THE WORLD GEOGRAPHY: 10 Largest Cities Within the Arctic Circle Thursday, December 8, 2011 10 Largest Cities Within the Arctic Circle There are 10 cities with a population of around 30,000 or more which are north of the Arctic Circle (latitude 66° 33′ 44″N) and therefore have at least one day per year when the sun never rises. All of these cities are in Russia (mostly the northwest) or Norway. In contrast, the largest city north of the Arctic Circle in North America is Barrow, Alaska, with only around 4,000 people. While the cities below are quite cold, most still have a milder climate than anyplace north of the Arctic Circle in North America. 10.

Kirovsk, Russia Kirovsk at night - photo source Population: 28,639 inhabitants Latitude: 67°32'N Kirovsk is a town in Murmansk Oblast, Russia, located at the spurs of the Khibiny Massif on the shores of the Lake Bolshoy Vudyavr, 175 kilometers (109 mi) south of Murmansk. The city is the center of a mining complex that produces apatite and nephelite, raw materials for the superphosphate and aluminum industries. The northernmost botanical garden in Russia is located in Kirovsk. 9. Kandalaksha, Russia Population: 35,659 inhabitants Latitude: 67°09'N Kandalaksha is a town in Kandalakshsky District of Murmansk Oblast, Russia, located at the head of Kandalaksha Gulf on the White Sea (the south of Kola Peninsula), beyond the Arctic Circle. The settlement has existed since the 11th century.

The seaport connects Kandalaksha to the entire World and Kandalaksha bay is one of the major points of interest not only for the town but also for the Kola Peninsula. 8. Monchegorsk, Russia Population: 45,381 inhabitants Latitude: 67°54'N Monchegorsk is a town in Murmansk Oblast, Russia, located on the Kola Peninsula, 145 kilometers (90 mi) south of Murmansk, the administrative center of the oblast. A neat, fairly prosperous town set between several lakes, Monchegorsk makes a good base for exploring the centre and south of the Kola Peninsula - although the approach from the south is hardly encouraging as you pass through expanses of stunted or nonexistent vegetation, and then encounter the enormous Severonikel Kombinat factory whose past sulphur emissions are responsible for the ecological devastation. Nickel smelting here ceased in the late 1990s but it will be a while before the environment recovers. 7.

Bodø, Norway Population: 47,282 inhabitants Latitude: 67°18′20″N Bodø is the administrative centre of Nordland County. With its 47 000 residents it is the second largest town in Northern Norway, with excellent communications and fully modern facilities. Bodø is the perfect base for visiting some of Norway's most famous attractions, including Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest tidal current, the Svartisen glacier and the islands of Lofoten. Here you will also find Norway's national Aviation Museum. Despite its location just north of the Arctic Circle, Bodø features a subpolar oceanic climate, with chilly (but not cold) winters and cool summers. 6. Severomorsk, Russia Population: 50,076 inhabitants Latitude: 69°04′N Severomorsk is a closed town located along Kola Bay, not far from Murmansk. It’s the main base of the Russian Northern Fleet and home of many surface ships. Its residents are mostly officers, their families and sailors – people who are involved in it in one way or another. No strangers at all.

That’s why there is virtually no criminality and one feels absolutely relaxed walking along its streets at night. People are very friendly, most of them are intelligent and polite. 5. Apatity, Russia Population: 59,690 inhabitants Latitude: 67°34'N Located in the center of the Kola Peninsula, the city of Apatity lies between beautiful "Imandra", the largest lake in the Murmansk region, and the Khibiny mountains, whose highest peak, Yudychvumchorr, stands 1200 m (3.900 ft) above sea level. Apatity is the second largest city in the Murmansk region, with a population about 60,000. Founded in 1966, the city was named for one of its most abundant natural resources, apatite, the raw mineral used in the production of phosphorous mineral fertilizers. 4. Tromsø, Norway Population: 68,000 inhabitants Latitude: 69°40′58″N Tromsø is a city in the very northernmost part of Norway.

Here you find art, history, sophistication, good food and an infamous nightlife in a bustling, tiny city. All of it, though, is surrounded by spectacular scenery that is visible from everywhere in town. It is almost 350 km (217 mi) north of the Arctic Circle and is one of the best places to view the spectacular Northern Lights in winter. The city is home to the world's northernmost university, as well as research institutes and satellite based industry. The population is therefore highly skilled, but retains the straightforwardness and sense of humour that the North is known for. Tromsø experiences a subarctic climate because winter temperatures are just cold enough to qualify and the summer season is short. 3. Vorkuta, Russia Typical view of Vorkuta's residential area. photo source Population: 70,551 inhabitants Latitude: 67°30′N Vorkuta is a coal-mining town in the Komi Republic, Russia, situated just north of the Arctic Circle in the Pechora coal basin at the Usa River. It had its origin in one of the more notorious forced labor camps of the Gulag which was established in 1932.

Vorkuta has an arctic climate with short, cool summers accompanied by very cold and dry winters. Average January temperature is about -20 °C (-4 °F), and July is about +13 °C (55 °F). 2. Norilsk, Russia Population: 175,301 inhabitants Latitude: 69°20′N Norilsk is the northernmost city in Siberia and the world's second largest city (after Murmansk) north of the Arctic Circle. The area is home to nickel ore smelting, and produces 1% of the whole planet's sulphur dioxide emissions. There are no trees living within 48 km (30 mi) of one of the main smelters, due partly to toxic rain from the four million tons of metals and poisons released into the air every year. Norilsk has an extremely harsh climate. Average February temperature is about -35 °C (-31 °F), and July is only about +12 °C (54 °F). 1.

Murmansk, Russia Murmansk – the largest city north of the Arctic Circle · Russia travel blog 1 Comment · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Cities , Video Murmansk is a city in north-western Russia with a population of 304,000 people, the administrative center of Murmansk region . It is the world’s largest city, located north of the Arctic Circle, in the permafrost zone. The city stretches for more than 20 kilometers along the rocky coast of the Kola Bay, 50 kilometers from the open sea. The basis of the city’s economy is the Murmansk sea port – one of the largest ice-free ports in Russia. All Russian nuclear-powered icebreakers are assigned to it. If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the RSS feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. 1 comment Thomas Hulbert · December 26, 2012 at 1:15 pm The videos are cool ‘art’ expressions of Murmansk, but I think foreign viewers want to know more about what goes on there. What are the tourist highlights of Murmansk? Besides the port, what do people there do?

Are there particular events, sports, history or people associated with Murmansk that might make it more attractive to tourists or visitors? What are the hotels like? Can young people interested in ‘extreme’ holidays go there by ‘couch surfing’ and visit a local ‘bandi’ game? There is a train station, but is there an airport? What about the proposed Arctic-Bridge project to bring commercial (and tourist?) sea traffic from Canada? Leave a Reply Adventures in Murmansk Russia -- the largest city in the world north of the Arctic Circle Adventures in Murmansk, Russia, the largest city in the world north of the Arctic circle I visited the Russian city of Murmansk by train from St. Petersburg a total of ten times from 1995 to 1997. Though north of the Arctic Circle, the winters are relatively mild due to a warm ocean current that crosses the Atlantic from the Gulf of Mexico. There are nearly 24 hours of darkness from Dec. 2 to January 20 and 24 hours of daylight in June and July. Murmansk (red circle drawn around it) is located on the Kolsky peninsula near the Arctic Ocean. You can see St.

Petersburg is located about 1000 Kilometers to the south. Winters are long and summers very short with only about 14 really nice warm days. Anybody with any money at all go down south for their summer vacations, often to the Black Sea. Here you can see the relationship of the Kolsky peninsula with the rest of the world. Murmansk in summer time! The body of water in front is the Kolsky bay. Lenin Street, Murmansk. (right) This is the main street of town that runs past the train station. There's a large statue of Lenin still standing in a small park on this street. What Murmansk usually looks like! Cold, drab and dreary. The poor lady in the photo on the right has to stand outdoors all day to sell a bit of fish and beans to make a living! Let's think about her the next time we are tempted to complain how "bad off" we are! March of 1996, Murmansk. I'm standing next to a park buried in snow. Right photo: Yana and Ruth.

Ruth is a native of Murmansk who decided to become a follower of Jesus after receiving the Gospel from my fellow missionaries in Russia. See, it's not cold ALL the time! A nice warm June day in Murmansk. July turns cold again with rainy weather with highs only 13 C or in the lower 50s F. Right: A man collecting beer bottles to resell to make a living. Unless the bottle is broken, it won't be lying on the ground for long in Russia. Some people even intentionally leave their bottles on the street for the poor to pick them up. With Ukrainian Faithy just before boarding a train to go to Murmansk. It's a 36 hour train trip one way from St. Petersburg. I've been back and forth exactly 10 times equaling appoximently 25 days living on that train. (Right:) The lady in the middle and her friend on the right was so glad to meet Faithy and me! She lost her business due to pressure from the Mafia. With Inna Hairdresser and her friend Anna. (Right:) Ukrainian Lydia with children at an orphanage we visited.

Natasha from Monchigorsk with a Sami girl. The "Sami" people are the same as the Lapp people of northern Norway, Finland and Sweden. They are reindeer herders. Once I saw a race with reindeers pulling sleighs around a track during a winter festival in Murmansk. It was fun but also very cold that day so I couldn't stay outside for more than 30 minutes without freezing. (Below right:)Snezhana with Sergei. Seigei served as an Army Officer in the Soviet Army for 20 years. He says he doesn't believe in God. He does seem to believe in alcohol to help him overcome his problems. Poor guy! I really tried to help him. But no, he "knows too much" to believe in God, ha! However he did laugh at my jokes. (Below left photo:) Another proof that Russia, and even the Russian Arctic is NOT cold all year round! Over 400,000 people live in Murmansk and the surrounding area. (Below right photo:)During a festival in the central town square where we often distributed Gospel tracts.

Once when a policemen asked what I was passing out, I told him it is religious literature and how glad I am I have the freedom now to preach the Gospel in his country! He agreed and said, "Ten years ago, I would have thrown you into prison!" (Below left photo:) Again with Inna Hairdresser and her friend Anna. (Below right photo:)Anna in the center with her friend the librarian on the right. This is at the entrance of a college dormitory. All the dorms in Russia seem to be co-ed. We visited this particular dorm frequently to share with the students the Message of God's Love and the Gospel and made many friends. Anna is Jewish. There wasn't a single time during the 3 and a half years I spent in Russia that a Russian Jew objected to me sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them! They were all sweet people. The Murmansk team of the summer of 1996! Left to right: Yanek, me, Swedish Teen, Andrew and Angela. (Below right:)At a top high school in Murmansk. This school is right on Lenin St. in the heart of town.

The head of the English department invited me to speak in English to the students on a regular basis. She gave me freedom to speak on any subject I chose, so of course I chose Biblical subjects! There was no pay for this but they did give us lunch. There was never a time in the schools in Murmansk that I was forbidden to read from the Bible! -- Something I can't even do in my own country (the US of A)!!! Actually it is technically a no no in Russia too, but Murmansk is so far away from Moscow and nobody really cares what the central government says anymore. At least they didn't care when I was there from 1994 to 1997. With Snezhana (her name means snow flake in Russian) and Natasha from Monchegorsk. The name of her city means "beautiful city". The name Monchegorsk is a combination of two words, the first from the Sami language and the second from Russian. I've never been there, but I can bet that the only thing beautiful there is the beautiful people who inhabit it, not the ugly drab Soviet style architecture! (Below right:) Three people trying to pull a refrigerator up a slope!

With a school principal of one the schools in Murmansk. She wanted to take me on summer vacation to her home country of Belarus. (Below right:) Belarussian Yanek with Natasha and friends. Murmansk | Russia | Britannica.com Murmansk Kazan Murmansk, formerly (until 1917) Romanov-na-murmane , seaport and centre of Murmansk oblast (region), northwestern Russia , lying 125 miles (200 km) north of the Arctic Circle , and on the eastern shore of Kola Bay, 30 miles (48 km) from the ice-free Barents Sea . The town, founded in 1915 as a supply port in World War I , was a base for the British, French, and American expeditionary forces against the Bolsheviks in 1918. In World War II Murmansk served as the main port for Anglo-American convoys carrying war supplies to the U.S.S.R. through the Arctic Ocean . The town is now an important fishing port, and its fish-processing plant is one of the largest in Europe .

Murmansk’s ice-free harbour makes it Russia’s only port with unrestricted access to the Atlantic and world sea routes. From December to May it replaces icebound St. Petersburg as the major port of the northwest. Murmansk is connected by railroad with St. Petersburg and Moscow and the mining and industrial centres of Monchegorsk and Kirovsk . Major industries in Murmansk include fishing, fish processing, and shipbuilding. Education and research establishments include a teacher-training institute and a research institute of marine fisheries and oceanography. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Murmansk’s economy suffered, as major industries were unprofitable under market economy conditions and most fishing vessels were contracted out to Norwegian and other foreign companies. As a result, many people left the city, and in the 1990s the city’s population dropped by more than one-fourth, though by the early 21st century the city had made a successful transition to a market economy. Murmansk is the largest city in the world north of the Arctic Circle. Its name probably derives from the local Sami word murman, meaning “the edge of the earth.” Pop.

(2005 est.) 325,101. Lighthouse in Murmansk, Russia. Russia Pushes To Claim Arctic As Its Own : NPR Russia Pushes To Claim Arctic As Its Own Embed Embed Russia Pushes To Claim Arctic As Its Own Russia Pushes To Claim Arctic As Its Own Embed Embed Enlarge this image Murmansk, Russia, is the largest city above the Arctic Circle. If Russia follows through with plans to explore for oil and natural gas offshore in the Arctic Ocean, the city and its port could see significant economic benefits. David Greene/NPR hide caption toggle caption David Greene/NPR Murmansk, Russia, is the largest city above the Arctic Circle. If Russia follows through with plans to explore for oil and natural gas offshore in the Arctic Ocean, the city and its port could see significant economic benefits. David Greene/NPR The Arctic may be the world's next geopolitical battleground. Temperatures there are rising faster than anywhere else in the world, and the melting ice will have profound consequences for the roof of the world, opening strategic waterways to shipping, reducing the ice cap on Greenland, and spurring a rush to claim rights to the wealth of natural resources that lie beneath.

NPR examines what's at stake, who stands to win and lose, and how this could alter the global dynamic. Second in a six-part series Four years ago, Russian researchers made a bold, if unseen, move. From a submarine, deep beneath the icy waters of the North Pole, they planted a Russian flag on the ocean floor. Russia has the world's longest Arctic border, which stretches more than 10,000 miles. And for Russia, that 2007 research mission was only the beginning of a major drive to claim ownership of vast portions of the Arctic, as well as the oil and gas deposits that are beneath. Credit: Stephanie d'Otreppe/NPR At present, Russia has some islands in the Arctic Ocean. But aside from that, the country's northern border effectively ends where the Arctic Ocean begins. Yet the Russian government is now making the argument that its border should be extended northward. The government says that hidden under the Arctic's icy waters is a mountain range, the Lomonosov Ridge, which goes all the way to the North Pole. They say this shows that Russia continues north below sea level, and the country has scientists in the Arctic Ocean now, collecting evidence for the claim.

Article continues after sponsorship On a recent visit, a speedboat raced up the Pechora River in one small part of the vast region. The river cuts through hundreds of miles of empty green and sandy tundra and empties into the Arctic Ocean. In a small fishing village with a smattering of wooden houses in the Nenets Autonomous Region, Yuri Tyulyubayev, a travel company owner, says many local residents agree with the government. "People are happy that we have oil because ... we have more work, we have more profit, we have everything," says Tyulyubayev. Enlarge this image Nadezhda Lyashenko is a spiritual leader in the Saami tribe, indigenous people who live in Russia's northwest Arctic region. As Russia and other world powers search for oil in the Arctic Ocean, she worries about the environmental consequences. David Greene/NPR hide caption toggle caption David Greene/NPR Nadezhda Lyashenko is a spiritual leader in the Saami tribe, indigenous people who live in Russia's northwest Arctic region. As Russia and other world powers search for oil in the Arctic Ocean, she worries about the environmental consequences.

David Greene/NPR In many ways, Tyulyubayev is a poster child in Russia's campaign for Arctic energy. He arranges travel for the oil industry. So his small company stands to profit if foreign energy companies flock here. His native land of north-central Russia is largely unspoiled. "It's a very, very reindeer region," he says. "We have more than 150,000 reindeer for 40,000 people." 'They Could Break Everything' And now, a lot of oil and gas companies. There are Russian firms, but also companies from the U.S. and Vietnam, all exploring for oil and gas onshore. And if Russian leaders have their way, exploration will begin in the Arctic Ocean itself as early as this winter. Tyulyubayev says the more money and business that come to this region, the better. But what about the risks to the environment? "Of course we worry. But I would not say that this is the first worry in our life," he says. "Economic life is much more important for people." More In This Series The Arctic's Diminishing Sea Ice The Russian Arctic has the scars of history.

The northwest, around the port city of Murmansk, was pummeled by Adolf Hitler's forces during World War II. The Arctic was also one of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's favorite places to send his perceived enemies, with gulags that dotted the snowy landscape. The indigenous people of this region bore much of the brunt. The Saami tribe, for one, has lived centuries in Russia's northwest, near the Norwegian border. Saami people were forcibly collectivized on farms under Stalin. Nadezhda Lyashenko, the Saami woman singing traditional tribal music here, can recount the horror stories. Her grandfather, a reindeer shepherd, was shot in 1937, accused of being a spy after he crossed into Finland chasing a reindeer herd. After decades of relative peace, Lyashenko says, trouble seems to be returning to her native Arctic lands. She sees Russia and other world powers in a race for oil and gas, ignoring the potential impact to a part of the Earth that's been rarely touched. "The Arctic is just so fragile," she says. "This time, it's a research boat going out there. It's like the prick of a needle, and the land will heal.

But if they go with knives, with spears, they could break everything. And then what?" Putin's Political Gift Russia has signaled that it means business. The government seems determined to militarize the Arctic, announcing recently that two army brigades — several thousand troops — will soon be patrolling there. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, in a speech to the country's ruling United Russia party this summer, vowed to open the Arctic Ocean for offshore development. He announced plans to build a new, year-round port on the Yamal Peninsula in the center of Russia's north coast. Putin said that Russia would consult with other Arctic countries. But, he added, Russia will be "firm and persistent" in protecting its interests. The village of Teriberka, in the Murmansk region of Arctic Russia, is an impoverished and desolate community. Many of the 700 residents are out of work. David Greene/NPR hide caption toggle caption David Greene/NPR The village of Teriberka, in the Murmansk region of Arctic Russia, is an impoverished and desolate community. Many of the 700 residents are out of work.

David Greene/NPR Konstantin Simonov, who heads the National Energy Security Fund, a Russian think tank that consults with oil and gas companies, says the Arctic is a political gift for Putin. As Soviet power fades into memory, Putin can say this is one part of the world where Russia still calls the shots. "With the help of Arctic, Putin can show to people that Russia is still a serious power," Simonov says. The risk, Simonov says, is exaggerated expectations. Many of the offshore oil and gas projects are at least a decade away from bringing economic benefit — assuming they succeed. Yet Russians who live above the Arctic Circle are growing excited. They look to neighboring Norway, or to Alaska, where citizens share in oil profits. And they believe their time has come. Simonov thinks about one desolate village, Teriberka. It's on the coast near the Norwegian border. People there were told that as soon as a new offshore gas deposit, known as the Shtokman field, is explored, the community will get a natural gas processing plant and plenty of jobs. Andrei Udin, 33, works odd jobs around Teriberka — including at this repair shop — but he can't find steady work.

He has grown impatient, fearing a natural gas processing plant promised to this community will never materialize. David Greene/NPR hide caption toggle caption David Greene/NPR Andrei Udin, 33, works odd jobs around Teriberka — including at this repair shop — but he can't find steady work. He has grown impatient, fearing a natural gas processing plant promised to this community will never materialize. David Greene/NPR "I can understand these people because they have no other alternative but to dream that our plans to develop Arctic will be realistic," Simonov said. Holding On To Hope To reach the village of Teriberka requires driving 100 miles across empty tundra. It's a place that's struggling. It has dirt roads and maybe 700 residents who live in old Soviet housing that's crumbling. According to 33-year-old Andrei Udin, life in Teriberka is depressing. He has tried for years to find real work. Udin likes the tough talk from Putin, the promise to fight for Arctic territory. "What's ours should be ours," Udin says. But after years of delay, he's beginning to wonder if that natural gas processing plant is really coming to Teriberka.

"If I don't have a job, natural gas does nothing for me," Udin says. "I can't exactly use the gas for food." Frustration is growing around this village. People are beginning to say that unless the oil and gas riches will be shared, maybe it's best to leave nature alone. Murmansk travel guide - Wikitravel Murmansk ( Russian : Му́рманск) [1] is a city in the extreme northwest of Russia and the world's largest city north of the Arctic Circle. The Alesha Statue Understand[ edit ] With a population of over 300,000, Murmansk is the largest city in the Arctic and an important Russian naval base and commercial port. During World War II (known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War), Murmansk served as a port for the arctic convoys, and after the war became the Soviet Union's most important submarine base. By plane[ edit ] Murmansk Airport [2] ( IATA : MMK) has multiple daily flights to Moscow and Saint Petersburg , and limited services to other Russian cities including Arkhangelsk , Sochi and Rostov-on-the-Don .

Seasonal flights are avalible from Helsinki . The airport is located about 40km south of Murmansk, near the town of Murmashi. Taxis to the city center cost about R700 and make the trip in about 40 minutes. Catching a taxi waiting outside the airport is more expensive, expect to pay up to R800. For cheaper (and official) taxiservice, you have to order a taxi, expect to wait up to 30-40 minutes for it to arrive, though. Bus 106 goes to the train station, stopping at Detsky Mir near the Poliarnie Zori Hotel on it's way, is less expensive but much more sluggish than a taxi. By boat[ edit ] During the summer months, Murmansk Shipping Company [3] offers occasional trips to and from Barentsburg on Svalbard . They also serve remote villages along the northen coast of the Kola peninsula, most notably the isolated naval base of Ostrovnoy, with 2-3 trips per month. By train[ edit ] Murmansk Railway Station Murmansk can be reached from most places in north-west Russia by train.

Moscow is 35-40 hours away and Saint Petersburg 27-30 hours, depending on the train. The Arktika (Арктика) branded train is the fastest option, it also offers first-class wagons and a restaurant onboard. All trains make stop-overs in cities such as Kandalaksha and Petrozavodsk on their way. Other night trains reach Murmansk from cities as far east as Arkhangelsk or from Minsk and Brest in the west. There is also a local night train from Nikel close to the Norwegian border. Trains from Saint Petersburg and Moscow are daily, most others 2-3 times a week. During summer additional routes are added, mostly to Ukraine and the Black Sea. The central train is located in the city center, one block downhill from Five Corners Square on ul. Kominterna, 16. You will probably get a quick FSB control once you arrıve at the traın statıon. Routıne stuff, no worrıes. By bus[ edit ] There are bus connections from Finland ( Ivalo , with connecting bus from Rovaniemi ) and Kirkenes in Norway .

Keep in mind that departure times of Russian bus companies from Kirkenes usually are given in Moscow time. Get around[ edit ] Although Murmansk is long and thin, most sites of interest to visitors are within a fairly compact area in the city center. Prospekt Lenina is the main north-south thoroughfare through the city center and the central Five Corners Square. Avid walkers could cover the entire stretch of the central area from the Poliarnie Zori Hotel on the south end of the city center to the Alyosha Statue, which is situated on a plateau on the north side of the city in less than two hours. Trolleybuses are available on most larger streets and generally follows a north-south route, if you are heading east ("up the hill") you have to rely on the small marshrootka buses. Notice that both buses and trolleybuses can be much-delayed during rush hour due to traffic jams. A new route planner, which also shows realtime locations of trolleybuses on the most used lines, is available online [4] , the catch is it's in Russian only.

Another option is to use taxis, which are plentiful and cheap, few drivers speak anything other then Russian so memorize the street or name of the place you are going to. A typical journey in the city centre will cost somewhere around 300 RUB. Unmarked taxis can be cheaper but are generally a bit unreliable to use for those not fluent in the native tongue. The most convenient way to get around is to order a personal English-speaking guide with a car. It is also not expensive. Usually the price is about 1000 RUB per hour. See[ edit ][ add listing ] As a relatively new entity, Murmansk has few real sights apart from the giant statue Alyosha; architecture buffs will, however, be intrigued by the crumbling but Stalinist architecture downtown. Walking up into the nearby hills offers remarkable views over the city, Kola bay and the surrounding completely barren mountains - revealing how far north the city really is. Alyosha Statue, (North of centre on hill near lake Semyonovskaya, access by road that curves around north of the lake.

Nearest bus stop is Gagarina (Гагаринa), northbound trolleybus lines 2, 3 and 4 calls there). The city's pride and most recognizable sight. Officially named Defenders of the Soviet Arctic, but known as Alyosha to all, this 30-meter-tall statue of a soldier overlooks the city and was built in 1974 to commemorate the Soviet defence of the Arctic during World War II. It's common for wedding parties to visit the statue and drink a bottle of champagne in front of it. The grassy hills surrounding Alyosha are good hiking grounds with dirt footpaths leading back towards the city. edit Nuclear icebreaker Lenin (Aтомный ледокол Ленин), (At the docks, cross the railway on an elevated bridge next to the central station on the north side, turn right then left after 150m). The world's first nuclear powered surface ship now rests in the docks of Murmansk and has been turned into a museum ship. It also features as a showcase for the Russian nuclear fleet, Atomflot. Tours given at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm (closed Monday and Tuesday).

Tours are in Russian only but your guide is likely to speak English so you can ask him for explanations. 150 rubles for mandatory guided tour, or 100 rubles if you can hide the fact that you are a foreigner.. edit The city offers several museums, all mildly interesting for a visitor but gives a good appreciation for the region's history and art. Arctic Research Institute Exposition, Ul. Knipovicha 6, ☎ 47 23 97. 9am to 4pm, Mon-Fri. Viewing apparently by appointment only; call and ask for Tatiana at least a few days in advance. edit Northern Navy Museum, Ul. Tortseva 15, ☎ 22 14 45. Although its name may sound boring, in fact this museum hosts a great naval exhibitions with vintage photos about pre-WWI ships, and a lot of models as well. WWII and the modern day navy (including the Kursk disaster) is also covered. 100 RUB + 50 RUB photo. edit Regional Arts Museum, Ul.

Kominterna 13, ☎ 45 03 85, [5] . 11am to 6pm, Wed-Sun. edit Regional History Museum, Prospekt Lenina 90, ☎ 42 26 17, [6] . 11am to 5:45pm, daily except Thursday. Contains displays on various themes, including the ethnography of local people, a taxidermy display of local flora and fauna (including polar bear and moose), arctic explorations and an extensive display on Murmansk's role in World War II. All displays in Russian only, cashier closes at 5:00pm. 25 Rubles. edit Shipping History Museum, Ul Volodarskovo 6, ☎ 48 13 56. 9am to 5pm, daily except Saturday. edit Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Take a ferry across the inlet to see Murmansk from the water. edit Oceanarium, Ul. Geroev-severomortsev 4 (On Lake Semyonovskaya), ☎ 31 58 84.

See trained seals perform in the white domed building. edit Orthodox Monastery, Prospekt Kolskij (trolleybus nr 6 from the city centre going south). All day. Wooden, notched (no nails used) working monastery. Beautifully handcrafted monastery with two churches. The main church is open for visitors, gift-shop included. The gift-shop has erratic opening-hours, but the monastery itself is open until very late, and if you show respect for the place and the people living there, they might open the church for you to see, even after closing-hours. Unclear when it "officially" closes. Beautiful hand-crafted wooden decorations inside the church, worth a look! edit Rent a car and visit Teriberka village east of Murmansk. Practically, the village is the only point on the Russian Kola peninsula where you can go out directly to the Barents sea. The road is in somewhat bad condition for the last 40 km (but driveable by any car), but the sea and the shore is a great view, plus you can enjoy a real polar tundra environment. Notice that the villages to the west of Murmansk are military zones and you are not permitted to visit them.

edit Visit Kirovsk. Kirovsk is a city about 220 km south of Murmansk, situated within dramatic mountains. It is a ski and snowboard centre, but during summer - apart from the mountain views - the only thing worth visiting is the botanical garden located at the northern side of the lake. Entry is free, but you need to book yourself a tour. The road to Kirovsk goes through a very nice taiga environment. edit Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Cafe Leto, Prospekt Lenina 61 (Entrance off Ul. Yegorova), ☎ 45-96-06, [7] . A fasionable, clean cafe with a variety of international and Russian dishes and tempting desserts. Good service, menu in English. Entrees 300-500 rubles. edit Torro Steak House, Prospekt Lenina 80 (Next to the Meridian Hotel), ☎ 45-17-00. Menu in English Entrees 600-1000 rubles. edit Cafe Yunost, Prospekt Lenina (Next to the Anatoliy Bredov Statue).

Coffees and desserts in a relaxing environment.And jolly good chicken and chips. edit Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] моисей (24-hour cafe with wireless internet), Kominterna ulitsa 9/1 (Downstairs in shopping complex across from train station.), [8] . There doesn't seem to be a lot of wireless internet hotspots so моисей is a good option. Cheap draft beer and (uninviting) food, this is not a bad place to get one's bearings and check emails after arriving in the city. Some wild parties occur in/around abandoned factories during the white nights or summer week-ends. Get in touch with the locals for this. Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] Five Corners Square, with the Meridian Hotel on the left Hotel Poliarnie Zori, Ul. Knipovicha 17 (A short walk up the hill from the Detskiy Mir bus stop), ☎ +7 815 228 95 00 ( hotel@russlandia.ru , fax: +7 815 228 95 04), [9] .

A clean, well-located hotel with helpful front desk staff. Beginning at 1300 rubles for a basic single. edit Meridian Hotel, Ul. Vorovskogo 5/23 (On Five Corners Square), ☎ +7 815 228 89 00. Not related to the international chain of a similar name. The lobby displays photos of notable former guests, including President Medvedev, which gives both an indicator of class of service and price. Beginning at 3500 rubles for a single. edit Arktika Hotel, Prospekt Lenina 82 (On Five Corners Square). Closed for renovation, which is expected to finish in 2012. As of August 2013, it is not yet finished. The new Owner (Azimuthotels) advertises now 2014 for re-opening. edit Hotel Ogni Murmanska, Ogni Murmanska st. 1 (город Мурманск), RUS-183032 Murmansk, ☎ +7 815 255 40 00.

This hotel has 80 beds in 37 rooms. The standard is good and the hotel offers a very nice view. Good restaurant. The hotel accepts major credit cards, such as VISA, MasterCard and American Express. edit Black Belt Hostel. Reasonably priced self catering hostel, with also private rooms. The hostel is about 15-20 minutes from the downtown area by foot. Very friendly and helpful English speaking staff. edit Evgeniia, ☎ +7 911 305 00 80. checkin: 24/7; checkout: 24/7. edit Consulates[ edit ] Finland (Murmansk office of the General Consulate of Finland in Saint Petersburg), Karl Marks street, 25 A, ☎ +7 (8152) 445-382 ( sanomat.msk@formin.fi , fax: +7 (8152) 448-341). Mon-Thu 9-30 - 12-00. edit Netherlands (General Consulate), S.

Perovskaya street, 5 (at General Consulate of Norway), ☎ +7 (8152) 40-06-00 (common), (8152) 40-06-20 (visas) ( visum-mmk@mfa.no , fax: +7 (8152) 45-74-51, 47-61-78, 45-68-71). Mon-Thu 9-00 - 12-00. edit Norway (General Consulate), S. Perovskaya street, 5, ☎ +7 (8152) 40-06-00 (common), (8152) 40-06-20 (visas) ( cons.gen.murmansk@mfa.no , fax: +7 (8152) 45-74-51, 47-61-78, 45-68-71). Mon-Thu 9-00 - 12-00. edit Sweden (General Consulate), S.

Perovskaya street, 5 (at General Consulate of Norway), ☎ +7 (8152) 40-06-00 (common), (8152) 40-06-20 (visas) ( visum-mmk@mfa.no , fax: +7 (8152) 45-74-51, 47-61-78, 45-68-71). Mon-Thu 9-00 - 12-00. edit Get out[ edit ] The wilderness of the Kola peninsula and Murmansk Oblast is perfect for camping, fishing or hunting. A great deal of travellers continue out into the wild from here. There are several large national parks nearby and there are several companies to organize your trip. Or you can head north; Murmansk is a great place to start your icebreaker cruise [10] to the Arctic Sea and the North Pole . You may see the Kusnetsov aircraft carrier north of Murmansk, 500m south of the icebreakers. Beware of FSB though...

Rent a car (French Renault Logan for about 25 euros for 24 hours) and drive north to the Barents Sea (2 hours). Murmansk - world's largest city north of the Arctic Circle @Russia Murmansk - world's largest city north of the Arctic Circle In Murmansk tourists can visit world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker, the Lenin, and ancient churches of the Kola Region. They can also learn about life of indigenous people – the Saami and Pomors

Question: Which city in Russia is the world's largest north of the Arctic Circle ?
Answer: MURMANSK