The Legend of Zelda has whisked players away to countless unforgettable locations in its 40-year history, from places that are cozy and relaxing, to places that are dangerous and nigh-inhospitable, and everything in between. Being able to experience some of these locations in person would be a dream vacation for any longtime Zelda fan, which inspired the Zelda Universe staff to come together to discuss where in Hyrule (and beyond) we wish we could visit and see with our own eyes. Read on to find out which environment each writer has set their sights on more than any other, and how they would pass the time if they were so lucky to take a vacation there.
Lake Totori
I’m the rare person who actually prefers visiting temperate, cooler climates as opposed to those that are tropical and balmy. I’ll take a pine forest over the beach any day of the week. That’s why, of all locations in The Legend of Zelda, Lake Totori is calling my name. It sits smack dab in between two unique biomes: to the south lies the Tabantha Frontier and its boreal ecosystem, while to the north you have the snowy Hebra Mountains and Tabantha Tundra.
The lake itself is a stunning sight, with rocky spires rising high out of the water to serve as islands for the Rito to make their home. Much of the surrounding area is blanketed with coniferous trees. As an avid hiker, a long walk among those tall firs, spruces, and pines would be right up my alley. Take one look at Lake Totori, and you can practically feel that crisp, refreshing chill in the air. It’s the kind of tolerable cold where a longsleeve shirt and jeans are more than enough to feel comfortable, maybe a light jacket at most if the wind picks up. Or just throw on the Rito Set, and you’re good to go.
Visiting Lake Totori allows you to experience just the right amount of wintry, arctic fun in the Hebra Region. There are plenty of incredible views you can take in from the mountaintops, perhaps most majestic of all being the auroras that stream overhead in the night skies. I’m no snowboader, so I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the thrilling snowboarding trails that Selmie laid out, but Pondo’s Snowball Bowling seems like it would be a ton of fun in real life, and a game I would become [way too] competitive with amongst friends. Using the updrafts at the Flight Range does seem more like video game logic than anything realistically safe, but darn if I’m not at least intrigued to try my hand at some aerial archery!
When all of that snow and those frigid, arctic temperatures become too much, you can simply retreat to the more mild clime of the Tabantha Frontier. Naturally, I would stay at Rito Village, which is a fascinating locale for its vertical layout and birdcage-like dwellings. More than anything else, I think I would want to sit around a campfire at night beneath the village, enjoying the company of friends while chowing down on nutcake, apple pie, and especially Hearty Salmon Meunière — because I’m a man who loves him some salmon.
Ah, Skyloft. If you like a vacation where you can chill the whole time with your head in the clouds (literally), then this floating archipelago is the place for you.
Skyloft isn’t short on good hearty food with The Lumpy Pumpkin not far away, and (most of) the inhabitants are friendly and happy to chat. There’s Fun Fun Island, the Sparring Hall, Bamboo Island, and the “Warden of the Skies” Levias to visit in the Thunderhead if you’re craving something a little more daring. Remlits make adorable distractions, too. Guess what — even if you drop them off the edge (completely by accident, of course), you’ve not committed a felony. These cute Dumbo-cat hybrids fly straight back to you!
What could beat a ride on a Loftwing, soaring through the clouds and surrounded by heavenly scenery? And there wouldn’t be any need to worry about packing waterproofs. The Isle of the Goddess doesn’t suffer inconvenient nature tantrums, so it’s clear blue skies and fluffy white clouds all day long. Nighttime is peaceful, too. Since this guy called Batreaux turned up randomly, there’s no problem with monsters, and the Remlits don’t attack you on sight. Now, you can take a leisurely stroll whenever you like.
Come on. Goddess Hylia literally created Skyloft to protect humanity from demonic hordes. It’s safe to say that it would make a pretty relaxing holiday.
Spirit Tracks was my introduction to Zelda, and clearly made quite the impression on me as a child. Between rebuilding the Tower of Spirits, being chased around the tracks by Dark Trains, and trying to reunite Zelda’s spirit with her body, there was one spot on the map that offered respite. Tucked into a quiet corner is my vacation pick: The Rabbitland Rescue.
Despite the slightly questionable attire of its founder, Bunnio, the Rabbitland Rescue is one of the most wholesome areas in Spirit Tracks. A small stop in the Forest Realm devoid of monsters, it is a sanctuary for the bunnies of Hyrule, split into several different biomes so that each type will feel at home. There is a small catch: You have to be the one to catch the rabbits out in the wilderness and bring them back to the sanctuary. Once you have, though, you can frolic to your heart’s content.
Its ‘Bring Your Own Bunnies’ policy aside, Rabbitland Rescue reminds me of Ōkunoshima, better known as Japan’s Rabbit Island. The island has no permanent human residents aside from the staff at its hotel, but draws a huge amount of visitors, and understandably so. A frolic among the fuzzy occupants is likely more restorative than the average spa retreat and an ideal way to reconnect with nature, lowering your screen time and your blood pressure in one fell swoop.
Unlike Ōkunoshima, Rabbitland Rescue doesn’t offer any kind of bunny merch. Perhaps that’s for the best, though; If I could really vacation there, there wouldn’t be a single Rupee left in my wallet, and I’d have more plushies of each kind of rabbit than I could carry.
Picture this: A scenic view. A laidback vibe. And thrilling (yet optional) excursions to indulge in.
Lake Hylia in Twilight Princess is exactly my kind of vacation destination. Plenty to do but no rush to do them. As a hiker, I love the idea of making my way around the perimeter and across the Great Bridge to gaze at the spectacular views. The lake itself is big enough to canoe on, or just relax on the wooden boardwalk. If you’re into fishing, you can fish on the lake or head a short distance to Hena’s Fishing Hole. And of course the biggest attraction: Fyer & Falbi’s Watertop Land of Fantastication. I’ve done my share of zip lines and water sports, but gliding while holding onto nothing but a Cucco? It’s a thrill-seeker’s delight.
Crucially though, you don’t have to do any of this. You can do as much or as little as you want, and then just enjoy the serenity of the lake when you’re done. After several good and not-so-good vacations, I’ve come to realize the best ones are those where you plan a few activities, but then leave lots of space to relax or choose to do something spontaneous. It’s a balancing act, and I think Lake Hylia perfectly suits it.
Truthfully, I might be biased due to the music. Non-diagetic though it may be, Lake Hylia owes its tranquility to the gorgeous OST playing there. It also helps it contrast with the terror happening in just about every other location in the world of Twilight Princess. If I could go there in person, you can bet your every last Rupee I’d be blasting this track in my headphones as I find a good spot, sit down, and enjoy my absolute favorite Legend of Zelda location. See you there?
Choosing a place to travel within The Legend of Zelda was honestly challenging. But after an eventful weekend of soul-searching in the wilderness of Ontario, Canada, I have decided that the place I would be most interested in vacationing to is the Faron region from Breath of the Wild. From portaging to cooking on a campfire, swimming in the lake, or singing in the woods, the Faron region has a wide array of picturesque spots. For me, the Spring of Courage, Floria Falls, and the Dracozu River accurately reflect the gentle solitude that my backcountry camping trip provided.
My first instinct would be crossing Lake Hylia in my canoe, portaging through the Faron Woods to the Floria River. With quiet admiration, I would admire the lush wildlife, the shapes of the trees, the splashing of the water against my paddle, and the complex navigation through dangerous terrain. With any luck, I would wind up at the Lakeside Stable in one piece.
After a brief respite, a few good laughs, and a solid sleep in a comfy bed, I would begin the second leg of my journey to Eventide Island. After more paddling through the Faron region, I would end up at the Clarnet Coast, just near Tuft Mountain. There, I would take off my boots, enjoy the feeling of sand on the soles of my feet, and relish the sweet ocean breeze. Hopefully there wouldn’t be too many monsters lurking in caves near me!
After a brief stint with danger, I would begin the trek due east with caution, all the way until I got to Lurelin Village. You might think I would prefer to end my vacation here, but no. Although Lurelin Village has many amenities to offer, being such a beautiful tropical paradise, my heart longs for adventure. With the help of some villagers, I would construct a capable vessel to take me to Eventide Island, where I could conquer the Hinox I have heard so much about. With nothing but a pack on my back, I hope I could outrun the Hinox, pelt them with arrows, loot their goods, and live to tell the tale!
by Zelda Universe Staff on June 18, 2026
