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Finnmark

Finnmark (Sami: Finnmárkku fylka) is Norway's northernmost county, well within the Arctic circle. It is the largest county in Norway by area (48,637 km2) but the smallest by number of inhabitants (75,540 in 2019). Finnmark is the northernmost part of mainland Europe, as well as the easternmost part of Norway.

Towns

 * – the largest town and regional centre
 * – a small twin-town
 * – a fishing village by a fjord
 * – lays claim to being the northernmost town of over 2,000 in the world
 * – the closest town to Nordkapp
 * – home to Sámediggi (the Sami parliament)
 * — on the Finnmarksvidda plateau, with the Sámi University College, the Nordic Sámi Institute and a Sámi theatre
 * — a mining town with Norway's only border crossing to Russia
 * — on Europe's most important salmon river
 * – the easternmost point of the country (surprisingly, it even lies east of Istanbul)
 * – the final town before the ferry to Hasvik
 * – the easternmost point of the country (surprisingly, it even lies east of Istanbul)
 * – the final town before the ferry to Hasvik

Other destinations

 * – the world's northernmost highway and European route
 * – the northernmost point of Europe accessible by road
 * – the northernmost park of Norway proper

Understand

Finnmark covers an area about the size of countries like Slovakia, Switzerland or Denmark. From west to east it is almost 1,000 km, comparable to the distance from London to Edinburgh. A large part of the county consists of the Finnmarksvidda plateau at about 300 to 500 metres above sea level. Finnmark's rugged coastline totals about 6800 km if islands are included (more than the coastline of Spain or Chile). The municipality of Kautokeino is about 10,000 square kilometres (4 times the size of Luxembourg) with a population of less than 3,000. Almost 10 % of Kautokeino's area is lake surface. In total there are well over 100,000 lakes in Finnmark.

In Eastern Finnmark the borders of Finland, Norway and Russia coincide, with no less than three different time zones within a few steps. Finnmark is the northernmost of the European continent as well as (east of Kirkenes) the easternmost part of the Nordic countries. Kirkenes sits at about 30°E, corresponding to St. Petersburg or Istanbul.

Nordkapp is promoted as the northernmost point of mainland Europe, which is not exactly true. Nordkapp is on an island, Magerøya, and the neighbouring point Knivskjellodden is actually 1,457 m (4780 ft) further north (on the same island). Nordkapp is however the northernmost point in Europe reachable by the international road network. Islands farther north, such as Novaya Zemlya, are far from the mainland. The northernmost point on the actual mainland (islands like Magerøya not included) is Kinnarodden 60 km to the east, a 25-km wilderness hike from Mehamn village (which is on Hurtigruten and has an airport on the Tromsø–Kirkenes service).

Climate and daylight
Finnmark is Norway's coldest area, but temperatures vary over the county. The interior has a continental climate with winter temperatures down to -40°C/F (record -50°C), while summers can be warm. Karasjok for instance has an annual average at. The coast has chilly summers, and winters that are not so cold but windy (the open sea is ice free in winter). The town of Vardø has an Arctic climate, as even July has a monthly average at 9°C, like most of the outer coastline of Finnmark.

During summer there is a long period of midnight sun (24 hour sun) and vice versa there is a long period in winter during which the sun is below the horizon (polar night, skábma or mørketid, "dark period"). In Alta the polar night lasts from November 25 to January 17.

History

Finnmark was for centuries Norway's frontier. The very northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia was largely a common area without clear boundaries until 1826. Along with the Sami people and Norwegians there are also Kven people of Finnish origin in Finnmark. There have been close connections across the border to Finland and Russia. Trade with the Pomors of Russia even resulted in a local pidgin language that mixed elements of Russian and Norwegian, as well as words from English, French, Sami and other languages.

Finnmark was largely destroyed during World War II. The eastern part of Finnmark was on the front between Soviet Union and Germany; fierce fighting took place east of the small town of Kirkenes, which was subjected to more than 300 bombing raids. When the occupying forces retreated to Troms, they applied a scorched earth strategy, where virtually every home, church, factory, bridge and telegraph pole was destroyed. The population was relocated by force to Tromsø and further south. The result was a vast no-man's land about twice the size of Belgium (similar tactics were applied across the border in Northern Finland). Kirkenes and eastern Finnmark was liberated by the Soviet army 1944, the Soviets retreated in 1945. Some 20,000 residents refused to relocate and endured the winter in tunnels, caves and makeshift lodgings. The scorching and forced evacuation was the most traumatic event in Norway during the war and is widely regarded as a war crime. The burning is the most important single event in the history of Finnmark. The county was quickly rebuilt after the war; virtually no building older than 1945 exists.

Eastern Finnmark was liberated by Soviet troops in October 1944, the only part of Norway liberated by allied troops. During the cold war, Eastern Finnmark was NATO's frontier with the Soviet Union and the border line was strictly guarded by military border troops on both sides.

Talk

Norwegian is spoken by all, but in parts of Finnmark Northern Sámi is the majority language and there is a Kven/Finnish speaking minority as well. Sámi is a family of languages and the northern variant spoken in most of Finnmark and Troms is the one with most speakers. There is a Skolt Sami area in eastern Finnmark (Neiden/Pasvik). Sámi languages are also spoken in Finland, Russia and Sweden. As in the rest of Norway, English proficiency is good. Signs are often with Sámi names in addition to Norwegian names, for instance Kautokeino is spelled Guovdageaidnu in Sami. In Eastern Finnmark around Kirkenes, Russian is used on signs and also spoken. Well over 10% of the population in Kirkenes are Russians.

Get in

Finnmark is located on the very north of the Fenno-Scandinavian landmass, just north of Finland. Overland transport is thus very time consuming from most places, including southern Scandinavia. For a brief visit, air transport is usually the only realistic option. Overland transport from the European mainland or southern Norway is fastest and easiest – but less scenic – through Sweden and Finland. The shortest road from for instance Hamburg to North Cape is about 2800 km (1700 miles), more than 30 hours non-stop driving. There is a single border crossing from Russia near Kirkenes (note that this is an outer border of Schengen). There is no rail network this far north, but you can take the train to Bodø, Narvik, Luleå, Haparanda, Kolari, Rovaniemi or Murmansk to bring the remaining distance to three-digit numbers. Most trains from southern Finland can even carry your car.

By plane
There are direct flights from Oslo to Alta and Kirkenes  and in summertime also to Lakselv, served by SAS or Norwegian.

Other airports are Båtsfjord, Berlevåg, Hammerfest, Hasvik, Honningsvåg, Lakselv, Mehamn, Vadsø, Vardø. They are served by local flights from either Alta, Kirkenes or Tromsø, operated by Widerøe.

There are (per 2015) no international flights.

By bus

 * Eskelisen Lapin Linjat offers bus rides from Finland to Tana, Vadsø, Alta, and Nordkapp.
 * Regional express buses from Tromsø to Alta, about 7 hours.

By boat

 * Hurtigruten coastal ships, daily departures

By car

 * 🇳🇴 Norway From Norway: The E6, from South Norway this is a longer but more scenic road than E4.
 * From South Norway through Sweden and Finland
 * E4 is fastest also from Oslo. A suggestion is to drive E6, 3, 25, 311 past Trysil and Särna, then 314, 83 and E14 past Sveg and Ånge to Sundsvall and the E4. A longer but better road is E16 to Gävle.
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden From Sweden and through Finland
 * Fastest from south Sweden to Alta: E4 to Luleå, then E10 and 392 and 403 past Pajala to the border to Finland, then E8 and road 93.
 * Fastest from south Sweden to Kirkenes: E4 to Kemi (in Finland), then E75 and road 971.
 * 🇫🇮 Finland Finnish highway 4 (E75) stretches from Helsinki up to the "head" of Finland from where you can continue to west to Karasjok, north-west to Lakselv, north to Tana or east to Kirkenes. Helsinki itself is connected by ferry from Tallinn, Travemünde and Stockholm. E8 runs along the west coast, joining E4 for a short stretch and continues to Troms. E8 is useful for getting to Finnmarksvidda via Hetta.
 * 🇷🇺 Russia European route 105 (E105) enters from Russia at Storskog border crossing 15 km east of Kirkenes. This is the only overland crossing between Norway and Russia. Crossing by vehicle only, no pedestrians nor cyclists (as of January 2016). Note: The Russian border is an outer border of Schengen.

By plane
Airports are Alta, Båtsfjord, Berlevåg, Hammerfest, Hasvik, Honningsvåg, Kirkenes, Lakselv, Mehamn, Vadsø, Vardø. Check widerøe.no. Most flights go from Alta, Hammerfest, Kirkenes and Vadsø, but it is possible to fly between other airports as most flights make middle landings.

By bus
Search snelandia.no for bus connections. Route planner is available. Distances are fairly long so they take long time, and the schedule is sparse.

By boat

 * Hurtigruten
 * Most of the Hurtigruten ships allow a limited number of cars, which should be pre-booked. This allows visiting two peninsulas without driving the same way back.
 * At some locations there are local express passenger boats. Search 177finnmark.no

By car
The distances are fairly long but the main roads are generally of fairly good quality, and traffic is light. Do fill the tank in time, as the distance between tank stations might be long. Weather can be rough, and in the interior extremely cold in winter – driving in winter is not for beginners.

Wide vehicles such as buses and motor homes might find several main roads narrow. Many fishing settlements are located on peninsulas with only one road connection there and back. Minor roads are often narrow and curvy.

See

 * Nordkapp is referred to as the northernmost point of Europe.
 * Alta prehistoric rock carvings (around 5000 years old), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * Hamningberg is one of the few places in Finnmark with preserved buildings older than WW2. Situated in the far Eastern part of the Varanger peninsula, it's really as far as you can get – the road stops here. Many of the buildings are from the 17th century. Today only inhabited during summer. The landscape you see during your drive out to Hamningberg (a barren land with a multitude of rock outcrops) is worth the trip alone.
 * Northern lights are seen everywhere in the winter, with a bit of luck, unless the sky is cloudy. Finnmarksvidda has a dry climate with more clear nights than the coast.

Do

 * Finnmark is home to some of the best salmon fishing rivers. Tana river has the largest total catch as well as the largest salmon. Alta river is the second great salmon river, also with a great total catch. In both rivers huge salmon (20 to 30 kg) have been recorded. The Lakselv river (literally Salmon river), Sami Leavdnjajohka, is also home to big salmon.
 * Dive in Kongsfjord by Berlevåg with the Kongsfjord International Scuba School, the world`s northernmost dive centre.

Stay safe
The distances are great and the climate is harsh, especially wintertime in the inland. Do not venture out in the wilderness without preparation and enough experience in your company. Normal considerations apply in the mountains. Also on the road you may need some proper equipment if you break down or get stuck in a snowstorm.

Crime is rare. There is potentially dangerous wildlife, including bears, lynx and wolverines, but you would have to be lucky to even see any of those.

Go next

 * East to Russia's Murmansk Oblast
 * South to Finnish Lapland and the rest of Finland
 * West to Troms

title: Finnmark


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Finse

Finse is a village on the mountain plateau of Hardangervidda between the western and eastern part of Norway. It is the highest situated railway station in Norway, 1222 metres above sea level.

Get in
Finse is almost exclusively accessible by train by the Oslo–Bergen railway.

The Oslo-Bergen railway is operated by the Norwegian State Railways. If you buy your ticket online well in advance, fares may be as low as kr. 199 for a one-way ticket. For an additional fee of kr. 75 you may upgrade your ticket to NSB Komfort, the equivalent of first class, with slightly better seats, free coffee and tea, power supply and a more quiet spot in the train.

Usually there is a special wheelchair-accessible on the trains between Oslo and Bergen. A reservation is recommended. The train staff will assist you to get the wheelchair on board.

Alternatively, access Finse from Haugastøl by bike in the summer on Rallarvegen (Navvies' Road), the trip is approximately 27 km of steadily climbing (difference in altitude is 234 metres), or by ski in the winter.

Get around
The common way to get around in Finse is by foot on mostly non-paved ways, but in many months of the year you can get around by cross-country skis. In the few summer weeks a number of cyclists are around there too.

Eat
Restaurants at Finse Hotel and Fineshytta are open for non-residents too, details see below.

Sleep

 * Camping: For the best experience, camping under the open sky or in a tent is recommended. According to the Norwegian right to access, you may stay for up to two nights in one spot in uncultivated land if you keep away from houses and other buildings and out of the way of other people, provided that you leave no trace. If you move far away from people, you can stay for as long as you want, but that means for Finse: Camping is only allowed on the south shore of the Finsevatn, you have to cross the small dam for it. However, Finse is known for weather changes, and it can be both stormy and arctically cold! If there is fine weather: Don't forget the repellant - there are millions of mosquitoes.
 * There is enough place for everyone - Finsyhytta has a lot of mattresses available for much more guests then 200. Fine food, great view over Finsevatn, beer from the own brewery Finse 1223 Microbryggeri in the cellar.
 * There is enough place for everyone - Finsyhytta has a lot of mattresses available for much more guests then 200. Fine food, great view over Finsevatn, beer from the own brewery Finse 1223 Microbryggeri in the cellar.

Go next
Follow the Rallarvegen by foot or bike to Fagernut Rallarcafe (about 10 km) and further to Hallingskeid (+ 10 km, small train station) and then to Myrdal (+ 15 km). Or take the train, which is running directly into the Finse tunnel after leaving the train station, to Hallingskeid, Myrdal or Voss, you will have a few great views after the trains leaves the tunnel at Hallingskeid. Leave the train at Myrdal and change to the Flåm railway, which takes you down from 800 m Noh in about 50 min to the Aurlandsfjord.

Further information

 * Check the ABC4Trip page on Finse with some Star Wars re-enactment photos!

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

title: Finse


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Fionnphort

Fionnphort (meaning "white port") is a small fishing port at the far west of the Ross of Mull, where the ferry crosses to Iona. The population is about 80 and the village has limited accommodation or other amenities. A few more can be found in Bunessan five miles east, also described on this page.

Get in
A849 runs west from Craignure which has a ferry from Oban on the mainland; and Oban has buses and trains from Glasgow. The road follows the shore of Loch Scridain to Bunessan (30 miles) and Fionnphort (another 5 miles).

Bus 96 / 496 meets the ferries at Craignure and runs four times M-Sa and once on Sunday, taking 70 min via Bunessan to Fionnphort.

is the departure point of the ferry to Iona, which sails roughly hourly 8:30-6PM, but on demand in summer, taking 10 min. Until end of March 2024, the return ferry fare is adult £3.70, child £1.90. Bikes are free but visitors' cars are not permitted. Fionnphort ferry terminal has toilets (charged) and a small waiting room and snack bar. The ferry toilets are free if you can hang on.

Buses and ferries are held for connections but in bad weather, Fionnphort is exposed to the Atlantic and ferries may be cancelled for days on end. Ferry staff will advise non-residents against crossing to Iona if the forecast is bad.

There are two car parks in Fionnphort. The Community Centre car park 100 yards inland is free. It has about 150 spaces but in summer gets full by noon. The Council-run pay & display by the ferry pier charges £1 / hour and accepts cards — four hours should suffice for a day trip. Please don't block residents' drives and lanes.

Get around
You'll want your own wheels between Bunessan and Fionnphort, since the bus is infrequent.

See

 * Iona can easily be done as a day trip but deserves longer.
 * St Columba Cultural Centre in Fionnphort displays a slab inscribed with a cross, probably a 7th-century gravestone, commemorating someone called Echoid. The Centre is closed in 2022.
 * is a tiny village 2 miles north of Fionnphort. It has a nice sheltered beach when the tide drops, suitable for children's bathing, but at high tide the beach is completely covered.
 * are a group of sea arches and caves, weird rather than grand, "as if opening onto another planet". You need low tide to approach along the beach from Carsaig pier, 4 miles and 3 hours each way.
 * on the island of Staffa, and the, are visited by boat trips which pick up from Fionnphort and Iona.
 * are a group of sea arches and caves, weird rather than grand, "as if opening onto another planet". You need low tide to approach along the beach from Carsaig pier, 4 miles and 3 hours each way.
 * on the island of Staffa, and the, are visited by boat trips which pick up from Fionnphort and Iona.

Do

 * Beaches: the best is on the south coast at Ardalanish: follow lane from village. Otherwise go north to Kintra.
 * Bendoran Water Sports a mile west of Bunessan organise sea-kayaking and dinghy sailing, beginners welcome.
 * Bird watching both on land and on the boat trips. And anywhere along the shore, any hour, look for otters.
 * Become a Monk or Nun. There are two religious retreats here, not open for casual visits:
 * The Orthodox Monastery of All Celtic Saints north of Bunessan is mainly a centre for groups of Orthodox pilgrims going to and from Iona.
 * All Hallows Convent (Anglican) was in Norfolk but has dispersed; they run Roan Cottage south of Bunessan for retreats and pilgrims.
 * Another life contemplative is the Findhorn Community on the island of Erraid some 8 miles south of Fionnphort. It's a hell of a hike and best access is by boat, though perhaps not in the manner of David Balfour in RL Stevenson's novel Kidnapped — knocked senseless and carried away towards slavery in Carolina but shipwrecked here. In a spoof on Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, David spends four days marooned and starving before realising that Erraid is tidal. He can walk across to Mull whenever the tide goes out.

Buy

 * Spar in Bunessan is a small convenience store and Post Office. It's the only proper store in the Ross of Mull, and your last chance to stock up before crossing to Iona. Good selection of food and other essentials, with off-license. More expensive than the mainland but decent value for such a remote spot. It's open M-Sa 8AM-6PM, Su 10AM-4PM.
 * The Ferry Shop by Fionnphort pier is open M-Sa 10AM-6PM.

Drink
Argyll Arms has the only public bar.

Sleep

 * Caol-Ithe does B&B and self-catering lets.
 * Catchean Caravans are two static caravans for self-catering let by the week, Sat-Sat. Also two pods, but they don't have tourer pitches.
 * Other B&Bs are at Newcrofts in Bunessan and Ardness House a couple of miles west.
 * Plus several other self-catering cottages.
 * Other B&Bs are at Newcrofts in Bunessan and Ardness House a couple of miles west.
 * Plus several other self-catering cottages.
 * Other B&Bs are at Newcrofts in Bunessan and Ardness House a couple of miles west.
 * Plus several other self-catering cottages.
 * Plus several other self-catering cottages.
 * Plus several other self-catering cottages.

Connect
As of April 2022, Fionnphort has no mobile signal from any UK carrier.

Go next

 * Take the short ferry crossing to Iona.
 * Reaching the rest of Mull is usually via Craignure, but there's a lane along the coast via Dhiseig and Gruline to Salen.

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Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park, covering, is New Zealand's largest national park with its snow-capped mountains, fiords and contains one of New Zealand's wildest and most dramatic landscapes. The park, together with the adjoining Mount Aspiring National Park, occupies the south-west corner of the South Island and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park was one of the film sets for the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Understand
Fiordland, as the name suggests, is home to several fiords — steep-sided inlets carved by glaciers during the last ice age, then later drowned by the rising sea. Its rugged landscape remains one of the least explored areas of New Zealand. Although the park has about 500 km of formed walking tracks, these are mostly confined to eastern and northern parts of the park.

Like all of New Zealand's national parks, it is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). The department aims to allow the public to enjoy the park, while also preserving the environment. There are relatively few restrictions on access by individual visitors, though commercial activity is carefully (some might say strictly) controlled.

The main visitor information centre is in the township of Te Anau. There are park ranger outposts at major visitor locations. Visitors intending to stay in the park overnight are advised to inform the park rangers of their intentions. In the event of an emergency, these intentions will be used as part of any search and rescue operation.

Flora and fauna
The area is so remote and unexplored that some speculate that species thought extinct in New Zealand may still live in the park. The takahe, a flightless bird previously thought extinct, was discovered in a remote part of the park in 1948.

The kakapo, the world's only flightless parrot, survived in Fiordland longer than any other place on New Zealand's two main islands, although even here it died out by the 1980s. A recovery project has been started on offshore islands free of the predators that threatened its survival on the mainland.

Sandflies are an obvious (and annoying) demonstration of the insect life that inhabits the area.

Climate
The weather in the park can change dramatically over the space of a few hours and over a few kilometres. Visitors should always be prepared for rain, which can be heavy and prolonged. The park has over 200 rain days per year, though different parts of the park receive widely different rainfalls. Te Anau, with 1200 mm (40 inches) annual rainfall is almost as dry as much of the eastern South Island, while Milford Sound, with 8000 mm (320 inches) annual rainfall, is truly rainforest and waterfall territory.

Aircraft
Aircraft are part of the Fiordland National Park scene. DOC uses them to carry out its duties in the park, including pest control. Aircraft service the walking track and remove every bit of waste, including toilet waste. As there are no roads, all lodge, track maintenance and building is enabled by aircraft and all supplies to the lodges are flown in. If you injure yourself so you can't continue or you go missing, aircraft are the only practical method to carry out search and rescue. For many people the only way they can access the park is by aircraft either because of lack of time, age or infirmity. The other important consideration is that aircraft make the least real environmental impact of any of the users of the park.

Get in

 * State Highway 94. Drive or bus in to Te Anau, the park's "gateway", from Queenstown or Invercargill. You can also fly into Milford or Doubtful Sounds from Queenstown, Glenorchy or Te Anau.
 * Manapouri (15 min drive from Te Anau) is another place to start exploring Fiordland. Daily departures to Doubtful Sound (also within Fiordland National Park).

The two closest towns to the park with facilities are and, both on the very edge of Fiordland National Park.

Get around
You have the choice to either fly, bus, walk or boat.

Before the 1950s, the only way to reach the fiords were by tramping to the fiords, but the Milford Road was constructed to Milford Sound and it remains the only road in the park which connects Te Anau to Milford Sound. While on a map it may only be, the time can take up to two hours drive as you pass winding mountainous roads. Other fiords such as Doubtful Sound remain inaccessible via road.

See

 * Milford Road has many side-attractions, many of which can be visited en route to Milford Sound.
 * Homer Tunnel
 * Hollyford Valley
 * Lake Te Anau and Te Ana-au cave
 * Lake Manapouri, especially the West Arm and Manapouri Power Station. Take a bus trip over the Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove. The power station, one of New Zealand's largest, has been carved out of solid rock below the lake and two tailrace tunnels take the water that passes through the power station to Deep Cove, 10 km away. The only evidence that there is a power station nearby is the power lines that disappear into the ground!

Do

 * Walk. Take a trip through the amazing wilderness on either a day trip or overnight.  The Department of Conservation maintains and, part of the year, staffs the park's tracks. The tracks get busy at certain times of the year and can require bookings for the huts, so its a good option to inquire at an information centre before setting off.
 * Hollyford Track. Guided walks are available.
 * Hump Ridge Track. Guided walks are available.
 * Kepler Track. Walk the Manapouri end of the track for a nice day hike, or dive all the way into the backcountry for an overnight.
 * Milford Track. One of the DOC's "Great Walks" and considered by many to be one of the best walks in the world.  Guided walks are available.  A four-day, three-night 53.5-km track that starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and ends at Milford Sound. Bookings essential.
 * Routeburn Track. Take the Routeburn for a overnight trip and cross into the neighbouring Mount Aspiring National Park. Guided walks are available.
 * The Dusky track. A harder, longer tramp joins Lake Hauroko to Lake Manapouri.
 * Hunting for the introduced species of red deer, wapiti and possums is permitted and a permit can be obtained from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. These introduced species are considered pests and there is an ongoing eradication programme to control these animal populations and eventually eliminate them. The moose was introduced here but is thought to have died out.
 * Fishing for brown and rainbow trout requires a licence and compliance with regulations.

Eat and drink
The only place to eat is within Milford Sound. If you are visiting other parts of the park, you have to either be self-sufficient, or your only options are within the towns of Te Anau and Manapouri.

Sleep
The township of Te Anau has a number of accommodation options.

 * Campsites. There are a number of areas designated as campsites.
 * Backcountry huts. These are provided for trampers (hikers) at a number of remote locations. Advance booking of these is essential to ensure that your stay will not conflict with others. Otherwise you will find yourself sleeping on the floor, or worse, needing to camp outside. All huts offer basic accommodation such as a fire place, a roof and a place to sleep. Visitors are expected to provide their own bedding, food and entertainment.

There are also commercial accommodation options in Manapouri and Milford Sound.

 * Exploring Fiordland by boat - There are a number of different options if you wish to explore Fiordland's many fiords or rugged coastline. There are overnight cruises available at both Milford and Doubtful Sounds, plus extended Discovery Cruises (5–7 days) along the Fiordland coast (operated by Real Journeys). There are other cruise options, including a cruise along the Fiordland coast with researchers.

Stay safe
Fiordland is a huge national park. There is a well-trafficked path from Te Anau through to Milford Sound, but outside of that it is a gigantic expanse of unpopulated wilderness. If you intend to venture into it, it is essential you go to a visitor information centre to check the weather and conditions before you do. As with anywhere in New Zealand (but even more so with weather systems coming of the Tasman Sea) the weather can change from sunny to cold and stormy within hours. If you intend to stay anywhere away from civilisation overnight you should inform the park rangers of your intention before hand (and then report back on your return).

If you have any questions at all go to a visitor centre and chat to the staff. It's their job to provide advice and try to keep people safe.

Go next
Making up the south-west corner of the South Island, once you are here your only options are to head back to Queenstown or south to Invercargill.

title: Fiordland National Park


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Fira

Fira (Greek: Φηρά) is the main town of Thira, the largest island in the Santorini archipelago. It is the island's cultural centre and boasts a variety of attractions such as museums and art galleries, two cathedrals and numerous picturesque churches to explore. Fira is also home to the archipelago's largest ferry port, with connections to other islands in the Aegean Sea.

Understand
Every day during the summer is a bustling metropolis as cruise ships from all over the Mediterranean and Aegean seas descend. As a result prices in Thira (and Santorini generally) tend to be a little higher than other Greek Islands.

Get in
.

By bus
The main bus station is, where bus services from Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Akrotiri arrive into the city. Most services are hourly. There are also bus services to and from the airport. Online timetable.

By quad bike
Another great way to get around the (small) island is by hiring a quad bike (usually named "ATV") from numerous locations in the main tourist villages. For €20 a day, it is better value than taxis and more fun than a bus.

On foot
There are signposted hiking trails from neighbouring towns, by far the most popular being the Oia - Fira hiking trail which takes about 2.5 hours and roughly follows the caldera.

Get around
The limited space on the caldera ridge has led to a very condensed city layout with many narrow streets that are only accessible by foot, motorcycle, or donkey. Exploring the city by foot is the most convenient, because of the many steep paths and steps, and also the most rewarding because the centre is dotted by souvenir shops and art galleries. There are only a few streets suitable for motorised vehicles, and almost no parking opportunities.

By gondola
The connects the town centre of Fira to its port at the waterfront of the caldera. The lift has a capacity of 1 200 passengers per hour, so there are rarely waiting lines in either direction. Journey travel time is 3 minutes. Perfect for families with children as each gondola carries up to 6 passengers. Single journey costs. It is mandatory to wear facecoverings in the gondolas.

By donkey
An alternative transportation method between Fira and its port, for those who like adventures, is a ride by donkey, which climb up a the steps on the cliff. Obviously there are weight limits for riders. The donkey trail takes a lot longer than the gondolas, but is a good option if there are long queues at the gondola base station.

Religious architecture

Do
Apart from the few museums and craft studios (which are open fairly late), travelers seeking unique experiences unobtainable elsewhere will be disappointed.

 * Stroll through the shopping district (for overpriced jewelry, designer clothing and handbags) and go to the numerous (American-styled) discos and bars.
 * Watch a sunset over dinner.
 * Walk along Agiou Mina street. This street goes through Fira part-way down the cliff, from the south part of town all the way to the cable car.  It provides the stunning views of Fira that you came to see.  You can walk either north or south, but walking north has the advantage that the main part of Fira is in front of you.  To get there, from the main cathedral, walk with the sea to your right, just left of Hotel Atlantis, about 50 m.  Walk around 1500 BC restaurant, and you'll be on the path.  Just be careful of the donkey poop!
 * Go to the Old port. Whoever said "Getting there is half the fun" was likely referring to the Old Port.  Or, in this case, getting there is 99% of the fun.  There is almost nothing to do at the Old Port (except perhaps take a couple of pictures from sea level). But the ride down and up can be fun.  Your choices are the cable car (€6 one way), donkey ride (€5 per person, plus a €5 "tip" for your "guide"). Try to avoid walking this road at any cost, it's quite long and it's completely covered with slippery donkey poop. The smell makes you want to vomit. If you want to avoid the smell and the scene just take the cable car but aware of possible congestion when people from the ferries arrive and leave. Some local mule guides may also try to cheat you by demanding a payment for walking down, they will try to sell you a small piece of paper that says ticket without any numbers on it. Ignore these people, the road is free.
 * Get out of the tourist section. The tourist part of Fira is surprisingly small; a couple minutes walk away from the sea brings you out of the tourist area.  While the architecture here is not stunning, it certainly is different than you will see elsewhere.   Plus, you'll have a chance to marvel at the fact that even though Fira land prices are very high, there are still empty lots in the middle of the city.

Buy

Eat
In the early evening the passengers of the cruise ships return to their vessels and cafes become much more relaxed.

Drink

 * Two Brothers Bar, An internationally famed watering hole, catering to the tourist party crowd.
 * The Highlander, a Scottish bar, Happy Hour from 21:00-22:30
 * Koo, cool nightclub to hang out after drinking at the other bars and to close out the night.
 * Koo, cool nightclub to hang out after drinking at the other bars and to close out the night.

Connect

 * Easy internet cafe with 20 PCs minimum charge €1. Next to taxi station. A nice and calm internet cafe. They also have Wi-Fi with 2Mbps bandwidth. You will find it from the orange colour.

Go next

 * Imerovigli
 * Oia
 * Pyrgos
 * Emporio
 * Akrotiri

title: Fira


text:
Firebaugh

Firebaugh is a city in Fresno County in California's San Joaquin Valley.

title: Firebaugh


text:
Fire Island

Fire Island is a 32-mile (51.5-km) barrier island off the coast of Long Island in Suffolk County, New York. Most of Fire Island National Seashore is on the island.

Communities

 * Kismet - The westernmost village, a haven for singles and partiers that is now becoming more family-oriented.
 * Saltaire - A family-oriented village featuring Clam Cove harbor. During the summer, the village has many youth sport programs. Larger houses than most of the island
 * Fair Harbor - Another family-oriented community that appeals to creative artists as well. Small house on small lots that are very close to each other.
 * Dunewood - A totally planned and residential community. Group houses are banned in order to preserve the family oriented atmosphere.
 * Lonelyville - No longer a lonely place, but with some solitude.
 * Atlantique - A very small community with no commercial services.
 * Robbins Rest - Another small and relatively isolated place.
 * Corneille Estates - A small place to the west of Ocean Beach that hosts the island's school.
 * Ocean Beach Village - The main tourist destination and cultural center. Formerly known as "the Land of No" because of many rules to discourage tourism, the local rules have become more visitor-friendly, designed to keep the village as a quality of life destination.
 * Seaview - A beautiful and residential area with the tallest trees and great walks. Also known as the suburb of Ocean Beach.
 * Ocean Bay Park - One of the livelier villages thanks to Flynn's.
 * Point O'Woods - A private and gated community. Residents must have children, and have 99-year leases rather than ownership. Visitors not permitted.
 * Cherry Grove - Once the gay "capital" of Fire Island, now a haven for lesbians, older gay men and those with an artistic flair.
 * Fire Island Pines - For urbane gay men. A retreat from the real world, with "rolling boardwalks" and natural beauty and late-night discos.
 * Water Island - Small, quiet community on the narrowest part of the island.
 * Davis Park - The most remote, most self-sufficient, birthplace of the "sixish". Tourism is allowed, there is a Town of Brookhaven beach in the middle of the community
 * Watch Hill - The largest National Seashore complex with 3 mi (4.8 km) of boardwalks and a campsite. Tourists welcome.

Other destinations

 * Sunken Forest at Sailor's Haven - A primordial holly forest crisscrossed with wooden walkways administered by the national park service
 * Fire Island National Seashore —

Understand
There are no paved roads going to most of the island and vehicle traffic is not permitted in summer. A plan to create a paved road across the island resulted in such resistance that it was abandoned. Over the years each of the island's seventeen communities has developed its own unique personality. Several of the villages restrict access by tourists or do all they can to be unwelcoming of tourists. If you are visiting Fire Island, make sure you find the appropriate community to visit. In some cases, visiting the state parks, instead of the towns, might be a better solution. In addition to the state parks at either end of the island, public bathrooms and snack bars are in the National Seashore facilities at Atlantique, Sailor's Haven, and Watch Hill. Restrooms can also be found in Ocean Beach and Fair Harbor but may be hard to find.

Fire Island is home to many vacation communities on the western part of the island (Ocean Beach being the most populous, with the most restaurants and bars that make for an excellent day trip). The eastern part of the island is home to the largely gay communities of Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines.

Bring cash with you on your trip to Fire Island as most businesses will only accept cash payment. (This includes parking, transportation fees to and from the island, on many of the small on island shops.)

Get in
Most of these methods of getting in must be used in combination. For example, to reach Fair Harbor from Manhattan, you could take the LIRR, then a taxi from the train to the ferry, and then the ferry to the Island. The car methods mentioned are usually only good for day trips, and there is no way to get from the parking lots to the main parts of the island other than walking.

By air
The island is about 60 miles from Manhattan (the drive can range anywhere from 1-4 hr based on traffic. It averages about 1½ hr). You can fly into LaGuardia or Kennedy Airports in New York City or Islip MacArthur Airport on Long Island, then use a rental car, taxi, or train to your destination.

By car
There are only two bridges to Fire Island. The Robert Moses Causeway on the western end of Fire Island leads to parking lots at Robert Moses State Park. The William Floyd Parkway leads to Smith Point County Park on the eastern end of Fire Island, where there are also parking lots (fees charged). Fire Island has no public roads.
 * Tommy's Taxis, [tel:+16316654800 +1 631-665-4800], also goes direct from Manhattan. $18 (or $21 Sundays and holidays)

By bus

 * Suffolk County Transit, [tel:+16318525200 +1 631-852-5200]. Operates bus routes to provide access to the island's gateway communities, but you'll have to walk or take a taxi to get to your destination.

By train

 * Long Island Rail Road, [tel:+16312315477 +1 631-231-5477]. Has stations are near three ferry terminals: Patchogue, Sayville, and Bay Shore. All have taxi service to the ferry terminals.

By boat

 * Ferries to Fire Island depart from the following locations: Sayville and Bay Shore (villages of Islip) and Patchogue (a village of Brookhaven). Water taxis are available if you miss the ferry.
 * Sayville Ferries, 41 River Road. Year round to Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, Sunken Forest and Water Island.
 * Patchogue Ferries, [tel:+16314751665 +1 631-475-1665]. Mid-March to November from two ferry terminals in Patchogue. Leaves from County Road 83 to Davis Park; and from County Road 19 to Watch Hill in the Fire Island National Seashore park.
 * Many Fire Island sites can be reached by private boat from the Great South Bay, with marinas at Watch Hill, Sailors Haven and most island communities. The bay is shallow, and boaters occasionally moor offshore. When on Fire Island, water taxis can shuttle you from point to point.
 * Many Fire Island sites can be reached by private boat from the Great South Bay, with marinas at Watch Hill, Sailors Haven and most island communities. The bay is shallow, and boaters occasionally moor offshore. When on Fire Island, water taxis can shuttle you from point to point.

Western Fire Island is reachable by ferry from Bay Shore on Long Island. Bay Shore is about an hour train ride on the Long Island Railroad from Manhattan, and the ferry ride from Bay Shore is another 30 minutes. Ferries to Ocean Beach from Bay Shore run about once every hour during the summer. Cherry Grove and the Fire Island Pines are reachable by ferry from Sayville. The easternmost community, Davis Park, is reachable by ferry from Patchogue.

Get around
There are three easy ways to get around on Fire Island. The first is to walk. The second is to use a bicycle. Some areas do not have pavement or boardwalks to ride upon. Boardwalks and sidewalks sometimes end abruptly into sand so beware. The last way to get around on Fire Island is to use a boat. There are various water taxi services (if running) and a lateral ferry that runs during the peak of the vacation season.

Do

 * Fishing and clamming
 * Surfing
 * Surfing

Nude beaches
The National Park Service began enforcing New York State nudity laws on most Fire Island beaches in 2013. Topless sunbathing is legal through New York State.

 * Cherry Grove Cherry Grove has many shops, a few restaurants and 3 large bars with dancing. It's a very tolerant mix of gay women and men and a few straights and some families. The beach is a recognized nude beach. Probably less than half go nude but no one seems bothered either way. If you turn left at the beach and walk east between CG and the Pines, the beach is mostly nude (gay male). LIRR to Sayville and ferry to Cherry Grove.
 * The Grove Hotel, [tel:+16315976600 +1 631-597-6600]. A popular place to stay.
 * The Pines This is about 90% gay male. There is an inlet on the bay side for boats and it has many shops and some bars. The beach is nearly all male, although more and more families and mixed couples are showing up, particularly during the week. No more than 10-15% of the people go nude here except at the very ends, where there are more (see Cherry Grove section above). LIRR to Sayville and ferry to The Pines.
 * Other nude beaches on Fire Island The 6-mile undeveloped stretch of sand between Smith Point and Watch Hill is virtually deserted and is perfect for nude sunbathing and beachcombing. You can literally walk for miles and not see a single person. Other isolated areas that have seen nude use include the area just west of Davis Park and the area between Cherry Grove and Sailor's Haven.

Hotels
Hotels are seasonal (approx mid May-Oct) unless marked otherwise.

Campgrounds

 * Fire Island National Seashore has tent sites and backcountry camping.
 * Fire Island National Seashore has tent sites and backcountry camping.

Stay safe

 * Stay on marked trails so as avoid poison ivy and ticks. Deer ticks can be carriers of Lyme Disease. To protect yourself, wear insect repellent, dress in light-colored clothing, and check carefully for ticks after exposure.
 * Watch out for mosquitos at dusk. Either leave before dusk or make sure to use some powerful insect repellent. Mosquitos on Fire Island probably won't give you an illness, but it's never fun to get bitten up.

Go next

 * Fire Island is off the southern coast of Long Island.

title: Fire Island


text:
Fire Island National Seashore

Fire Island National Seashore is a United States national seashore in the state of New York. Most of the Fire Island NS is on Fire Island with one section in the hamlet of Mastic Beach in the Town of Brookhaven on Long Island. Fire Island is a barrier island protecting Great South Bay and a portion of Long Island to its north.

Visitor information

 * Park website
 * Park website

History
In the mid-17th century, Fire Island was used as a base for whaling. Whalers would watch for spouting whales from towers, then launch their boats after them. The island also has a bit of pirate history as pirates were known to build fires on the island to attract passing boats on which to prey.

The Fire Island Lighthouse was first built in 1826 at a height of due to the large number of shipwrecks. In 1868, a new lighthouse was built to a height of 168 feet, 100 feet from the old. The foundation of the original lighthouse can still be seen today. For many immigrants the lighthouse was their first sight of land when arriving to America. In less than a century four miles of sand accumulated between the lighthouse and the western tip of the island. The island still grows at its western end and is constantly reshaped.

The state set aside part of Fire Island as a state park in 1908, making it the first state park on Long Island. In the 1920s Fire Island began its life as a Bohemian beach community. By the 1950s real estate was booming as the island became a fashionable retreat from the city. In 1964 the rest of the lands were designated the Fire Island National Seashore. In 1980 Congress set aside as the Otis Pike Wilderness area.

Landscape
All barrier islands are shaped to some degree by the ocean, and that certainly applies to Fire Island. The Sunken Forest area is the result of high dunes built up on both sides of the trees which protect them and allow their protected growth. Swamp species such as red maple and sour gum are then able to thrive there. On the west end of the island new land has formed at the rate of 50 meters a year. In some areas dunes are whipped into low cliffs in one season and the cliffs later dissolved to sloping beach.

Flora and fauna
From the unassuming insectivorous sundews lurking in swales to the tops of the wind-pruned trees in the Sunken Forest, Fire Island is a varied and most interesting barrier beach ecosystem. This makes taking in a ranger-led interpretive program or tour a must. The Sunken Forest area in particular is a somewhat unusual barrier island situation with several bogs, complete with sphagnum, ferns, mosses, cattails, rushes and other wetland species.

The island is also a wonderful birdwatching (and listening!) venue. Catbirds and eastern towhees keep the music playing and yellow warblers and yellow bellied sapsuckers keep it colorful. Fire Island is a popular rest stop for migratory birds with over 300 species have been recorded here -- over one-third of the birds in North America.

There is a full array of beach dwellers as well and fishing is excellent, particularly in Great South Bay.

Climate
Fire Island has a temperate climate with expected highs in the 80s and 90s (°F) in summer and lows in the 20s and 30s in winter. The park's air temperature may be slightly cooler in summer or warmer in winter than on the mainland of Long Island. Check the weather before leaving for Fire Island as poor weather may change ferry schedules.

Get in
Fire Island is accessible almost all year. Most travellers visit during the summer, from May through September, when the weather is the best for beach-related activities. At other times public transportation to the island may be limited, and some island services are unavailable. Ferries run regularly to the island in the summer months but are limited in the off-season. Be sure to review the train and ferry schedules in advance, and pay particular attention to the return schedules.
 * The Fire Island Lighthouse, William Floyd Estate, and the two parks at either end of Fire Island, Smith Point County Park and Robert Moses State Park, are accessible year-round by car. Operating hours do vary by season.
 * Fire Island's Sailors Haven, Barrett Beach/Talisman and Watch Hill areas are dependent on water travel, and are open from mid-May through mid-October each year. The Wilderness Visitor Center is open mid-May through December. Ranger-led interpretive activities are primarily scheduled for summer months at all locations.

By ferry
Most people get onto Fire Island by boat. Ferries to Fire Island are passenger ferries only. Ferries operate on a full schedule during July and August, with fewer ferries in spring and fall. The ferry terminals on Long Island can be reached by car, bus, train, taxi or shuttle van.

 * Ferries to Fire Island depart from the following locations: Sayville and Bay Shore (villages of Islip) and Patchogue (a village of Brookhaven). Water taxis are available if you miss the ferry.
 * Sayville Ferries, 41 River Road. Year round to Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, Sunken Forest and Water Island.
 * Patchogue Ferries, Phone: 631-475-1665. Mid March to November from two ferry terminals in Patchogue. Leaves from County Road 83 to Davis Park; and from County Road 19 to Watch Hill in the Fire Island National Seashore park.
 * Patchogue Ferries, Phone: 631-475-1665. Mid March to November from two ferry terminals in Patchogue. Leaves from County Road 83 to Davis Park; and from County Road 19 to Watch Hill in the Fire Island National Seashore park.

By car

 * There are two bridges to Fire Island National Seashore. The Robert Moses Causeway on the western end of Fire Island leads to parking lots at Robert Moses State Park. The William Floyd Parkway leads to Smith Point County Park on the eastern end of Fire Island, where there are also parking lots. Parking fees are charged at both lots. There are no public roads on the island.
 * Park Headquarters and the William Floyd Estate are on Long Island, New York.

By bus

 * Suffolk County Transit, Phone: +1 631-852-5200. Operates bus routes to provide access to the island's gateway communities, but you'll have to walk or take a taxi to the ferry terminal.

By plane

 * LaGuardia or Kennedy   airports in New York City or Islip MacArthur Airport on Long Island, then use a rental car, taxi, van shuttle or train to get to the ferry terminal. From JFK, the Airtrain links directly to the LIRR train at Jamaica Station.

By train

 * Long Island Rail Road, Phone: +1 631-231-5477. Has stations are near three ferry terminals: Patchogue, Sayville, and Bay Shore. You may easily walk from the Patchogue station to the Watch Hill ferry terminal, but a taxi or van may be desired for the other trains and ferries. All have taxi service to the ferry terminals.

By boat
Many Fire Island sites can be reached by private boat from the Great South Bay, with marinas at Watch Hill, Sailors Haven and some island communities. The bay is shallow, and boaters do occasionally moor offshore near park sites.

Fees and permits

 * There is no entrance fee. Plan on paying for transportation, parking or use of marinas.
 * Permits are necessary for: public gatherings, special events and activities, filming or photography, oversand vehicle operation, scientific research & collections, and wilderness camping.

Get around

 * 'There are no public roads within Fire Island National Seashore, so upon arrival, you may explore the park on foot or transfer to other park sites via water taxis.
 * Fire Island Water Taxi is authorized to provide ferry service destination points on Fire Island.
 * Bicycles, scooters, rollerskates, rollerblades and "razors" are prohibited on all park boardwalks.
 * Wheelchairs, strollers and wagons are permitted.

Do

 * Sightseeing, hiking, and wildlife-viewing.
 * Canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing.
 * Interpretive programs (schedules vary by season).
 * Swimming -- lifeguards are on duty at Watch Hill and Sailors Haven from late-June through Labor Day.

Eat
Sailors Haven and Watch Hill visitor centers have small places to buy food. There are no "sit down" restaurants within the park. See Fire Island for places to eat outside the park.

Lodging
The National Seashore offers no lodging other than campsites. See Fire Island.

Backcountry
Camping in summer can be challenging due to higher temperatures, ticks and mosquitoes.

Regulations
 * Open fires are prohibited -- use a backcountry stove for cooking.
 * Campsites must be north of the primary dune, not in sight of the beach, in a sandy area with no vegetation, and at least one mile inside the wilderness boundary.
 * Dogs and other pets are not allowed during plover nesting season: March 1 - Labor Day; at other times they are permitted but must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.
 * Bury human waste in a hole 300 feet from water and 6 inched from land surface; no trenches allowed.
 * Leave-no-trace camping applies.
 * Take safety precautions for ticks and mosquitoes. Plan for quickly changing weather conditions.

Stay safe
Stay on marked trails so as avoid poison ivy and ticks. Deer ticks can be carriers of Lyme Disease. To protect yourself, wear insect repellent, dress in light colored clothing, and check carefully for ticks after exposure.

title: Fire Island National Seashore


text:
Firouzabad

Firouzabad (Persian: فيروزآباد ; Middle Persian: Gōr or Ardashir-Khwarrah, literally "The Glory of Ardashir") is a city with population of 60,000 in Fars province, Iran. The town is surrounded by a mud wall and ditch.

Understand
There used to be an ancient city of Gōr on this place, which was later destroyed by Alexander of Macedonia. Centuries later, Ardashir I, founder of the Sassanid Dynasty, revived the city before it was ransacked during the Arab invasion of the 7th century.

Get in
Town is located 120 km south of Shiraz.

Go next

 * Kerman
 * Shiraz

title: Firouzabad


text:
Travel health kit

A travel health kit should preferably be carried by travellers. For broader discussion of health issues, see Stay healthy.

Understand
You may not be able to purchase, or even require all the items on this list (depending on where you are and where you are travelling), and in some cases you may need a doctor's prescription to avoid having the items confiscated by border police or customs officers if your bags are inspected. If in doubt, consult a competent medical professional for advice.

Many people have different ideas on what is necessary for them - some people take more, others are better at improvisation.

Our articles Tropical diseases and Tips for travel in developing countries have additional information relevant to some travelers.

Stay healthy

 * Regular medication: If you are on any regular medication, take a good supply with you, together with a copy of the prescription. Make sure it's carried in hand luggage on planes. The prescription will help if you do need to replace it, or if customs are unsure what it is.
 * Antidiarrhea: Loperamide (sold as e.g. "Imodium") is the most common form of anti-diarrheal medicine for over-the-counter use. Never use it if there is blood in the feces – this could be an indication of something much more serious and requires immediate medical attention. See also Travellers' diarrhea.
 * Pain killer & anti-inflammatory: Ibuprofen (e.g. "Nurofen") and acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. "Aspirin") are good as an anti-inflammatory and as a general analgesic (pain killer). They also act as an antipyretic, reducing fever. Acetylsalicylic acid affects blood viscosity, be cautious if there are any issues with that.
 * Some people prefer paracetamol (e.g. "Tylenol", "Panadol") as a pain killer, but it is a much weaker anti-inflammatory than the other two and is risky if even moderately overdosed. It is, however, safer in areas with risk of dengue fever, as both ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid increase the risk of dangerous complications when dealing with a dengue infection. In any case, if you are in a dengue-risk area (most of the tropics), the safest course is not to self-medicate; consult a doctor instead. Paracetamol also helps in some cases where the other two aren't effective.
 * Diclofenac gel (e.g. "Voltaren") can help with sore muscles from hiking or stiff necks from sleeping on the wrong pillow.
 * Sunscreen: You are likely more exposed to the sun when traveling than during your normal routine back home. Sun burn can cause high discomfort and fatigue which is mostly avoidable with sunscreen (and a hat). An after-sun lotion containing aloe might help too. See also Sunburn and sun protection.
 * Adhesive bandages: Open cuts can become infected, especially when traveling. Clean the cut, cover up and continue your travels. Also useful for covering blisters on your feet.
 * Antiseptics: handy to have for preventing infections from minor wounds, popped blisters, and burns (once they have cooled). There are many options available, including ~70% ethanol or isopropanol solutions, 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and polyvidone iodine (e.g. "Betadine"). In Europe, pain-free Octenidine dihydrochloride is slowly replacing the more traditional substances. In the US, liberal use of antibiotics such as triple antibiotic ointment (e.g. "Neosporin") is common.
 * Insect repellent: Insect bites can cause discomfort, but also potentially infection and disease as well. Plan ahead, as in many areas where mosquitoes and other insects are a significant problem, effective DEET or icaridin-based repellents cannot be bought locally. Suitable clothing is important. See also Pests.
 * Motion sickness is a common complaint when traveling by ship, but some people also suffer from it when flying, riding the bus, or even taking the train. Dimenhydrinate (e.g. "Dramamin") can help with that and is available as an over-the-counter drug in many countries.
 * Condoms: HIV and hepatitis are much more common in some parts of the world, and unprotected sex with an unfamiliar partner is highly risky anywhere — and much riskier without a condom. Female travelers who use contraceptive pills should also carry condoms as even minor stomach upsets can decrease the pill's effectiveness. See also Tips for women travellers.
 * Proof of your health insurance coverage: Even if you're only taking a day trip across the border of a friendly country, the insured health care at your destination will not be the same as it is at home. Purchase the best health, life and disability coverage that you can afford, and keep a copy of the insurance details in your travel health kit along with your other health information. Of course in the European Union you'll mostly be covered across the border as well. If your usual health insurance won't cover your trip, consider travel insurance.

Off the beaten path
If you are going away from major towns and cities where medical help may not be accessible, you might like to consider taking a more complete first aid kit. Make sure you have the knowledge to use it, too! Consider water purification tables, sterile sets, and so on. See also Packing for a week of hiking.

Also, travelers may wish to take a comprehensive first aid course if traveling for an extended amount of time in a rural or wilderness area away from hospitals, preferably one focused on such circumstances.

Stay legal
Many countries and venues restrict the carrying of knives, scissors and other sharp objects which might be included in a travel health kit.

Countries with harsh anti-drug laws might outlaw painkillers and other medication.

title: Travel health kit


text:
First and business class flights

To alleviate the tedium and discomfort of long flights, many passengers investigate the option of flying in first or business class. This article discusses whether it's worth the price and how you can reduce the cost.

What you get
Amenities in first and business class (also known as premium classes) vary widely by airline and even plane type, and it's absolutely imperative to research carefully before choosing.

The following overview discusses the amenities you can expect on a long-haul flight, loosely defined as over six hours. Few airlines offer first class for shorter trips anymore, except in very high-yield Asian routes (e.g. Hong Kong-Tokyo) and in the United States, where business class is usually not offered and domestic "first" class approximates short-haul business class elsewhere. Short-haul business class is increasingly converging on offering the same limited in-flight facilities as economy class, the main selling point being flexibility, access to perks (e.g. airline lounges, complimentary in-flight meals), and an empty middle seat.

If you fly within North America, most of the extra features that coach passengers now have to pay for (like food, entertainment and checked luggage) are already included in the ticket price of premium passengers. However, unlike in other countries, flying domestic first class in the United States does not typically include automatic lounge access except for some transcontinental routes; you will need to separately purchase a lounge pass or lounge membership for that or have a qualifying credit card that offers those perks.

Premium economy

'Premium Economy' or 'Economy Plus' is offered by some airlines on some aircraft. On a budget airline, it is usually the only class above economy. It provides a larger and more comfortable seat than standard Economy and is cheaper than Business class. On international flights, premium economy seating can amount to what business class used to be, during the 1980s. The extra cost can double the cost of your flight ticket, especially if you're traveling to and from Asia—or just add another 10%, if you upgrade at the last minute on a mostly empty flight—but it is much cheaper than business class.

Extra amenities offered to premium economy passengers vary widely from airline to airline. Some airlines may offer lounge access for their premium economy passenger, either for an additional fee as is the case of Air France or Lufthansa, or as part of the ticket price as is case of All Nippon Airways or Japan Airlines. Check each airline's web-site before you buy.

On U.S. domestic flights, premium economy usually involves the same seats as economy section, but the rows are spaced a few inches further apart and placed nearer the front of the airplane. The extra cost for this legroom can be as low as US$10 on a short, low-demand domestic flight.

Business class
For a long time, business class was akin to economy with larger seats and more seat pitch (space for your legs), but the continuing drive to strip all frills out of economy and better other airlines' business classes has seen some major changes in the past decade. They are available on most legacy airline flights.

At the airport, business class flyers typically have a separate check-in area or at least their own row, and can access a business class lounge that offers drinks, snacks, and comfortable work spaces. Some of the best lounges, especially "flagship" lounges at key hubs, offer showers, nap rooms, play areas for kids, etc. Note that you can typically only use a business class lounge at your departure airport and when waiting for a connection, although some airlines allow long-haul passengers to use them on arrival as well.

Once on board — and you're usually boarded first — seat pitch in business remains good by any measure: while 91 cm (36 in) is considered unusually generous in economy, few long-haul business seats are under 100 cm (40 in) and 130-153 cm (50-60 in) is considered standard. However, for many travellers the most important consideration is recline, particularly the holy grail of the flat bed seat (180° recline, parallel to the floor), which pretty much guarantees a good night's sleep. True flat bed seats are fast becoming the standard for long-haul flights, but angled-flat seats - angled seats like those found in Air France's business class cabin, which recline to an angle of perhaps 170° and are vertically tilted to squeeze in better - are also common. In some airlines, business class passengers are guaranteed direct aisle access and specialised storage for their stuff (e.g. gadgets, shoes, small bags). Flat-bed and angled-flat seats are usually found only on long-haul flights in premium carriers (Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, etc.). That said, these are often also deployed on shorter flights between major financial centres that see very heavy business traffic (eg. Singapore-Hong Kong flights on Cathay Pacific) although some carriers deploy it for most of their flights regardless of length (e.g. Singapore Airlines, Emirates).

On most intra-Europe flights, business class seats actually consist of make-shift economy class seats (which means there is no seat pitch and legroom advantage over the economy class cabin except perhaps for the bulkhead rows) but with the middle seat blocked out. Such passengers, however, will still get most of the "soft" products such as slightly more personalised attention, better quality meals (even included in the ticket price rather than “buy on board”), lounge access, and priority boarding and deplaning. Though many passengers who have status with the airline may prefer to opt to purchase regular economy as their status will accord them most of those benefits (except on-board food) and can even get a complimentary extra legroom seat.

Food and drink in business class is much better than the slop usually encountered in economy class. You can expect to be given actual menus with several choices, with courses served one by one from actual porcelain plates and accompanied by free drinks. Although if you have dietary restrictions (gluten-free, kosher, etc) they may not have an upgraded meal for you. Some airlines allow you to order from an extensive menu before you fly, in which case the meal will be loaded especially for you.

Entertainment options in business class are also good, with audio and video on demand (AVOD) a standard amenity, either via a display built into your seat or portable DVD players passed out by request. Noise-cancelling headphones are also typically given to long-haul business class passengers. Power sockets for laptops are often provided and Internet access may be available too.

Long-haul business class passengers are also usually given an amenity kit, which often consists of eyeshades, socks and various toiletries.

The last perk comes at the end, as you'll be the first out of the plane (apart from the first class) and into the immigration and customs lanes. In fact, in some stations such as London's Heathrow Airport, there are dedicated lanes for business class passengers at passport control. In addition, flying business class also provides you with priority baggage for your checked baggage, meaning that your baggage will be out on the carousel before the economy class passengers' baggage.

First class

Due to the race to improve business class, first class is a slowly dying breed. Some airlines have dropped it entirely and those that still offer it limit it to "premier" or "high-yield" routes with very heavy business traffic and hence enough people willing to pay for the privilege. A few airlines, notably in the Middle East, are still pushing the envelope of luxury though, going beyond mere seating into private, hotel-style "suites" or "apartments" with closing doors.

The first class experience begins before you board the plane: some airlines like Thai throw in limousine transfers to and from the airport, where you can expect to have your bags carried by a porter, be checked in at a private first-class check-in area and enjoy your first glass of sparkling wine at a first-class lounge. Lufthansa's Frankfurt Airport hub goes a step further, dedicating an entire terminal to first-class flyers!

Once onboard, first class is perhaps best known for the superlative meal service, and indeed high-quality champagne, lobster tail and caviar do still feature on some menus. These days, though, the trend is towards a wide selection of entrees served to order and lengthy wine lists. Service is very personal, with first class cabin crew tending to as few as two or three passengers each. In Etihad's "The Residence", which is marketed as a class above first class and perhaps the most luxurious experience on a commercial flight, you will get chauffeur driving you to the airport, a personal lounge, a full-course fine dining meal, a personal butler to attend to your needs until the end of your flight, and an apartment with a double bed on board the flight. It is extremely expensive, with the cheapest tickets starting from US$13,000.

A standard amenity in modern first class is a lie-flat seat, which lies completely flat (180 degrees) and is increasingly offered in suite or cradle configurations where you have a curtain or other privacy divider to separate you from other passengers, and a few airlines even offer these in "double" configurations for two people. When reclined, the seat will actually resemble a bed, made up by crew with comfortable linens, pillows, etc. Pyjamas are usually provided and even the toiletry kit will contain recognizable brand names. When sitting up, seat pitch regularly exceeds 200 cm (80") and there are rarely more than 4 seats in a row.

An exception to the availability of lie-flat seats in first class is on U.S. domestic flights, where first class seats are usually the same as those on short-haul business class or long-haul premium economy elsewhere. That said, lie-flat seats are provided on some transcontinental routes or flights between the mainland and Hawaii.

When it comes to frequent flyer miles, first class passengers can accrue up to three times the number of miles flown. For example, those flying round-trip long-haul like Singapore-Los Angeles using SIA's Suite Class have more than enough miles to redeem up to 2 intra-South East Asian flights.

Like business class passengers, long-haul first class passengers also usually receive an amenity kit from the airline, but typically with items more upmarket than what the business class passengers get.

Last but not least, first class gets the best seats in the plane. This is almost invariably at the front of the plane, where engine noise and turbulence are minimized, and leaving the aircraft is quicker. In some aircraft, such as ATR 72, the rear door is used by passengers so first or business class is in the rear.

How to fly
It's a question on the mind of many an economy class passenger as they troop past those big seats on their way to the back of the bus: just how did these lucky plonkers end up here, and how come I didn't?

Cash
The obvious way of flying in first or business class is to fork out a thick wad of money for the privilege (or, better yet, get your company to do it for you). However, this does not come cheap: as rough rules of thumb, you can expect to pay up to four times the normal economy fare for business, and eleven times for first class!

Generally speaking, there is no point in even looking for discounts for business or first-class seats on direct flights from A to B. Airlines know well that there is a certain core group of flyers who are willing to pay top dollar for the privilege of getting somewhere fast and in comfort, and charge accordingly. For example, a direct flight from Singapore to Los Angeles and back in business costs a whopping US$5000 before taxes, and discounted seats are simply not available. However, the flip side to this is there is maximum flexibility for last-minute changes to one's itinerary.

A better solution is to look for connecting flights that go from A to B via a third destination C, preferably so that flights from C to B are very popular and competitive. If you're willing to route through Bangkok, you can get from Singapore to LA on Thai Airways for US$2880, and if you accept a less flexible, restricted J-class ticket the price drops further yet to an almost tolerable US$2240 — under three times the average economy class price.

If you're willing to further forego the "speed" factor, you may be able to scout out better deals. The origin of your journey is also going to be important in your ticket cost. Journeys originating from financial centres and higher-wage countries (or those with high costs of living) are going to be multiple times more expensive than those that pay lower wages. For example, Asiana offers business class flights between Bangkok and Los Angeles for just US$1600 (including taxes). The catch? You'll be stuck with a 15-hour layover at Seoul in both directions. Likewise, you can knock a few thousand off that US$5000 Singapore Airlines flight if you buy your tickets from Sri Lanka — but if you're departing from Singapore, that means flying Singapore-Colombo-Singapore-Los Angeles-Singapore-Colombo-Singapore!

If you're planning a really long trip, consider a Round the world ticket. They are also available in business and first class versions, which are comparatively affordable, being usually priced at (roughly) twice and thrice the economy version.

Lastly, many airlines offer "companion tickets" where, if you buy one full-price business or first ticket, you get another one cheaply or even for free. As the name of the ticket implies, both passengers must fly together.

Frequent flyer miles
Many frequent flyers consider business and first class awards and upgrades the best way to use your miles. Instead of the 4x/11x spreads for cash, you can typically get a business-class award for as little as 1.5 times the miles for an economy and first-class awards for twice (although the ratios vary from program to program).

The flip side, though, is lack of availability and total inflexibility. For airlines, getting somebody to burn up 200,000 miles on a first-class seat that would otherwise have gone empty is an excellent trade — but having that award flyer displace somebody who would willingly have paid US$10,000 for the seat is a terrible trade. You thus need to make your reservations as early as possible — some start calling as soon as award inventory is released, which may be 6-12 months before the flight!

While the above is often the case for many who know no better, there are "professionals" out there to help the average Joe maximize the value of their frequent flyer miles (and other loyalty points), usually for a fee of between US$100-200. Given the hassles often associated with spending points and miles, such services can be well worth the price!

If you have a long-haul economy flight that you'd like to upgrade, the airline may be willing to sell you an award upgrade, where you get bumped up to business class in exchange for some miles. These come in two flavors: the expensive confirmed upgrade, where you are guaranteed a business-class seat in advance, and the comparatively cheap standby upgrade, where you will only get told at check-in (or even the gate!) whether you'll be sipping champagne in first or chewing on your knees in steerage today.

Status
Having elite frequent flyer status with an airline or within an airline alliance can net you complimentary upgrades to business or first. Typically this requires tens of thousands of miles to be racked up to your account, often requiring requalification each year, but if you’re flying more than about 25,000 miles a year, you should be able to gain at least a basic level of elite status. And, as you gain higher status (most US carriers have three or four levels of elite) your chance of a free upgrade rises. Another tip regarding elite status which can guarantee an upgrade is to look for certain economy fare classes which offer instant upgrades for elite members. For example, on Delta, an elite member with a Y or B class coach ticket will be automatically upgraded.

Operational upgrades
In general, airlines do not hand out free upgrades to passengers for no reason. However, if you are lucky, the airline may upgrade you to a higher class for free either at check-in or at the gate if they have to do so for operational reasons. This typically occurs if economy class is overbooked, but there are available seats in the higher classes. In general though, airlines will try to make customers pay for upgrades or give them to those with high frequent flyer status, and only hand out free upgrades as a last resort before bumping passengers off the flight. Often, airlines will first offer to upgrade customers for a discounted price at check-in if there are still premium seats available, and these can often be a good deal. Only if there are still empty seats and an overbooked economy class after that would the airlines typically hand out free upgrades, with priority usually given to those who have elite frequent flyer status, as well as those who have paid for more expensive fare classes. In general, you are more likely to be upgraded as a single traveller or with a small party size than as part of a large group, simply because it is easier for airlines to move smaller groups around.

Sometimes, airlines may ask for volunteers to be bumped off overbooked flights to a later flight in exchange for a free upgrade to a higher cabin class. If you are not pressed for time, this could be a good way for you to obtain service in a premium cabin (and if you are trying to return home from a holiday, enjoy your holiday place for just a little bit longer).

To maximise your chances of getting upgraded, try to fly routes or during times when there are more leisure travellers and fewer business travellers. After all, many business travellers are doing so on their company's expense account, and would thus be more willing to pay top dollar to fly in the premium classes, meaning that the premium classes are more likely to be full. Although the procedures used to decide on who gets free upgrades differ from airline to airline, in general you are more likely to be upgraded if you buy an expensive full-priced ticket than if you buy a heavily discounted ticket on sale. It may also be worth it to pay extra for premium economy if available and you have the financial means to afford it; the price difference from premium economy to business is typically much larger than between economy and premium economy, meaning that your free upgrade would not be as good a bargain if it was the latter. It is also advisable to dress reasonably well for your flight, though you do not need to dress in a suit or tuxedo; upgrades have often been pre-selected by a computer prior to check-in or boarding, and many business travellers dress comfortably for long flights, but if you turn up dressed like a hippie, any upgrade you might have been pre-selected for may be voided by the check-in or gate agent.

Of course, it is also possible, though less common, for you to be downgraded for operational reasons, if the higher class is oversold and the lower class has vacancies. In this case, you will typically still have access to the lounge and other pre-flight amenities that you originally paid for, and the airline is in general required to refund you the fare difference between the class you paid for and the class you were downgraded to.

Discounters
A dodgy class of dealers known as first and business class discounters merge the two approaches: they buy people's frequent-flyer miles on the cheap, and sell them on to travellers at steeply discounted prices.

The business depends on a loophole in most airmile programs that allows the miles holder to redeem miles for tickets for other travelers. The stated intent of the clause is to allow the miles holder to exchange miles for tickets for family or close friends. Through a broker, the miles holder instead redeems their miles for a ticket for a stranger. The stranger pays the broker, and the broker pays the miles holder -- minus the brokerage fee.

In terms of criminal law, dealing in frequent flyer miles is generally legal, except in the US state of Utah which has a specific state law prohibiting such trading. However, such trading usually violates the terms of the frequent flyer program. The contract stipulations for airline miles typically disallow buying tickets with miles for someone who isn't a close relation. If discovered, the airline may choose to punish one or both parties by invalidating remaining miles, invalidating the ticket without compensation, or (in extreme circumstances) even suing you or the broker for damages.

A discount ticket is therefore a shaky proposition; there is a real possibility that you will be refused the seat you paid thousands of dollars for. Airline mile brokers usually refuse to give refunds or other service if the transaction doesn't work out.

Types of discounters
There are brokers that deal in bulk purchase of seats and their resale and brokers that deal with individual sellers and purchasers. The latter tend to deal only with the most expensive seats and can give the best savings. For a real budget traveller the seats are still hundreds of dollars, but for a business traveller this can result in savings of thousands more. The former can yield excellent deals and are sometimes known as general sales agents or bucket shops. In dealing with them it is worth checking online oneself with the airline's own website in order to make sure that there is no cheaper ticket available.

title: First and business class flights


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Fish Camp

Fish Camp is in Mariposa County in the Sierra Nevada region of California near Yosemite.

By car
The only access to Fish Camp is via SR41.

title: Fish Camp


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Fish Creek (Victoria)

Fish Creek is a township of 800 people (2016) in the South Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. It is on the main road from Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory. Along with nearby Foster it has the budget accommodation nearest Wilsons Prom but not inside the Prom national park. It is a handy base for trips not only to the Prom but also to the Waratah Bay and Cape Liptrap areas.

Understand
The region’s attractions range from the natural features such as coastal parks, beaches and mountain rainforests through to its heritage of human history in maritime and coal mining activities.

The main visitors’ centre is the. If coming to Korumburra from the Melbourne direction, go through the town and turn off to the left just before leaving the town. It is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne.

By car
Turn to the south off the South Gippsland Highway at Meeniyan or Foster. Fish Creek is on route C444 which runs from Meeniyan to Wilsons Promontory and on route C445 from Foster. It can also be reached from Inverloch, Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower via route C442 and Tourist Route 97.

By coach
V-Line operates coach services which depart from Melbourne's Southern Cross station, Dandenong and Koo Wee Rup towards Fish Creek. The bus stop, which is where all coaches arrive, is located next to the gas station. The timetable for coach services is available here.

Connect
Wi-Fi is available upon request at The Fish Creek Hotel, which also has tourist information, maps and local brochures on hand.

title: Fish Creek (Victoria)


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Fishers

Fishers is a city in the Nine-County Region of Indiana.

Understand

 * Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau is in Carmel.

By car
Fishers is north of Indianapolis just off Interstate 69, a major north-south highway in Indiana.

By plane
In addition to the Col. Weir Cook Indianapolis International Airport, off of I-70 in Indianapolis, smaller planes can schedule a landing at one of two airports in Hamilton County and nearby Boone County just west of Hamilton County. Both offer aircraft charter, sales, rental, catering, and flight school.

 * Indianapolis Executive Airport 11329 East SR 32, Zionsville. +1 317 769-3288.
 * Indianapolis Executive Airport 11329 East SR 32, Zionsville. +1 317 769-3288.

By car
General speed is between 55-70 mph on interstates and highways, and generally 35 mph on other roads unless otherwise posted.

Do
Fishers is known as a fast-growing, family-friendly city. There are things to do for families, especially those with young children interested in sports.

 * - climbing & ropes course.

Outdoors
Fishers has an array of parks for residents and visitors.
 * Billericay Park 126th Street and Promise Road. Seven lighted baseball diamonds are the centerpiece of this park, which also has a play area, woodlands, walking trail and concessions building.
 * Roy G. Holland Memorial Park One Park Drive. This 34-acre park is accessible through a housing subdivision. Offers soccer fields, sand volleyball, baseball and softball, basketball courts, two playground areas and picnic shelters.
 * Roy G. Holland Memorial Park One Park Drive. This 34-acre park is accessible through a housing subdivision. Offers soccer fields, sand volleyball, baseball and softball, basketball courts, two playground areas and picnic shelters.
 * Roy G. Holland Memorial Park One Park Drive. This 34-acre park is accessible through a housing subdivision. Offers soccer fields, sand volleyball, baseball and softball, basketball courts, two playground areas and picnic shelters.
 * Roy G. Holland Memorial Park One Park Drive. This 34-acre park is accessible through a housing subdivision. Offers soccer fields, sand volleyball, baseball and softball, basketball courts, two playground areas and picnic shelters.
 * Roy G. Holland Memorial Park One Park Drive. This 34-acre park is accessible through a housing subdivision. Offers soccer fields, sand volleyball, baseball and softball, basketball courts, two playground areas and picnic shelters.
 * Roy G. Holland Memorial Park One Park Drive. This 34-acre park is accessible through a housing subdivision. Offers soccer fields, sand volleyball, baseball and softball, basketball courts, two playground areas and picnic shelters.
 * Roy G. Holland Memorial Park One Park Drive. This 34-acre park is accessible through a housing subdivision. Offers soccer fields, sand volleyball, baseball and softball, basketball courts, two playground areas and picnic shelters.
 * Roy G. Holland Memorial Park One Park Drive. This 34-acre park is accessible through a housing subdivision. Offers soccer fields, sand volleyball, baseball and softball, basketball courts, two playground areas and picnic shelters.

Eat
Fishers is a growing location for chain restaurants, but there are a few locally-owned places to try as well.

Sleep
Fishers' growth means there are a number of reasonably priced chain hotels to accommodate visiting friends, family members and groups.

title: Fishers


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Fishguard

Fishguard (Welsh: Abergwaun) is small coastal town in Pembrokeshire, South Wales.

Understand
Fishguard is a port of entry into South Wales from Rosslare in south-east Ireland, and lies at the western end of a historic road to London, which eventually becomes London's Oxford Street, (The modern A40 by and large follows this route). The town has a population of around 3,000.

Historically attempts were made by the Great Western Railway to make Fishguard a more significant port to allow passengers from London a slightly quicker journey to North America, by traveling by train from Paddington to Fishguard and then join a liner, rather than taking the train from Waterloo to Southampton.

By car
On the A487 57 miles south of Aberystwyth. From southern England along the M4, 44 miles from Carmarthen on the A40

By train

 * Train services are timed to meet the Rosslare ferry. There are some direct trains between Cardiff and Fishguard, however passengers will generally need to change in Swansea.

By boat

 * Stena Lines runs a ferry service from Fishguard to Rosslare, south-east Ireland, 92 miles (2 hour 10 minute drive) from Dublin.

Drink
Some pubs near the Ferry Port accept the euro as well as pounds sterling.

Go next

 * St Davids
 * Cardigan

title: Fishguard


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Fish Hoek

Fish Hoek is a picturesque town situated about halfway down the Cape Peninsula, between Cape Town and Simon's Town. It is well known for its beach, which gets jam-packed on sunny days.

Fish Hoek is renowned for its friendly hospitality, proximity to all sorts of tourist attractions and activities besides boasting one of the best swimming beaches in the Cape. There is also a good suburban railway link with Cape Town to the north and Simon's Town to the south. As a coastal suburb of Cape Town, Fish Hoek is popular as a residence for commuters and holidaymakers alike. The traditional industries of 'trek' fishing and angling co-exist with the leisure pursuits of surfing, kayaking, sailing and sunbathing.

History
Fish Hoek or Vissers Baay or Visch Hoek appears on the earliest maps of the Cape. The arrival of European settlers in 1652 forced the indigenous population to leave the area, and during the 1700s farmers appeared in the Noordhoek area. Fish Hoek beach was used on an informal basis for whaling and fishing, but it was not until 1918 that it was laid out as a township.

The first grant of Crown Land in Fish Hoek was granted to Andreas Bruins in 1818. The land was sold several times before being bought by Hester Sophia de Kock in 1883. She was then a spinster of 51 years old. In 1901, late in life, she married a local farmer, one Jacob Isaac de Villiers who came to live with her on the farm.

Although she farmed wheat and vegetables she started providing accommodation for people who wanted to stay in Fish Hoek, and so became the first local tourist entrepreneur. Fish Hoek has remained, with its situation and views, a beacon of extraordinary accommodation ever since. Having realized that Fish Hoek was becoming popular she left instructions in her will that the farm was to be surveyed and the land sold as building plots, after the deaths of Hester and Jacob, the land was sold off, the first sale taking place in 1918.

This was the beginning of the town of Fish Hoek. People built holiday cottages at first, but as there was a good train service to Cape Town a more permanent community soon arose. By 1940 it was big enough to be declared a municipality and was administered by the Town Council until 1994. It is now part of the City of Cape Town.

Hester and Issac de Villiers, with other members of their family are buried in the small graveyard next to the NG Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church) in Kommetjie Road.

The farmhouse on the site of the present Homestead Naval Mess near the railway crossing became a hotel. The original building burned down in 1947.

Open boat whaling took place in Fish Hoek from 1817 to 1868 where Southern Right and Humpback whales were targeted. The whalers would attack female whales who had arrived to calve, and their newborn. Eventually all the whaling operations were closed down, and nowadays the whales know that it is safe return, and come to False Bay to calve. Whales can be seen from about August to the end of November, however sometimes they arrive as early as June.

In the early days of European settlement False Bay was teeming with fish. Trek fishing has taken place ever since. Harders and yellowtail are the fish most frequently caught but nowadays in greatly reduced numbers. "Trek" is Dutch for pull and refers to the pulling in of the net.

The original barn of the Fish Hoek Farm now called Mountain View can be seen in Cottage Lane. It has been converted into two cottages and is not open to the public.

By car
There are 3 main routes to Fish Hoek :

From the north : Via the Main Road (M4) along the east coast of the peninsula. From Cape Town you will pass through Cape Town's southern suburbs before reaching Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Clovelly followed by Fish Hoek.

From the south : Via the Main Road (M4) along the east coast of the peninsula. From Cape Point you will pass through Simon's Town and Glencairn before you get into Fish Hoek.

From the west : Via Kommetjie Road (M65), which leads from Kommetjie, Noordhoek, Sun Valley and Tokai.

By train
MetroRail operates frequent and reliable trains from Cape Town to Fish Hoek ; the route goes through the southern suburbs then via Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Clovelly to Fish Hoek. From Fish Hoek the train goes on to Glencairn and Simon's Town. The section from Muizenberg to Simon's Town is right next to the sea and is very scenic. The station is on the corner of Beach and Station roads, one block from the Main Road and a 3-minute walk from the beach itself.

By bus
Golden Arrow operates frequent buses to Fish Hoek along the Main Road (M4) from Muizenberg to the north and Simon's Town to the south. Buses also ply the route from Kommetjie and Sun Valley (via Kommetjie Road, the M65), Noordhoek (via Noordhoek Main Road, the M6) and Tokai (via Ou Kaapse Weg, the M64). Buses arrive at and depart from the train station (see above).

Get around
Fish Hoek "town centre" (the area around the beach, Main Road and train station) is small enough that it can all be covered on foot very easily.

Valyland Shopping Centre is about 15 minutes walk from the beach up Recreation Road.

Longbeach Mall (a large, relatively new shopping centre) is just over 4 km from the beach, westwards on Kommetjie Road (M65). Frequent buses and taxis ply this route, leaving from the train station.

See
Fish Hoek is rated as a great place for whale-watching and is only a few minutes drive from a colony of penguins at Boulders Beach. From Simon's Town, about a 15 minute-drive from Fish Hoek, there is shark-diving and a boat trips to see the seals. There are loads of excellent restaurants in Fish Hoek, Glencairn, Simon's Town, Noordhoek, Muizenberg and Kalk Bay, all of which are within 15 minutes of Fish Hoek.

Do
Next to the beach is the famous catwalk from which you can explore the rock pools and get great views across the bay. There are sections without handrails - potentially dangerous for children or the elderly.

Fish Hoek beach is rated as one of the most beautiful and family-friendly beaches in the Western Cape; along with Boulders Beach near Simon's Town it is probably the best and safest swimming beach in and around Cape Town. A shark spotting system with warning sirens is in place to protect bathers from the occasional visiting Great White, and an experimental shark net system.

The beach has restaurants and shopping close by, has changing rooms, showers and an excellent group of lifeguards.

Buy
Fish Hoek valley boasts three principal shopping nodes, namely, Longbeach Mall and Sun Valley Mall in the west, the Fish Hoek Shopping District in the east, adjacent to the beach, and Valyland which lies between the two.

Eat
There is an excellent selection of dining opportunities available within the Valley, with multiple coffee shops, restaurants, snack bars and take-aways providing a wide variety of choice which should satisfy everyone's tastes.

Some of the better-known places to eat in Fish Hoek include:

Drink
Fish Hoek is a "dry" town, which means that there are no bottle stores selling alcohol. You can however order beers, wine and other spirits when in a restaurant or pub.

The reason for this lies in the Deed of Grant when the land was granted to Andreas Bruins, it contained a clause that there should be no wine house on the property.

This old law was introduced at the time when wagon deliveries to Simon's Town were common and it served to prevent the drivers from stopping off for a drink (or two or three) and arriving in an intoxicated state in Simon’s Town.

The residents of Fish Hoek were determined to keep bottle stores out of the town. In 1956, after having opposed many license applications they formed an association called The Defenders of Fish Hoek. They succeeded in getting the Liquor Act amended so that no further applications would be allowed. Under the new Constitution the Act fell away and after consultation with the local Magistrate residents voted for restaurant and bar licenses only.

Sleep
A wide variety of accommodation types are available in Fish Hoek, from self-catering, to guest houses and hotels.

Go next
Kalk Bay a small picturesque fishing village is just around the corner. It has a whole row of quaint little shops and a couple of great eateries, situated right on the sea, where we can drink the great Cape Wines, eat fresh seafood and watch the fishing boats coming in. St James is really great for the littlies, with a safe tidal pool and little changing boxes! Muizenberg has a magnificent beach that goes on for miles, with surfing and good swimming.

Towards Cape Point is the historical village of Simon's Town, a South African Naval base, which is great fun to visit. There is a statue of Just Nuisance, a Teddy Bear Museum and a Gemstone Factory.

A little further on is Boulders Beach, which has one of the few land-based African penguin colonies. These endemic penguins come right up onto the beach and among the resident's gardens, where they nest. Then on to Cape Point, where two oceans meet there are baboons and lots of wild flowers and animals in the Game and Nature Reserve. Curios are available from the African Arts and Crafts village. Kommetjie is famous for surfing (large waves), crayfishing and bird life.

title: Fish Hoek