Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Napa & Sonoma
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Helsinki Olympic Stadium
Located a mile from the city center in the Töölö district, Helsinki Olympic Stadium (Helsingin Olympiastadion) is the biggest arena in Finland, with 40,600 spectator spots.
Finland was originally meant to host the 1940 Summer Olympics, but the outbreak of World War II delayed the games until 1952, when the country finally got to host the big event. Today, the stadium is home to the national soccer team and houses big-name concerts and sports events every year.
For views of all of Helsinki and its downtown, take the elevator to the top of the 72.21-meter Stadium Tower. Why the idiosyncratic height? Well, that was the gold-medal winning result of Finnish athlete Matti Järvinen’s javelin throw in the 1932 Summer Olympics, of course!
Aside from its 14-story viewing tower, the Helsinki Olympic Stadium also has a restaurant, an Olympics museum and, quirkily enough, a youth hostel.
Practical Info
The Olympic Tower is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Adult admission to the top costs 5 EUR. The Olympics restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: Paavo Nurmen tie 1, Helsinki 00250, Finland
Admission: 5 EUR
From $ 34
Hellfire Pass Museum
During the construction of the Death Railway from Burma to Thailand during World War II, Allied prisoners of war worked 18 hours a day in sweltering heat chiseling through rock in what is today known as Hellfire Pass. The Hellfire Pass Museum opened in 1998 as a place to honor and remember the men — both POWs and Asian laborers — who suffered and lost their lives during the war.
A free audio guide leads visitors through the museum and includes several firsthand accounts from former POWs who were forced to work on the Thai-Burma Railway. A staircase from the museum leads down to the rail bed itself. A viewpoint overlooks the Hellfire Pass cutting, where many visitors leave behind flowers and flags. The Office of Australian War Graves built and maintains the museum.
Practical Info
The Hellfire Pass Museum is located along Highway 323 about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Kanchanaburi.
Address: Rte 323, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
Hours: Daily 9am to 4pm
From $ 1,095
Hellisheidi Power Station
The third-largest geothermal power station in the world, Hellisheidi is a state-of-the-art facility run on sustainable methods. This site is of interest to travelers because along with Iceland's other geothermal station at Nesjavellir, Hellisheidi provides 30 percent of the island's total electricity and hot water. Often visited on adventurous mountain biking or jeep tours through southern Iceland, the station creates electricity through the constant geothermal activity that takes place way below the ground, caused by the shifting of the tectonic plates between North America and Europe.
The power station's multimedia energy exhibition showcases ways of harvesting green energy and highlights geothermal sources around the world. Surrounding the power station are raw Icelandic landscapes, hot springs and rivers warm enough to swim in, as well as more than 60 miles (100 km) of hiking trails.
Practical Info
The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached via a 20-minute drive east from Reykjavík on Route 1 toward Hveragerði.
Address: Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Hengill, South-west Iceland 810, Iceland
Hours: Daily 9am–5pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Helmsley
With its stone-brick houses crawling with ivy and cobbled pavements brimming with flowers, the lively market town of Helmsley is among Yorkshire’s prettiest. Located on the cusp of the North York Moors National Park, the historic village makes a popular pit stop for those exploring the park’s natural wonders, with its traditional tearooms and charming pubs welcoming a steady stream of day-trippers.
Helmsley’s top attraction is the imposing ruin of the 12th- century Helmsley Castle, home to the magnificent 5-acre Helmsley Walled Gardens, but additional highlights include the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey; the 300-acre Duncombe Park, famous for its Birds of Prey reserve; the Helmsley Arts Centre; and the Cleveland Way National Trail, which starts close to town.
Practical Info
Helmsley is located in the North York Moors National Park, approximately 25 miles north of York.
Address: Helmsley, North Yorkshire, England
From $ 58
Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko)
The skyline of Helsinki is dominated by Tuomiokirkko, or the Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral. The green domes, white building and zinc rooftop statues of the twelve apostles of the magnificent Lutheran church stand tall and proud looking over the city to the sea. Built between 1830 and 1852, it replaced a smaller 18th century church, and was originally called St. Nicholas' Church in homage to the Tsar of Russia, Grand Duke Nicholas I. After Finnish independence from Russia 1917, the church was renamed and in 1959 it became a cathedral of the Evangelical Lutheran denomination.
Designed by a German architect Carl Ludwig Engel who laid out the whole of Senate Square, the exterior is Neo-Classical with columns and statues and in comparison, inside seems rather plain. The design was later altered by Ernst Lohrmann who added the zinc apostles and a few extra small domes. There is room for 1,300 worshipers and an altarpiece flanked by angels. The suitably atmospheric crypt is now a cafe. The church is in regular use for services and also weddings.
Practical Info
Trams 1,2, 3B and 3T will take you to Senate Square where the church is located. Or it is an easy walk, and easily visible, from anywhere in central Helsinki.
Address: Senaatintori, Helsinki 00100, Finland
Hours: Open daily 9am - 6pm. No visitors allowed during Sunday morning services
Admission: Free
From $ 40
Helix Bridge
From New York to San Francisco, big cities are known for their beautiful bridges. But perhaps none are as impressive as Singapore’s Helix Bridge. Originally known at the Double Helix Bridge, this scenic footbridge is encased with twisting metal tubes and shimmering lights reminiscent of DNA strands. Helix was opened in April 2010, but the popular walkway was not accessible to travelers until July of that year. Today, visitors can wander the steel encased path linking Marina South and Marina Centre, while staring out over a pristine bay bathed in brilliant lights. Travelers love to walk the path in the early daylight hours, or late at night, when the area proves most picturesque.
Practical Info
The Helix Bridge is located in the Marina Bay. It links Marina Centre with Marina South.
Address: Marina Bay, Singapore
From $ 30
Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa is undoubtedly one of the most unique attractions in Singapore. Located along the Pasir Panjang Road, this mythological theme park contains more than 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology and various religions. Built in 1937 by the Aw family, the inventors of Tiger Balm (the park was originally called Tiger Balm Garden), it was intended to serve as a place to teach traditional Chinese values. As Singapore became more modern over the years, however, Haw Par Villa gradually became more of an attraction for curious tourists.
The Basics
Haw Par Villa is divided into various themed sections, the most popular of which is the 10 Courts of Hell. Reached via an enclosed, dimly-lit tunnel, it presents, in gruesome detail, a tableau of the tortures and punishments issued for various sins and crimes committed. While it’s possible to visit the park on your own for free, it’s a stop on many Singapore round-island sightseeing tours that also include visits to other area attractions such as Henderson Waves, Bright Hill Temple, Kranji War Memorial, and the Changi War Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The park is a must-see for visitors looking to get off the beaten path.
- Some of the sculptures within the park are rather graphic in nature and may not be suitable for kids.
- Admission to the park is free.
- Don’t forget your camera, as the park is filled with interesting photo ops.
- Bring along some water and snacks, as not much is available inside the park.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Haw Par Villa is to take the green line to Haw Par Villa MRT station.
When to Get There
Haw Par Villa is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Since the park offers limited shade, it’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon when Singapore’s heat isn’t quite so intense.
Chinese Folklore at Haw Par Villa
If the gruesome dioramas of the 10 Courts of Hell aren’t your cup of tea, there’s still plenty to see in this Chinese mythological park. Many of China’s great folktales are depicted, including Journey to the West and Madame White Snake.
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, 118628, Singapore
Hours: 9am-7pm
Admission: Free
From $ 69
Helsinki Zoo (Korkeasaari)
Big cats, wolverines, and monkeys…welcome to Helsinki Zoo (Korkeasaari). Opened in 1889, the zoo on Korkeasaari Island is the biggest in Finland, and one of the oldest in the world. With over 150 species of animals, it’s a popular year-round destination, with its notable tropical house, home to more than 1,000 different kinds of plants from all around the world.
Set on a 52-acre island that served as a military base in the Crimean War, the hilly zoo houses monkeys, bears, camels, reptiles and more. Famous for its pioneering work with big cats and snow leopards, the animals are divided geographically into Amazonia, Africasia and Borealia areas. The animals of the Arctic tundra look especially at home here in Finland, so make sure to look out for the resident elks and bison, wild forest reindeer, wolverines and arctic owls.
Practical Info
The zoo is open year-round. Tickets cost 12 euros if you arrive by bus or car, and they cost 18 euros if you include the ferry ticket in summer. From May through August, the zoo is open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day, while it is open until 6 p.m. the rest of the year. The Zoo Bus (number 16), regularly runs from Central Railway Station to the zoo from platform 8. In summer, the boat runs from Kauppatori marketplace and Hakaniemi.
Address: Blabarslandsstigen 12, Helsinki 00270, Finland
Admission: 12 EUR
From $ 35
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
As Europe’s largest airport, London Heathrow (LHR) serves more than 70 million air travel passengers annually. It’s the UK’s busiest airport, serving as the gateway to London for most of the world and offering currency exchange facilities, accommodation, luggage storage, and VIP lounges.
The Basics
There are many airport transfer services in and out of Heathrow, whether you’re headed into London or elsewhere in the UK. Direct transfers, both private and shared, are available to Southampton Port, Oxford, Bristol, Cambridge, or straight to your London hotel. Options depend on your available time and preferred level privacy. Book transfers in advance to ensure on-time pickup.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The enormous airport can seem overwhelming to first-time visitors, so leave plenty of time to check in and pass through security or collect your luggage.
- Showers and children’s play areas are available at each terminal.
- The airport offers an abundance of bars, restaurants, and tax-free shops, plus free Wi-Fi and charging stations.
How to Get There
Heathrow Airport is located 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of central London and is connected by public transport, taxi, and private transfer to the city. Public transport to the terminals runs from 5am and 11:45pm. The Heathrow Express (20 minutes) and Heathrow Connect (30 minutes) trains depart from and arrive to London Paddington. Other options include the London Underground (Piccadilly Line, about 50 minutes from central London) and the night bus (about 90 minutes from Trafalgar Square). Private drivers and direct London airport transfers are the best bet for anyone wanting to avoid public transit.
When to Get There
As Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, you’ll want to ensure enough time ahead of your scheduled departure. It’s a good idea to arrive at least three hours in advance for an international departure.
Benefits of Private Airport Transfers at Heathrow
Delays are unfortunately common at such a massive airport, but booking an airport transfer reduces some of the worry you’d otherwise have about a late arrival. When you book online and share your flight information, drivers typically track your flight. They also reduce travel stress by helping with luggage and offering the potential for hotel pickup or drop-off.
Address: Greater London TW6, United Kingdom, England
From $ 17
Heldenplatz
A colossal piazza right at the heart of Imperial Vienna, Heldenplatz stretches out in front of the sweeping arcs of the Hofburg Palace, which was commissioned for the Habsburg Imperial Family in 1881. Constructed under the orders of Emperor Franz Joseph II as part of the city’s elegant Ringstrasse thoroughfare in the late 19th century, the square is dominated by two vast equestrian statues of Archduke Charles of Austria and Prince Eugene of Savoy, and completely surrounded by the Baroque beauty of Vienna’s most important landmarks.
The Habsburg dynasty, rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, lived on this spot in various palaces from the 13th century until its demise in 1918; now the palace is home to several sublime Imperial collections in the Neue Burg, Sisi and art museums; the Imperial Apartments; the office of the Austrian President; the National Library; the Hofburgs’ private chapel; and the Augustinian Church, parish church of Vienna’s aristocracy. The Spanish Riding School is in the Winter Riding School and members of the Vienna Boys’ Choir perform at concerts in the Burgtheater.
Originally Heldenplatz was enclosed at its southern flank, but this now stands open; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is all that remains of the walls. In keeping with its role in the center of Viennese history, it was from a balcony overlooking the square that Hitler announced the Anschluss on March 15, 1938.
Practical Info
Heldenplatz is accessible 24/7. The museums are open from daily 9am–5.30pm (Jul–Aug 6pm). Take metro Line U3 to Herrengasse.
Address: Vienna, Austria
From $ 20
Heineken Experience
A visit to the old brewery at the Heineken Experience is a must-see for beer lovers in Amsterdam. During the 90-minute self-guided tour, you'll learn the history of the Heineken beer family, find out how the brand's logo has evolved over time, learn about the complete brewing process from beginnings to bottles—and, of course, taste the goods for yourself.
The Basics
The Heineken Experience tour takes place inside the former Heineken brewery. Wander past vintage brewing equipment and tall malt silos, and participate in interactive exhibits. Along the way you'll have a chance to watch international Heineken commercials and observe the life cycle of the signature green bottle. You'll finish the brewery tour like a VIP with free beers in the tasting room.
The Heineken tour is one of the most popular activities in Amsterdam, so it's best to book admission in advance. The experience can be paired with a canal cruise to take in more of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Purchase your Heineken Experience ticket ahead of time to secure a time slot.
- Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and according to Dutch law, will not be served alcohol.
- The Heineken Experience is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available free of charge, though must be booked 48 hours in advance.
How to Get There
The Heineken Experience is located on Stadhouderskade, and is easily accessible by public transport. From Amsterdam's Centraal station, catch line 24 and get out at tram stop Stadhouderskade. From Leidseplein, take line 7 in direction Flevopark, or line 10 in direction Azartplein, and exit at tram stop Weteringcircuit. Nearby popular attractions include the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.
When to Get There
The Heineken Experience is open daily from 10:30am to 7:30pm, with extended evening hours on weekends in July and August (until 9pm). Last entry is typically two hours before closing. The best time to visit is before 11am; after that, it can get crowded.
Edible Amsterdam
You're sure to have worked up an appetite after sipping beers at the Heineken Experience, so continue satisfying your stomach by exploring Amsterdam's culinary offerings. Consider booking a food-themed tour that combines two of Amsterdam's top attractions—a pizza cruise along the canals plus a beer tour—or head off on an afternoon food walking tour of the Dutch capital after visiting the Heineken Experience in the morning. Another option is to visit a local host's home for dinner, where you'll really get a taste of Dutch culture.
Address: Stadhouderskade 78, De Pijp, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open Monday-Thursday 10.30am - 7.30pm. Friday-Sunday 10.30am - 9pm. July and August, open every day 10:30am - 9pm. On December 24 and 31 last admission is at 2pm.
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Haw Phra Kaew
A former temple, Haw Phra Kaew is Laos’ leading museum of religious art. It takes its name from the Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), a statue carved from a single piece of jade that is now preserved in Bangkok. The grounds of the former temple, originally built in 1565, are also beautiful.
The Basics
There is a small fee to enter Haw Phra Kaew, which is centrally located and easy to reach on foot or by bicycle from other landmarks. The beautiful Buddhist art here speaks for itself to a degree, but serious culture buffs will get more out of visiting with a private guide as the signage isn’t great. A few Vientiane city tours stop at Haw Phra Kaew and it’s also a common stop on Vientiane temple tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Culture vultures won’t want to miss the serene sculptures on display here.
- The museum remains a religious site, so wear clothing that covers shoulders and thighs.
- Don’t miss the large stone jar in the garden, which comes from Laos’ mysterious Plain of Jars.
- There are a few steps up to the museum, with no ramp.
How to Get There
Under half a mile (550 meters) from the Nam Phou Fountain and less than a mile (1.4 kilometers) from the Patuxai Monument, Haw Phra Kaew is centrally located. It’s easy to get here on foot or by cycle or tuk-tuk, although travelers who are pressed for time may want to join a tour that bundles a visit here with other Vientiane sites.
When to Get There
Haw Phra Kaew is open seven days a week, morning to afternoon. The dry-season peak (November to January) provides the best chance to appreciate the grounds, but there really is no bad time to visit. It is busiest on weekends, when local Lao have time to appreciate their heritage.
The Emerald Buddha: Phra Kaew
In Bangkok, Thailand, the Wat Phra Kaew is home to the Emerald Buddha, a very sacred statue whose loss is still a source of anguish for many Laos. The forces of Siam, the nation that is today Thailand, looted it from Haw Phra Kaew in 1778. Just 26 inches (66 centimeters) tall, it is carved from a single piece of jade and dressed in gold.
Address: Setthathirath Road, Vientiane, Laos
Admission: Varies
From $ 39
Hawksnest Bay
One of the most beautiful and most convenient beaches on St John, Hawksnest Bay is a favorite for families with children and visitors coming from the ferry docks at Cruz Bay. Swaying palm trees line the narrow beach, which has restrooms, grills, and a shaded picnic area.
Hawksnest Bay faces east and gets lots of morning sun, and shade arrives earlier than on other St John beaches. For beginning snorkelers, an offshore reef is a short swim away, set in shallow waters where novice divers can see a cornucopia of colorful fish, corals, and sea creatures. Ambitious snorkelers will find much to discover farther out, where large, orange elkhorn coral brighten up the deeper waters.
If you want to get away from the crowd, head over to Little Hawknest: a quiet stretch of white, sandy beach, lying west of the main beach.
Hawksnest Bay faces east and gets lots of morning sun, and shade arrives earlier than on other St John beaches. For beginning snorkelers, an offshore reef is a short swim away, set in shallow waters where novice divers can see a cornucopia of colorful fish, corals, and sea creatures. Ambitious snorkelers will find much to discover farther out, where large, orange elkhorn coral brighten up the deeper waters.
If you want to get away from the crowd, head over to Little Hawknest: a quiet stretch of white, sandy beach, lying west of the main beach.
Address: US Virgin Islands
From $ 89
Haydnhaus
The composer Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) spent the last decade or so of his life in Gumpendorf, just outside of Vienna, composing the majority of his late work – including ‘The Seasons’. Upon the 200th anniversary of his death, his house was restored and is now a museum. The Haydnhaus museum focuses on the last years of the composer’s life, and the permanent exhibitions represent the political and social atmosphere of Austria in the early 19th century when Haydn lived there. The main focus of the exhibit revolves around Haydn’s music, his life, and the end of his years. He was an internationally renowned composer who was celebrated by his colleagues – indeed, he was the most famous composer in all of Europe when he died. Part of the exhibit includes the records and memoirs of the international visitors who came to pay Haydn their respects in his final years. The house’s ground floor displays portraits of Haydn’s guests from those days, and the rooms are divided up as they were in Haydn’s time. The highlight of the Haydnhaus is the small garden, which is modeled after the symmetrical bourgeois gardens of the time.
Practical Info
The museum is free to visit on the first Sunday of the month. The patio, garden, and main exhibits are located on the ground floor; the second floor is only accessible by stairs. Audio guides, which include several pieces of Haydn’s music, are available for 3 €.
Address: Haydngasse 19, Vienna 1060, Austria
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday and holidays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
Admission: Adults: 5 €; Students & seniors: 4 €, Under 19 visit for free.
From $ 68
Helsinki City Hall (Kaupungintalo)
Helsinki City Hall, also called Kaupungintalo, didn’t always have an administrative purpose. In fact, it was originally designed as a cultural entertainment hotel by the famous German architect Carl Ludvig Engel back in 1833. The beautiful white and blue façade in the imperial style has remained, but today, most of the classical interiors have been replaced by more modern glass structures. In 1913, the former grand hotel was turned into Helsinki City Hall and although it has served as a hospital during the First World War, the building has since then hosted the offices of the mayor of Helsinki. There are also several other rooms for City Board and City Council meetings, which take place every other Wednesday in the council chamber.
If you love architecture, you can simply bring your camera and wander, but visitors are also able to attend various events and exhibitions inside the building. Vikra Gallery organizes photography exhibitions, movie screenings and concerts in the lobby and banquet hall. In the lobby you can also find quite a few paintings and sculptures, for example “the Chain,” a sculpture by Kimmo Trench showing the unity of the people of Europe, or Oscar Klineh’s famous painting of Helsinki.
Practical Info
The Helsinki City Hall opens Monday to Friday from 8:15am to 4pm. You can find the iconic building in the Kruununhaka district right next to the Kauppatori market square and to get there, take trams 1A or 2 to the Kauppatori station.
Address: Helsinki 00170, Finland
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:15am-4pm
From $ 37
Helsinki Cruise Port
Once just a small fishing port, Helsinki has been the capital of Finland since 1812 and played host to the Olympic Games in 1952. Today, the port welcomes more than 300 cruise ships carrying nearly half a million passengers annually. It is also a departure point for ferries to Tallinn, Estonia; Stockholm, Sweden; and St. Petersburg, Russia.
The Basics
Shore excursions in Finland's capital range from private tours to hop-on hop-off bus tours covering the city's attractions and landmarks. Must-see highlights include Senate Square, Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the National Museum of Finland, Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, the Old Market Hall, and Rock Church (Temppeliaukio Kirkko).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Some shore excursions include round-trip transportation for destinations further afield, but the center of Helsinki is walkable from the South Terminal.
- The Baltic Sea separates Helsinki from Tallinn, Estonia, which is easily accessible and well worth a visit if time allows.
- The medieval town of Porvoo is about an hour's drive outside of Helsinki proper; tours to this historic village will provide round-trip transportation and a chance to learn about Finland's seagoing past.
How to Get to Helsinki from the Helsinki Cruise Port
Cruise ships visiting Helsinki dock at the South or West Terminal, depending on ship size and cruise line. From the South Terminal, trams 1A, 3B, and 3T take visitors further inland, with both 3B and 3T making full loops around the center, giving an overview of the city. Larger ships dock at the West Terminal, which is further out from the center. From there, limited ferries run to and from Market Square (Kauppatori), or visitors can take a taxi into the city center.
Port Information
At both the South and West terminals, travelers can find ATMs, luggage lockers, and currency-exchange desks. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish, but English is commonly spoken throughout Helsinki. Finland’s currency is the euro, and credit cards are widely accepted.
Address: Finland
From $ 17
Heiligenkreuz Abbey
Less than a half hour from Vienna is the Heiligenkreuz Abbey, the second-oldest Cistercian monastery in the world and the oldest continuously active and inhabited one. It was founded in 1133 by St. Leopold III and is located in the peaceful Vienna woods in Lower Austria. The Cistercian monks here gather several times a day to praise God by singing a Gregorian chant without accompaniment as a way to strengthen their sense of community. Visitors to the monastery are welcome to listen and watch this medieval ritual.
Due to its continuous use, Heiligenkreuz Abbey has been well preserved. Visitors can still see the Romanesque nave and facade, the Gothic cloister, and the neo-Gothic high altar. There are also several Baroque paintings. Visitors can also see the tombs of four ruling dukes of the Babenbergs in the late Romanesque chapter room. In the courtyard, there is the Trinity column and the Josefbrunnen fountain. Several hiking trails lead to the monastery and through the surrounding forest.
Practical Info
Heiligenkreuz Abbey is located in Heiligenkreuz, Austria and can be reached using route A21. Entry is only allowed as part of a group tour. Guided tours are available Monday through Saturday at 10am, 11am, 2, 3, and 4pm, and on Sundays at 11am, 2, 3, and 4pm. Admission is 8 euros.
Address: Heiligenkreuz, Austria
Admission: 8 euros
From $ 66
Hell's Gate National Park
One of the lesser visited of Kenya's parks, Hell's Gate National Park is small (just 27 square miles) and primarily savannah (grassland). It was named for a narrow break in the sheer red cliffs (the outlet for a prehistoric lake in the Rift Valley) by Scottish explorer and geologist Joseph Thomson (Thomson's Gazelle is named for him).
One of the few parks were walking and hiking is encouraged, it's known for its nature trails as well as its herds of buffalo, zebra, giraffe, eland, hartebeest and two species of antelope: klipspringer ("rock jumper") and Chanler's mountain reedbuck. Bird watchers can spot vultures, Verreaux's Eagles (Aquila verreauxii), Augur Buzzards (Buteo augur) and swifts.
Rock climbers will be tempted to tackle Fischer's Tower, an 82-foot pillar of basalt rock located at the entrance to the Hell's Gate gorge (named for German explorer Gustav Adolf Fischer).
The Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide has a one-way window allowing visitors to view and photograph the raptors (birds of prey) of the Park at close range.
Also located in the park are two geothermal power plants, Olkaria I and Olkaria II (two of Kenya's largest), which draw from underground hot springs.
One of the few parks were walking and hiking is encouraged, it's known for its nature trails as well as its herds of buffalo, zebra, giraffe, eland, hartebeest and two species of antelope: klipspringer ("rock jumper") and Chanler's mountain reedbuck. Bird watchers can spot vultures, Verreaux's Eagles (Aquila verreauxii), Augur Buzzards (Buteo augur) and swifts.
Rock climbers will be tempted to tackle Fischer's Tower, an 82-foot pillar of basalt rock located at the entrance to the Hell's Gate gorge (named for German explorer Gustav Adolf Fischer).
The Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide has a one-way window allowing visitors to view and photograph the raptors (birds of prey) of the Park at close range.
Also located in the park are two geothermal power plants, Olkaria I and Olkaria II (two of Kenya's largest), which draw from underground hot springs.
Practical Info
Hell's Gate National Park, south of Lake Naivasha, is about a 90 km drive northwest from Nairobi. It's also served by flights to the Naivasha air strip.
Admission is US $25 for adults and US $15 for children. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Admission is US $25 for adults and US $15 for children. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Address: Hell's Gate National Park, Naivasha, Kenya
Hours: Terrestrial/Marine Parks 6:30am – 6:30pm.
Admission: Adult: US$25; Child: US$15
From $ 36
Hekla Volcano
Climbed for the first time by two naturalists in 1750, Hekla had been the topic of many speculations ever since the year 874; but what Europeans believed was one of the two gateways to hell turned out to be Iceland’s most active volcano. Hiking Hekla is one of the most popular things to do in Iceland, thanks to magnificent views of the Fjallbak Mountains and Vatnajökull glacier.
Hekla has the shape of an overturned boat. Its tip is covered in craters and its flanks are blanketed by thick layers of lava flow and ash from previous eruptions. In fact, Hekla has produced one of the largest volumes of lava in the world over the last millennium, at around 8 cubic kilometers. Hekla is 1491-meters high and is the most active part of a much larger volcanic drift. Because of its age, size and frequent eruptions, Hekla has covered a rather large portion of Iceland in powdered dust which, nowadays, is used to date eruptions of other volcanoes.
Practical Info
Hekla Volcano is located in southwestern Iceland, roughly 120 kilometers from Reykjavik. The visitor center in Leirubakki (accessible via routes 1 and 26) houses a hotel, a restaurant, and a multimedia exhibition the history of Iceland and Hekla’s sometimes tragic influence on human development in the region. It is open year-round from 10AM to 9PM. There are also several day trips leaving from Reykjavik. The hike to the top of Hekla and back takes roughly 8 hours.
Address: Hekla, Iceland
From $ 81
Hell
Once you arrive in the paradise of the Cayman Islands, you can take a side trip to Hell, literally. There’s a swath of land in the West Bay area about the size of a football field that is stark, and sharp, limestone formations eroded from ironshore.
As the story goes, locals thought the landscape here must be what Hell looks like, and so that’s what they named it. Regardless, it’s a unique geographical feature that looks like stalagmites, but is actually worn away rock formed by salt and lime deposits. Locals have since taken advantage of the name to offer kitschy Hell- and Devil-themed souvenirs in the small on-site gift shop.
Who wouldn’t want to send a friend or family member a postcard from Hell?
Practical Info
Hell is located inland in the West Bay are of Grand Cayman, about 3-minutes’ drive from the Cayman Turtle Farm, and 20 minutes from George Town. It’s free to visit the site of “Hell” and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Hell, Cayman Islands
From $ 29