from Colombo to Jaffna, including air-conditioned first class cars (although reserved seats in second class may be more enjoyable, with open windows and snack vendors). The journey north takes approximately eight hours.

Jaffna International Airport

title: Northern Province (Sri Lanka)


text:
Northern Quebec

Northern Quebec is a region in Quebec. It is sparsely inhabited with a number of logging and mining towns and hydro electric projects. It covers an area greater than 800,000 km², making it larger than Turkey, but has a population of less than 200,000 (2016), three-quarters of whom live in Abitibi-Témiscamingue in the extreme southwest of the region.

Many of the region's inhabitants belong to the Cree First Nation (mostly in the south), or to the Inuit people (mostly in the far north).

Cities

 * — a small town on the shore of Lake Gilman; its past development has relied on mining
 * — the largest village in Nunavik
 * — the "capital of copper"
 * — a small community at the mouth of the Maquatua River

Understand
Northern Quebec covers more than half of Quebec and is the least populated region of the province.

Geologically, the region is part of the Canadian Shield, an area that was heavily glaciated leaving it with many lakes, mostly thin soil, and many outcrops of ancient rock. Geographically, it is part of a world-girdling belt of sub-arctic Boreal forest.

Northern Quebec is the ancestral land of several indigenous peoples including the Algonquin of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the Cree of Baie-James, and the Inuit of Nunavik who make up the majority of that sub-region's population.

Talk
Abitibi-Témiscamingue is primarily French-speaking, with almost 95% that language, and only 3.5% speaking English as a mother tongue, and 1.5% speaking Algonquin.

The rest of the region is linguistically diverse: the most common mother tongues in 2011 were French (35%), Cree (34%), Inuktitut (25%), and English (4%). 51% of residents reported being able to speak French, the official language of the province, and 63% could speak English.

By car
From Montreal, Autoroute 15 will take you directly to Rouyn-Noranda.

There is a limited network of roads in the Baie-James region which reaches most of the few, small communities. The main road of the region is the 620-km-long James Bay Road, a paved extension of Route 109 from Matagami to Radisson. The 407-km-long gravel Route du Nord connects the James Bay Road to Route 167 near Chibougamau. The 666-km-long gravel Trans-Taiga Road branches off the James Bay Road to Caniapiscau, the northernmost connecting road in eastern North America.

The few provincial routes are concentrated in the far south of the region, including Route 109 to Matagami, Route 113, which ends near Chibougamau, and Route 167 to Mistissini.

There are no roads to Nunavik from the south. There are isolated roads in and around villages, as well as an isolated road running from the Raglan Mines to Deception Bay, connecting to Salluit.

By plane
The Rouyn-Noranda Airport receives flights every day from Val-d'Or and Montreal. All villages in Nunavik have their own airport, with the Kuujjuaq Airport functioning as a regional hub.

See
History buffs can take a self-guided walking tour of the old districts of Rouyn-Noranda, which also is home to an interesting Russian Orthodox Church.

Val-d'Or, true to its name "valley of gold", offers sights related to mining which include a decommissioned mine, an operating mine, a museum, and a preserved mining village.

Visit a Cree community in Baie-James such as Wemindji.

In Nunavik, you can visit Old Chimo, an old settlement a few kilometres downstream from Kuujjuaq. In Inukjuac, the Daniel Weetaluktuk museum displays contemporary Inuit artwork and 200 archaeological and historical objects.

Do
Abitibi-Témiscamingue offers lush forests dotted with 22,000 lakes and rivers. The Aiguebelle National Park, La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve, the Val-d’Or Recreational Forest and Opémican National Park should be your starting points for outdoor sports and recreation, like hiking, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or downhill skiing. La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve, between Val d'Or and Grand Remous, is one of the largest contiguous reserves in Québec.

Rouyn-Noranda hosts festivals year-round for those interested in fireworks, emerging music, guitar music, film, and fake documentaries.

Fishing in the rivers and lakes along the James Bay Road, including Atlantic salmon and sea-run trout fishing, is permitted with a Quebec fishing permit. In the areas surrounding the Cree communities, you must have a guide to fish. Generally there are signs in areas where fishing is prohibited to non-natives. Caribou hunting is also available.

Through most of the region, on clear nights, the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) is often visible

title: Northern Quebec


text:
Northern Rift Valley

Northern Rift Valley is a region of Kenya, part of the Great Rift Valley which extends through several countries.

Cities

 * - the district headquarters for Baringo District. It offers budget accommodations close to some major attractions such as Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo, Tugen Hills, Kerio Valley and Kerio Escarpment.

Understand
This is the part of the Rift Valley in Kenya more or less to the north of the Ewaso N'goro. The north of the region is dominated by massive Lake Turkana.

The rift is home to a wide range of Kenya's peoples including nomadic herding peoples such as the Turkana, Pokot, Samburu and Maasai but also including farmers such as the Kikuyu and even remnant groups of hunter-gatherer peoples such as the Ogiek who live in the remaining forests on the Mau escarpment of the Rift valley.

See

 * The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, that were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.

title: Northern Rift Valley


text:
Northern Rivers

The Northern Rivers region is on the far North Coast of New South Wales, stretching from Grafton to the Tweed on the Queensland border.

Cities

 * (includes ) – regional centre of the Northern Rivers, home to the Big Prawn
 * – federation-style village
 * – once an alternative lifestyle town, now a booming beachfront destination, firmly on the backpacker and seachanger route
 * – "Beef capital of Australia"
 * – small coastal town to the east of Woodburn
 * – city of Jacaranda trees on the Clarence River
 * – coastal village popular with beachgoers
 * – largest town in the region
 * – near the foothills of Mt Wollumbin (Mt Warning); sugarcane-growing town
 * – alternative community in the Byron/Lismore hinterland
 * – the southern, low-rise, and more family friendly end of the Gold Coast
 * – what Byron Bay used to be
 * – alternative Hinterland community
 * – alternative Hinterland community
 * – alternative Hinterland community

Other destinations

 * – a popular roadside town, with the first Europeans who settled here being farmers from northern Italy (specifically around Veneto)
 * – another Gondwana WHS park with impressive eye-catching lookouts.
 * – home to the easternmost point of the Australian mainland
 * – not a particularly famous park, but makes up one of the world heritage parks
 * – small park also a world heritage site
 * – the most visited Gondwana WHS national park in the Northern Rivers
 * – a large extinct shield volcano

Understand
The Northern Rivers is a region on the North Coast of New South Wales and has a variety of beaches, rivers, world heritage listed rainforests and rural scenery. The region has seven different shires with a diverse range of unique towns and villages.

History
The Northern Rivers has a history of Italian settlement and the locality of New Italy was settled in 1882 by Italian pioneers who attempted to cultivate the area's difficult interior, while additional phases of migration followed in the 1920s and again with the post-World War II influx of European migrants anxious to escape their war-ravaged country. They typically leased hilly land from local farmers on which they cultivated bananas, moving to other trades when the local banana industry declined when refrigeration and better transport links facilitated the supply of cheaper competition from Queensland.

By plane

 * Coolangatta Airport — has domestic flights and international flights from New Zealand, Malaysia, and Japan. It often has cheaper flights and cheaper car hire than Ballina. There are a number of transport operators from the airport to Byron Bay. For example, Byron Bay - Surfers Express do pick-up and drop-off at the airport in their runs between Byron Bay and Surfers Paradise for $27. Xcede Airport Transfers offer shuttle services direct to the door.

 * Ballina Airport — there are flights from Sydney and Melbourne. There are regular shuttle services from the airport and most of them are door to door. Book online to save money. Xcede Airport Transfers and Steve's Tours Airport Express offer shuttle services direct to your door from $18. Blanchs bus service costs $10, but isn't door to door and travels through other towns on the way.

 * Lismore Regional Airport — there are flights to/from Sydney and Grafton.

 * Grafton Airport — domestic flights

By train
CountryLink passenger trains no longer travel on the coastal route, now using the inland route instead. Buses connect the coastal towns from the inland stops.

By bus
Many backpackers catch the coaches that ply the Brisbane to Sydney route.

By car
If you want to get outside of the main centres, then you will need a car, or to take a tour. Public Transport is limited however the following should allow a more adventurous traveller to get around.

By bus
Buslines Group provide public transport to Ballina, Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Evans Head, Woodburn and Coraki. They also provide less frequent connections to Grafton and Tenterfield. Study the timetable before travelling and be sure you won't be stranded. Most of the drivers are fairly friendly and the buses are in radio contact with each other so connections should be fairly easily made.

Blanch's bus company provide service to Ballina, Lennox Head, Byron Bay, Bangalow and Mullumbimby. Services on Route 640 at least are around every 2 hours on weekdays and Saturdays at least during daylight hours. The Sunday service exists however it is limited.

There are numerous other operators who run school buses around the region. These allow regular passengers however the primary drawback is they are only running at school times.

See

 * The Northern Rivers is home to 5 World Heritage listed national parks, the most bio-diverse region in Australia and stunningly beautiful

 * The beaches in this area are beautiful, and worth exploring.

Do

 * Take the tourist drive from Murwillumbah to Tweed Heads – this will take you through the Tweed River, as well as the coastal areas.
 * Take the tourist drive from Murwillumbah to Tweed Heads – this will take you through the Tweed River, as well as the coastal areas.

Eat
The type of food offered in the Northern Rivers varies by city and town, so not every place has something that will suit your tastebuds. The town of Casino is well known for its beef and the town markets itself as the "beef capital of Australia", while other cities like Ballina or Byron Bay are well known for its seafood.

Those on vegetarian, halal or kosher diets won't find it too difficult to find food that suits them in larger towns like Byron Bay, but might find it harder in towns like Casino.

Stay safe
Always swim between the flags when swimming.

Crime is not a huge problem in most of the Northern Rivers, but is significantly much more of a problem than it is compared to the rest of New South Wales. Drink spiking is something that commonly occurs in Byron Bay, and one should be aware of it. See Byron Bay for more about this, while other towns such as Nimbin get much worse where illegal drugs are sold openly, and is a common spot for police checks.

Go next

 * Mid-North Coast
 * New England
 * Gold Coast

title: Northern Rivers


text:
Northern River Valleys

The Northern River Valleys is a hilly area with various river valleys in Northern Thailand.

Cities

 * - urban Northern Thailand without the commercialism
 * - a scenic town with a long history and a longan festival
 * - the former capital of a small kingdom filled with history and temples and surrounded by mountains
 * - a province full of handicrafts, indigo-dyed clothes and teak furniture. People are kind.
 * - a province full of handicrafts, indigo-dyed clothes and teak furniture. People are kind.
 * - a province full of handicrafts, indigo-dyed clothes and teak furniture. People are kind.

title: Northern River Valleys


text:
Northern Samar

Northern Samar is one of the three provinces of Samar Island in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines.

Towns

 * — a municipality off the northern coast of Samar Island, which comprises Biri Island, Talisay, Magasang, and Cagnipa. Biri Island is notable for the unusual rock formations. It is included in the marine protected area known as Biri Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape.
 * — it has a fortified church that is proposed to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site
 * — the commercial, educational, financial, political and government center of Northern Samar province
 * — home to the historic Batag Island Lighthouse

Understand
This province boasts of its picturesque islands, breathtaking rock formations, white sand beaches, caves, and unspoiled dive sites. It is the gateway to Eastern Visayas from the island of Luzon through the roll-on/roll-off port of Allen. This place is also considered to be a melting pot of different races and cultures.

By plane
If you are looking for a comfortable and less time-consuming travel, you may book your flight from any of several airlines. Catarman, as the capital of Northern Samar, has its airport.

By bus
Buses from Manila going to the Visayas and Mindanao pass through its roll-on/roll-off port of Allen in the western side, which is about 45 minutes from Catarman. Some of the buses roll on to their destinations in the Visayas and Mindanao and the rest roll to their destinations in the eastern coastal towns of Northern Samar passing through Catarman. Buses and vans connect the capital town of Catarman to the cities of Calbayog, Catbalogan, and Tacloban.

Get around
Vans and jeepneys serve as transportation to the various towns in the province while boats going to the island municipalities of the province such Laoang, Biri, Capul, and San Antonio among others.

See

 * Biri Rock Formation, Biri Islands
 * Capul Lighthouse, Capul Island
 * Dalupiri Island
 * Laoang Islands
 * Cagnipa Island
 * Talolora beach, Palapag
 * Palihon Island, Palapag
 * Old Palapag Church

Do
Scuba diving, snorkeling, boating and skimboarding and shopping.

Eat
Seafood abounds in the towns.

Drink
Feel the nightlife in the capital Catarman.

Stay safe
Small resorts abound in some towns while hotel accommodation is available in the capital town of Catarman.

Go next
Fly out through Catarman Airport or sail out through the port of Allen.

title: Northern Samar


text:
Northern Saskatchewan

Northern Saskatchewan is a sparsely populated region covering the northern half of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. It is mostly covered in lakes and boreal forest.

Cities

 * — largest city and gateway to the region
 * — mostly in Manitoba, but a small portion is in Saskatchewan
 * — located along Lac La Ronge, a base for exploring Saskatchewan's far north
 * — a base for exploring nearby Meadow Lake Provincial Park
 * — a resort community for fishing, camping, boating, golfing, hunting and outdoor recreation
 * — convergence of three major highways west of Prince Albert
 * — small farming community
 * — a former mining town that is now almost a ghost town

Other destinations

 * — this park that is the size of Cornwall offers a wide range of recreational and wildness activities
 * — the remote meeting point of two provinces and two territories

Understand
Much of Northern Saskatchewan is part of the circumpolar boreal forest (or "taiga"), which is dominated by conifers or aspen and poplar stands. Throughout this area are lakes, bogs, forest and rock outcroppings. Black spruce, jack pine once again are the main trees of the area.

The Athabasca Basin provides a separate ecosystem. The Athabasca Sand Hills protected by the Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park are unique feature of the Canadian Shield. The hills are located in northern Saskatchewan and border Lake Athabasca, which straddles the Alberta and Saskatchewan border. There is sparse plant life in the sand hills area.

The Athabasca Basin is a region in the Canadian Shield of northern Saskatchewan and Alberta. It is the world's leading source of high-grade uranium, and supplies about 20% of the world's uranium.

The basin is just to the south of Lake Athabasca, west of Wollaston Lake and encloses almost all of Cree Lake. It covers about 100,000 km² in Saskatchewan and a small portion of Alberta. The surface of the basin consists of main sandstone sediment varying from 100 to 1000 m in depth. The uranium ore is mostly found at the base of this sandstone, at the point where it meets the basement.

Much of the Athabasca Basin is within the migratory range of the Beverly caribou herd, a major source of sustenance for the Denesuline communities. Within the basin are the Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park on the south shore of Lake Athabasca and the Carswell crater.

By plane
Prince Albert (Glass Field) Airport has service from Regina, Fond-du-lac, Fort McMurray, La Ronge, Points North, Saskatoon, Stony Rapids, Uranium City, and Wollaston.

Uranium City Airport has service from Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Flin Flon Airport has service from Winnipeg.

By bus

 * Operates a route between Prince Albert and Saskatoon.

By car
Highway 2 bisects the region and connects Prince Albert to East Central Saskatchewan and Regina further south. Highway 11 connects Prince Albert to Saskatoon in West Central Saskatchewan as well as Regina.

Road access to the Athabasca Basin is provided by Saskatchewan Highway 955 from the village of La Loche on the west side and Saskatchewan Highway 914 and Saskatchewan Highway 905 north of the town of La Ronge on the east side.

Get around
North of Prince Albert, you won't find bus service: you'll have to drive or fly.

See
Uranium City makes for a decidedly off-the-beaten-path destination. It's accessible only by air, unless you're already in Fond-du-Lac, which is also accessible only by air, and can wait for the winter road between them to open. This community used to be home to 5,000, and is now a near ghost town, with only 73 people left (as of 2016). While there, you can visit the Athabasca Sand Dunes, 100 km of them, set in boreal forest. And then you can visit the general store to complete your tour of the town.

The Doukhobor Dugout House National Historic Site near Shellbrook demonstrates the lives of the radical Russian pacifists who settled in the area in 1899.

Do
You're probably coming to Northern Saskatchewan for the fishing or the hunting. Prince Albert is the central hub for hunters and fishermen looking to go the various lakes, and vast wilderness of Northern Saskatchewan. It is close to several lakes and Prince Albert National Park, which offer camping and fishing on some of Saskatchewan's largest pristine lakes. Further north are there are more lakes and rivers scattered through the boreal forest.

Nipawin also makes a good base for fishing, camping, houseboating on Tobin Lake, and other outdoor recreation.

Go next
Head back south to Saskatoon or Regina.

title: Northern Saskatchewan


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Northern Savanna

The Northern Savanna generally occupies the northern half of Côte d'Ivoire, a largely-Muslim portion of the country.

Get in
Korhogo airport

See
In this region you can see some interesting Sudanese style mosques, eight of which of were listed as a world heritage site in 2021:

title: Northern Savanna


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Northern Senegal

Northern Senegal is a region in Senegal composed of the administrative regions of St. Louis, Louga, and Matam.

Cities

 * — this former colonial capital is a that attracts many tourists to see its architecture and its huge bird sanctuary
 * — a cattle market centre and transportation hub
 * — an agricultural town that extends along the Senegal river, facing Mauritania
 * – the northernmost town in Senegal

Other destinations

 * — was created for the protection of important sea turtle nesting sites and is an important migratory bird sanctuary, hosting over 160 different species of migratory and sedentary birds, and numerous reptile species, crabs, monkeys and other wildlife

Get in
There are no scheduled flights into the region. Dakar is you most likely point of entry, unless you're coming from Mauritania.

See
The Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, in northern Biffeche, north east of St-Louis, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Of almost 400 species of birds, the most visible are pelicans and flamingos.

Many of St. Louis's buildings hold their old character with many brightly colored buildings and beautiful balconies to be seen all around the island. And you can go to Guet Ndar, the fishing village on the Langue de Barberie, to watch the fisherman bring in their catch.

Do
The Saint-Louis International Jazz Festival attracts jazz musicians and visitors from around the world in late May each year.

title: Northern Senegal


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Northern Sierra (Peru)

The Northern Sierra is an Andean region of Peru, consisting of the departments of Amazonas and Cajamarca.

Cities

 * — home of the beautiful Quengococha Lagoon and Cochecorral waterfalls
 * — well known for its fine cheeses, churches, and significance in the Spanish conquest of Peru
 * — Llanguat hot springs and Chachapoyas ruins are
 * — close to Kuelap, an ancient, walled stone city the largest pre-Inca ruins in South America
 * — the main point of access for the 895-m Yumbilla waterfall and other large waterfalls nearby
 * — has a museum with 200 mummies found at s nearby tomb

Other destinations

 * — a waterfall near Chachapoyas with a 500 m main drop, readily accessible via a short hike
 * — an impressive walled city built by the Chachapoyas culture and expanded by the Incas; the main access is via a stunning cable car ride
 * — an even taller waterfall than Gocta but having less water, accessible from Cuispes

Get in
Cajamarca receives daily flights from Lima. There is also at airport at Huarez, but there are no scheduled flights there as of June 2023.

There are buses from Lima to Cajamarca and Huaraz, and from Chiclayo and Trujillo to Cajamarca.

See
Near Cajabamba you can see the Quengococha Lagoon and its blue-green water, and the Cochecorral waterfalls, which have a drop of more than 200 meters and more than 1,000 steps in calcareous rocks. The Catarata de Plan Manzanas is a nice waterfall about 9 km from Cajamarca.

Caraz is well preserved from earthquakes, and offers an amazing glimpse of a rich colonial past, with its houses plenty of balconies, red tailed roofs, narrow streets and colourful plazas. The Plaza de Armas has a brass water fountain built on 1891, and a Musical Pavilion (called Glorieta) dating from 1927.

Near Huaraz is the Wari ruin of Wilcawain. Monumento Nacional Wilcahuaín is a small Wari ruin that dates back to 600 to 900 AD. Its temple complex is virtually undamaged.

Do
The Cordillera Blanca and its Huascarán National Park offer excellent possibilities for trekking.

The Carnaval de Cajamarca is held every year in February or March, with parade days and water fights.

The Baños del Inca (The Inca's Baths) are natural hot springs abut 5 km east of Cajamarca in the town of Baños del Inca.

title: Northern Sierra (Peru)


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Northern Spain

Northern Spain is in Spain.

Cities

 * — perhaps the best place in the world to experience the ancient culture and language of the Basque people
 * — a thriving commercial town with several museums
 * — the centre of the La Rioja wine industry
 * — home of the legendary "Running of the Bulls"
 * — offers one of the best in-city beaches in Europe
 * — it has some of the best preserved medieval streets and plazas in the region and hosts many festivals
 * — a city with a large cultural and architectural heritage attesting to 2,000 years of affluence and importance

title: Northern Spain


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Northern Sudan

Northern Sudan consists of the three states of Sudan known as Northern, Red Sea and River Nile.

Cities

 * — a main city best known as a train junction and cross roads connecting the eastern and central states of Sudan with the North.
 * — the capital of the Northern (Al-Shemaliah) state, the major economic activity there is agriculture, different kinds of vegetables and fruits are grown on both banks of the Nile.
 * (Ed Damer)
 * — a historical city, home of the Al Jaleen tribe
 * — port in north-eastern Sudan on the west coast of the Red Sea
 * — a historical city, home of the Al Jaleen tribe
 * — port in north-eastern Sudan on the west coast of the Red Sea

Other destinations

 * — capital of the Kerma culture, which dates back at least 5500 years. Kerma is one of the largest archaeological sites in ancient Nubia and houses a large museum.
 * — home to over 200 Nubian pyramids, a UNSECO World Heritage site.
 * — large Meroitic temple complex dating back to the early Meroitic period of the 3rd century BC.
 * — ruined ancient city of the Kushitic Kingdom of Meroë, UNSECO World Heritage site.
 * — deserted medieval city with numerous ruins.
 * — group of at least 80 small pyramids built around 1 BCE.
 * — cluster of more than 1600 rock drawings from different historical periods expanding for more than 6000 years through different eras of Nubian civilization.
 * is a northern region disputed between Sudan and Egypt. As most of it is de facto controlled by Egypt it is described as a continuation of their Red Sea coastal strip. This is simply to assist travellers and does not imply endorsement or refutation of either country's claims.
 * — archaeological site along the Nile with several well preserved tombs and rock carvings, set in an ancient quarry.

Understand
Mainly Arab Muslim district.

By plane
The only major airport within Northern Sudan is in Port Sudan. Apart from that the only nearby international airport is in the capital Khartoum.

By road
In Shemaliah State, one of the longest is the highway that connects the capital city Khartoum with Shandi, Atbara and Port Sudan (the third biggest city in the country).

By train
There's a reliable railway connection from the capital Khartoum as far north as Atbara. The route is served by the daily Nile Express train. Other routes, including the connecting train from and to the ferry in Wadi Halfa, run on an irregular schedule.

By ferry
The most reliable way to enter Sudan from Egypt is via the weekly ferry from Aswan in Egypt to Wadi Halfa. It runs on Mondays to Sudan and back on Wednesdays, and costs US$33 per person. The boat is old and crowded with people and goods but it takes in some magnificent views (including that of Abu Simbel). Food and drink are available on board. There are frequent ferries from Saudi Arabia to Port Sudan.

See

This region is home to many important historical sites of Nuba and Meroe civilizations, new discoveries are happening all the time. The areas of Meroe, Musawwarat-Es-Sofra, and Wad Ben Naqa are home to impressive collections of Meroitic temples, pyramids, and palaces.

The Red Sea coast of North Sudan includes two national parks, Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park which together form a world heritage site.

title: Northern Sudan


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Northern Sulawesi

Northern Sulawesi consists of the provinces of North Sulawesi and Gorontalo in Indonesia.

Cities

 * — the largest city and main gateway to the north
 * — the main deep-water port and access to the Lembeh Strait
 * — Gateway to the Togeans
 * – a small town in South Bolaang Mongondow Regency
 * — cool off in the central highlands

Other destinations

 * — world-famous diving site
 * — group of small islands just off the coast
 * — Consisting of the islands of Sangir Besar (or Sangir Island), Siau (or Siao), Tahulandang, and Biaro; and the town of Tahuna.
 * — popular yachting stopover due its clear water, coral reefs, and pristine beaches.
 * — Consisting of the islands of Sangir Besar (or Sangir Island), Siau (or Siao), Tahulandang, and Biaro; and the town of Tahuna.
 * — popular yachting stopover due its clear water, coral reefs, and pristine beaches.

Understand
Inhabited by the Minahasa, Hulontalangio, Bantik, and Sangirese, much of Northern Sulawesi is a solidly Christian (mostly but not entirely Protestant) enclave in mostly Muslim-majority Sulawesi. A centre of Dutch settlement in colonial times, the region still retains many traces of Western influence. An exception is Gorontalo Province, which is more than 95% Muslim.

Talk
The local language is Manado Malay (Bahasa Manado), also known as Minahasa Malay.

By plane
Manado has an airport with international flights from Singapore (by Scoot) and from China (Changsha, Guangzhou, Shanghai-Pudong, Shenzhen) by Lion Air and domestic flights from major cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, and Denpasar/Bali.

The airport of Gorontalo mainly serves flights from Makassar in South Sulawesi.

By boat

 * Manado has a harbour with ships going to and from the more Northern Islands (Sangir Talaud area).
 * Bitung is the major port of North Sulawesi and you can get on board a Pelni ship to sail towards other area's of Indonesia. Some of the larger cruise ships that travel from Australia towards Thailand or other Asian countries also stop at Bitung.

By car or bus
You can travel by car or bus from South Sulawesi towards Manado; however, because of security problems in Central Sulawesi, this is not recommended. So, if you plan on travelling by land, check the local situation first.

By car
Rental cars are available in Manado, but like most other areas of Indonesia, hiring a car with driver is advisable because of traffic woes and knowledge of local conditions. That wiggly line on the map may or may not be passable. A bilingual driver with a car in condition may cost approximately Rp 500,000 per day, or self-drive may cost Rp 300,000 per day.

By mikrolet
You won't go far without seeing a torrent of light blue Mitsubishi Colts (aka bemos elsewhere) trolling the streets for customers. Although usually used within towns, you can take mikrolets intercity as well.

Do
Scuba diving is the main draw for tourists to North Sulawesi. Popular diving areas are:
 * Bunaken National Marine Park
 * Lembeh Strait, for its good muck diving
 * Bangka area, for its brilliant soft coral and diversity in dive sites (from beginner to very advanced)
 * Taman Laut Olele, good clear water for diving and fairly close to Gorontalo (on Gulf of Tomini)

Go snorkeling or diving to see slowly-endangered whale sharks, which can be found in the edge of Molluca sea near the Botubarani beach about 6 km from Gorontalo every May.

You can also visit the Minahasan Highlands to climb some of the volcanoes in the area. Taxis can be arranged from your hotel in Manado to the town of Kinilow and Tomohon. From there, it is easy to reach the nearby peaks. Also worth a visit is a local market in Tomohon (not for the faint-hearted) where locals sell various delicacies e.g. dog, bat and the rather boring pig (North Sulawesi is largely Christian).

Eat
Minahasan cuisine from North Sulawesi features heavy use of meat such as pork, fowl and seafood. Woku is a type of seafood dish with generous use of spices, often making up half the dish. Ingredients of woku include lemongrass, lime leaves, chilli peppers, spring onion, shallots, either sautéed with meat or wrapped around fish and grilled covered in banana leaves. Other ingredients such as turmeric and ginger are often added to create a version of woku. Foreign colonial influence has also played a role in shaping Minahasan cuisine. Brenebon (from Dutch "Bruin" (brown) and "Boon" (bean)) is a pork shank bean stew spiced with nutmeg and cloves. Roast pork similar to lechon in the Philippines or pig roast in Hawaii is served at special occasions, especially weddings. Other unusual and exotic meats such as dog, bat, and forest rat are also regularly served in North Sulawesi region. Paniki is the bat dish of Minahasa. Manado is best known for Minahasan cuisine, but to see all irregular meat sales, go to Tomohon market, where they display all, dead or alive.

Drink
Being largely Christian in North Sulawesi Province, alcohol is a little easier to find than in some other parts of Indonesia. The local beer Bintang costs Rp 15,000 and 20,000 in resorts. Also worth trying are the local beers.

Stay safe
The ethnic strife in central and south Sulawesi has not really affected the north. The Philippine rebel group Abu Sayyaf are said to operate in the northern islands near the Philippine border, but no attacks or kidnappings have been publicised.

Go next

 * Togian Islands - an archipelago in the Gulf of Tomini, directly south of Northern Sulawesi

title: Northern Sulawesi


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Northern Taiwan

Northern Taiwan, as its name suggests, is the northmost region of Taiwan. It is the political and financial centre of Taiwan. It is also the country's main hub of technological development. Though it is not as scenic as the other regions of Taiwan, it is the most frequently visited region by travellers. The country's capital, Taipei, is also located here.

Cities and towns

 * – The political and economic centre of Taipei. This is the most common destination for tourists.

 * – A smaller historic town in Hsinchu County with a strong Hakka character.
 * – The administrative capital of Hsinchu County.
 * – The centre of Taiwan's high-tech industry.
 * – The main port city for the north of Taiwan.
 * – A basket of all the smaller satellite towns that surround Taipei City which were combined into one administrative district.
 * – A more local city which houses Taiwan's major international airport. Not so much for tourists to see and most people move swiftly on to Taipei.
 * – A small town south of Taipei which has an abundance of pottery workshops.
 * (鎮西堡) – A village in the mountains with peach farms and giant cypress trees.

Other destinations

 * – The mountainous area north of Taipei City.
 * (雪霸國家公園) – A beautiful park spanning a mountain range.
 * (司馬庫斯) – A remote area inhabited by an aboriginal tribe and famous for its ancient cypress trees.

 * (Zhudong) – A small, somewhat run-down town that boasts mountain views.
 * – A quaint little hillside town that has a very unique character.
 * – A small scenic town in the mountains that was once famous for gold mining.
 * – In vogue with city dwellers, and hiking trails into the Valentine Valley.

Get in
The main international gateway to Taiwan is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in, obviously, Taoyuan. Taipei Shongshan Airport is another option for domestic and regional flights, especially for people coming in from Eastern Taiwan and the PRC.

The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is the main link to the rest to Central and Southern Taiwan, with stops in the major cities. Other rail services can be better for getting to and/or from less well known areas, or for saving money.

Get around
THSR and regular trains serve the region with a comprehensive network.

title: Northern Taiwan


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Northern Tamil Nadu

Northern Tamil Nadu is a region of Tamil Nadu, India. It consists of Dharmapuri, Kanchipuram, Krishnagiri, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalaiand Vellore districts.

Cities

 * —

 * —

 * — once the capital of the great Adhiyaman kingdom (Chola)

 * —

 * — an industrial town, home to Chandra Choodeswarar Temple

 * — 75 km from Chennai, one of the seven holy cities in the country, and a visit is believed to bestow salvation; renowned for its silk sarees
 * —

 * —

 * — temple of Shiva

 * —

 * —

 * — great for treks and expeditions

Go next

 * Karnataka
 * Bangalore
 * Mysore
 * Kolar
 * Chamarajanagar

title: Northern Tamil Nadu