Travel To Northrend
Northrend is intended for those who are level 68 or above. It is possible for those at lower level to visit, but there are no quests available below level 68. Travel to Northrend by boat:
- For Alliance:
- By boat from Menethil Harbor (Wetlands) to Valgarde (Howling Fjord).
- By boat from Stormwind Harbor to Valiance Keep (Borean Tundra).
- For Horde:
- By zeppelin from Undercity to Vengeance Landing (Howling Fjord).
- By zeppelin from Orgrimmar to Warsong Hold (Borean Tundra).
The old Wetlands to Darkshore boat now travels between Stormwind Harbor and Darkshore (which will please the young Night Elves that used to die on the road through the Wetlands).
Flying mounts (first used in Outland) cannot be used in Northrend until level 77, when you can learn the new "Cold Weather Flying" from the trainer on Krasus Landing in Dalaran.
South-East Northrend
The map right shows major settlements in south-east Northrend. Places are marked with a yellow pin. Alliance towns are described "(A)", Horde "(H)". Not all places are shown: Only large settlements. The yellow arrows on the map show safe passes or routes between areas.
Most land in the Howling Fjord (levels 68-72) is high above sea level. 5 separate lifts have been built along the cliff-face to allow travel up from sea level. A ropeway also links the west coast to the Tuskarr village of Kamagua. A "turtle boat" can be used to travel between Kamagua and Moa'ki Harbor (Dragonblight).
The Howling Fjord contains several large inland lakes and rivers, including the Whisper Gulch flowing west from Lake Cauldros in the center of the zone, and Caldemere Lake near the Alliance town of Fort Wildervar. Valgarde is built on the shores of Daggercap Bay - a deep a sea fjord.
The Grizzly Hills (levels 74-76) to the north are heavily forested. Blackriver runs south through the western half of the zone to Venture Bay. There are several smaller inland lakes in the Grizzly Hills. The western border with Dragonblight is marked by the Dragonspine Tributary. Coastal water on the east and south-west sides of the Grizzly Hills is also easy to reach.
Zul'Drak (levels 74-77) is an ancient sprawling troll city. It has no major settlements, only outposts of the Argent Dawn. The eastern coastline of Zul'Drak is not accessible, however there are a few small lakes within Zul'Drak.
South-West Northrend
The map left shows major settlements in south-west Northrend. As above, places are marked with a yellow pin, and yellow arrows show safe passes or routes between areas. Smaller settlements are not shown.
As the name suggests, the Borean Tundra (levels 68-72) is mostly flat and tree-less. Hot geysers feed many shallow inland pools. The Horde fortress of Warsong Hold is the largest base in Northrend. Coldarra is the rocky island on the west side of the zone, containing the Nexus. The largest Tuskarr (Kalu'ak) town, Unu'pe, is found on the southern coast. A "turtle boat" can be used to travel between here and Moa'ki Harbor (Dragonblight). The Tuskarr are a fishing-orientated faction, also found in the Howling Fjord and Dragonblight. The murlocs of Borean Tundra also enjoy fishing. Almost the entire coastline of the Borean Tundra is a beach or broken ice, and very accessible.
To the north is Sholazar Basin (levels 75-78). The only land route into the basin is from the Borean Tundra. Sholazar Basin lies below sea level. Water flows into the basin from the Frozen Sea to the east, and a glacier from the north-east. Several lakes can be found within Sholazar Basin. A series of crystals and hot springs (similar to Un'Goro Crater) maintain tropical vegetation in the basin similar to Stranglethorn Vale.
Dragonblight (levels 71-75) can be found east of the Borean Tundra and west of the Grizzly Hills. The zone is entirely snow-covered, except for a series of Dragonshires. The Path of Titans - an abandoned road that runs from south to north through Northrend - starts in Dragonblight. The southern coast of Dragonblight is open, with several beaches. A few lakes can be found inland, including Lake Indu'le near the Tuskarr village of Moa'ki Harbor, and waters around Icemist Village. The eastern border with the Grizzly Hills is marked by the Dragonspine Tributary.
The underground "city" of Azjol-Nerub is found below western Dragonblight (just south of Icemist Village). Almost the whole city is patrolled by elite creatures.
Lake Wintergrasp (a dedicated PvP zone) is on a raised tier above western Dragonblight. It cannot be reached by riding directly from any neighbouring zone. Lake Wintergrasp is mostly frozen, but does contain some open inland water.
North Northrend
To the north of Dragonblight lies Crystalsong Forest. This area can also be reached from Zul'Drak to the east. The city of Dalaran floats above Crystalsong Forest. Dalaran has become a neutral city, and provides a similar role to Shattrath City in Outland. Dalaran contains portals to all capitals in Azeroth, plus Shattrath City. These portals can be found in the Alliance or Horde enclaves.
Icecrown (levels 77-80) is reached from the north-west side of Crystalsong Forest. Many parts of the glacier can only be reached using a flying mount. The glacier is heavily fortified, with Icecrown Citadel at one end. There is no known open water on the glacier, but there is a pool deep below the Citadel. Plus sea on the northern side of Icecrown.
The Storm Peaks (levels 77-80) are found north of Crystalsong Forest. The Storm Peaks are almost "as high as they are wide" - the most dramatic use of altitude so far seen in World of Warcraft. A flying mount is expected to be essential to travel in the Storm Peaks.
The northern coast of Northrend is characterised by very steep cliffs. There are a few small islands and bays where explorers might (eventually) be able to cast a line into the sea.
Learn More
- Northrend - WoWWiki's entry for Northrend.
- Also in Wrath of the Lich King: Wrath of the Lich King Essentials, Wrath of the Lich King Fishing Changes, Wrath of the Lich King Fish, Wrath of the Lich King Pools, Dalaran Fishing, and Dalaran Cooking Quests.
