One day, while out exploring the Lanayru region in Breath of the Wild, I decided to open up my map and search around to see if there were any cool places to check out. I noticed a spot called “Peak of Awakening,” and my thoughts instantly went to Link’s Awakening; I wondered if this location would have any connection to that classic Zelda game. Ultimately, there was no connection to be found, but what I did experience on the peak was even more beautiful. One random map search gave me one of the best Breath of the Wild experiences I’ve ever had.
According to the map, the Peak of Awakening is at the top of Lanayru Bluff, which is south of Lanayru Road. The Dow Na’eh Shrine served as the starting point for my trip up the mountain to the peak.
Standing outside the entrance to Dow Na’eh Shrine, turn right to see the mountain that needs to be climbed. You can fly over to the mountain using Revali’s Gale, and then it’s just a short climb to the top. As long as you have climbing gear on or some stamina built up, you shouldn’t have any trouble making it up to the peak. Along the way, you can hunt some animals and collect Luminous Stones. I discovered on some of my playthroughs that you can also encounter Stalbokoblins at night, which will make the trek a bit more difficult. In fact, when I explored the peak for the very first time, I not only did so at nighttime but also during a rainstorm. This only made my journey even more exhilarating.
When you make it to the top of the Peak of Awakening, you are greeted with a breathtaking view. The view is usually obscured a bit by fog, rain, or snow, but it’s still impressive how much of Hyrule you can see from up there. I was able to see all the Champions casting their glowing red beams from their respective Divine Beasts onto Hyrule Castle. The scope of this sight is incredible, and I imagine that coming up here before conquering the Divine Beasts would probably make it less impressive. As I looked over to my right, I could see Naydra making its way around Lanayru. I’m always so impressed by these incredible dragons and can’t help but stop and watch them. Naydra’s glow looks so amazing when you are up on the peak at night, especially during a snowfall.
Once you’re done admiring the view from the top, the only thing left to do is go down (obviously). I like to glide down and follow Naydra as far as I can; sometimes I attack it with arrows and looks for the scales as they fall to the ground below.
If you’re looking for an alternate route to the peak, you can also start the trip from Nirvata Lake. Just make sure you bring along a Korok Leaf, as there is a wooden raft you can borrow to sail along the lake. There are some treasures, monsters, and fish you can find along the way. This is definitely the more scenic and adventurous route to the peak.
I love how my admiration for Link’s Awakening led me to climb this mountain in the first place. The journey up may just be a quick trek, or it may involve fighting some Stalbokoblins in the dark of the night. I couldn’t find any connections to Koholint, but I did see all four of the Divine Beasts focusing their energy on the evil Calamity Ganon. Plus, I got to fly with the legendary dragon Naydra and feel at one with the great beast. If you haven’t traveled up to this part of Hyrule yet, I implore you to do so. The Peak of Awakening can truly awaken your sense of how incredibly vast this game is.
