Murmansk region
INTERACTIVE GUIDE
Murmansk — the Arctic Capital
Endless Russian North… carpeting for thousands of kilometers of tundra, the Arctic Ocean, 25-m/s-speed wind, different sopkas appearing one after another, and the real ‘Gates to the Arctic’. This is all about the city of Murmansk. This region is famous for its non-freezing port and natural wonders, i.e. whales, Polar Day, and Aurora. What else can it offer to amaze us?
Within a relatively small delegation of the media-forum Dialogue of Cultures, we embarked on a short but colorful two-day trip around Murmansk and Pechengsky District to gain a deeper understanding of the local life. We discovered what a real Polar Day is, got charmed by the most northern White Nights, learned about the heroes of this region, and tasted a unique northern cuisine.
Embark on a journey through Murmansk Region with the participants
of the XIX International Media Forum «Dialogue of Cultures».
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of the XIX International Media Forum «Dialogue of Cultures».
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Way to Murmansk
You can get to Russia’s capital of cold seas from almost everywhere. Travellers have several options: an air flight, a train or a car trip.
A flight from St. Petersburg takes about 1.5 hours. However, the first impression starts aboard when you see snowy landscapes from the window, although it is late May. In this region, snow melted only in big cities, whereas the tundra remains full of snowbanks, and its lakes are locked in the ice. The skiing season ends in May as well, and nobody is surprised by it. At the same time, summer is ready to approach since there is no spring, and harsh winter turns into a rather warm summer.
A flight from St. Petersburg takes about 1.5 hours. However, the first impression starts aboard when you see snowy landscapes from the window, although it is late May. In this region, snow melted only in big cities, whereas the tundra remains full of snowbanks, and its lakes are locked in the ice. The skiing season ends in May as well, and nobody is surprised by it. At the same time, summer is ready to approach since there is no spring, and harsh winter turns into a rather warm summer.
Photographer: Alexey Moiseev (Russia)
It is really windy and there is a lot of snow in the region. Nevertheless, the Barents Sea within the city does not freeze. It provides an opportunity to send and receive all kinds of goods whole year. This natural feature became a key factor in the construction of Murmansk at the beginning of the 20th century, when, during World War I, other ports of the Baltic and the Black Seas were blocked. Railway system through the tundra to the city was built in less than a year. It has managed to remain untouched since then, connecting this region with the rest of the country for 110 years.
Back in 1916, the city had a different name — Romanov-on-Murman. It was named after Nicholas II, who gave an order to found a northern port city. However, this name lasted only for six months. Then the revolution took place, and it was renamed to Murmansk. But even today, as you land, you hear an announcement that you have arrived at the airport named after the last Russian Emperor, Nicholas II.
Back in 1916, the city had a different name — Romanov-on-Murman. It was named after Nicholas II, who gave an order to found a northern port city. However, this name lasted only for six months. Then the revolution took place, and it was renamed to Murmansk. But even today, as you land, you hear an announcement that you have arrived at the airport named after the last Russian Emperor, Nicholas II.
How to experience Norwegian nature without a visa?
Here is what Aleksey Moiseev, a Russian blogger, says about traveling to the Murmansk Region: «There are places in Russia where nature knows no borders. Where the northern taiga gives way to the tundra, and the purest lakes reflect the same sky as that of the neighbors»
City that went through war
Murmansk is one of the Hero Cities of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. It did not fall but was nearly burned to ashes in 1942. Whereas, each valley and hill turned into a battlefield on the outskirts.
Even nowadays, volunteers continue to find belongings of fallen soldiers, including capsules with personal information, bullets, personal stuff and more of what is buried under the frozen ground of the Murmansk region.
The Defenders of the Soviet Arctic during the Great Patriotic War Monument is one of the most remarkable symbols of the city and heroism. It is commonly called Alyosha (shortened version of Aleksey). The 42.5-meter-high statue depicts a soldier in a greatcoat, with a submachine gun slung over his shoulder. He faces west, toward the Valley of Glory, where the fiercest fighting of the Arctic Campaign occurred.
Even nowadays, volunteers continue to find belongings of fallen soldiers, including capsules with personal information, bullets, personal stuff and more of what is buried under the frozen ground of the Murmansk region.
The Defenders of the Soviet Arctic during the Great Patriotic War Monument is one of the most remarkable symbols of the city and heroism. It is commonly called Alyosha (shortened version of Aleksey). The 42.5-meter-high statue depicts a soldier in a greatcoat, with a submachine gun slung over his shoulder. He faces west, toward the Valley of Glory, where the fiercest fighting of the Arctic Campaign occurred.
Monument "Alyosha"
Photo by: Viktor Balaguer (France)
Next to the statue is a stele of polished granite with this inscription:
Defenders of the Arctic – the warriors of the 14th Army, 19th Army, Red Banner Northern Fleet, 7th Air Force, 82nd and 100th Border Troops, and Partisan groups "Soviet Moormen", "Bolshevik Arctic", "Polarmen", "Stalinists", and "Bolshevist". We honor their defence of this land!
The monument was dedicated on the 30th anniversary of the defeat of German forces in the Arctic – October 19, 1974.
During the ceremony, Murmansk youth swore an oath:
Decades have passed since Victory Day. Years go one after another, so do generations. But as long as our hearts beat, we will commemorate those who died in the last effort to achieve victory, fighting for the Motherland.
During the ceremony, Murmansk youth swore an oath:
Decades have passed since Victory Day. Years go one after another, so do generations. But as long as our hearts beat, we will commemorate those who died in the last effort to achieve victory, fighting for the Motherland.
Titovsky Bound Line Museum is another place dedicated to the defence of the Soviet Arctic during World War II. Its historic exhibition also tells about the longest cable railway between Pechenga and Titovka settlements, and even further to the East, till the frontline built by the Nazis. Thanks to this funicular, they averted problems with supply transit, which could emerge in such harsh climate circumstances and a lack of roads due to the landscape. Visitors can also see maps, weapons and photographs of the past events and ring a bell in memoriam of fallen soldiers, sacrificed their lives for the liberty of the North.
Journey to the Arctic Circle
Reporters from the Belarusian TV channel «Mogilev» transport viewers to the Murmansk Region which is a land of contrasts, where harsh nature combines with human warmth, and a heroic past becomes the foundation for new development.
What truly matters is inside
At first glance, it may seem like buildings in Murmansk are grey, identical and definitely plain-looking. However, there is a real treasure inside them — the locals. They are talented, sweet, powerful and persistent. They are not afraid of the cold and welcome guests with an open heart.
The participants have experienced northern but warm hospitality and a unique identity while visiting the art studio of Murmansk painter Dmitry Novitsky, a member of the Murmansk Region Painters Union. This treasure trove of art is located on the top floor of an ordinary house, where common people live downstairs. Under the roof, Dmitry works sincerely, freely and in a unique way, turning his own opinion on local problems and events into art.
The artist showed us his most impressive works and talked about the principles of his art. The most popular topics are ships and sea voyages, rendered in the artist's unique style, with elements of sarcasm and irony. In addition, Dmitry is passionate about sculpture and sometimes transforms completely unexpected objects into subjects for philosophical reflection.
The participants have experienced northern but warm hospitality and a unique identity while visiting the art studio of Murmansk painter Dmitry Novitsky, a member of the Murmansk Region Painters Union. This treasure trove of art is located on the top floor of an ordinary house, where common people live downstairs. Under the roof, Dmitry works sincerely, freely and in a unique way, turning his own opinion on local problems and events into art.
The artist showed us his most impressive works and talked about the principles of his art. The most popular topics are ships and sea voyages, rendered in the artist's unique style, with elements of sarcasm and irony. In addition, Dmitry is passionate about sculpture and sometimes transforms completely unexpected objects into subjects for philosophical reflection.
Photographer: Viktor Balaguer (France)
I am happy to have visited the North and Murmansk, a city where the horizon is closer than it seems
Viktor Balaguer
photographer, france
However, the creativity of the citizens is not limited to artistic works. Attending a rock concert by the Murmansk bands Space Pioneers and Cat Norm showed just how diverse the people living in the North are.
In addition to the vivid and liberating rock music and unique art, visiting the Lenin nuclear icebreaker is an indescribably emotional experience. Towering above the embankment and surrounded by seagulls that seem to guard its peace, the ship is impressive in its grandeur.
The icebreaker Lenin was the world's first surface vessel powered by a nuclear reactor. It was launched in 1957 and served for more than 32 years, making numerous Arctic voyages. Now the icebreaker houses a museum, which is a must-see for all tourists visiting Murmansk.
The City of Kind Hearts
The Blagodelnya (‘Place of doing blessing’) social canteen, founded by priest Aleksey Penkin, also welcomes guests with an open heart. This project has been running for more than eight years and is yet another example of the incredible kindness and warmth of northern hearts. Until recently, the canteen was a completely charitable project, but due to the loss of its main patron, it is now being reorganized to operate on a commercial basis.
The prices at the canteen, located in the city center and offering excellent quality dishes, will surprise everyone. The taste of these dishes is definitely connected with the love and sincerity with which they are made. Lunch for pensioners costs only 180 rubles, students can have lunch for 280 rubles, and a full lunch will cost 320 rubles. And this seems like an incredibly small thing compared to the tremendous work done by volunteers and employees of the foundation and the cafeteria. The amount of good deeds they bring to the streets of Murmansk is immeasurable.
Every Sunday, the canteen and the Dobry Mir (‘Kind World’) Foundation, which sponsors it, feed everyone in need for free at four locations in Murmansk, and dozens of volunteers start cooking before the weekend. The foundation also provides free meals to bedridden patients and bedridden or lonely pensioners who are visited by social workers.
The prices at the canteen, located in the city center and offering excellent quality dishes, will surprise everyone. The taste of these dishes is definitely connected with the love and sincerity with which they are made. Lunch for pensioners costs only 180 rubles, students can have lunch for 280 rubles, and a full lunch will cost 320 rubles. And this seems like an incredibly small thing compared to the tremendous work done by volunteers and employees of the foundation and the cafeteria. The amount of good deeds they bring to the streets of Murmansk is immeasurable.
Every Sunday, the canteen and the Dobry Mir (‘Kind World’) Foundation, which sponsors it, feed everyone in need for free at four locations in Murmansk, and dozens of volunteers start cooking before the weekend. The foundation also provides free meals to bedridden patients and bedridden or lonely pensioners who are visited by social workers.
"Good deeds are actually very difficult to do in today's reality. But this charity is the active fulfilment of Christ's commandments, so we will never give it up and will do everything in our power to preserve this project"
— Aleksey Penkin, priest
Photo by: Behzod Boltaev (Uzbekistan)
Photographer: Viktor Balaguer (France)
Heaven of tastes
The Murmansk region is a must-visit destination for those interested in experiencing unique local cuisine. Thanks to its proximity to the sea and location in the tundra, the local culinary arts are celebrated for their seafood dishes and delicacies made from reindeer, moose, and wild boar meat. In addition, the incredible serving style is noteworthy. The region's residents have turned cooking into a true art form! Such a variety of dishes and unexpected flavor combinations are unlikely to be found anywhere else.
Locals take the culinary arts very seriously. After all, food is the best way to truly experience this northern region. For the fourth year in a row, the city of Nikel is hosting the GASTRO INDUSTRY FEST culinary festival, which combines gastronomic discoveries and northern flavor. Dozens of establishments in the Murmansk region come together at the festival to surprise guests with the richness and diversity of Arctic cuisine.
At the festival, you can try reindeer ribs, which are slowly cooked in a giant cast-iron pot on fire, making the meat very soft; fried pelmeni with scallops and shrimp; shawarma with cod; mussels baked in their shells with masago (capelin caviar); salmon cream soup; pike cutlets and smorrebrod (scandinavian sandwiches) with local fish on homemade bread with reindeer lichen, lingonberries, and cloudberries. And this is just the tip of the gastronomic iceberg!
Locals take the culinary arts very seriously. After all, food is the best way to truly experience this northern region. For the fourth year in a row, the city of Nikel is hosting the GASTRO INDUSTRY FEST culinary festival, which combines gastronomic discoveries and northern flavor. Dozens of establishments in the Murmansk region come together at the festival to surprise guests with the richness and diversity of Arctic cuisine.
At the festival, you can try reindeer ribs, which are slowly cooked in a giant cast-iron pot on fire, making the meat very soft; fried pelmeni with scallops and shrimp; shawarma with cod; mussels baked in their shells with masago (capelin caviar); salmon cream soup; pike cutlets and smorrebrod (scandinavian sandwiches) with local fish on homemade bread with reindeer lichen, lingonberries, and cloudberries. And this is just the tip of the gastronomic iceberg!
The Crossroads of Nature and History
The Pechengsky District welcomed us to its colorful cities of Nikel and Zapolyarny, located on the Kola Peninsula and attracting travellers from all over the country with their breathtaking Arctic landscapes. We saw the Pechenga Bay, visited the local history museum, the festival square in the city of Nickel, and the waterfall on the Shuoniyoki River.
The History Museum of the Pechengsky Municipal District of the Murmansk Region is the most northwestern museum in Russia. Museum director Evgeny Maruchok personally met our delegation and guided us through the most interesting halls. The museum showcases the beauty of the unique northern nature of the Russian-Norwegian border region and the everyday objects of the indigenous population of these places, the Sami. It tells the story of the northernmost Trifonov-Pechenga Monastery and the Pechganikell plant, an industrial giant that gave rise to the birth of nickel. It displays core samples from a depth of more than 12 kilometers, extracted from the Kola super-deep well. It allows you to touch exhibits telling about the Petsamo-Kirkenes Operation of the Great Patriotic War and much more. Here, you will definitely understand that the Murmansk region hides an incredible amount of unknown and amazing things!
The History Museum of the Pechengsky Municipal District of the Murmansk Region is the most northwestern museum in Russia. Museum director Evgeny Maruchok personally met our delegation and guided us through the most interesting halls. The museum showcases the beauty of the unique northern nature of the Russian-Norwegian border region and the everyday objects of the indigenous population of these places, the Sami. It tells the story of the northernmost Trifonov-Pechenga Monastery and the Pechganikell plant, an industrial giant that gave rise to the birth of nickel. It displays core samples from a depth of more than 12 kilometers, extracted from the Kola super-deep well. It allows you to touch exhibits telling about the Petsamo-Kirkenes Operation of the Great Patriotic War and much more. Here, you will definitely understand that the Murmansk region hides an incredible amount of unknown and amazing things!
Murmansk — Russia's northern gateway
A report by the Armenian TV channel «Kentron TV» about Murmansk: it is a harsh but hospitable city beyond the Arctic Circle, which holds within it a history of heroism and resilience.
In May, nature welcomes guests with the display of the White Nights and the Polar Day. The Polar Day is a period when the sun shines around the clock. This unusual and amazing natural phenomenon for tourists lasts in the region from approximately May 22 to July 22. The White Nights period here is the time of year when the sun may disappear below the horizon but continues to illuminate the atmosphere, and it feels completely different than in St. Petersburg. The northernmost White Nights can be seen from April 30 to August 15.
As the locals say, “There are not many places in the world where the harshness of the climate is combined with the warmth of the hearts.”
As the locals say, “There are not many places in the world where the harshness of the climate is combined with the warmth of the hearts.”
Photographer: Behzod Boltaev (Uzbekistan)
Best of the Best
The region is well-known for bringing together the most remarkable phenomena, most of which cannot be seen anywhere else on the planet. Here are just a few of the amazing facts about the city and region that impressed our delegation during the trip.
Murmansk is the biggest city located above the Arctic Circle. More than 1,000 types of useful and valuable minerals have been found in the region's mountains, about 115 of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The region is home to the northernmost monastery in Russia, the Trifon-Pechenga Monastery, which we were able to visit during our trip to the region. Founded in 1533 by the Reverend Trifon Pechenga, the Holy Trinity Monastery is the northernmost Orthodox monastery in the world.
Murmansk is the biggest city located above the Arctic Circle. More than 1,000 types of useful and valuable minerals have been found in the region's mountains, about 115 of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The region is home to the northernmost monastery in Russia, the Trifon-Pechenga Monastery, which we were able to visit during our trip to the region. Founded in 1533 by the Reverend Trifon Pechenga, the Holy Trinity Monastery is the northernmost Orthodox monastery in the world.
the Trifon-Pechenga Monastery
Photo by: Aleksey Moiseev (Russia)
The deepest borehole is the Kola Superdeep Borehole. This borehole is one of the most ambitious scientific projects of the 20th century for studying the Earth's crust and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Its depth is 12,262 meters. During 20 years of drilling, scientists discovered almost all the elements of the periodic table and soil very similar to that found on the surface of the moon. The study of the borehole refuted the existing theory of the structure of the Earth at that time and also showed that the planet is a billion years older than previously thought. The Kola Superdeep Borehole is now sealed, but it remains humanity's deepest penetration into the Earth's crust.
It is also the region from which Yuri Gagarin wrote a letter requesting to be enrolled in the cosmonaut candidate group. In the late 1950s, he served in the Pechengsky District, in the village of Korzunovo, in the Northern Fleet's aviation regiment. Yuri also received his first award in the North, and it was here that his daughter was born. In the Murmansk region, he is regarded not only as the first man to go into space, but also almost as a fellow countryman.
It is also the region from which Yuri Gagarin wrote a letter requesting to be enrolled in the cosmonaut candidate group. In the late 1950s, he served in the Pechengsky District, in the village of Korzunovo, in the Northern Fleet's aviation regiment. Yuri also received his first award in the North, and it was here that his daughter was born. In the Murmansk region, he is regarded not only as the first man to go into space, but also almost as a fellow countryman.
I would like to live for some time in Murmansk. It is unbelievably beautiful here. This is the real Rus’
Milan Janković
blogger, Serbia
Murmansk region
video by: Aleksey Moiseev (Russia) and Milan Janković (serbia)
Rapidly developing region
Locals say that the spirit of their city and the Murmansk region is very sharp, energetic, young, industrial, and commercial. Life here has always been connected with international activity. Since the city's founding, foreign specialists have come here to help with the construction of the port and railway in the region's very difficult natural conditions. Joint projects with neighboring countries—Norway and Finland—have been actively developed.
Although the city is located practically at the edge of the world, at the very top of the map, where only the waters of the ocean and the ice of the North Pole stretch beyond, it has always been full of energy, and life in it never stops for a moment. Tourism has been developing particularly rapidly in recent years, as proved by statistics: more than 700,000 tourists visited the region last year.
Several years ago, following the decision to close the technologically obsolete smelting plant in Nikel, Norilsk Nickel established the Pechengsky District Social Projects Center, called Second School here. It aims to rethink the future of the city, transforming not only its appearance but also its very identity, to create a modern center of attraction while preserving the unique spirit of Nickel. We visited the Second School agency, where one of the key tasks is to reveal the uniqueness of their northern region, both for Russians and for the whole world. The agency's employees are certain of this, and they have successfully convinced us: the Murmansk region is not just a place with a non-freezing port in the north of the country. It is majestic nature, the indomitable spirit of the local people, and unique traditions — a precious heritage that is worth sharing.
Although the city is located practically at the edge of the world, at the very top of the map, where only the waters of the ocean and the ice of the North Pole stretch beyond, it has always been full of energy, and life in it never stops for a moment. Tourism has been developing particularly rapidly in recent years, as proved by statistics: more than 700,000 tourists visited the region last year.
Several years ago, following the decision to close the technologically obsolete smelting plant in Nikel, Norilsk Nickel established the Pechengsky District Social Projects Center, called Second School here. It aims to rethink the future of the city, transforming not only its appearance but also its very identity, to create a modern center of attraction while preserving the unique spirit of Nickel. We visited the Second School agency, where one of the key tasks is to reveal the uniqueness of their northern region, both for Russians and for the whole world. The agency's employees are certain of this, and they have successfully convinced us: the Murmansk region is not just a place with a non-freezing port in the north of the country. It is majestic nature, the indomitable spirit of the local people, and unique traditions — a precious heritage that is worth sharing.
The participants of the Media Forum «Dialogue of Cultures».
And as we leave the capital of the Arctic with the warmest impressions, we firmly believe the words: It is worth living in the north!
Written by: Elina Puzankova and Yelizaveta Chevtaeva, St. Petersburg