Fairyland: Hobbiton (PHOTOS / VIDEO)
Even if you’re not a fan of fantasy adventure stories like The Lord of the Rings, you will agree that such titles show some pretty beautiful places. Extremely impressive is one of the locations used for the filming of The Hobbit. And although many of the shots look unimaginably unique, we will tell you that they are not the work of an artist, but of the nature. It’s a real place in the middle of New Zealand.
The plot
The films from the “The Hobbit” trilogy based on the novel of the same name by J. R.R. Tolkien traces Bilbo Baggins’ experiences in Middle-earth. Fans of the author are probably aware that the events here take place 60 years before those in The Lord of the Rings.
The beginning
It all started in 1998, when the team of New Zealand director, screenwriter and producer Peter Jackson began researching for suitable locations. They discovered a unique 1,250-acre sheep farm in the heart of Waikato, New Zealand (10 km southwest of Matamata). The unique hills and lush green pastures were strikingly similar to those described by the author Tolkien, and the cinematographers immediately realized that this was the right place to shoot.
Attraction
And to date, this is a real tourist attraction, where you can see 44 traditional cave houses with the same fantastic details of the film production. To screen the history of Tolkien, the caves are decorated with beautiful round windows and doors and lined with wood. Just as we remember them from the screen – without right angles and with carefully maintained gardens. And especially for the people who want to relax like in a movie theater, the Green Dragon Inn now also functions as a landmark and visitors can have a drink there.
For Real Daredevils – The Most Dangerous Eco-Trails in the World
Do you like nature? Do you regularly hike in the mountains?! Eco-trails are your passion and the hours of walking and climbing do not scare you?! Think twice! Why? We are going to show you some eco-trails which are incredibly beautyfull, but real dangerous for the physical health of the visitors, too.
Top 3 of the Most Dangerous Eco-Trails in the World
Huashan Mountain, China
Unique place of great religious significance for more than 2 millennia. The first Taoist temple was built there 2300 years ago and since then the place and its surroundings have been among the favorites of travelers. There are many temples, but the most impressive is the network of long and dangerously steep paths leading to five peaks arranged in the shape of a flower.
And if you do not believe that it can be dangerous, we will note that in some places there is no real path, but just stiff wooden boards and carved grooves in the rock to support the legs. The only security is sticking to slightly rusted chains attached to the stone. So in case you are afraid of heights and you are not among the most careful people in the world, you better not go there.
The Way of the King (El Caminito del Rey), Malaga, Spain
So beautiful, but just as dangerous route, which was created in 1901 to provide access to hydropower workers to two waterfalls. Construction was completed in 1905. However, the path did not get its name until 1921, when Alfonso XIII passed through it.
Over time, the path became very dangerous, which is why the authorities decided to block access to it. It has been rebuilt and secured since April 2015, after being closed for more than a decade due to multiple deaths. It winds on dangerous rocks 100 meters above the river Guadalorse and is 3 km long (its width is only a meter).
Angels Landing, Utah, USA
One of the most popular trails in Zion National Park in Southwestern Utah in the United States. In ancient Hebrew, “zaion” means a sanctuary, a temple, but the place is more for lovers of strong adrenaline, rather than for meek religious people.
The eco-trail is about 4 km long and for the most part is not so scary. Towards the end, however, things change dramatically. Continuing means walking on a steep and narrow ridge with dangerous ravines on both sides. A set of chains are placed to help tourists, but even they can not bring you peace of mind. However, those who dare to cross the dangerous terrain receive an indescribable reward – one of the most stunning views in the world.
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The situation this year is not the most suitable for such distant destinations, but if you have a job in Sofia, we will be waiting for you at Art Hotel Simona. With us you will not raise the adrenaline as with the most dangerous eco-trails, but you will satisfy your need for art experiences with our designer rooms. In addition, you will feed your eyes and stomachs with the amazing offers of the Simona restaurant. And, of course, everything is in line with the new conditions and safety requirements!
