text:
Brownsville (Texas)

Located at the southernmost tip of Texas, Brownsville is a popular location for Mexican and American beach tourists. It is part of the Rio Grande Valley, a four-county region known for its abundance in citrus fruit production and Winter Texan population. The city features a combination of different climate regimes: Gulf Coast plains and the Great Plains. There is a lot to do in this city: historical museums, art galleries, beaches, birding locations and natural wildlife refuges. As Brownsville is a border town, its culture is predominantly Hispanic.

Understand
Brownsville sits in the southernmost tip of Texas, is a border town and is also bordered by the Gulf Coast. These qualities make Brownsville a thriving city in the manufacturing industry. For this reason, Brownsville adopted the motto, "On the Border, By the Sea" in 1966. Since the early 1990s, the city has experienced a steel boom, leading to fast population growth. The area had around 98,000 residents in 1990, and has grown to 183,000 as of 2016.

Despite being in Texas, Brownsville doesn't live up to the common stereotypes of most Texas cities (western, rural). Instead, it has its own distinct culture. One common thing to notice about Brownsville is that it is influenced by the behavior of South Padre Island residents (laid-back, casual). The presence of an island so near to Brownsville has rubbed off on the locals.

Culturally, Brownsville's residents are predominantly Hispanic. It's common to hear people mix Spanish and English in their speech given the presence of Mexico being so close to Brownsville. For this reason, the city holds many festivals and parades celebrating the traditions from Mexico that have been integrated into American culture.

As you make the drive from Kingsville, you will start to see an abundance in palm trees. The area is known to tourists as "The Green City" for having more lush, green vegetation and plants than other cities in the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. Sabal palms are dotted all around the city. The city has a strong focus on greener resources. Wind turbines, bike trails and solar panels are becoming more common in the Brownsville area.

The sunrises and sunsets in Brownsville are quite exquisite. Be sure to grab your camera and snap photos of these events. The area is known colloquially as the "Sunrise Capital of South Texas".

History
What many do not know about Brownsville is how rich in history the city actually is. It has been named the second-most historic city in the state of Texas, after San Antonio. Brownsville was part of many significant battles during the Mexican-American and Civil War. The Siege of Fort Texas and the Battle of Palo Alto were both fought between Brownsville and Matamoros. Major Jacob Brown (not to be confused with hero Jacob Brown in the War of 1812) has many sites and buildings dedicated to his name. For this reason, you will find many streets in the Mitte Cultural District named after important figures in American history.

Major Zachary Taylor (who later became the 12th president of the United States), played a crucial role in the Battle of Palo Alto. This marked the first major battle that started the Mexican-American War. Taylor's army successful defeated the Mexican forces on May 8th, 1846, with American troops suffering few casualties, compared to the Mexican side.

The city was also the site of the First Cortina Troubles, a war between Mexican rancher Juan Nepomuceno Cortina and American forces. Fighting emerged after a Brownsville marshal shot a former ranch hand of Cortina's. Cortina then took control of Brownsville for more than two months after many residents in Matamoros urged Cortina to evacuate the whole town. The fighting extended all the way to Starr County, in what is referred to as the Battle of Rio Grande City.

Things were relatively quiet in the city until troops took control of Brownsville, this time by Confederates after they found out the city was smuggling their goods into Mexico. This led to the Battle of Brownsville, during which the Confederates blew up more than 8,000 lbs of explosives. A month later, the Battle of Palmito Ranch was fought and won by Confederates.

Several decades later, the Brownsville Affair occurred. This was a racial conflict between black infantrymen stationed at Fort Brown and white townsfolk. After several white police officers and a bartender were shot, president Theodore Roosevelt discharged the regiment for "conspiracy of silence." During the 1970s, an investigation led by the Nixon Administration found that the black infantrymen were not guilty of the crime and had any dishonorable discharge reversed.

Climate

The weather in Brownsville can get very hot during the summer months. Temperatures in the low to mid 90s are not uncommon to see. While the city rarely sees temperatures over 100 °F, the humidity makes heat indices go up to 105 °F. Temperatures will rise above 90 from May through September. Winters are usually not felt with the exception of a short cold snap or cold front that comes by. Usually, these events don't last too long.

As in most of South Texas, snow is a rare event. The previous snowfall that didn't melt right away happened in 2004, which coincidentally occurred during Christmas Eve, making it the first White Christmas in the city, and a similar snow event happened in 2017. Brownsville had not witnessed such a snow event since the late 1800s. The number of days with temperatures below freezing varies from year to year. Some years will lack a freeze event while others will bring several days of ice to the area. Make sure you bring a thin sweater when visiting during January or February, when the temperatures tend to drop more frequently.

While hurricanes tend to be a threat to Brownsville, most come in weaker categories than those that hit other nearby states. This is due to the Yucatan Peninsula acting as a barrier for storms that travel from the south to north. A 'major' hurricane to make landfall in the area was Hurricane Dolly in 2008, which left mostly moderate damage to weak structures and flooding.

Tourism information
Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau - Main office at 650 Ruben M Torres Sr Blvd. Scale House at 1700 E 6th St. For visitors coming into Brownsville, a good place to first visit would be the Main Office, clearly visible from Highway 77. The roof of the building is shaped to form a pyramid. A representative can assist you with any questions, local hot spots and anything related to Brownsville. If you have further questions about events in the city, look at their website, which is kept up to date with any events for the whole calendar year. Also, for those visiting from Mexico, the Scale House is the perfect place to visit for questions on any attractions in the city. It is across the Gladys Porter Zoo and the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts.

By plane
The next nearest commercial airport in the US with Delta (to Minneapolis St Paul), Southwest Airlines, and Sun Country is Harlingen Valley International Airport, 35 min northwest on I-69E & Loop 499 (S Ed Carey Dr). Both United & American/American Eagle serve the area via Valley International Airport, McAllen International Airport and Brownsville from their respective hubs in Houston and Dallas-Ft Worth. The nearest airports for onward flights into Mexico are in Matamoros or further east from Harlingen in McAllen and Reynosa.

By bus
The main bus station for local public transportation and intercity buses is at the at 755 International Blvd which is along International Blvd & S Adams in downtown:

Regional transit agencies
The following services provide rides to most cities in the Rio Grande Valley:

By car
The highway system in the Rio Grande Valley is complicated. Most interstates have multiple number names, confusing first-time travellers. It is strongly advised to research the geography and transportation routes before flying/driving here.
 * I-169.svg Interstate 169 leads to SH 48, the main road towards South Padre Island. The road partially splits sideways, then meets with SH 550, then splitting into two routes: one leading to the Port of Brownsville and SH 48.
 * I-69E.svg Interstate 69E connects with Harlingen and Corpus Christi. Shares part of their highway with US 77/83.
 * US 77.svg US 83.svg US Highway 77/83 a co-signed road that goes to Harlingen, where it splits into US 77 heading toward Dallas and US 83 towards Laredo. The road is also known as Interstate 2, going west from Harlingen.
 * US 100.svg US Highway 100 is a road connected with US 77 leading to Los Fresnos. One of the two main roads leading to South Padre Island. F.M. 803 is another road that is being constructed to attach with Highway 100, in order to decongest incoming traffic and provide an alternative route for tourists driving east for the SpaceX monthly rocket launches.
 * US 281.svg US Highway 281 leads to Hidalgo County and then San Antonio. This road is also known as Interstate 69C, as one drives north of Hidalgo. It is referred to as Interstate 2 when driving west towards McAllen.
 * SH 550 is a new toll-road in the outskirts of the city leading to SH 48. It is the only toll road operating in the Rio Grande Valley. While 18-wheeler trucks tend to use this road, tourists can also use this as a way to reach Padre Island Hwy at a faster rate.
 * Carretera_federal_180.svg Mexico's Federal Highway 180 is easily accessible across the Veterans International Bridge into Matamoros, Tampico, and leads to Tampico and eventually to Cancún.

International bridges

 * Brownsville & Matamoros International Bridge meets at Mexico Blvd and into Palm Blvd, bridge is intended for passengers travelling from the West of Brownsville.
 * Gateway International Bridge connects to International Blvd, eventually leads to US Highway 77. It is next to the Mitte Cultural District.
 * Veteran's International Bridge at Los Tomates connects directly to US Highway 77. Easy way to cross into Mexico. Informally called Los Tomates or Veteran's by locals.

The addition of a fourth international bridge has been proposed with local government officials.

Every bridge sees traffic ranging from the average family car to freight trucks on a daily basis. Freight trucks are usually more common during weekends when shipments are released from factories in Brownsville.

By boat
You can arrive by boat on South Padre Island. Though there are no ferries to take you to the island, if you own a boat, simply direct yourself to the southernmost Texas coast. When arriving, there should be buses that can take you to Brownsville. The distance between the island and Brownsville is not that far apart so you should arrive no later than 25 minutes to the city.

By car
The best way to get around Brownsville is by car. If you don't have a car, there are multiple rental car agencies dotted around the city.

By bus
Brownsville Metro (B-Metro) - Main bus service providing rides within thirteen different routes throughout the city's major arteries. The system operates M-Sa 6AM-8PM. The terminal center, called La Plaza at Brownsville, is at 755 International Blvd close to the Gateway International Bridge. The center was completed in 2013 and also provides several restaurants with both indoor and outdoor seating.

By taxi
There are several taxi services provided right outside of the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport. They are easily accessible once arriving here (by plane). Prices depend on type of cab service.

By foot or bicycle
The city is known as the "Bicycling Capital of the Rio Grande Valley" so there will be several trails spanning long distances of the city. They connect to major arteries and other commercial areas. There are seven bike trails you can take to explore Brownsville (listed in the Do section of the article).

A BikeShare Program by Zagster has six bike stations around Brownsville, including several in the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Other locations include La Plaza Terminal, CityPlaza, Linear Park, Washington Park, Dean Porter Park and the Belden Connect. Membership for the program costs $35 per year, $15 per month and $2 an hour.

Brownsville and nine other cities in Cameron County have developed a hike-and-bike network plan to connecting these cities with one another. Paddle trails will be included connecting Brownsville to other cities near the coast.

See
Brownsville is home to many historic homes, battlefield sites, state parks, museums, art galleries and even a zoo. The presence of SpaceX has pushed the area to focus more on educating the public on the aerospace industry, which has dedicated several sites for locals to use to heighten their knowledge on rockets and space exploration.

Battlefield sites are sporadic in the city: you will find some to be in the outskirts and others in the center of highly commercial areas. These locations blend in with its surrounding areas. The state parks are included here because they are preserved by the state of Texas, thereby restricting major developments from occurring in the area. They also resemble sanctuaries for endangered wildlife and marine life that are only common in Brownsville.

Historic homes
The city of Brownsville has an endless list of historic buildings in Downtown. Many buildings include French, Spanish and sometimes a mix of both architecture styles. Take a walk through Downtown and visit these locations. Due to the large number of historic homes in Downtown, not every home is listed on here. For more information, please visit the visitor's website.

Festivals and events
The city is home to many festivals and events with different variety for tourists and locals. Make sure to search the visitor's website for more information on upcoming events, as some events tend to be held at multiple times during the year.

Buy

 * Ruben M. Torres Blvd is a street that is developing a highly commercial scene in the city. Many shopping centers (or plazas) have set up here in the past couple of years. One portion of the street is commercial while the other half is industrial based. It is the main road, other than the expressway, that leads to Sunrise Mall. With the addition of two hypermarkets at close proximity from each other, several chain restaurants and retail stores have moved into the area.
 * Pablo Kisel Blvd/Morrison Rd is the new commercial hot spot in Brownsville. Many national eateries and retailers have either moved from previous locations or have set up shop for the first time here. There are also many hotels in a short walking distance. Much of the success of both streets is owed to the proximity of the mall and the expressway.
 * Boca Chica Blvd is known regionally as "Four Corners" for its wide street lanes meeting with another major artery in the city. The intersection has shaped all four sides to look like corners. With the arrival of the new SpaceX facility is less than a year, the street will be the main route to see the rockets being launched. The street experienced an economic decline years ago but has been bringing back national retailers and chain restaurants to the area.
 * Boca Chica Blvd is known regionally as "Four Corners" for its wide street lanes meeting with another major artery in the city. The intersection has shaped all four sides to look like corners. With the arrival of the new SpaceX facility is less than a year, the street will be the main route to see the rockets being launched. The street experienced an economic decline years ago but has been bringing back national retailers and chain restaurants to the area.

Local stores
Brownsville's proximity to Matamoros introduced a "market" scene in Downtown. Many of the shops are local and sell a variety of items, including jewelry, dresses and shoes. Most businesses have operated in this area for several decades. As mentioned, the northern portion of the city has spurred economic development that has created several small business stores.

Eat
Brownsville's local restaurant scene has become more exciting, with La Southmost in particular receiving statewide and even national media attention for the quality and diversity of its tacos. Most of the eateries mentioned are newly constructed or have operated for a couple of years. Mexican is the most popular, as is Tex-Mex and seafood but different options have been introduced such as Italian and Thai cuisines. Coordinate points are approximate, not exact. The bold names divide each section based on highly commercial areas in Brownsville.

For tourists in the mood for authentic Mexican food, it is best to locate a restaurant in the Mitte Cultural District or La Southmost. Since those parts of town are closer to Mexico, there is a stronger chance of finding these kinds of eateries, not to mention the countless number of taquerias (or taco stands) in the city. Just be aware that the restaurant staff may not speak much English, and same for the menus. As Boca Chica is the main road leading to Boca Chica Beach, more seafood restaurants tend to be found here. Ruben M. Torres is a central part of the city, which has built several restaurants along its resacas, giving locals and tourists the option to dine by these water bodies. The northern portion of Brownsville, referred to as Pablo Kisel/Morrison, features more fine-dining restaurants, since it happens to be the wealthier part of town.

La Southmost
Good for breakfast before visiting the nearby Sabal Palm Sanctuary, and then lunch afterwards.

Stay safe
Despite Brownsville's reputation as a border town, the city is relatively safe. According to an FBI report conducted in early 2015, the Brownsville-Harlingen metropolitan area ranked last in a list of most dangerous cities. This makes Brownsville the safest metro area in Texas.

As long as you stay in the more commercial side of town and take precautions you will be safe. It is advised not to travel to Downtown around midnight. Most of the area is quiet and lonely around this time, raising the chances of theft or robberies. You should also lock your car when shopping, especially at night. While the city rarely experiences any major crimes, petty crimes like attempted robbery or vandalism are quite common.

If you are a victim of a crime or see one, please report it by calling the Brownsville Police Department at or 911. Their main building is at 600 E Jackson St.

Connect
It is important to understand how close Brownsville is to Mexico. When making a call or walking or driving around Downtown Brownsville or near the international bridges, expect your phone to change cell provider. Several Mexican cellphone providers that end up appearing in American phones include Telcel and Movistar. Locals have observed their phone changing cell phone provider throughout many parts of the city. If this happens to you, do not panic. It is very common for this to occur. A change in cell provider does not indicate Roaming is activated and it will not lead to overcharges in your account. This goes for any cell phone provider that operates in the United States.

Wi-Fi stations
Several hotels listed here provide free Wi-Fi service, as do many local and chain restaurants.

Consulates

 * 🇲🇽 Mexico

Public libraries
Brownsville has two public libraries, including a main library and a branch library.
 * Main Branch - at 2600 Central Blvd. Large array of books to purchase and check-out. Also has a coffee shop, modern computer atmosphere and a study room.
 * Southmost Branch - at 4320 Southmost Blvd. Good for studying. Provides a computer room, movie theatre, planetarium and a small coffee shop.

Go next

 * South Padre Island is a 20-minute drive east of Brownsville and is home to Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, beautiful coastlines for end to end, local restaurants, bars, condominiums/hotels, beaches, boat rides, bird watching, and concerts.
 * Matamoros, Mexico, Brownsville's border town, can be easily accessed by foot or car by crossing one of three bridges and offers a nightlife for many young tourists. Also has a popular market scene and historic buildings.
 * Monterrey, Mexico is a four-hour drive west of Brownsville near the Cerro de la Silla mountains and home to many museums, art galleries, sport stadiums and lots of historical architecture.
 * Port Isabel is directly across South Padre Island. Offers a quiet scene, nice local restaurants, fishing, boating/sailing charters, piers, museums, dolphin watch and the Port Isabel Lighthouse.

title: Brownsville (Texas)


text:
Brownsville (Vermont)

Brownsville is the major village of the town of West Windsor, Vermont. It is home to Ascutney Mountain Resort.

Get in
Close to Windsor.

Get around
Walk, drive, or ride a horse.

See
Brownsville is a quaint and beautiful town located at the base of Mount Ascutney. Throughout all four seasons there are plenty of outdoor activities that will allow you to absorb the atmosphere of a traditional Vermont town. If you enjoy more strenuous activities try hiking Mount Ascutney (only attempt this during the summer months and early autumn) The view of the village from the observation tower at the top of the Mountain is breathtaking. During the winter, get out your snowshoes and wander the snowmobile trails. It is always beautiful and if you're lucky you will catch sight of deer and other wildlife. From February through March is a great time to check out some of the family-owned sugar houses. Breathe in the maple scented air and try some maple-sugar candy!

Do
Miles of dirt roads for mountain biking, hiking trails, gorgeous vistas, hiking. Green Mt Horse Assoc. for year 'round equine events. Ascutney Mt bike trails. Home to international century run in July and 50 mile competition in Sept., secret swimming holes, Home of Winner of worlds best cheese competition in London, proximate to Dartmouth college, worlds longest dbl. span covered bridge, Saint Gaudins National historic site.

Buy
Buy from the one and only store- the Brownsville General Store, equipped with a variety of products whether you are looking for milk or you want a sheep wool hat.

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

title: Brownsville (Vermont)


text:
Brownsville (Washington)

Brownsville is a community on the Kitsap Peninsula in the Puget Sound region of Washington state.

Brownsville is one of Puget Sound's most secluded and snug harbors. Primarily a residential area, the small port area has a store and restaurant.

By car
It's about 6 miles east of Silverdale.

Get around
Most of Brownsville is accessible on foot from the marina.

See
Good place to watch boats, birds and wildlife on the harbor.

Do

 * BAD, Brownsville Appreciation Day is an annual event that takes place the 4th Saturday in September.

Sea kayaking
Sea kayaking can be a rewarding way to explore the area around Brownsville giving the paddler a closer and slower look at their surroundings and making Kitsap one of the most popular areas to kayak in Puget Sound. Thick forests of majestic pine and deciduous trees and hundreds of creeks and estuaries dot the coastline. Or just explore many harbor towns like Brownsville that cater to kayakers with shops and restaurants accessible from the water. Harbor Seals, Otters, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles and Blue Herons are common sites while the occasional viewing of an Orca or Grey Whale is not out of the question.

Kayak trails
Organized trails offer overnight camping options and maps of appropriate and scenic travel destinations.

Shellfishing
Shellfish are prized resources of the Puget Sound, the cool, clean waters provide some of the finest shellfish habitat in the world. Maps of public shellfishing areas and health warnings and updates can be found online at the States Fish and Wildlife website, as with all fishing in Puget Sound permits are required and can be purchased online or in some sporting goods stores. Brownsville does have a public shellfishing beach north of the marina however health closures are common in this area and the public access is small so it is highly advised to check conditions before going.

Sleep
More sleeping options available nearby in Bremerton, Silverdale and Bainbridge Island.

Go next
Silverdale is six miles to the west, Bremerton is to the south and Bainbridge Island is to the east across the water.

title: Brownsville (Washington)


text:
Bruce County

Bruce County is a region in Ontario comprising the Bruce Peninsula, 2½ hr north and west of the city of Toronto. The Bruce Peninsula is a finger of land surrounded by the waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay from Sauble Beach to Tobermory, and Wiarton to Lion's Head. The Peninsula is part of the Niagara Escarpment and is known for its views, rock formations, cliffs and hiking trails. The Lakeshore includes nearly a hundred kilometers of fresh water and soft sandy beaches.

Cities
The Bruce Peninsula is comprised of several communities - most of whom cater to tourists. There are many bed and breakfasts, motels, hotels and cottage rentals available in the area all year round. Here are some of the main communities in the area:

 * — known for its beautiful beaches
 * — peaceful port village on the shores of Isthmus bay at the 45th parallel, exactly halfway between the equator and the north pole. Surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs which, when viewed from Georgian Bay, resemble the head of a lion, giving Lion's Head its name.
 * — a primarily rural region of farmland and woodlots with a mild climate and a reputation for a relaxed, friendly lifestyle
 * — it has a thriving tourist industry, centred on its sandy beaches and Scottish cultural tradition
 * — known for its beautiful sandy beach on the coast of Lake Huron, in South Bruce Peninsula on the north edge of the Saugeen Nation, it has been compared many times to the beaches of the Mediterranean resort areas. Over 11 km long and said to be the second longest freshwater beach in the world after Wasaga Beach.
 * — includes the communities of Port Elgin and Southampton; a summer cottagers' town with great beaches and a picturesque lighthouse
 * — port town on the shores of Georgian Bay at the tip of the peninsula; well known for its two national parks: Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. The Bruce Peninsula National Park Visitors Centre is open year round and provides visitors with an interactive and informative view of the park.
 * — has a lovely waterfront park called Bluewater Park where there is a playground, a small sandy beach, boat launch and a trail that connects to the Bruce Trail.

Other destinations

 * — a large, particularly scenic part of the Niagara Escarpment near Tobermory.
 * — preserves the shores, coves and islands in Georgian Bay surrounding Tobermory, and provides opportunities for boating, diving, and island hopping.

Understand
The county was home to about 68,000 people in 2016.

Two First Nations communities make up 6% of the county's population: Parts of Bruce County (including First Nations reserves) are owned by the band. The peninsula is a popular tourist destination for camping, hiking and fishing. The Bruce Trail runs through the region to its northern terminus in the town of Tobermory. The Bruce Peninsula is a key area for both plant and animal wildlife. Part of the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve, the peninsula has the largest remaining area of forest and natural habitat in Southern Ontario, and is home to some of the oldest trees in eastern North America. An important flyway for migrating birds, the peninsula is habitat to a variety of animals, including black bear, massasauga rattlesnake, and barred owl.
 * Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
 * Saugeen First Nation (the Chippewas of Saugeen)

History
Bruce County was named after James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin (Lord Elgin), Governor General of Canada.

Until the mid-19th century, the area known as the Bruce Peninsula was territory controlled by the Saugeen Ojibway. At the time of first contact with Europeans, the peninsula was inhabited by the Odawa people, from whom a large number of local native people are descended. Oral history from Saugeen and Nawash suggests their ancestors have been here as early as 7500 years ago.

In 1836 the Saugeen Ojibway signed a treaty to cede lands south of the peninsula to the Canadian government in exchange for learning agriculture, proper housing, assistance in becoming "civilized", and for permanent protection of the peninsula. In 1854, the Saugeen Ojibway agreed to sign another treaty – this time for the peninsula itself. In 1994, after decades on increasing First Nations activism, the Saugeen Ojibway filed a suit for a land claim for part of their traditional territory; they claimed breach of trust by the Crown in failing to meet its treaty obligations to protect Aboriginal lands. The claim seeks the return of lands still held by the Crown and financial compensation for other lands. This claim is still active.

European settlement began on the peninsula in the mid-19th century, despite its poor potential for agricultural development. Attracted by the rich fisheries and lush forest, settlers found the land to be irresistible. In 1881 settlers built the first sawmill on the peninsula in Tobermory. In less than 20 years most of the valuable timber was gone and timber industry jobs declined. Fuelled by the waste left behind by the rapid logging and land clearances, intense fires sprang up around the peninsula. By the mid-1920s formerly abundant forests of the peninsula were nearly barren. When the lamprey eel was accidentally introduced to the Great Lakes in 1932, the devastation on the fish supply made the peninsula a less attractive place to live. Many left when fish stocks were depleted. The peninsula underwent a steady decline in population until the 1970s. In the late 20th century, the peninsula started to attract a new kind of resident, the cottager. Today seasonal residents out-number permanent residents. The summer influx of tourists is so great that many attractions, parking, and infrastructure are overwhelmed by sheer numbers.

By car
The Bruce Peninsula is accessed by several roads. You can reach the Bruce from Highway 26 from the Barrie area, Highway 6 from Guelph or Highway 21 from Sarnia, and Highway 10 and 6 from Toronto.

By plane
By plane, the choices are distant: Toronto Pearson International Airport in the north-west corner of Toronto is the nearest major airport, with flights from many domestic and international destinations. Slightly closer, Waterloo Region International Airport near Kitchener receives a handful of flights each day.

By train
The nearest railway stations with passenger service are in Toronto and Guelph.

Get around
Roads are mostly rural highways with one lane in each direction. Minor roads are occasionally unpaved.

See and do

The Bruce Peninsula is a place of diversity. Surrounded on almost 4 sides by the Great Lakes – the Bruce has many options for both the "beacher" and the hiker adventurer.

Water

Kayaking & canoeing is a popular sport – and the rugged shores of Georgian Bay make the perfect backdrop for a kayaker. There are several outfitters who can provide a rental kayak or canoe for travellers.

Sailing & power boating — The waters surrounding the peninsula provide a great spot for sailing and power boating. There are several marinas that provide transient or seasonal docking.

Fishing — Georgian Bay and Lake Huron have many large and small prize fishing available to fishermen. Salmon, lake trout, perch, pike - all can be caught from shore or using a downrigger. The inland lakes such as Gillies Lake or Miller Lake have bass, pickerel and trout. Fly fishermen enjoy the small brooks that harbour trout and other sport fish. Fishing charters can be booked - but you must have your fishing licence!

Hiking — Hike along the Bruce Trail from the Head of Trails in the Cyprus Lake Campground to The Grotto and Storm Haven. Both offer amazing views of water. The main trail is more than 890 km (550 mi) long and there are over 400 km (250 mi) of associated side trails. The trail mostly follows the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, one of the thirteen UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves in Canada.

Sight-seeing — Take the car carrying Chi-Cheemaun Ferry from Tobermory to Flower Pot Island (ferries run a few times a day from mid-May to the end of summer) to see natural flower pots and crystal clear waters.

Snowmobiling — Winter is treasured in Bruce County with over 1000 km of groomed snowmobile trails connecting this long, scenic county. There are maps, trails and tours on the snowmobiling page of the Bruce County Tourism website. For updated trail conditions and more information, also check out the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC).

Protected areas

Bruce County is home to a number of conservation areas with the jurisdiction of Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority and Grey Sauble Conservation Authority.
 * Bruce Peninsula National Park
 * Fathom Five National Marine Park
 * Inverhuron Provincial Park
 * MacGregor Point Provincial Park
 * Sauble Falls Provincial Park
 * Black Creek Provincial Park

Lighthouses
The Bruce Peninsula's shoreline has several lighthouses, necessary to provide guidance to the many ships that would pass by her shores. The Cove Island Light, near Tobermory, is one of the six famous "Imperial" lighthouses built in the 1850s by John Brown which can be found on the mainland and on nearby islands of the northern Bruce Peninsula. Other lighthouses include:
 * Lion's Head Lighthouse
 * Flowerpot Island
 * Big Tub Lighthouse
 * Knife & Lyal Island Lighthouse
 * Cape Croker Lighthouse
 * Cabot Head Lighthouse

Go next
From spring to fall, take the Chi-Cheemaun ferry fom Tobermory to Manitoulin Island. The trip is about 2 hours.

title: Bruce County


text:
Bruck

The name Bruck is usually derived from the German word Brücke, meaning bridge. Therefore many citys are named that way.

 * 1) Bruck (Leitha) a city in Lower Austria.
 * 2) Bruck an der Mur a city in Styria.
 * 3) Bruck (Ziller) a city in Tyrol.

title: Bruck


text:
Bruck an der Mur

Bruck an der Mur is a city of about 16,000 people (2018) in the north of Styria in Austria. In medieval times was one of the most important trading centres in Styria, nowadays Bruck an der Mur is one of the major train hubs (two international train routes cross here) in Austria, so it's very likely that you come across this city while travelling through the country.

By train
Getting in by train is fairly easy. Vienna and Graz have hourly connections to Bruck an der Mur. Furthermore there are connections to Salzburg, Klagenfurt, Villach, Linz and Innsbruck every two hours. Connections to Salzburg require changing trains at Leoben (except Night trains).

By plane
The nearest airports are located in Graz or Klagenfurt. However Salzburg, Linz, Vienna and Maribor airports are also a possible option. Concidering the service Vienna and Graz are the most reasonable options.

On foot
If you get in by train, follow Bahnhofsstrasse, cross the bridge at the end of the road and follow Herzog-Ernst-Gasse which takes you directly to centre of the city. (Hauptplatz) It's about 15 minutes on foot. Many of the city's sights are close to Hauptplatz and therefor it's a good place to start exploration.

By bus
Local bus lines No 1, 2 and 180 run between Kolloman-Wallisch-Platz (Main Square) and Kapfenberg Euromarkt. All courses towards Kapfenberg run via the Main Railway station. Lines No. 11 and 12 take you from the Main Square to the murinsel. Tickets can be bought directly on the bus.

By car
As in any bigger city, most of the parking space in the inner city is subject to fees and parking space may generally be rare during weekdays. There's a convenient parking garage at Hauptplatz, prices are around €2 per hour. Tickets for the short-term parking zones can be obtained from ticket machines on the streets.

See

 * - one of the largest city squares in Austria. Many sights are on and around the square which was rebuilt in 2006, when Bruck held the provincial exhibition about health.
 * — a beautiful Venetian-style house, built in the late 15th century at Hauptplatz.
 * — in the middle of Hauptplatz, this fountain has beautiful iron decorations which are unique in Styria. The fountain is at least 400 years old, since it has been mentioned in 1613 for the first time. (due to repair works)
 * — the main (Catholic) church of Bruck
 * - historic church of the Minorites order
 * — convention centre with large multi-purpose venue. It houses also the city museum and the city cinema with one theatre. Movie screenings are usually one a day around 19:00.
 * - The city's park is located between the sport hall and the Kulturhaus. Along the south side of the Stadtpark, a well-preserved stretch of the ancient town wall can be seen, running up to the Schlossberg.
 * — in the heart of the city the Schlossberg mountain thrones above the city. At night the mountain is illuminated in different colours, formerly depending also on temperature.
 * — the Landmark of Bruck is the clock and time tower on the southern end of the Schlossberg. The bells are silent nowadays, but the time can still be seen from many places.
 * — the remains of the former castel "Landskron" can still be seen clearly today. Along the southern and western sides of the ancient walls the whole valley can be seen.
 * — 100 m west of the Uhrtum the Stuckhütte still houses three ancient canons. Additional canons are lent to the city of Graz and can be visited on the Graz Schlossberg.
 * — The architectural landmark of Bruck is located at the place, the name Bruck, German for bridge, oringinates. The new 60-m-long bow bridge crosses the river Mur around 200 m west of the confluence of the Mur and Mürz rivers.
 * — a mermaid-like statue on a viewing platform hanging over the Mur river.
 * ("Turbo roundabout") — The main crossroads in Bruck is a two-lane roundabout, a new concept for Austria. In the middle of the roundabout is a large sculpture named "The Runner".
 * ("Turbo roundabout") — The main crossroads in Bruck is a two-lane roundabout, a new concept for Austria. In the middle of the roundabout is a large sculpture named "The Runner".

Do

 * — the Weitental valley serves as recreational area near the city of Bruck.
 * The valley contains several activity parks, a "Kneipp"-facility and a natural preservation facility. Along the valley numerous hiking paths run along the mountain slopes. The hike up to is one of the classic tours for inhabits.
 * The is the source of the Weitentalbach and a often used target for strolling through the Weitental as it determines the end of the valley. The water is crystal clear and potable. The water also gets used for Bruck public water service.
 * Several mountain bike tracks run up until Schweizeben. In winter the road from Weitental to Schweizeben and Hochanger is used as tobogganing run. Recommended ascent via Kalvarienberg, then follow the forest road further up. In descent follow the tracks in snow.
 * — the Madereck is the 1053-m-high mountain north-west of Bruck. Several paths lead to its top, the most common being the hike from Oberdorf and from Pögelhof. Later is the direct hike from city center.
 * — home of the local football club. Also provides a gravel running track that is free to use when no sports event are held.
 * — home of the local football club. Also provides a gravel running track that is free to use when no sports event are held.
 * — home of the local football club. Also provides a gravel running track that is free to use when no sports event are held.

Events

 * Gauklerfest — A village fair hold every second Saturday in August. Mainly dominated by jugglers.
 * Martini-Markt — Carnival held every year on November 11.

Buy

 * — the central street in the city centre used to be the major shopping street. Many shops have closed dur to declining business and increasing pressure from shops on the major arterial roads.
 * — Some shops have moved from the town core across the river closer towards the roundabout and motorway connector. Due to its location near the "Brucker Harfe" (Bridge) locals dubbed the quarter "Harfenviertel" in comparison to the word "Hafenviertel" (harbour quarter).

Drink

 * Supercalafradglisticexpealidocious Bayer - Am Wiener Tor 1. As you might expect, locals call the pub just Bayer.
 * Supercalafradglisticexpealidocious Bayer - Am Wiener Tor 1. As you might expect, locals call the pub just Bayer.

Go next

 * Grüner See — a beautiful lake close to Tragöß. Well known for its stunning green color, this lake offers fantastic walks and is a perfect place for diving. (You need a valid diving licence to dive there, there is no diving school) If you are travelling by car head for Tragöß. It will take about 30 min to reach Grüner See by car. Be aware that the parking space at Grüner See is subject to fees. (about €2 for one day)
 * Semmering the alpine pass between Graz and Vienna encompasses two ski areas and the railway UNESCO heritage.

title: Bruck an der Mur


text:
Brufut

Brufut is a city in the Gambia.

title: Brufut


text:
Bruges

Bruges (Dutch: Brugge) is a picturesque city in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. Once Europe's richest city, now both cosmopolitan and bourgeois in its compact size. It is mainly known for its exceptionally well-preserved historical centre (especially by Belgian standards), which draws over 400,000 tourists annually.

History
In the 2nd century AD there was a Gallo-Roman settlement, but the city got its foundations in the 9th century when the Vikings landed. The name Brugge indeed likely comes from the Old Norse "bryggja", translating to harbor or jetty, and was first mentioned between 850 and 875. During the following centuries there were strong connections to the north, and Bruges became one of the trading points of the Hanseatic League. Interestingly, the historical Hanseatic harbour of Bergen is also known as Bryggen.

Bruges became the capital of Flanders in 1089, and an 1134 storm created the tidal canal Zwin, improving the connection to the sea. As such the city developed into the economic capital of northwestern Europe in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, and this was the golden age of the city. This age saw the construction of many of the city's impressive old buildings, and its second city wall. The world's first stock exchange was formed, the Waterhalle was a lively trading place, and the city of 46,000 inhabitants was a home to painters, architects and other artists and the Duke of Burgundy set up one of his courts here.

The death of Mary of Burgundy in 1482 marked the beginning of the end of the golden days. The royal family soon left, nearby Antwerp became a more important trading point, silting eventually made the Zwin unusable, and the Spanish rule from 1592 to 1713 during which several wars were fought in the region all made the city one of the poorest, rather than richest cities in the region. The city changed hands between the Austrians, French and Dutch before becoming part of the independent Belgium in 1830.

The Industrial Revolution didn't bring much industry to Bruges. Ironically, the poverty that characterized Bruges in the 19th century is one reason the town's historic architecture is so well-preserved: there was usually simply no budget to modify the town on a large scale. However, in the 1890s two events revived interest in the city; on the cultural side the novel Bruges-la-Morte by Georges Rodenbach and on the economic side the construction of the Port of Zeebrugge, one of Western Europe's most important freight ports today. A canal from Zeebrugge to Bruges, the 12-km-long Boudewijnkanaal, was finished in 1905. Also, the 1902 art exhibition of Flemish Primitives (Early Netherlandish painting) helped re-establish Bruges as a cultural center.

However, of much greater significance in shaping the town's highly touristic character, is of course the historical architecture found in virtually the entire historic city centre. Although many monuments and other buildings in the town centre have medieval origins, referring to Bruges as a 'medieval' town is inaccurate, considering most of the architecture in the historic centre dates to the 17th century and later, with many buildings (such as the old Town Hall at Burg square) having undergone serious neogothic-style renovations, chiefly under the influence of the architect Louis Delacenserie (1838-1909). Surviving both world wars mostly intact, the old town was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2000 and two years later it held the title as the European Cultural Capital.

Climate
Even by Belgian standards, Bruges has a poor reputation for its weather. Compared to other western European cities like London and Paris, the weather in Bruges is colder and damper. Even in July and August, average daily maximum temperatures struggle to exceed 21°C (70°F) and rainfall averages 203 mm (8 in) a month. In autumn, temperatures drop off quite rapidly and winter months are damp and chilly.

The summer visitor should always be prepared for rain in Bruges, as warm and sunny weather is not constant during that season. The daily and monthly temperature variations are quite small; average highs and average lows don't exceed a range of 9°C (or 16°F).

Tourist information

 * Visit Bruges website

By plane
Bruges shares its airport with Ostend. The Ostend-Bruges International Airport has a long runway and a seaside location providing for a picturesque approach, but its passenger traffic is pretty much limited to seasonal flights to holiday destinations. It is also a major hub for cargo airlines, so planespotters may find it of interest.

More viable as a point of entry is the Brussels National Airport, Belgium's largest, as well as Charleroi ( Brussels South) and Lille , so getting to Bruges by train is by far the easiest way. Only one change at one of the three main stations is needed and the entire connection takes about 1½ hr.

From Brussels
Travelling to Bruges on Belgium's excellent rail system is a natural choice. Trains to and from Brussels leave every 30min to during the day. The journey from Brussel-Zuid (Dutch) or Bruxelles-Midi (French) to Bruges takes about an hour. You can also travel from Brussels-Central or Brussels-North on the same line, and trains travelling to Bruges are travelling in the direction of any coastal station except De Panne (so any train to Ostend / Oostende, Knokke or Blankenberge is fine). If you're travelling on the Eurostar that same day, this cost may be included in your ticket if it shows "Any Belgian Station". Otherwise, buy a ticket when you get to the station. Luggage lockers are available 06:00-22:00. For more information on schedules, prices, and services visit the website of the NMBS/SNCB. Note that there are first and second class seats. To identify them, look for a number next to a "no smoking" sign somewhere in the wagon. For groups of travellers under 25, a 10-ride card might be the cheapest, that offers 10 pre-paid rides between any Belgian train stations.

Be aware that trains are often full to and from Bruges, especially during rush hours, so if you or your travel companions have any problems with mobility you could be standing the whole trip or at best sitting in the entry area of the carriage. There isn't really any solution to this during the tourist season when Bruges is wall to wall people.

From Lille (France)
From the train station of Lille Flanders, there are hourly trains to Bruges. Though crossing the boundary might result in non-available reductions (s.a. the 10-ride card).

General info
From the railway station, all hotels are easily reachable on foot, it can also be done with a backpack. However, if you have a suitcase consider taking a taxi because the cobbled streets make the use of wheeled suitcases or carry-on bags very difficult. Also be sure to wear comfortable shoes, because of the cobblestones.

By car
Buses and camping vehicles are not allowed within the city centre. There is a perfect parking place for them on the south side of the city with a newly designed gangway bringing you directly into the heart of the town. It is in general a bad idea to venture inside with a car, as parking is limited and finding your way difficult. There are multi-storey car parks a five-minute walk from the city centre. Nice city mini-buses cruise the town with high frequency, and in any case, the historical centre must be traversed on foot, by bicycle, by horse-drawn carriage or by boat to enjoy it.

By ferry
DFDS Seaways operates ferries from Dover to Dunkirk every 2 hr. From Dunkirk, Bruges is 75 km away. This can only be done by driving as they do not take foot passengers. A DFDS ferry to Holland from Newcastle sails daily. From its port in IJmuiden, Amsterdam you can reach Bruges is less than 3 hr by car.

The ferry from Kingston upon Hull to Zeebrugge was axed in 2021.

By cruise ship
Virtually all dock at the major harbour of Zeebrugge. In addition to ship's tours, most offer shuttles to Blankenberge, a nearby town offering economical, hourly train service to Bruges, which is 20 minutes or so away.

Get around
The historical centre is not so big and thus quite walkable (be sure to wear comfortable shoes). The only mode of public transport inside the city is bus. They are operated by the Flemish public transport company De Lijn. They frequent nearly all major points of interest plus the train station. Taxis on the market place and station cost about. Bicycles are easy to rent and make getting around the city very speedy, although the cobblestoned paths can make rides a little bumpy and uncomfortable.

See
Bruges was known as a "dead city" for centuries. The sanding of the harbour and the difficulties of digging canals in the sand caused heavy economic burdens on the city between the Middle Ages and the 20th century. The population managed to survive but did not grow as there was no new industrial activity during that period.

As a result, once over the encircling canal and inside the city walls, Bruges closes in around you with street after street of charming historic houses and a canal always nearby. The newly cleaned houses and the small canals should however not confuse you; they are truly centuries old. And if you can get away from the chocolate shops, you can visit some more quiet areas such as St. Anna, and imagine what life in the late Middle Ages must have been like. The historic centre of Bruges and its belfry are s.

Several youth hostels, and probably the train station and tourist information offer a useful map with some very interesting, 'non-tourist' places to see during the day and some unique places to visit at night. It provides a good way of getting an authentic feel for the town whilst avoiding the tourist hotspots and allows you to find some hidden gems.

Some highlights:

Bruges is visited by a huge number of tourists and it sometimes becomes quite annoying, especially around the Markt and Burg squares. Very few tourists venture far away from the main shopping area, so if you want some peace and quiet you should explore the many small cobbled streets away from the main squares.

More Museums
Musea Brugge Card covers Groeninge Museum, Belfort (Belfry), Stadhuis (City Hall), Sint-Janshuis Mill etc.

Do

 * HelicopterFlight: Morning and afternoon. Helicopter flights over Bruges and its surrendings.
 * Compare the real Bruges to the one depicted in the movie In Bruges.
 * Football at
 * HelicopterFlight: Morning and afternoon. Helicopter flights over Bruges and its surrendings.
 * Compare the real Bruges to the one depicted in the movie In Bruges.
 * Football at
 * Compare the real Bruges to the one depicted in the movie In Bruges.
 * Football at
 * Football at

Chocolate
Chocolate shops are plentiful and the standard is always high. Word on the street is, that you can get anything covered in chocolate and moulded. A few chocolate shops also let you have a seat an order a homemade chocolate milk or other drink. There is a particularly vast number of chocolate shops at the Katelijnestraat.

For those who do not wish to buy chocolate in the chocolate shops, the local supermarkets also sell a good variety of mass-produced chocolate at fairly low prices. For the frugal, you can buy 100-200 g gourmet bars of chocolate for about each. Good brands to buy are Côte-d'Or and Jacques, both are Belgian.

Beer
If you don't want anything more than a sampling of the most famous Belgian beers, supermarkets (not night shops!) are probably your best choice. They even have gift packs with glasses. There are also many boutique-style beer shops that sell high-quality gift packs of Belgian beer, as well as beer-focused cafés (such as  't Brugs Beertje which has over 300 different types of beer to offer).

Art
There are plenty of arts and crafts shops too, with some excellent local artists. The lacework is risky: if everything sold was produced locally, the entire town would be working in the lace industry! There is a school for lace though, where you can still get "the real thing".

Most European tourists come for the weekend, so shops are open Tuesday through Sunday, but many shops and museums are closed on Mondays. Be sure to plan ahead.

Eat

If you are looking for a great place to eat in Bruges, avoid all of the restaurants in the central market square ("Grote Markt"). No matter how pleasant the view from there may look, they will offer you low-quality, overpriced food, served to you by waiters who are as rude and as slow as they are underpaid. One tactic used by such tourist trap restaurants at the central market is to present items (e.g. bread) as if they were free with your meal, then charge you for them. Even water may be charged at an exorbitant or more for a small bottle. Another scheme to bilk the traveller is to quote absurdly-high prices (such as for a single serving of fries), then claim to be offering "a 10% discount for locals".

You will, however, find great food if you wander off the beaten track. The historical centre of Bruges does have many pleasant and cozy restaurants with affordable and high-quality food to offer if you know the right addresses! Find a street with more locals than tourists and ask somebody about a good place to eat at. The locals will be glad to help (English proficiency in Dutch-speaking Belgium is generally quite good).

Drink

 * The area just north of the performing arts centre has various cafes, most with sufficient beer selections, such as Café Leffe.
 * The area just north of the performing arts centre has various cafes, most with sufficient beer selections, such as Café Leffe.
 * The area just north of the performing arts centre has various cafes, most with sufficient beer selections, such as Café Leffe.
 * The area just north of the performing arts centre has various cafes, most with sufficient beer selections, such as Café Leffe.

Sleep
During the summer Bruges is a very popular tourist destination; reservations are probably preferable.

During the winter (Nov-Mar) a number of hotels offer a midweek promotion: 3 nights for the price of 2, if you arrive on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday.

Connect
As of June 2022, Bruges has 4G from Base / Telenet and Orange, and 5G from Proximus / Scarlet.

Go next
The most popular day trips from Bruges:

 * Damme is a small town near Bruges. A seasonal riverboat goes there on a cruise of 35 minutes each way. It's a very scenic trip, the landscapes are picturesque, and the village of Damme even more so. You can also go there by bike (special route). Local bus service to Damme is very limited and a trip from the Bruges railway station takes 24 minutes.
 * Sluis is a charming small historic city just across the Netherlands border, where the Damse Vaart (Damme Canal) terminates. Very popular among Belgians to go shopping on Sundays, as the shops are all open there then. A direct bus (line 42) connects Bruges to Sluis, or you could go there by bicycle on the bike path along the Damse Vaart (17 km).
 * Ypres (Ieper) is an important site of Great War battles, cemeteries, monuments and traditions such as the Last Post (every evening). Very popular among old veterans and young boys interested in wars. Sadly the public-transport connection between Ypres and Bruges isn't great, a train ride takes 1 hr 30 min, and a combination of train and bus still takes at least 1 hr. So trips to Ypres are only advisable when you have a car available.
 * Ostend (Oostende) is the monumental beach resort, called queen of the coastal cities resort. King Leopold II (1865-1909) built before his attention turned to inner-city Brussels to build his new capital. The quintessential cosmopolitan 19th-century beach resort, full of endearing villas that have been classified as official monuments. Less than 15 minutes by train. Close by, about 10 min by tram towards Raversijde, you can find the Atlantic Wall, two kilometres of trenches and galleries dating from both World Wars.
 * De Haan is a beach resort with many fanciful buildings in the belle époque style. Residential streets are lined by many quaint houses. De Haan is an easy side-trip from Bruges by train to Ostend and then by the coastal tram (Kusttram) to the station De Haan aan Zee.
 * Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp are great tourist destinations in their own right, and very easy to reach by train (30 minutes to Ghent, 1 hr to Brussels and Antwerp).

title: Bruges


text:
Brumadinho

Brumadinho is a city of 37,000 people (2013) in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The Inhotim Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the most important art venues of Brazil, is located in the city.

Get in
From Belo Horizonte a Saritur bus for Brumadinho departs daily at 08:15 for R$40-46 (Dec 2021).

Do
Numerous tourist attractions, cultural and ecological tourism are
 * the Serra do Rola-Moça State Park
 * the Serra da Moeda (a place for extreme sports)
 * the tourist circuit of Veredas do Paraopeba, which encompasses several landscapes and which are considered heritage sites listed by State Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage of Minas Gerais, which includes buildings built in the 18th century, such as the:
 * Fazenda dos Martins
 * the historic village of Piedade do Paraopeba
 * the historic 300-year-old Nossa Senhora da Piedade Church inaugurated in 1713 with rich artistic and sacred elements
 * Nossa Senhora das Dores Church in the town of Córrego do Feijão
 * the district of Casa Branca, a village surrounded by mountains, housing inns and a cuisine based on traditional Minas Gerais cuisine
 * the Inhotim Institute, the biggest open-air museum in Latin America, with one of the most expressive collections of contemporary art in Brazil, in the district with the same name

title: Brumadinho


text:
Bruneck

Bruneck (Italian: Brunico) is a city in Puster Valley in South Tyrol, Italy. The town is economically and culturally the centre of the Puster valley.

Understand
Bruneck was first settled back in the Stone Age. Objects found (such as the stone axe in Rasen), date back to the Bronze and Iron Ages and can be seen in Bruneck and places around it. Relicts of Roman times can be seen everywhere - such as the milestone in Sonnenburg directly on the main road, which marked the route the Legions took through the valley from Aquileja to Aguntum.

The Celtic-Illyrishen tribes were Christianised and taken over by Romans until the Bavarians took over the supremacy of the region (after savage battles with the Slaves) in the sixth century.

A witness of this is the founding of the ”Stift Innichen“ by Duke Tassilo II in 769 AD.

Reflected in the names of the region are the Bavarian settlers - The county Pustrissa was given to a Count who made Sunapurc (Sonnenburg) his home, which still exists and is now Castle Hotel Sonnenburg in Sankt Lorenzen.

In 1091 Emperor Henry VI gave the region (later to the Bruneck) to the Bishop of Brixen, Altwin.

In order to safeguard his lands and property Bishop Bruno von Kirchberg and Bullenstein built the Castle and town of Bruneck in 1250. In 1256 the settlement “apud Bruneke“ appears in the records. In 1370 the town was given the freedom of “weekly markets“.

Flourishing business and trade helped the town grow- At the beginning of the fifteenth century the first houses and workshops were built - mostly for the craftsmen. It was the birth of the picturesque ”Stadtgasse“. Floods in the 14th and 19th centuries, the plague (1543/44), catastrophic fires and earthquakes struck the town, but Bruneck was rebuilt again and again.

The years between 1814-1914 can be called the “flourishing years“ - visitors started to discover the region and alpinism begin to establish itself. 1871 saw the opening of the Puster Valley Railway.

With the outbreak of the First World War this period came to an end, although the town was spared destruction during the war. The Second World War took lives and left its mark behind.

Get in
There are various ways of getting here to the heart of the Alps - quickly and comfortably.

See more information on how to get to South Tyrol in general in that article.

By plane
There are pooled shuttle services from Verona, Munich , Innsbruck and other Airports to Bruneck.

By train
Bruneck is on the Franzenfeste-Innchen(-Lienz) stretch (Pustertal Line). There are trains hourly in each direction. Most are new, easily accessible to people with reduced mobility. At Franzenfeste there is perfect connection (4 minutes wait) to and from trains to Brenner and Bolzano. A few trains continue right onward to Innsbruck, otherwise there is yet another perfectly timed connection at Brenner.

Its possible to take the train from Southeast or Central Europe (or Vienna) via Graz to Lienz and come straight into the Puster Valley and to Bruneck. Otherwise the normal route is via Innsbruck, the Brenner Pass and transferring at Franzenfeste.

By car
There are several possibilities to reach Bruneck. You can choose the direct route over the Brenner Pass or you can take a scenic route over several mountain passes.
 * Coming from the north on the motorway via the Brenner Pass.
 * Coming from the south via Verona on the Brenner Motorway.
 * Or coming from the north via Innsbruck on the main road across the Brenner Pass (E45).
 * Coming from the north via the Reschen Pass (Nr 40)
 * Coming from Switzerland via St. Moritz.
 * Coming from East Tyrol via Lienz.

For further detailed information, you can use any number of route-planning sites, and remember that if for some reason you can't find Bruneck on the site in question, you should try the town's Italian name, Brunico.

By bus
For information click onto the SAD (Società Automobilistica Dolomiti) website.

See

 * The Graben (Italian: Bastioni) is the main street/promenade running through the town. Many of the historic buildings in the town lie along it.

Do

Sleep

title: Bruneck


text:
Brunei

The Sultanate of Brunei is a small but — thanks to natural gas and petroleum resources — very rich country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia.

Although Brunei is not on most travellers' radar, it is a country of tranquil mosques, pristine jungles, and friendly inhabitants. Its full name is Negara Brunei Darussalam, with Darussalam appropriately meaning "Abode of Peace".

Cities

 * – the capital, sometimes known as "Bandar" or "BSB" for short
 * – gateway town to the unspoilt nature of Temburong
 * – second largest city and border town on the way to Sarawak, Malaysia
 * — a small port town
 * – centre for the oil industry, with a dedicated museum and the Billionth Barrel Monument
 * – a small town, located on the banks of Tutong River

Other destinations

 * – the first and the only national park established in Brunei, contains unspoilt jungle and is known as the "Green Jewel of Brunei"

Understand
Brunei is a pint-sized oil-rich sultanate with a population of 450,000 as of 2016, strategically positioned on the South China Sea, close to vital sea lanes linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its oil resources have generated great wealth for the Sultan and some of the local people, and the best evidence of this is seen in the palaces and mosques. However many Bruneians, including those who live in the water village (Kampong Ayer), still have relatively simple, albeit comfortable livelihoods.

The description of an "oil-rich sultanate" might conjure the images of Dubai or Qatar, but travellers with such expectations will likely be disappointed. Brunei does not have much in terms of grandiose man-made attractions, and although excellent diving and jungle trekking are available, it does not have mind-blowing natural parks as the neighbouring Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak do. Many people that visit Brunei actually do so only for the sake of "country collection" or "passport stamp collection".

If there are attractions particular to Brunei, it is perhaps the absence of crowds, the comfortable but relaxed atmosphere, and the way that society remains religious and conservative, refusing to embrace modernity and globalisation despite having the material wealth to do so.

History
The Sultanate of Brunei's heyday occurred between the 15th-17th centuries, when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate. It was offered the opportunity to join Malaysia as a state in 1963, but opted out of the federation due to a disagreement on the amount of its oil income that would have to be given to the central government in Kuala Lumpur. After an Indonesian-backed insurrection failed in 1962, the Sultan consolidated power as an absolute monarch, and the country is under a constant state of emergency renewed every 2 years. Independence was achieved in 1984. One family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries.

After independence, the Brunei Investment Agency invested some US$40 billion of Brunei's funds in Crown Prince and Finance Minister Jefri Bolkiah's Amedeo fund. When the Asian financial crisis hit in 1998, it turned out that Jefri had appropriated some $14.8 billion of the sum for himself, using the funds to amass 2,000 cars, a private Boeing 747 jumbo jet, a yacht named Tits and life-size golden statues of himself having sex. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah sent Jefri to the naughty corner and has personally overseen the sultanate's finances ever since.

 * Independence : 1 Jan 1984 (from the UK)
 * National holiday : National Day, 23 Feb (1984); by tradition Brunei's independence is celebrated on this day — 23 Feb 1984 was the date of independence from British protection, while 1 Jan 1984 was the date of political independence from the UK
 * Constitution : 29 Sep 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since Dec 1962, others since independence)

The Istana Nurul Iman is the world's largest occupied residential palace. The 300-acre palace sits on a man-made hill with a clear view of Kampong Ayer. Istana Nurul Iman is the residence of the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and the palace is quoted to have an estimated value at USD 600 million.
 * Landmarks:

Economy
The backbone of Brunei's economy is oil and gas and the Sultan of Brunei is, famously, one of the richest people in the world with an estimated personal wealth of around USD 40 billion. Per capita GDP is far above most other developing countries, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides all citizens with a comprehensive welfare state without levying any income tax.

All sectors of the economy are fairly heavily regulated and government policy is an odd mixture of subsidies, protectionism and encouragement of entrepreneurship. Brunei's leaders are attempting to balance the country's steadily increasing integration into the world economy with internal social cohesion. It became a more prominent player in the world by serving as chairman for the 2005 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) Forum. Plans for the future include upgrading the workforce, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist sectors, and, in general, widening the economic base beyond oil and gas.

Culture
Given their shared history, Brunei shares many cultural similarities with neighbouring Malaysia, with the Malay language serving as a common link between both countries.

Brunei is officially an Islamic state, with many large beautiful mosques across the country. Sale of alcohol is banned. Bringing in meat (other than seafood) that has not been certified "halal" (slaughtered according to Islamic law) is also banned. It is possible, however, to find pork at eateries catering to the ethnic Chinese community. During the fasting month of Ramadan, many non-Muslim-owned shops and restaurants will be open. However, eating, drinking or smoking in front of people who are fasting is considered rude and asking permission is appropriate. Expect everything to be closed - including hotel restaurants, and all shops - during Friday prayers (12:00-14:00) all year. Things start closing around 11:00, and start reopening again around 14:00. Even the buses stop running, though you might still be able to catch a water taxi.

The bulk of the population is Malay (67%) and there is also a significant Chinese minority of around 15% as well as a number of indigenous peoples, including the Iban and Dusun tribes who inhabit the jungle upriver and the Temburong district (the smaller eastern part detached from the rest of Brunei). There are many foreign workers who work on the oil and gas production or in lower positions such as restaurant staff, field workers and domestic staff. The male to female ratio is 3:2. More than a quarter of the people are short term immigrant workers, most of whom are men.

Geography and climate
Brunei's climate is sub-tropical. Temperatures range from 14-33°C, January being the hottest month. The rainy season is always mild and humid, followed by a hot and humid dry season. The difference between the two seasons is not that marked, however. The rainforest and jungle areas tend to be cooler and wetter than the coastal region.

Brunei's topology is of a flat coastal plain rises to mountains in the east, the highest point being Bukit Pagan at 1,850 metres, with some hilly lowlands in the west.

There are no typhoons, earthquakes, severe flooding or other forms of natural disasters to contend with, and the biggest environmental issue is the seasonal haze resulting from forest fires (that is caused by illegal clearing of land) in nearby Indonesia.

Tourist information

 * Brunei Tourism website

Talk
The official language of Brunei is Malay (Bahasa Melayu), but due to its British colonial past, English is widely spoken and understood in urban areas, though sometimes with a thick accent. A little Malay will come in handy in rural areas, as English proficiency is limited there.

While all Bruneians are able to speak standard Malay, the local dialect of Malay has some ideosyncrasies that can make it tricky to understand if you only just started learning Malay. Brunei also officially uses the Arabic script for Malay known as Jawi. Outside of government signage and religious publications almost all signs use the Roman alphabet.

The ethnic Chinese community in Brunei continues to speak a variety of Chinese languages, including Hokkien, Teochew, and several others. Mandarin is taught in Chinese schools, so most ethnic Chinese are conversant in it as well.

Tourist sites always have signage in English, and often in Chinese as well due to the large numbers of Chinese tourists.

Get in
Compared to other nations in South East Asia, Brunei's visa policy is a bit more restrictive.

Entry requirements
All foreign nationals must fill out an online arrival form prior to their arrival in Brunei.

Foreign nationals of the following countries/territories can enter Brunei visa-free as long as they present a passport valid for at least 6 months:

For up to 90 days: All European Union member states, British citizens and subjects with right of abode in the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, United States

For up to 30 days: Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates

For up to 14 days: Cambodia, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Maldives, Myanmar, Peru, Russia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam

Nationals of Israel are not allowed to enter Brunei, though other passports containing Israeli stamps and visas are not a problem for entry.

Citizens of Australia and Bahrain can obtain a visa on arrival (single or multiple entry) for 30 days. Citizens of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait can get a single-entry, 30-day visa on arrival. Citizens of China, Qatar and Taiwan can obtain a visa on arrival for 14 days. These citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for $20 or a 3-day transit visa for $5. Immigration officers at Sungai Tujoh Checkpoint between Miri and Kuala Belait will not accept payment for a visa on arrival other than in Brunei or Singapore dollars — there is no ATM and cheques are not accepted. At Brunei airport payment must also be made in cash. There is a money changer (with reasonable rates), but no ATM prior to immigration. If you need a visa-on-arrival, make sure you join the right queue at entry. Joining the foreign passport queue will see you sent to the back of the line. Large tour groups requiring visas on arrival can jam up the system. You may have to be quick, persistent or patient.

Proof of return or onward travel is officially required to check in for your flight to Brunei. If you are leaving overland, for example via Kuala Belait and onwards to Miri, then your flight out of Miri is acceptable. If you plan to leave by ferry you will need to purchase a cheap flight out of Brunei before you arrive there. Alternatively, you can book an expensive (but fully refundable) flight, and cancel it afterwards.

From Kuala Lumpur, Air Asia is not enforcing this rule; hence you probably won't need such a proof of return if you fly from KL.

Those who need a visa must apply in advance at a Brunei embassy, where processing can take up to 3 days and costs $20 for a single entry visa. See Brunei Immigration Department for the latest details.

By plane

Getting there/away: A taxi to Bandar Seri Begawan downtown takes 20 minutes and costs around $25. A covered walk down to the end of the car park further away from the Terminal (turn right from Arrivals) leads to a bus stop for Purple buses to the city centre ($1) that only run during the day.

If flights to Brunei are full or expensive, an alternative is flying to nearby Miri in Malaysia and taking the bus to Brunei instead (3 hours).

By car
You can drive into Brunei from Sarawak, Malaysia. There are two entry points for the main part of Brunei, one from Miri at Sungai Tujuh and one from Limbang at Kuala Lurah (Tedungan on the Malaysian side). Both these crossings have drive-through immigration checkpoints at the border but queues can be horribly long, especially during weekends.

It is also possible to drive from the Sarawak towns of Limbang and Lawas to the Temburong district of Brunei. A bridge across the Pandaruan River was opened in December 2013 and the ferry service has been discontinued. Immigration is conducted at Pandaruan (Malaysia side) and at Puni (Brunei side). From Lawas (which is connected by road to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia), another bridge completes the connection between the banks of the Trusan River (and no ferry ride is required anymore). Malaysian immigration formalities are done in Trusan (the Mengkalap immigration checkpoint is in a shoplot just east of the ferry crossing) about 8 km away, and no longer in Lawas. Those for Brunei can be done at the Labu checkpoint at the border.

It is possible to drive from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah to Bandar Seri Begawan in one day. See the Kota Kinabalu to Brunei by land page for details.

Only some petrol stations in the country are permitted to sell petrol to cars with non-Brunei plates due to a tax issue. It can be frustrating to find these stations and so ensure your car is topped up.

The toll-free Friendship Bridge connects the two borders at the eastern side of Limbang.

By bus

 * From Miri: As of 2022, there is no direct service between Miri and Bandar Seri Begawan. PHLS Express used to operate a service between Miri and Bandar Seri Begawan twice a day. It is possible to book a cab with ride hailing app Dart.
 * From Limbang: There are no direct buses between Bandar Seri Begawan and Limbang in Sarawak. However, you can catch a local bus from Bandar's bus station to Kuala Lurah on the border, walk across the checkpoint into Tedungan in Sarawak and catch a Syarikat Bas Limbang bus to Limbang. Do the reverse if coming from Limbang to Bandar. Buses depart from Limbang bus terminal several times a day and bear the destination "Batu Danau". Taxis are also available on both sides of the border but bargain hard for the fare. You can also get to Temburong district by bus from Limbang, although again, there are no direct buses into Bangar; all buses (destination "Pandaruan") stop at the ferry landing at Pandaruan, where there is now a Malaysian immigration checkpoint. Cross the river by ferry and catch a taxi for the 5 km to Bangar.
 * From Kota Kinabalu: buses run once a day between BSB and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

By boat
The main ferry terminal in Brunei is the Serasa Ferry Terminal at Muara, some 25 km from Bandar Seri Begawan. See Bandar Seri Begawan for details about the terminal.

Labuan Ferry operates services from Labuan, taking around 2 hours. As of April 2023, two ferries are operating on most days, one at 8:30am and another at 1.00pm or 4:30pm, with schedules changing on short notice. With a change of boats in Labuan, you can even make it to/from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, in a day. See the Kota Kinabalu to Brunei by land page.

Get around
Use caution when asking locals for transportation information. People here are friendly and very helpful, but when asking about transportation, you'll get three different answers from three different people, even people whose job it is to help tourists.

By car
There is one "motorway", from Bandar Seri Begawan (the capital) along the coast. It is almost all dual carriageway from Muara to Kuala Belait and the toll bridge to Malaysia/Sarawak in the west.

There is also a side road off this, which runs into the jungle towards the settlement of Labi and beyond. Excellent scenery, and a 4-wheel drive may be useful, but the road is now sealed up to the longhouses some distance beyond Labi. Stock up on water at the convenient shop at the junction.

Driving between Temburong and the rest of Brunei used to require passing through Malaysian territory, and clearing Malaysian customs and immigration, but since the completion of the Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Bridge in 2020, that is no longer necessary.

By taxi
There are not many taxis in Brunei, because car ownership and usage are high. There are always some at the airport and some in the Belait District, but little chance of finding a free taxi along the road, especially during morning and afternoon peak hours when they are hired by businessmen. Needing a taxi might require a phone call. The main taxi stand is direct north of the bus station in the capital with only a few taxis waiting.

None of the taxis has a taxi meter since there is no taxi company nor regulation requiring to have one. Drivers have fixed prices for most trips, although the tariffs may vary between different drivers, or they will give a price for an irregular trip.

By ride-hailing
The main ride-hailing app in Brunei is Dart. Well-known ride-hailing apps found elsewhere in Southeast Asia, such as Grab and Gojek, do not operate in Brunei.

By tour vans
Another alternative is hiring a tour van to drive you around Brunei, for example, for a whole day, or several hours. Try asking them from the ferry counters in Muara. Discuss the price first before agreeing to board the van.

By boat

 * Waterways : 209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 m. Water taxis are available in the capital.

By bus
Around the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, there is a good-sized network of minibuses. Brunei's high rate of private car ownership means very few Bruneians take these buses, which largely cater to foreign workers. The speed of the buses is limited to 50 km/h but are quite efficient and reliable.

In general, the bus system around the capital radiates from the bus terminal in the central district. There are designated bus stops along each route but passengers are picked up or let off at unofficial locations at the discretion of the driver. The unofficial mode of operation makes easy travel and entices patronage. There are maps of the bus routes at the terminal. Routes are numbered and the buses are different colors depending on the route. The fare is $1 which is normally collected by a conductor but may also be collected by the driver. The passenger can advise the driver the location to disembark. The buses run every 20–40 minutes from about 06:00 to 18:00. Sometimes, the conductor asks the passengers their respective locations to disembark and skips part of the route, to the dismay of passengers who wish to catch the bus. The buses run roughly every 20–40 minutes from 06:00 to 18:00, but there's no strict schedule. It is quite normal to wait 30 to 45 minutes for a bus.

There is also an infrequent long-distance bus which runs between BSB and Seria through Tutong.

By thumb
Hitchhiking is doable in Brunei – drivers are very willing to stop.

See

 * Ulu Temburong National Park in Temburong
 * The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan
 * Bandar Seri Begawan has a couple of museums dedicated to the history of Brunei and that of the monarchy.

Do
For things to do in and in the near vicinity of Bandar Seri Begawan, see Bandar Seri Begawan.

There are many eco-tours which typically go to the Temburong district by boat then to a native "longhouse". It is then followed by a powered boat (by the natives) up the river to the Belalong reserve in the Borneo rainforest. There is a canopy walk and research centre at the park headquarters.

Jerudong Park was once a decent theme park with a multitude of rides. Sadly, a downward cycle of neglect, declining admission and unaffordable maintenance costs led to the closure and sale of most of the big-ticket rides, including the three roller coasters. This has given the park a sad "circus left town last week" air about it. Most people who visit only go at night to avoid the heat during the day. Outside the park, but very close, is a small complex of restaurants which is open at night, though only a few of the stalls are still operational. The local papers have reported plans to renovate the park with a new selection of attractions.

Scuba diving
Brunei offers some great diving. In addition to coral and fish, Brunei is home to several shipwrecks and many species of nudibranch (often spectacularly colourful molluscs)- one of the best places in SE Asia for macro photography. Water temperature is generally around 30 °C and visibility is usually around 10-30 metres, although this can be changeable during the monsoon season. As diving here is not overly developed, it means that the sites, and especially the coral reefs, are unspoiled and in pristine condition.

Popular dive sites include the American Wreck, Admirable Class Minesweeper, USS Salute (AM-294) lies broken in half on a sand bottom at 30m after hitting a Japanese mine on 8 June 1945, during pre-invasion sweeps of the Brunei Bay, with the loss of nine lives. Australian Wreck, In 1949 while on a voyage to Manila it struck a mine off Brunei and sank. The wreck lies in 33 m of water and is roughly 85 m. Dolphin 88 Wreck Malaysian commercial vessel sunk in bad weather in 2013. Experienced divers will enjoy exploring the interior of the wreck. Oil Rig Wreck, a decommissioned oil rig. There are 9 structures to be explored, each seeming to be home to one dominant group of fish. Baiei Maru Wreck was a Japanese oil tanker that sank in October 1944 in Brunei Bay after hitting a Japanese mine. Discovered by the Brunei Shell Petroleum during a survey, the wreck sits in about 50 m of water. Other dive sites includes Labuan Wreck, Bolkiah Wreck, UBD Wreck, Amai Wreck, Arun Wreck, Stone Wreck to name a few.

Diving is very reasonable, averaging out to $35-45 per dive depending on how many dives you do and whether you bring your own gear. There are a number of organisations you can do trips with such as; Poni Divers,Oceanic Quest, The Brunei Sub Aqua Dive Club in Brunei-Muara & Panaga Divers based in Seria.

Money
The local currency is the Brunei dollar, denoted by the symbol "$" or "B$" (ISO code: BND). You might hear ringgit used to refer to the dollar but be sure that the speaker is not talking about the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) which is valued at less than a third of a Brunei dollar. All prices in this guide are in Brunei dollars unless otherwise noted.

The Brunei dollar is tied to the Singapore dollar at a 1:1 rate. By law the currencies can be used interchangeably, so if you're coming in from Singapore, there's no reason to change money as your cash will be readily accepted. (Likewise, any leftover Brunei dollars can be used at par in Singapore.) However, many stores refuse Singapore notes with seemingly microscopic tears in them, and notices to this effect are posted at the cash register. Malaysian ringgit (RM) will also be accepted in a pinch, but the exchange rate may not be in your favour. The ringgit is not available at Brunei banks but can be obtained from money changers.

The Brunei dollar is divided into 100 cents. There are banknotes from $1 to a whopping $10,000 (handy if you're shopping for Rolls-Royces) and coins of 1-50 cents. All smaller notes and the 2004 series of larger notes are printed as brightly coloured polymer notes.

Costs
By Southeast Asian standards Brunei is roughly on par with Singapore, meaning roughly twice as expensive as neighbouring Malaysia. You can reduce costs by eating at local restaurants and avoiding the more expensive restaurants in hotels. Budget accommodation is available.

Souvenirs
There is not much of a local crafts industry in Brunei. You'll see a handful of different types of branded souvenirs with the Brunei brand - that are all imported. Souvenir type shops usually resort to selling imported curiosities, candles and generic gifts.

Eat
Bruneians love to eat out and there are many excellent restaurants in Brunei serving a wide variety of cuisines, thanks to the large number of foreign workers in the country.

There is also the local nasi katok, a simple combination of rice and curried beef or chicken, which can be quite spicy. It is relatively inexpensive when compared to other food that you can buy, for example local food such as chicken rice. However, it is not a healthy option, with few vegetables and too much fat.

Another choice is ambuyat, a culinary experience unique to Borneo. It is a starchy and gooey paste made from sago that can be dipped into a savoury sauce.

Being a Muslim country, nearly all food sold in Brunei is halal, the exception being food stalls and restaurants catering to the ethnic Chinese community, which have been granted special permission to sell pork. Halal certification is handled by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) (Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama (KHEU)).

Vegetarians should look for South Asian restaurants serving the large community of foreign workers. Another option is Chinese Buddhist vegetarian restaurants, as many ethnic Chinese in Brunei go on vegetarian fasts for specific Buddhist festivals. These can mainly be found in the suburbs of Bandar Seri Begawan, but you will need to make an effort to seek them out. Chinese Buddhist vegetarian restaurants are also the safest bet for vegans, as they traditionally do not use dairy products, but make sure your dish does not contain eggs.

It is illegal to eat in public during daylight hours in Ramadan, and most stalls and restaurants will be closed during the day. However, Chinese restaurants are permitted to remain open and sell takeaway meals to non-Muslims for consumption in private.

Kosher food is basically non-existent in Brunei.

Desserts
 * Kueh melayu (sugar, raisin, and peanut-filled sweet pancakes)

Drink
Brunei is a dry country: alcohol is not sold anywhere in the country and consumption of alcohol in public is prohibited by law. That said, non-Muslims are allowed to bring in up to two litres of alcohol (wine or spirits) plus up to twelve cans of beer every 48 hours for private consumption, and there is a wide array of duty-free shops just across the border in Malaysia to cater to this demand. However, alcohol must be declared upon arrival in Brunei while going through customs. There are also numerous bars and nightclubs in Tedungan just across the border in Malaysia's Limbang district, Sarawak, which is where many Bruneians go for a good night out.

Many higher-end restaurants allow guests to bring in their own alcohol and corkage is not charged, though this is actually illegal and it's best to keep a low profile if you choose to consume in a public establishment. At the lower end (particularly Chinese restaurants), many restaurants supply illicit booze under euphemisms like "special tea".

One should definitely try out teh tarik, a sweet milk tea, as well as the wide array of coffee (kopi) available in restaurants.

Sleep
Accommodation in Brunei used to be very expensive, but some reasonably cheap guesthouses and hostels can now be found here and there. See Bandar Seri Begawan for listings.

Stay safe
Brunei is a very safe country, with low crime rates and no major security concerns. Brunei has a strict legal system ― which combines British common law and Sharia law ― that punishes crime severely, adding a huge layer of deterrance. The full harshness of Brunei's laws is reserved for criminals and those actually looking for trouble.

Brunei, like Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, has very strict laws when it comes to drugs. Drug trafficking to a certain degree has a mandatory death sentence. Other crimes, such as murder, kidnapping and unauthorised possession of firearms are also punished with death. That said, an informal moratorium of capital punishment exists, though offenders should expect life imprisonment or long prison term. Brunei uses caning (for males only) for rapes, as well as for less serious crimes, including illegal entry, overstaying your visa for over 90 days, robbery, corruption and vandalism. Caning is no slap on the wrist. Strokes from the thick rattan cane are excruciating. They can take weeks to heal, and even scar for life. These laws apply to foreigners as well.

In theory, offences such as rape, adultery, sodomy, robbery and insult or defamation of the Prophet Muhammad carry the maximum penalty of death, though this is not enforced. Homosexuality carries a penalty of 40 strokes of the cane and/or a maximum of 10 years in jail. The punishment for theft that exceeds a certain amount is amputation. Those who "persuade, tell or encourage" Muslim children under the age of 18 "to accept the teachings of religions other than Islam" are liable to a fine or jail. (These laws mostly apply to Muslims, though some aspects apply to non-Muslims.) Homosexuality and adultery are illegal in Brunei, and can result in being stoned to death.

During the Islamic month of Ramadhan, avoid consumption of food and beverages in public as a hefty fine in the thousands will be levied if caught doing so. Additionally, all restaurants, including non-halal ones, cease dine-in services during the day. It is best to avoid visiting Brunei during Ramadhan.

Driving in Brunei is easy. Most drivers obey the traffic rules, and the roads are well maintained. Distances are not great. If you're driving around Brunei, however, do watch out for impatient and/or dangerous drivers. Some drivers obviously consider themselves above the law, and given the social structure of Brunei, this is likely to actually be the case. Take extra caution around midnight and early morning as some drivers illegally race on the roads.

Public celebration of non-Muslim religious festivals such as Christmas and Easter is illegal in Brunei. It is still legal to celebrate them in private, so long as the celebrations are kept secret from Muslims.

Stay healthy
Eating out is generally safe because of good food safety standards. But drink water only if it's been boiled, or bottled water. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. Dengue fever is a real risk. Malaria risk is low.

Brunei's hospitals are generally adequate for most routine procedures. However, due to the lack of specialists, you may need to be airlifted to Singapore if your case requires complicated surgical procedures; ensure that your insurance covers this if you plan to be in Brunei.

Respect
The Brunei Government is run as a Malay Islamic Monarchy (Melayu Islam Beraja) principle, which means that the Sultan of Brunei, apart from being one of the richest men in the world, effectively runs the country. You can expect the Sultan to appear on the front page of the two local daily newspapers almost every day, and occupy the first ten minutes of the local TV news bulletins.

You'll see the wealth of the country in everything that the Sultan touches, but much of the rest of the country misses out on badly needed investment and development. Over half of the country are expatriate workers or permanent residents, and it's not hard to engage them in a conversation about the political situation once you gain their trust. Brunei is a country where your race, religion and heritage matter in day-to-day life. Still, it's best to approach the subject very carefully, especially with Bruneians.

The Bruneian Royal Family is protected by lèse-majesté laws; speaking out against them or making fun of them is a crime and will culminate in a prison sentence.

Bruneians are generally courteous and tolerant. Non-Muslim visitors are generally not restricted in their manner of dress. Women can wear sleeveless shirts and shorts and blend in, and are not legally required to wear the hijab, known locally as the tudung. Super-skimpy swimming attire is probably one step too far.

It is a good idea to keep your ideas to yourself on politics (domestic, regional, or international) and world events, particularly those relating to Islam or Islamic countries, but most Bruneians are more than happy to discuss the role their religion and royalty play in their lives if you listen respectfully.

Like in Malaysia, you'll often be expected to take your shoes off in Brunei, in places like hostels, museums, and mosques. Wear socks if you want, and be grateful for the opportunity to cool off your feet after walking around in the tropical heat.

By phone
The international code for Brunei is 673. The telephone numbers in Brunei consist of 7 digits with no local codes, although the first digit of the number indicates the area such as 3 for the Belait District and 2 for Bandar Seri Begawan.

The prepaid Hallo Kad, available from TelBru telephone offices (including one at the airport) and other outlets in denominations from $5-50 can be used at any phone in the country to make local and international calls. Other phone cards are also available for use in public phones.

Mobile phone services are provided by two network operator DST e Progresif Cellular. Coverage is completed across almost all of the country. Coverage in the Temburong national park areas may be patchy.

title: Brunei


text:
Brunnen

Brunnen is a small town in Central Switzerland. Due to its unique location, Brunnen enjoys a breathtaking view of the lake and mountains.

Understand
Brunnen belongs to the municipality of Ingenbohl and when looking up addresses, they will generally name Ingenbohl.

By train
Brunnen can be reached via routes Lucerne S-Bahn routes S2 and S3 from Zug or Lucerne. An hourly service south to Ticino is available.

Get around
Brunnen is small enough to explore on foot.

See

 * The Lake

Do

 * Experience Hell's Hole (Hölloch). The longest cave in Europe (170 km). Can only be explored guided. W-Su (10:00, 13:00, 15:30). Tickets: Adults Fr. 15, Groups (from 10 person) Fr. 13/person, Children up to 15y Fr. 10. It's necessary to have warm clothes and good shoes as the temperature of the cave is at a constant 6°C during both summer or winter.
 * Winter sport: Ski, snowshoe walking, ice skating
 * Winter sport: Ski, snowshoe walking, ice skating
 * Winter sport: Ski, snowshoe walking, ice skating
 * Winter sport: Ski, snowshoe walking, ice skating

Drink

 * Easy-Pub Run by an inventive barkeeper called Wisi. Billiard, tabletop soccer, dart. Gersauerstrasse 25, near City Hotel.

Campsites
Two campsites are on the western side of the Muota river, near the Urmiberg cable-car.

Go next

 * Lucerne
 * Schwyz
 * Zug

title: Brunnen


text:
Brunswick

There is more than one place called Brunswick:

Australia

 * Brunswick in Melbourne, Victoria

Canada

 * New Brunswick province

Germany

 * Brunswick (Germany), locally known as "Braunschweig" in Lower Saxony.

United States of America

 * Brunswick (Georgia)
 * Brunswick (Maine)
 * Brunswick (Maryland)
 * Brunswick (New York)
 * Brunswick (Ohio)

title: Brunswick