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Kilpisjärvi

Kilpisjärvi (Northern Sámi: Gilbbesjávri) is a small village in Enontekiö, Finland's "arm", the only real alpine village in Finland. Several sights are located in Kilpisjärvi or nearby. The village has about one hundred year-round inhabitants but many more summer residents. Kilpisjärvi is clearly a summer destination, although in winter used as base for tour skiing in the adjacent wilderness area.

Understand

The village lies by the lake Kilpisjärvi, from which it got its name. The mighty fell Saana right next to the village is the only fell in Finland that is over 1000 m high and not located in the nearby Käsivarsi Wilderness Area.

Climate
Kilpisjärvi is one of the coldest inhabited places in Finland (and Europe), with an average temperature somewhat beneath freezing. Average temperature in January is and in July. There is polar night (i.e. just twilight at midday) for nearly two months in midwinter and corresponding midnight sun most of the summer. The record official snow depth in Finland, 1.9 meters, has been measured at the Kilpisjärvi weather station. The snow in the fell birch forests usually melts in early June, the ice on the lake just before Midsummer. First snow usually falls in late September.

Due to harsh climate, mosquitoes are much less abundant here than elsewhere in Lapland.

History
The old Finnish bedrock meets the younger Scandinavian mountains in the area, which makes it geologically interesting. The soil is calcareous especially on the Malla fell, which belongs to Malla Strict Nature Reserve because of its exceptional nature. There are several rare species of plants and insects that cannot be found anywhere else in Finland.

Pieces of earthenware from 4500 BC have been found by the lake. There are signs of buildings by Saana from the 16th century, when traders stopped here on their way to the market in the village Skibotn by the Arctic Sea, through a mountain pass in the north. In the 17th century large scale reindeer husbandry was introduced in the area. Finns settled in the beginning of the 20th century. The guesthouse Siilastupa opened in 1916. The village proper is the result of the road being built in 1941, with customs and border guard station. There has been a shop since 1978 and the village was connected to the electricity grid in 1981.

The last fights of the Lapland War were fought here on 25 April 1945. There are two Lapland War memorials in the area.

Kilpisjärvi has been popular among mountain hikers for a long time, but by the last turn of century also other people have started coming here, to spend vacations in cottages and caravans.

The Story
The story "Tarujen Tunturit" (The legends' fells) by Asko Kaikusalo takes place in the mythical past of the Kilpisjärvi area. In that story, Halti (The highest spot in Finland, about 55km from Kilpisjärvi) is described as the mighty leader of the giants. Young, brave Saana and beautiful Malla (Both hills in Kilpisjärvi easily reachable from the village) are having their wedding. The Pältsa (in Sweden), who got rejected by Malla, suddenly comes to the wedding as an uninvited guest, with the malicious witches of the Arctic Ocean. Their spells get out of control and cause a massive avalanche which eventually covered all the giants. Malla and her mother cry, and that eventually forms the lake Kilpisjärvi.

The song "Haltin Häät" (1976) by Taiska is based on the story. Heavy metal band Kotiteollisuus made cover version of the song in 2012.

Get in

While Kilpisjärvi lies by the borders to Norway and Sweden, there is just one road to get in by: European route E8 from the rest of Finland via Kilpisjärvi to E6, with junction by Skibotn on the Norwegian coast. Other options are more or less limited to long-distance trekking (there are popular trails around), snowmobile, or seaplane.

Note the timezone difference if coming from Norway or Sweden.

By car
Kilpisjärvi is on the E8, which leads along the Finnish coast and then along the border to Sweden, passing by several border crossings (bridges), among them the one on European route E45 at Karesuando/Kaaresuvanto, passes through Kilpisjärvi and meets European route E6 in Skibotn in Norway 50 km to the west of Kilpisjärvi and continues to Tromsø. From Helsinki, take E75 to Oulu and continue by E8. In winter the mountain pass between Finland and the Norwegian coast may be closed temporarily, or traffic might be let through in single-lane convoys (kolonnekørning). From the western Finnmark of Norway, E45 leads to E8 via Kautokeino and the border station of Kivilompolo (near Hetta).

The E8 is at high altitude also coming from Finland – the Muotkatakka mountain pass is the highest point of any public road in Finland – so you should be prepared for wintry conditions much of the year.

By plane
The nearest airports are in Tromsø and Hetta (the main village of Enontekiö). Kittilä quite a bit farther is a commonly used alternative. Also Rovaniemi and Kiruna are options.

There are no regular flights to Hetta. Transfer from Kittilä to Kilpisjärvi is possible as pre-booked taxi (Kilpisjärvi Taxi; €50, +€5 for toboggan or sledge. The coach from Rovaniemi also passes by Kittilä airport, but check timetables, including the possible change of coaches at Palojoensuu. From Kiruna rented car or pre-booked taxi are the main options.

By train
Trains go to Kolari (in season only?) and Rovaniemi in Finland and to Luleå, Haparanda and Kiruna in Sweden. From there you have to continue by other means. Overnight trains have sleeping carriages (Sweden and Finland) and also take cars (Finland only). The trains to Kolari combine with a bus to Kilpisjärvi.

By bus
Eskelisen Lapinlinjat seems to be the only operator, with a daily service. In summer (1 Jun–15 Sep) they drive between Rovaniemi and Tromsø via Kilpisjärvi. In spring and autumn the service does not cross the border, but turns back to Rovaniemi from Kilpisjärvi. In winter (Dec–Mar) the route is branded The Arctic Route, with another company handling the Norwegian leg. Matkahuolto probably has the timetables.

From other parts of Troms, you can probably transfer to the service from Tromsø somewhere along E6, such as at Nordkjosbotn (the E6 junction to Tromsø) or Skibotn.

There are no direct connections from Sweden, but a transfer at Karesuando is possible, probably involving an overnight stay and a walk across the border – and there are of course connections via Haparanda/Tornio.

There is a considerable distance between the first and last stop in Kilpisjärvi, check where to get off.

By snowmobile
There are long distance snowmobile routes leading to Kilpisjärvi, especially the Victorialeden route by the Finnish-Swedish border and the track through Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, both accessible from anywhere in northern Finland. The latter requires a permit and is closed towards the end of the season not to disturb reindeer calving.

On foot
The Nordkalottleden long distance hiking trail passes by Kilpisjärvi. From Abisko, the endpoint of Swedish Kungsleden, there is a 190 km hike to Kilpisjärvi, and likewise from Kautokeino in Norway (the European trail E1 mostly follows the same route). There are also shorter trails from Norway, e.g. from Signaldalen. Due to the Schengen agreement and close cooperation, one may pass the borders anywhere (if you have a dog or goods to declare, check with the customs in advance; also coming from Sweden the trail meanders via Norway, which is not an EU member).

For questions about passing the border, contact the customs. They also have the DNT key and might accept your returning it there.

Get around
The village is built along E8 (here called Käsivarrentie) over a distance of several kilometres, with a significant gap between the north-west and south-east concentrations. Check that your accommodation is reasonably close to the services you need. There are no other significant roads.

In summer one can move by foot or bike, in winter by ski. The long distance buses can be used when they happen to pass. Boats and snowmobiles are available for rent (with and without driver/guide) and there is a boat connection over the lake towards the tripoint thrice daily in season (some departures can be inhibited if demand is low, check your return).

There is a snowmobile track network maintained by the tourist businesses available for a fee. The main tracks in the wilderness area are maintained by Metsähallitus and have a separate fee. Snowmobiling along waterways and the Victorialeden is free, mind ice safety.

When using trails and tracks some distance from the village, note that they often cross the border. This is usually no problem, but if you have a dog or goods that should be declared at customs, check the rules and keep them in mind.

See

 * Series of small waterfalls in Tsahkaljoki river (Sámi: Čáhkáljohka). Along a 2 km trail starting from Hotel Kilpis. Lean-to shelter and campfire site near the falls.
 * also known as the Tears of Malla. Narrow and very long waterfall cascade in the small Kitsusjoki river (Sámi: Gihcijohka). Well visible from the trail through the Malla Strict Nature Reserve. Remember not to leave the trail.
 * Northern Lights. Kilpisjärvi is known in Finland for its clean mountain air. The nearest town in Finland is 100 km away, and Norway lies behind the Scandinavian Mountains. Kilpisjärvi is perfect to watch Northern Lights due to the altitude, polar nights, dry weather (significantly drier than Norway) and no light pollution. The 200 km long route along the Finnish-Swedish border between Kilpisjärvi and Muonio is sometimes called The Northern Lights Route.
 * Midnight Sun. At Kilpisjärvi the sun does not set at all between May 22th and July 27th. This (and the white nights some time before and after) will cause sleeping problems to some.
 * also known as the Tears of Malla. Narrow and very long waterfall cascade in the small Kitsusjoki river (Sámi: Gihcijohka). Well visible from the trail through the Malla Strict Nature Reserve. Remember not to leave the trail.
 * Northern Lights. Kilpisjärvi is known in Finland for its clean mountain air. The nearest town in Finland is 100 km away, and Norway lies behind the Scandinavian Mountains. Kilpisjärvi is perfect to watch Northern Lights due to the altitude, polar nights, dry weather (significantly drier than Norway) and no light pollution. The 200 km long route along the Finnish-Swedish border between Kilpisjärvi and Muonio is sometimes called The Northern Lights Route.
 * Midnight Sun. At Kilpisjärvi the sun does not set at all between May 22th and July 27th. This (and the white nights some time before and after) will cause sleeping problems to some.
 * Northern Lights. Kilpisjärvi is known in Finland for its clean mountain air. The nearest town in Finland is 100 km away, and Norway lies behind the Scandinavian Mountains. Kilpisjärvi is perfect to watch Northern Lights due to the altitude, polar nights, dry weather (significantly drier than Norway) and no light pollution. The 200 km long route along the Finnish-Swedish border between Kilpisjärvi and Muonio is sometimes called The Northern Lights Route.
 * Midnight Sun. At Kilpisjärvi the sun does not set at all between May 22th and July 27th. This (and the white nights some time before and after) will cause sleeping problems to some.

Do

 * The mountain Saana is a popular destination, not only among hikers but anyone visiting Kilpisjärvi. Saana has got an unmistakable profile and it is situated just a few kilometres from Kilpisjärvi. Although there is a trail all the way to the top, the climb is considerable! Reserve enough time (coming down is what is hardest on your ankles) and have suitable footwear (sport shoes are OK). The is at the hostel in the northern part of the village.
 * Hiking trail Tsahkaljärvi–Saanajärvi–Saana, start near hotel Kilpis. Length 9-12 km depending on which path you follow.
 * Mallan luonnonpuisto.JPG
 * with the (Kolmen valtakunnan rajapyykki in Finnish, Treriksröset in Swedish, Treriksrøysa in Norwegian), where the national borders of Finland, Sweden and Norway collide. The tripoint is located in Golddaluokta, 10–20 km from Kilpisjärvi. It is reachable by boat and a 3 km hike or by a longer hike through the nature reserve. At the lake Kuohkimajärvi (Sámi: Guohkkemašjávri). This is a real national border, remember to carry necessary ID documents with you! Half a kilometer from the border point there is the  (6 persons), a separate reservation hut, and a campfire site. Camping is allowed next to the Kuohkimajärvi hut. Note that you are inside a strict nature reserve; deviating from the marked trails (except in winter), causing erosion, picking berries or mushrooms, camping (elsewhere than by the hut), and disturbing wildlife is forbidden. Pets must be in leash all the time.
 * One can also return via Norway: from Goldahytta hut 3 km away a trail goes west of Malla to E8 1 km from the Finnish border.
 * In spring there is an 11 km maintained skiing track through the nature reserve and a 10 km skiing track over lake Kilpisjärvi, both leading to the tripoint.
 * The snowmobile route Victorialeden (over Kilpisjärvi) goes to the tripoint on the Swedish side of the border, thus avoiding the nature reserve, where vehicle driving is forbidden. Most snowmobile tracks require paying a fee, but this route is part of the national road infrastructure (according to Finnish law) and thus free.
 * The Ice fishing competition is probably the biggest event in the village. Held annually during the weekend near Mayday (the lake is covered by ice about one metre thick in the end of April). Some years the competitors won't catch a single fish but it's not the point really; the event is more like a market fair.
 * The annual Midsummer skiing event is held at the Saana fell during the Midsummer weekend.Bárrás northwest face from Signaldalen, 2012 March.jpg
 * From the tripoint hiking trails lead to the Swedish and Norwegian fells.  is 3 km from the tripoint,  below the  (Sámi: Bárrás) a further 14 km away (both locked with the DNT key). From here the trail leads to the  at  in Sweden (12 km; the hut was used by the Norwegian resistance during WW2) and back to Koltalahti (14 km). Instead continuing by Nordkalottleden one can extend the hike as much as one likes.
 * Salmivaara Trail (2 km) between the lakes Kilpisjärvi and Ala-Kilpisjärvi. Start by the Nature Centre.
 * Hike to Ailakkajärvi (10 km). Start at Peera holiday village by E8, some 17 km south of Kilpisjärvi. (6 persons) at the lake shore. There is a path back (7 km) by Ailakkajoki to  at E8, 5 km from Kilpisjärvi, through a part of the nature conservation programme area Käsivarren tunturijärvet ("Käsivarsi mountain lakes").
 * is with its 1328m the highest mountain of Finland. It's a popular destination among hikers, a long way from any road in Käsivarsi Wilderness Area. It's situated some 50 km north from Kilpisjärvi, which is the nearest village. There is a marked trail, wilderness huts and a few bridges, but the terrain is rough for Finland and conditions really harsh if the weather turns bad. Appoint a guide unless you have some serious hiking experience. It is recommended that you reserve at least a week for a return trip. To avoid coming back the same way you can continue to Norway instead. The recommended route from Halti to E8 in Norway (23 km) is more demanding than the Finnish trail.
 * Popular winter activities include cross-country skiing, snow shoe hiking, snowmobiling and ice fishing.
 * There are many cross-country skiing tracks around Kilpisjärvi, also a short one with lights.
 * Hike to Ailakkajärvi (10 km). Start at Peera holiday village by E8, some 17 km south of Kilpisjärvi. (6 persons) at the lake shore. There is a path back (7 km) by Ailakkajoki to  at E8, 5 km from Kilpisjärvi, through a part of the nature conservation programme area Käsivarren tunturijärvet ("Käsivarsi mountain lakes").
 * is with its 1328m the highest mountain of Finland. It's a popular destination among hikers, a long way from any road in Käsivarsi Wilderness Area. It's situated some 50 km north from Kilpisjärvi, which is the nearest village. There is a marked trail, wilderness huts and a few bridges, but the terrain is rough for Finland and conditions really harsh if the weather turns bad. Appoint a guide unless you have some serious hiking experience. It is recommended that you reserve at least a week for a return trip. To avoid coming back the same way you can continue to Norway instead. The recommended route from Halti to E8 in Norway (23 km) is more demanding than the Finnish trail.
 * Popular winter activities include cross-country skiing, snow shoe hiking, snowmobiling and ice fishing.
 * There are many cross-country skiing tracks around Kilpisjärvi, also a short one with lights.

Events

 * Midsummer Games (Kilpisjärven elämyksellinen liikuntajuhannus). A sports event that include a famous (although not very serious) skiing competition, arranged (as of 2023) by Kilpisjärven Saanaveikot ry and Kunnon Elämä ry.

Buy
In addition to euros, Swedish and Norwegian kronor are usable at least at the Kilpishalli store, which also handles money exchange. Credit cards are probably usable at least at the hotel and Kilpishalli, not necessarily at all businesses. Keep at least some cash with you. The nearest ATM is in Hetta (175 km) but you can get cash at Kilpishalli.

There is a service and fuel station by Kilpishalli.

Eat and drink
See also Sleep below. At least Hotel Kilpis and Haltinmaa have restaurants open for the public. Check whether meals are available off season (in Haltinmaa in weekends and possibly for groups by request).

Sleep

There are several accommodation services in the village, including camping areas, cottages and a hotel.

Wilderness huts

There are many wilderness huts in the surrounding area, by the marked trails and elsewhere. They are not relevant for visits to the village itself, but many come here to hike.

Open wilderness huts in Finland can be used for free without reservation for a night or two, but not for overnight stay by commercial groups or groups moving with motorized vehicles (and large groups should usually reserve their lodgings regardless). Latecomers to open wilderness huts have an indisputable right to the facilities: they may be in dire need of shelter. Those who have arrived earlier must leave if necessary (usually they have put up their tent, or just tighten up). The reservation and rental huts of Metsähallitus, which can be used also by such groups, can be booked at the nature centre (at the spot or in advance), where you also can get and leave the key. Off season you can get the keys from the customs.

Visits at Norwegian DNT huts in Troms province can be paid e.g. at the Kilpisjärvi customs office, in cash at the hut (carry suitable notes) or possibly later by bank transfer or credit card, but you will need the DNT key, available to members and possibly at the customs for a pledge.

The Swedish huts have personnel in season, no key needed. Just like in Finland the latecomers to wilderness huts have an absolute right to the facilities. Those who arrived early must leave if needed, although room for all can usually be arranged.

Connect
The postal code is 99490 Kilpisjärvi.

Mobile phone connectivity is probably weak in many locations. Try to have the antenna at Saana in sight to get a connection.

Go next

 * The Nordkalottleden long distance hiking route, via Halti to Kautokeino in Norway or via the tripoint to Abisko and further on over the Narvik fells and through Laponia. The legs around Kilpisjärvi coincide with the E1 trail from Sicily to Nordkapp.
 * Hiking in the backcountry of Käsivarsi Wilderness Area.

title: Kilpisjärvi


text:
Kilsyth

Kilsyth is a town on Clydeside, historically part of Lanarkshire, in the Central Belt of Scotland. It's 15 miles northeast of Glasgow near the watershed between the Clyde and Forth river catchments, at a point where the natural lowland routes become pinched between the Lanarkshire moors, the abrupt Campsie Fells, and sucking bogs. So this way have passed the Romans, cattle droves, warring armies (the Battle of Kilsyth was fought here in 1645), and later road, canal and rail routes. The town claims to be the birthplace of the ice-sport of curling and to host the oldest club, though there are stronger contenders for both titles. With a population of 10,380 in 2020, it's nowadays a commuter town for Glasgow, along with the neighbouring villages of Croy and Dullatur. Four miles southeast is the drab "New Town" of Cumbernauld.

Understand

 * The islanders built the wall which they had been told to raise, not of stone, since they had no workmen capable of such a work, but of sods, which made it of no use.
 * - the Venerable Bede blamed the state of the Antonine Wall on lumpen British workmanship.

The Roman Empire began colonising Britain from 43 AD: they quickly secured England, and marched up the east coast of Scotland. In 84 AD Agricola fought the battle of Mons Graupius against the Caledonians, probably somewhere near Stonehaven. He won, but Rome was preoccupied by threats elsewhere, and couldn't spare troops to garrison and colonise Scotland. They fell back to a line of control between the Tyne and the Solway, where the Emperor Hadrian built a defensive stone wall from 122 AD. After a few years they were again ready to advance.

So it was in 142 AD under Emperor Antoninus Pius that a new wall was built, stretching 39 miles (63 km) from Bo'ness on the Firth of Forth to Old Kilpatrick near Dumbarton on the Firth of Clyde. The Antonine Wall was a turf barrier on a stone foundation topped by palisades, with a deep ditch on its north side and a military road to its south. There were 19 forts and a series of fortlets or lookouts along it, of similar homespun construction. The wall took 12 years to complete and for the following eight years the Romans enjoyed standing sentry in the rain and occasional skirmishes with the Caledonians. Then the Empire retrenched and in 162 AD the troops fell back to the earlier line of Hadrian's Wall. They only re-occupied the Antonine Wall briefly in 208 AD but remained on Hadrian's Wall until Rome abandoned Britain altogether early in the 5th century.

Later centuries called the Antonine Wall "Gryme's dyke" - Gryme being the devil. Britain was first accurately mapped in the late 18th century, and those maps capture features of the wall that have since been lost. It didn't have masonry to be looted, but it followed the natural route across the narrow waist of Scotland and was therefore carved through by later infrastructure. Roads, canals, railways, motorways — it only lacks an airport runway for its full set.

What you see today is primarily the ditch and earthworks, and Kilsyth has the best preserved sections, at Croy Hill and Bar Hill. You can also trace it east at Falkirk (Rough Hill Fort), and west at Cumbernauld (Castle Cary) and Kirkintilloch (Peel Park). Findings from the Wall are to be seen in the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow and the NMS in Edinburgh.

There isn't a long-distance path along the Wall but the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath is close.

By plane
Glasgow Airport is 25 miles west of Kilsyth. Take the airport bus 500 to Glasgow city centre then onward bus or train as below; or the X24 direct from airport to Cumbernauld (heading for Fife) and change to the local bus 43.

Edinburgh Airport is 30 miles east. Take the airport bus or tram to Haymarket then a westbound train.

Nearby Cumbernauld airport only has private aviation.

By train
is the nearest railway station, two miles south of Kilsyth along B802. This has trains from Glasgow Queen Street every 15 min, taking 15 min, with the first at 6:15AM and the last at 11:45PM. These trains continue east to Edinburgh (every 30 min via Falkirk, taking 35 min) or Stirling (every 30 min, taking 20 min) and Alloa. Change at Stirling for Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness: those trains rush through Croy without stopping. Croy has a staffed ticket office and machines, a waiting room, toilets and coffee kiosk. There is step-free access to both platforms.

Between Kilsyth and Croy Station, take Bus 43 or X35 as below.

By car
From Glasgow follow M80 to jcn 4A, then B802 through Croy. You could also take A803 through Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch, but it's an undivided road dragging through residential areas. From Edinburgh follow M9 then M876 to the M80.

By bus
First Scotland East Bus X35 runs M-Sa hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station via Croy to Kilsyth, taking 45 min, and continuing west to Falkirk, another 40 min. Change at Falkirk for Stirling and Edinburgh.

First Glasgow Bus 89 runs M-Sa every 30 min from Buchanan station via Caledonian University, Springburn, Bishopbriggs, Cadder and Kirkintilloch to Kilsyth, taking just under an hour.

Canavan Travel Bus 43 shuttles M-Sa every 15 min between Kilsyth, Croy and Cumbernauld.

There is no service on Sunday so take the train; or you could reach Cumbernauld by bus then take a taxi.

Get around
You can reach Colzium, Croy and Bar Hills on foot. A bike will be handy for exploring the canal towpath or Campsie Fells.

See

 * Banton Loch half a mile east of Colzium House is the feeder reservoir for the Forth and Clyde Canal. The site of the 1645 Battle of Kilsyth is submerged beneath it, and bodies of those slain were found during construction. As part of the Civil Wars, the Royalist general Montrose trounced a weary Covenanter (Parliamentary) force, seemingly ending their cause in Scotland. But it was too late, as the Royalists in England had been smashed at Naseby.
 * on the Antonine Wall only ranked as a minor fort, though its camp and civilian settlement may have been large. It's one place where the Romans gave up on digging a ditch, as they hit hard basalt.
 * was a larger fort. Findings here include a well, shoes of men women and children, and a stone altar to Silvanus (now in the Hunterian, Glasgow). Silvanus in mythology was the boozing companion of Dionysus, only more dilapidated, a fine subject for a regimental toast.
 * See Cumbernauld for Westerwood and Castlecary, the next forts east, and Kirkintilloch for Auchendavy fort going west.
 * See Cumbernauld for Westerwood and Castlecary, the next forts east, and Kirkintilloch for Auchendavy fort going west.

Do

 * Burngreen Park is a short walk from Main Street. There's a children’s playpark, tennis court, trampolines and a miniature putting green.
 * Visit Lanarkshire "Ten Walks Guide" features two local routes - the Antonine Wall and Forth-Clyde Canal Walk, and the Colzium House and Tomtain walk.
 * Golf: Kilsyth Lennox GC is north side of the village, and Dullatur GC is south of Croy Hill on the edge of Cumbernauld.
 * Swim: the public pool is in town centre on Airdrie Rd, open M-F 11AM-8PM, Sa Su 9:30AM-4:30PM.
 * John Muir Way is a 130-mile (215-km) walking trail from Helensburgh to Dunbar on the east coast. Local sections simply follow the towpath of the Forth-Clyde Canal from Kirkintilloch to Falkirk, thence along the Union Canal towpath to Edinburgh.

Buy
Most of the shops in Kilsyth are on Main Street. There are few recognisable high street names, with most of the shops being run by local businessmen. There are two principal supermarkets – the Co-operative on Main Street, and a Lidl just off Main Street.

Eat

 * Takeaways and fast food places in town centre include Marinis, Dhillons, House of the Dragon and Viva Garden.

Drink

 * Other pubs in town are Campsie Bar at 4 Parkfoot St, and The Curling Stone at 5 High Craigends.

Sleep

 * See Cumbernauld for accommodation along the M80 south of town.
 * See Cumbernauld for accommodation along the M80 south of town.

Connect
Kilsyth and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of Feb 2022, 5G has reached nearby Cumbernauld but doesn't extend to Kilsyth.

Go next

 * Glasgow and Edinburgh both rank as must-see.
 * Campsie Fells are just north, and you can travel by back roads to Loch Lomond.
 * Stirling is a pocket-sized Edinburgh, with its well-preserved castle, the Wallace Monument and the historic battlefields of Bannockburn and Stirling Old Bridge.

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

title: Kilsyth


text:
Kilwa

Kilwa is an island and a small village in Southeast Tanzania.

Kilwa Kisiwani was once a thriving Arab city-state on the large island surrounded by the Kilwa Bay. The great Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta visited it in the 14th century and described it as one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. Today the island is a with fascinating ruins.

Later the city-state collapsed and most of the population moved off the island to Kilwa Masoko, previously just the mainland market town for Kilwa Kisiwani. Kilwa Kivinji is a pleasant Swahili town smaller and politically less important than Kilwa Masoko about 20 km away.

Today Kilwa Masoko is the capital of the Kilwa district in the Lindi region. Most visitors stay in Kilwa Masoko and use it as a base for visiting the other two Kilwas

Get in
Flights on Coastal Airways arrive in the late afternoon and depart early the next morning back to Dar es Salaam, therefore you must spend the night.

Driving can be very difficult in the rainy season.

Buses run daily from both the north and south. From the north (Dar) big buses leave around 6am from Ubungo and stop at Temeke and Mbagala bus stations. The companies running change regularly, the buses with four seats in a row are significantly more comfortable than the ones with five seats in a row. Part of the road is unpaved so get a seat nearer the front. It's about 4 or 5 hours from Dar. It's best to book at least a day in advance. These buses will drop you off at Nangurukuru which is about from Kilwa Masoko (where most people stay). From Nangurukuru you can get a minibus, shared taxi or private taxi to either Kilwa Masoko or Kilwa Kivinje.

From Dar there are also minibuses throughout the morning leaving from Mbagala to Kilwa Masoko although these will be more cramped and less comfortable than the larger buses.

From the south (Mtwara, Mikindani and Lindi) buses depart both towns at 6AM and they take 4 or 5 hours. The road is paved all the way. These buses will also drop you off at Nangurukuru (see above).

From Lindi (but not Mtwara) there are also minibuses in the morning. Ask around at the bus stand to find out what time they leave.

Get around
Most hotels will arrange pick-up from the airport.

To get from Kilwa Masoko to Kilwa Kisiwani you will need to take a boat. Up market hotels will organise this for you (and charge you), or you can organise this yourself as there are boats waiting at the dock that you can charter. Expect to pay Tsh 10,000-15,000 for a sailing boat to drop you off, wait and then return you to Kilwa Masoko - more for a boat with an engine. If you don't speak Swahili you can hire a guide (who you will probably want to show you around the ruins) who should also take care of this, but bear in mind that the guide may not always try to get you the best price.

To get between Kilwa Masoko and Kilwa Kivinji, there are shared taxis regularly, although if you turn up they will probably insist that you have to hire a private taxi or you will have to wait hours and hours. If you politely decline and offer to wait they usually leave every half an hour or so.

All three towns are small enough that the best way to get around them is by foot (although see the safety section). There are a number of taxis and tuktuks (bajaji) around town if the heat is too much for you.

See
The fantastic ruins on Kilwa Kisiwani (which means "Kilwa of the Island"), a UNESCO world heritage site. Most hotels will provide you with a boat to the island and a guide. Otherwise, just go to the port and ask local people hanging out there. A permit (27000 Tsh for foreigners) is required, it can easily be obtained in the antiquities department office close to the port. The boat trip is just about 2 km. With some negotiating skills, you could hire a boat for 10000-15000 Tsh (round trip). Guides with detailed knowledge of the history and archaeology are sometimes hard to find (but they are around), but there are extremely informative signs to help you out if your guide only knows the location of each of the ruins and not the story behind them. There is also a useful book available with the history of the island and a detailed description of the ruins, which makes a good guide and a nice keepsake. See the Wikipedia page for more information.

The town of Kilwa Kivinji is less popular than the other two Kilwas but it is a charming, sleepy Swahili town, much of it built in the traditional style out of traditional coral-rag. It doesn't have the 'sights' of Kilwa Kisiwani but it is a pleasant town in its own right and well worth a day trip from Kilwa Masoko.

Do
There is something like a tourist information office in the town center, at the market place. They have a long list of tours on offer, even to more remote places further away. They will probably charge you more than if you hire a guide directly, but they seem to have the knowledge about the region's sights, as well as English language skills. They also rent broken bikes for 5000 Tsh / day. That's fun to explore the town and nearby beaches.

No hotels have dive centers but all offer snorkeling and trips to Kilwa Kisiwani ruins.

Several hotels cater to sport fishermen- and often serve up the day's catch at dinner!

Kilwa is a safe, sleepy little town with dirt streets, making it very nice for a morning or late afternoon stroll around to see the market and port, and get the feel of this wonderful Swahili town.

Masoko Pwani (3 km from town center) is one of Tanzania's most beautiful beaches and is worth visiting. Here, local fishermen bring their catch. Fried fish (and sometimes lobsters etc.) is sold at the beach for very cheap prices. For swimming, come at high tide. At low tide, the water is very far away from the beach.

Eat
Seafood, obviously. Available at the northeastern beach and on the market. Octopus and Calamari is sold as a very convenient snack for cheap. However, it seems to be less common to serve European-style fish meals in the local restaurants.

All kinds of seasonal tropical fruits are sold on the market.

Drink
Many places sell the local beers. There is a kind of a night club in the town center.

Sleep
Almost all visitors choose to stay in Kilwa Masoko (there is no accommodation on Kilwa Kisiwani, there are a couple of budget options in Kilwa Kivinji) all the options below are in Kilwa Masoko.

Stay safe
During the day walking around town should be safe but after dark, take significant caution. Tourists have been mugged: always travel in groups or take a taxi or tuktuk (bajaji).

Go next
There are daily minibuses leaving Kilwa Masoko for Lindi and Dar es Salaam leaving early in the morning - buy your ticket in advance and (especially if going to Dar) try and sit as close to the front as possible.

It is possible to get a daladala, shared taxi, or private taxi to Nangurukuru and try to pick up one of the larger buses going either north or south that pass by between 10AM and 2PM, but these buses are often full and you may find that you cannot get on one.

title: Kilwa


text:
Kilwinning

Kilwinning is a town near the Ayrshire coast of Scotland, some 21 miles southwest of Glasgow. It's run-down and post-industrial, with a population in 2020 of 16,100.

Understand
The "Kil-" placename indicates the cell or abode of an early Christian saint - presumably Saint Winning but no-one knows who he was. (He may be the same fellow as St Ninian, St Finnian, and for all we know St Trinian.) An abbey was founded in the 12th century on the west bank of the River Garnock, with the village of Sagtown ("saint town") on the east bank. It was a small market town until the 19th century, when iron foundries were established powered by locally-mined coal; these were west bank and the town centre migrated there. An even greater expansion came in the 1960s when a series of "New Towns" were developed to remedy Scotland's poor stock of housing. Four of these were greenfield but the fifth was grafted onto the existing town of Irvine five miles south. Kilwinning was effectively a suburb of this ugly project, but in 1996 the New Town system was wound up and Kilwinning reverted to conventional local governance within North Ayrshire Council.

Get in
Trains from Glasgow Central run every 15-20 min and take 35 min via Paisley Gilmour Street (for Glasgow Airport), Johnstone, Lochwinnoch, Glengarnock and Dalry. The last train leaves around midnight; a walk-up single in 2022 is £8. From Kilwinning they diverge either to Irvine, Troon, Prestwick Airport and town and  Ayr, or to Stevenston, Saltcoats and Ardrossan (for ferries to the Isle of Arran), with some continuing to West Kilbride and Largs. Change at Ayr for the Glasgow-Stranraer-Belfast bus.

is 400 yards west of town centre. It has a staffed ticket office and machines, an ATM, toilets and waiting room. There is step-free access to all platforms.

Stagecoach Bus 11 runs from Kilmarnock via Irvine, taking 45 min to Kilwinning and continuing to Stevenston, Saltcoats and Ardrossan. It's every 15 min M-Sa and every 30 min on Sunday.

Stagecoach Bus 25 from Irvine takes 12 min to Kilwinning and continues to Dalry, Kilbirnie, Glengarnock and Beith.

Stagecoach Bus X36 is a morning commuter run from Ardrossan via Kilwinning and Dalry to Glasgow, returning around 5PM; the rest of the day it only runs Dalry-Glasgow,

Shuttle Bus 38 plies hourly between Irvine and Kilwinning. Bus 149 runs once M-Sa around 7AM from Kilwinning to Cumnock and returns around 5:30PM.

There isn't a bus station here, the main stop is on Lauchlan Way north side of the retail strip.

By road from Glasgow leave M8 just past the airport and follow A737 southwest via Johnstone and Beith.

Get around
Walk, the town is compact. Bus 25 runs by the Museum of Ayrshire Country Life.

Taxi operators include Station Taxis (+44 1294 603603), Glespy (+44 1294 556900) and Whitehirst (+44 1294 557557).

See

 * Freemason's Lodge or "Lodge Mother Kilwinning" may be the oldest Masonic Lodge in Scotland, if not the world. It claims to have been founded in 1140 by the masons from Italy who built the abbey, but no records survive to validate this. As the Mother Lodge or "Lodge Nothing" (never "zero") it granted charters to daughter lodges, but in 1736 the Grand Lodge of Scotland was formed and Kilwinning's priority wasn't accepted. It seceded rather than be one constituent lodge among many, granting its own charters, until a reconciliation in 1807. The present Lodge building, next to the abbey at 99 Main St, was completed in 1893. It's only open to visit by arrangement with the Master.
 * Freemason's Lodge or "Lodge Mother Kilwinning" may be the oldest Masonic Lodge in Scotland, if not the world. It claims to have been founded in 1140 by the masons from Italy who built the abbey, but no records survive to validate this. As the Mother Lodge or "Lodge Nothing" (never "zero") it granted charters to daughter lodges, but in 1736 the Grand Lodge of Scotland was formed and Kilwinning's priority wasn't accepted. It seceded rather than be one constituent lodge among many, granting its own charters, until a reconciliation in 1807. The present Lodge building, next to the abbey at 99 Main St, was completed in 1893. It's only open to visit by arrangement with the Master.

Do

 * Golf: Ardeer GC is on A78 two miles west. White tees 6401 yards, par 72, visitor round £40. Several more courses around Irvine and Ardrossan.
 * Beach: Stevenston 3 miles southwest is the closest, see Ardrossan.
 * Shoot the papingo on the first Saturday in June. Kilwinning Archery Club is believed to have existed at least since 1483: it became defunct in 1870 but was revived in 1948. The papingo or popinjay is a wooden bird mounted high on the Abbey tower, and archers attempt to hit it. Step smartly under cover before the arrow hurtles back down.
 * Shoot the papingo on the first Saturday in June. Kilwinning Archery Club is believed to have existed at least since 1483: it became defunct in 1870 but was revived in 1948. The papingo or popinjay is a wooden bird mounted high on the Abbey tower, and archers attempt to hit it. Step smartly under cover before the arrow hurtles back down.

Buy

 * The big supermarkets are in Irvine and Kilwinning has only smaller convenience stores. Along Main St are Co-op Food, Tesco Express and Premier.

Eat

 * Main Street is pedestrianised and lined by cheap and cheerful places. These include Corner House (below), India Palace, Viking Cafe and several takeaways.

Drink

 * From the railway station east along Main St are Alton Inn, Market Bar, Lemon Tree, Victoria Bar, Abbey Gates and Black Rose.

Connect
As of July 2022, Kilwinning and its approach roads have 4G from O2 and Vodafone but only a patchy mobile signal from EE or Three. 5G has not reached town.

Go next

 * Head to Ardrossan for the ferry to Arran.
 * Ayr has the Robert Burns Heritage Area, and Culzean Castle a little further south.

title: Kilwinning


text:
Kimbe

Kimbe is the capital of West New Britain province in New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

Understand
Kimbe is a bustling port town and is said to be the fastest growing city in the South Pacific. It is situated on Kimbe Bay which is claimed to have more than 60 percent of the coral species of the Indo-Pacific area. The weather is tropical, with only a little seasonal variation.

The surrounding area has production of oil palm, cocoa and coconut. There is also considerable logging. Most of these products are shipped out of Kimbe's port. The biggest industry is palm oil and the area has four mills to extract the oil from the oil palm fruit. As a result of government palm oil development programs over the last 35 years, many of the inhabitants of the area are not indigenous to New Britain but come from other parts of PNG from where they were resettled under the programs.

Get in

 * Air Niugini has between one and three flights daily from the nation's capital, Port Moresby to Hoskins (HKN) airport, about 30 miles from Kimbe. It also operates flights to Hoskins from Rabaul, Kavieng, Lae and Madang.

Get around
There are good roads in the immediate vicinity of Kimbe and Hoskins airport, and connecting Kimbe port with the oil palm plantations. Otherwise, transport is mainly by boat.

Do

 * Diving. Scientists have identified more than 900 species of fish and 400 species of coral in the Kimbe Bay area. The best seasons are mid-August to late-December and  between February and May/June.  Diving is ideal for intermediate to advanced divers and there is good snorkelling as the reef tops are shallow. The clear waters are excellent for photography and there is often a chance to swim with dolphins. Walindi Plantation Resort offers land-based diving but also operates a live-aboard vessel.
 * Golf. There is a golf course at the San Remo Club in Kimbe.
 * Fishing. There is good fishing in the area. Fishing tours are organized by the Liamo Resort, which operates the Baia Fishing Lodge.

Eat

 * San Remo Club. Slightly colonial atmosphere, but good food.

Go next

 * Port Moresby - by plane
 * Rabaul

title: Kimbe


text:
Kimberley

There is more than one place in the world called Kimberley or Kimberly:

South Africa

 * Kimberley (Northern Cape) — a city in Northern Cape where diamonds are mined.

Australia

 * Kimberley (Western Australia) — a remote region in the northern part of Western Australia.

Canada

 * Kimberley (British Columbia) — a city in British Columbia.

United States of America

 * Kimberly (Oregon) — a town in Oregon.

title: Kimberley


text:
Kimberley (British Columbia)

Kimberley is a city of about 4,500 people (2016) in British Columbia.

Understand
Kimberley was named in 1896 after the Kimberley mine in South Africa. From 1917 to 2001, it was the home to the world's largest lead-zinc mine, the Sullivan Mine. Now it is mainly a tourist destination.

The city has the "largest freestanding cuckoo clock in Canada".

Get in
Kimberley sits along Highway 95A between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains.

The nearest airport is in Cranbrook.

Do
Recreational pursuits include world-class skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, biking, hiking and golfing on championship golf courses.

title: Kimberley (British Columbia)


text:
Kimberley (Northern Cape)

Kimberley is the capital of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Amongst other things, it is famous for its Big Hole, the world's largest hand-dug excavation that was created when thousands of people searched for diamonds at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. By 14 August 1914, 22.7 billion kg of rock had been excavated, yielding 2722 kg of diamonds.

By car
The N12 links Kimberley with Johannesburg (about 500 km to the north-east) and Cape Town (about 1000km to the south-west).

The N8 links Kimberley with Bloemfontein (about 160 km to the east) and Upington (about 400km to the west).

Distances

 * Kimberley - Bloemfontein (Judicial Capital): 160 km
 * Kimberley - Upington: 402 km
 * Kimberley - Johannesburg: 480 km
 * Kimberley - Pretoria (Administrative Capital): 535 km
 * Kimberley - East London: 720 km
 * Kimberley - Port Elizabeth: 800 km
 * Kimberley - Durban: 800 km
 * Kimberley - Cape Town (Legislative Capital): 960 km

By bus
Bus services are available to and from most parts of the country with numerous companies. Intercape has one of the largest networks.

By train
Shosholoza Meyl operates inter-city trains to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Departures are generally 2-3 times per week. You can also get to Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown and East London by changing trains in Bloemfontein.

See

Kimberley and its environs have a very wide variety of tourist attractions and museums from which the visitor can choose. A selection of these can be seen at Kimberley's unofficial website.

Buildings and memorials

 * The Halfway House Inn, half way between Kimberley city centre and Beaconsfield. "The Half" was, and still is, a drive-in pub (believed to be the only one remaining in the world). Legend has it that the original "driver" was Cecil Rhodes on his horse, en route between his mining interests in Kimberley and Beaconsfield. Another legend has it that when instructed by the municipality to erect a 6ft [2m] wall around the front of the premises, the then owners of "The Half" dug a 6ft deep trench and erected the wall in the bottom of that. (Apparently these both fall into the category of "urban legends" - but they make good yarns to tell visitors!)
 * The Halfway House Inn, half way between Kimberley city centre and Beaconsfield. "The Half" was, and still is, a drive-in pub (believed to be the only one remaining in the world). Legend has it that the original "driver" was Cecil Rhodes on his horse, en route between his mining interests in Kimberley and Beaconsfield. Another legend has it that when instructed by the municipality to erect a 6ft [2m] wall around the front of the premises, the then owners of "The Half" dug a 6ft deep trench and erected the wall in the bottom of that. (Apparently these both fall into the category of "urban legends" - but they make good yarns to tell visitors!)
 * The Halfway House Inn, half way between Kimberley city centre and Beaconsfield. "The Half" was, and still is, a drive-in pub (believed to be the only one remaining in the world). Legend has it that the original "driver" was Cecil Rhodes on his horse, en route between his mining interests in Kimberley and Beaconsfield. Another legend has it that when instructed by the municipality to erect a 6ft [2m] wall around the front of the premises, the then owners of "The Half" dug a 6ft deep trench and erected the wall in the bottom of that. (Apparently these both fall into the category of "urban legends" - but they make good yarns to tell visitors!)
 * The Halfway House Inn, half way between Kimberley city centre and Beaconsfield. "The Half" was, and still is, a drive-in pub (believed to be the only one remaining in the world). Legend has it that the original "driver" was Cecil Rhodes on his horse, en route between his mining interests in Kimberley and Beaconsfield. Another legend has it that when instructed by the municipality to erect a 6ft [2m] wall around the front of the premises, the then owners of "The Half" dug a 6ft deep trench and erected the wall in the bottom of that. (Apparently these both fall into the category of "urban legends" - but they make good yarns to tell visitors!)
 * The Halfway House Inn, half way between Kimberley city centre and Beaconsfield. "The Half" was, and still is, a drive-in pub (believed to be the only one remaining in the world). Legend has it that the original "driver" was Cecil Rhodes on his horse, en route between his mining interests in Kimberley and Beaconsfield. Another legend has it that when instructed by the municipality to erect a 6ft [2m] wall around the front of the premises, the then owners of "The Half" dug a 6ft deep trench and erected the wall in the bottom of that. (Apparently these both fall into the category of "urban legends" - but they make good yarns to tell visitors!)
 * The Halfway House Inn, half way between Kimberley city centre and Beaconsfield. "The Half" was, and still is, a drive-in pub (believed to be the only one remaining in the world). Legend has it that the original "driver" was Cecil Rhodes on his horse, en route between his mining interests in Kimberley and Beaconsfield. Another legend has it that when instructed by the municipality to erect a 6ft [2m] wall around the front of the premises, the then owners of "The Half" dug a 6ft deep trench and erected the wall in the bottom of that. (Apparently these both fall into the category of "urban legends" - but they make good yarns to tell visitors!)
 * The Halfway House Inn, half way between Kimberley city centre and Beaconsfield. "The Half" was, and still is, a drive-in pub (believed to be the only one remaining in the world). Legend has it that the original "driver" was Cecil Rhodes on his horse, en route between his mining interests in Kimberley and Beaconsfield. Another legend has it that when instructed by the municipality to erect a 6ft [2m] wall around the front of the premises, the then owners of "The Half" dug a 6ft deep trench and erected the wall in the bottom of that. (Apparently these both fall into the category of "urban legends" - but they make good yarns to tell visitors!)
 * The Halfway House Inn, half way between Kimberley city centre and Beaconsfield. "The Half" was, and still is, a drive-in pub (believed to be the only one remaining in the world). Legend has it that the original "driver" was Cecil Rhodes on his horse, en route between his mining interests in Kimberley and Beaconsfield. Another legend has it that when instructed by the municipality to erect a 6ft [2m] wall around the front of the premises, the then owners of "The Half" dug a 6ft deep trench and erected the wall in the bottom of that. (Apparently these both fall into the category of "urban legends" - but they make good yarns to tell visitors!)
 * The Halfway House Inn, half way between Kimberley city centre and Beaconsfield. "The Half" was, and still is, a drive-in pub (believed to be the only one remaining in the world). Legend has it that the original "driver" was Cecil Rhodes on his horse, en route between his mining interests in Kimberley and Beaconsfield. Another legend has it that when instructed by the municipality to erect a 6ft [2m] wall around the front of the premises, the then owners of "The Half" dug a 6ft deep trench and erected the wall in the bottom of that. (Apparently these both fall into the category of "urban legends" - but they make good yarns to tell visitors!)

Eat
Kimberley has a very wide variety of restaurants from which the visitor can choose.

Drink
Kimberley has a very wide variety of pubs from which the visitor can choose.

Sleep
Kimberley has a very wide variety of hotels, backpacker hostels, lodges, guest houses and bed & breakfast establishments from which the visitor can choose.

Go next

 * Kuruman
 * Upington
 * Namaqualand
 * Northern Cape Karoo
 * Bloemfontein: Judicial capital of SA, and capital of the Free State Province
 * Barkly West's Canteen Kopje, the site of industrialization of South Africa

title: Kimberley (Northern Cape)


text:
Kimberley (Western Australia)

The northernmost region of Western Australia is called the Kimberley. This spectacular region has an area of over but with a population of only 50,000 It is bordered by the Northern Territory to the east, the Pilbara to the south, the Indian Ocean to the northwest, and the Timor Sea to the north.

Towns

 * — a popular destination to get a taste of the Kimberley without forgoing luxury
 * — step off point for the best Barramundi fishing within the Fitzroy River
 * — a small town with a big Boab, a big jetty and a big tide
 * Halls Creek - Gateway to Purnululu National Park and Wolfe Creek Crater
 * — a relaxed town from which to explore its majestic natural attractions
 * — one of the oldest and most northerly towns in the Kimberley, at the confluence of 5 rivers

Other destinations

 * — starting point for trips to Geikie Gorge National Park, offering the possibility of picturesque cruises on the Fitzroy River.
 * – a UNESCO world heritage site for its unusual yet fascinating Bungle Bungles.
 * (Turkey Creek) — an Aboriginal community that, besides being an entry point to the Purnululu National Park, has produced many successful Aboriginal artists.
 * — around a beautiful gorge formed by an ancient coral reef now emerged, is accessed through the western side of the Gibb River Road. There is usually a large population of freshwater crocodiles.
 * – an almost near-circular crater, supposedly the second-largest in the world.

Understand
The Kimberley is one of the world's last great wilderness areas, and covers an area large enough to fit California and a bit more, though the total population is only about 50,000. Most of the population is concentrated in small towns such as Kununurra and Wyndham in the East and Broome and Derby on the coast in the west.

Halls Creek sits on the northern edge of the Great Sandy Desert and is a gateway to natural attractions including the striking formation of the white quartz China Wall, the orange and black striped domes of the Purnululu National Park Bungle Bungle Range, and the dramatic impression of the Wolfe Creek Crater, formed 300,000 years ago when a meteorite crashed to earth. Halls Creek is on the Great Northern Highway, 683km from Broome and 359km from Kununurra. The closest town to Halls Creek is Fitzroy Crossing, 290km to the west.

The West Kimberley Region is one of the remotest and least visited areas of the Australian coastline. Pristine white sandy beaches, awesome tides, thousand of deserted islands, magnificent scenery with cascading waterfalls and creek systems which are ideal for barramundi fishing.

Highlights of the Kimberley include a long untouched coast, magnificent wilderness scenery, rare fauna and flora and a rich and colourful history. The Kimberley thrives as a tourist destination with 85% of the population being tourists.

The area draws much of its history from its colourful pearling industry, indigenous culture, and the rugged pastoral (sheep and cattle) stations. There are several historic reminders in Broome (such as a Japanese cemetery) of the importance of pearls for the Kimberley. Museums run by local historical societies in Broome, Kununurra and Wyndham, as well as the Argyle Downs Homestead Museum at Lake Argyle, are all worth investigating to take in the history.

Orientation

 * Broome Surrounds and Dampier Peninsula are fashionable tourist destinations. Nice beaches and relatively few people make for a nice retreat away from it all.
 * The Gibb River Road crosses the heart of the region.
 * The Mitchell Plateau is an extremely remote region of wilderness.
 * The Kimberley coastline has isolated wilderness camps, and spectacular waterfalls and features best seen from boats or the air
 * In the South Kimberley, the Great Northern Highway crosses bushland for several hundred kilometers.

Climate
The Kimberley has 3 seasons: the Wet Season or "the Wet" (December - April), the Dry Season or "the Dry" (April - September) and "the Buildup" (October and November).

The Dry is the ideal time to visit, with six months of blue skies, when you can get cool nights of 15 °C in May and June, with blue skies and 30 °C days by 8AM for most of the dry. Take in the amazing ancient scenery, experience great fishing and wildlife spotting, especially for bird-watching and during August for the Humpback whale migration period.

The Buildup has hot days of 40 °C on a daily basis for a month or more, can get humid, and people look forward to an afternoon thunderstorm, which have some of the highest cloud formations on the planet and produce spectacular lightning displays. These are especially prevalent in the north at Kununurra and Wyndham and are a great site to see but be prepared for the heat.

The tropical wet season rain cools the build up temperatures and cyclonic activity produces some heavy rains, especially in coastal areas. "Set in Weather," during the Wet Season, when clouds set in on the ranges for days, and the temperature cools the land is welcomed by locals.

These seasons have a large impact on visitor numbers, tours, travel accommodation in the region, with most visitors arriving in the Dry season. During the Wet, the Gibb River Road is closed and various areas can be flooded. Some providers, especially in areas such as the Gibb River Rd close completely. You can often find prices at the resorts in Broome may halve from the first day in November. Some tours may still operate out of Broome and Kununurra. Although the build up period between the end of the Dry and the first rains of the Wet can be a cost-effective time to visit, at this time, the land seems covered with dust, some streams have ceased running entirely, and the heat and humidity are stifling.

The Wet Season is not without its hazards, and if you are in country when cyclones pass through, make sure that you keep up with weather warnings, and are aware of appropriate actions in response to the weather conditions.

Roads and air travel have improved in the rest of the Kimberley and the Wet Season as the "Green Season," is a good time to see the Kimberley in its glory, green and with waterfalls flowing in January February and March.

Talk
Due to the result of British colonisation, English is the predominant language in the region. However, in addition to standard Australian English, there are several post-contact languages spoken in the Kimberley such as Aboriginal English, Australian Kriol, Pidgin English and the Malay-based Broome Pearling Lugger Pidgin. However, many of these are not spoken on a daily basis any more, but are spoken by few.

By plane
There are no international scheduled flights. Broome and Kununurra  have daily scheduled flights, and Derby has a few direct flights a week. Broome is the most easily accessed town, with flights from Perth, Sydney, Darwin, Melbourne, Brisbane and Alice Springs on the weekend. Kununurra and Derby are a bit more challenging to get to, with flights from Darwin, Broome or Perth only.

By car
A very long drive from either way. On the eastern side, it is a 900-km drive from Darwin to Kununurra via the road 1. On the western side, you will have to add at least 2100 km to get to Perth.

By bus
There are scheduled buses by Greyhound from Perth to Darwin, stopping at Broome, Derby and Kununurra. Keep in mind that it is an extremely long bus trip (Perth to Broome will keep you seated for more than 30 hours, and add another 30 hours to get to Darwin).

By cruise
Cruises to Kimberley normally depart after the Wet Season. The Kimberley coastline, surrounded with red cliffs and azure blue seas, which is normally inaccessible by car or bus, could now be viewed and explored in safety on a cruise ship. Cruise ships generally depart from Darwin, and will visit places in the Kimberley region such as King George River and Falls, Vansittart Bay, Hunter River, Montgomery Reef, Talbot Bay, Cape Levequ, the Lacepedes and Broome.

Cruises available:
 * Orion Expedition Cruises. The 'Orion' is a purpose-built vessel designed to access remote regions in luxury. Orion Expedition Cruises operate a number of winter-time cruises to Kimberley.

On the ground
There are two main roads in the region, the sealed Great Northern Highway, and the unsealed Gibb River Road. The Gibb River road is probably more spectacular, as it crosses through the heart of the Kimberley through magnificent wilderness scenery, but you will need a 4WD, and it is simply not passable in the Wet.

Once on the Gibb River Road, you can turn north on the Kalumburu Road which will lead you to the Kalumburu mission (permits are required to visit the community) and the Mitchell Plateau. There is no fuel supply on the Mitchell plateau beyond Drysdale station.

This region is one of the most remote areas in Australia. Don't leave the main roads if you are not experienced in remote area travel or sufficiently prepared. If you go off road, go with an experienced guide. Tour operators traveling these regions carry satellite phones as normal cellphones do not work in these places.

Unsealed roads are not suitable for conventional vehicles and international travellers should research their self drive trip thoroughly, contacting relative government tourism bureaus for information and advice before attempting trips into the more remote areas.

If you do not have your own car, there are a number of tour operators who run tours between Broome and Darwin, the tours range from Accommodated Coach tours to adventure 4WD tours, Kimberley Outback Tours runs 7-day, small group Kimberley tours. Includes 4WD, helicopter rides, cruises and accommodation. Season runs from May-Sept departing from Darwin and Broome going in both directions. See Kimberley Outback Tours or call for more details. Travelwild Australia run 5- and 9-day, small group 4WD camping tours during the Dry Season departing weekly from Broome and Darwin from $150 per day, see Kimberley Tours for more details.

Above the ground
Due to the immensity of the area, several tour operators have scenic flights from larger towns to main touristic attractions otherwise almost impossible to reach (for instance Horizontal Falls Adventure Tours).

 * Bungle Bungle Scenic Flights, fixed-wing and helicopter, are available at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park at the turnoff to the Bungles. Operated by Bungle Bungle Expeditions +61 8 91691995

On the water
If you can not drive it nor fly it, sail it.

A variety of tour operators can arrange cruising and sailing in the Kimberley:

 * Kimberley Cruises - over 20 vessels to Kimberley Cruise, Freecall 1800 677 830.
 * Australian Wilderness Cruises - Kimberley specialists since 1982 on 60 ft motor sailer. +61 412 701111
 * Coral Princess Cruises - experienced expedition cruise operator (3 vessels) 1800 079 545 (toll free within Australia)
 * Kimberley Sunset Cruises Kununurra - operated by Kimberley Outback Tours +61 8 91691995

See

 * Broome buzzes in the dry season, especially in the cooler July and August. The famed Cable Beach, from which you can admire the sunset while riding camels, is indeed a nice place. You will also find various historic sites and shops focusing on the world-famous pearls produced in the town. The town has a few interesting restaurants, and boosts the only nightlife for a few hundred kilometers around. Do not get overexcited however, it is very far from the eccentricity of the East Coast. Overall, it is a nice place to have a break before going to the Wild.
 * The main reason to come to Kimberley is to enjoy the surrounding wilderness. Drive only a few kilometers on an unsealed track and you can quickly feel the immensity of the region. You can also observe wild birds by the thousands (provided you are not too far from a water source, you will hear them when the sun rises anyway) and wander through unusual flora (baobs all around....) Saltwater and freshwater crocodiles are found in numbers in the region, so observe if you can, but be very careful at all times near waterholes.
 * The UNESCO world heritage  Purnululu, with its multitude of dome formations, is one of the star attractions of the Kimberley. The park has been only "explored" since the mid-1980s, though it was known by the Aboriginals for a much longer time. The 4WD track to the park will put your vehicle to the test.
 * Be it the spectacular (but very tough to access) Mitchell Falls on the Mitchell plateau, the dozens of gorges on the Gibb River Road, including the Bell Gorge, the Geikie Gorge close to Fitzroy Crossing and the Windjana Gorge in the eponym Windjana Gorge National Park, the area is simply a feast of Gorges and falls.
 * Located deep within Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago are the Horizontal Waterfalls. Massive tidal movements create a waterfall effect as water banks up against one side of the narrow cliff passage, to be repeated again on the turning tide.  The tides in this area have a 10-metre variation which occurs over 6½ hours from low tide to high tide and vice versa. The waterfall phenomena has been described by David Attenborough as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world".  The sight of the turquoise blue water rushing between the rugged red hills is best viewed from the air on a scenic flight, out of Derby.
 * North Kimberley is the place to see the Gwion Gwion or Bradshaw Figures Aboriginal paintings, some of which are believed to be around 50,000 years old. You will probably need the authorization of the traditional owners, so enquire beforehand, for instance with a tour operator. Some of these paintings are in very remote areas.
 * In Derby, on the road to Broome, the huge Boab Prison Tree is believed to have been used as a staging point for prisoners.
 * From Broome, a rough 4WD track will lead you through the Dampier Peninsula up to Cape Leveque. There are splendid beaches, nice snorkelling and good Barramundi fishing in the area.

Do

 * Dive – 300 km out to sea from Broome are the Rowley Shoals -One of the world's best yet least known dive sites. The Rowley Shoals are a chain of coral atolls on the edge of one of the widest continental shelves in the world. The 3 pear-shaped atolls have shallow lagoons inhabited by corals and abundant marine life. Each atoll covers an area of around 80-90 km², rising with nearly vertical sides from very deep water. Mermaid Reef rises from about 440 m, Clerke from 390 m and Imperieuse from about 230 m. The coral atolls of the Rowley Shoals are famed for their almost untouched coral gardens, giant clams and other shellfish. Giant Potato Cod and Maori Wrasse wait to be hand fed while colourful reef fish show little fear. Drift diving in and out of the atolls sweeps you through pristine reefs with schools of Trevally, Mackerel and Tuna.  See Barracuda, Morays turtles and many species of shark.  As well as being inhabited by a number of species found nowhere else, the coral and fish communities of the Rowley Shoals are unique in their composition, and in the relative abundance of species.

Eat
There are very few catering options outside of the towns, so be as self-sufficient as possible if you drive into the outback.

Drink
The Kimberley is not a desert, nor is it part of the Outback, but it is still a very hot place, so drink plenty of water. There are a few bars in Broome, but otherwise the nightlife is as one would expect rather limited.

Stay safe

 * Take care of stray animals (either wild kangaroos or cattle) on the roads and tracks, do not drive at dawn or during the night.
 * Various deadly animals live in the area. Saltwater Crocodiles inhabit most river systems and coastal areas, extreme caution should be used when on or near, beaches, rivers, creeks and waterholes. Deadly jellyfish such as the dreaded Box Jellyfish and Irukandji are found in the surrounding sea (including around Broome), especially in the Wet. Do not go out swimming, unless you are absolutely certain that the area is perfectly safe.
 * Except in the centre of the few towns, your mobile phone will not work anywhere, so do not count on it while going to more remote areas.
 * If travelling at the time of the wet or cyclone season (during late spring to early autumn/fall), make sure you are fully aware of what cyclones can do. Plan places to stay that are not next to rivers or watercourses, and check weather advice regularly. The media coverage on this region's cyclones may be low, but that is because barely anyone lives here – however, the risk of cyclones is high.

Go next
The area is more or less surrounded by extremely inhospitable areas (Great Sandy Desert and Tanami Desert to the south and south east), the only reasonable way to leave the region is either to drive south from Broome (be prepared for at least a day of absolute nothingness of flat-straight driving before reaching the interesting areas of the Pilbara) or east from Kununurra into the tropical and humid northern parts of the Northern Territory.

Hall's Creek is the starting point of the Tanami Track, a comparatively well graded dirt road that will lead you to the Red Centre and further on to Alice Springs. A 4WD is however recommended, and it still a remote outback dirt track crossing arid areas with very little supply on the way (basically only a single roadhouse).

If, and only if, you are fully prepared and equipped (meaning a very thorough research about potential dangers and risks, as well as arrangement for fuel drops), the first 150 km of the Tanami Track are shared with the legendary Canning Stock Route, one of the most demanding and remote tracks on Earth. It is a tough 1800 km 4WD drive with absolutely no facilities and no fuel supply through the desert and very far from any civilization. The track will lead you down to Wiluna, 1000 km north of Perth. Do not attempt this track lightly.

title: Kimberley (Western Australia)


text:
Kimberly (Oregon)

Kimberly is a small town in Eastern Oregon, the closest town to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Go next

 * John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. A unit of the national park system that preserves rich fossil beds.  In three locations ("units"); the one nearest Kimberly is the only one with a visitor center.

title: Kimberly (Oregon)


text:
Kimolos

Kimolos is a small island in the Cyclades.

Get in
The best way to get there is to go to Milos and take the "Pantoffla", a small ferry going from Pollonia (Milos) To Kimolos 3-5 Times a day (20min, €2/person, €2.60/motorbike). Some of the big ferries going to Milos also stop in Kimolos. Ferry schedules can be found at

Get around
There is no car or bike rental on Kimolos. Go to Milos, rent one there and bring it with the ferry. Be sure to ask the rental if it is OK to take it. Cars are usually not a problem, but with bikes a lot of the rentals don't allow so. At least Easy Moto and Niki's don't make a fuzz of it, but be aware that if the bike breaks down on Kimolos it is your responsibility to get it back on the ferry to Milos.

See

 * The Museum
 * To Skiadi (1/2 hour walk)
 * To Kastro
 * Snorkel for ruins at the Elliniko beach

Do
Swim-eat-drink-relax.

Buy
There are a few shops in Hora, even a shop with organic produce.

Eat
Tiropites are available at the bakery.

There are a number of restaurants, but outside of the peak season choices are very limited. Most restaurants on Kimolos use local produce.

 * "Nikos' Balcony", Myzithrou, good Greek food.
 * "Meltemi", Xhorio, good Greek food, open all year.
 * "Kalamitsi", right at Poloni beach, fresh seafood.
 * in Xhorio next to the bakery there is a cafe/ouzeri which is very frequented by locals.

All other restaurants are seasonal and cater basically to tourists only.

Drink
There are a few nice cafe's next to the Kastro in Xhorio

Sleep
Rooms in Kimolos are more expensive than on milos. Most ask €30-35 for a double off season and it is hard to negotiate.

Connect
There is free WiFi in some cafe's and some domatia.

title: Kimolos