Useful information about Murmansk

Murmansk is
in the UTC+3
time zone

Murmansk Region is full-fledged Arctic. Located on the Kola Peninsula in the northwestern part of Russia, the region lies almost entirely beyond the Arctic Circle, that is why it is called the Polar Region.

The Hero City of Murmansk is the capital of the Polar Region and the largest city in the world above the Arctic Circle. It serves as a major logistics hub, home to the world’s only nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet, and a key strategic outpost of Russia in the Arctic. Murmansk is also the starting point of the Northern Sea Route, a vital maritime corridor that provides the shortest passage between continents and opens new opportunities for economic development.

The Port of Murmansk is the largest and only ice-free port in the Russian Arctic, offering direct access to the World Ocean. It plays a critical role in cargo transshipment, the fishing industry, and national security.

Murmansk embodies Russia’s Arctic strength – a symbol of resilience, technological advancement, and human determination. The true wealth of the North lies in its people – determined and hardened by the harsh climate, yet warm, welcoming, and deeply connected to the Arctic as their homeland.

ATTRACTIONS AND TOURISM IN MURMANSK

Murmansk Region is a land of untouched wilderness, boundless tundras, rushing rivers, and thousands of crystal-clear lakes. It is home to historic landmarks of Arctic exploration, as well as the ancient traditions of the Sámi and Pomor peoples. Villages here are truly at the edge of the world. In summer, the Midnight Sun never sets, and in winter, the sky is illuminated by the breathtaking Northern Lights.

A flight from Moscow to Murmansk takes approximately two hours, making this the most accessible gateway to the Arctic. The region offers diverse opportunities for adventure – hunting and fishing, skiing and mountaineering, kiting and diving, reindeer and dog sledding, rafting, cultural and pilgrimage tourism, and Arctic cuisine tastings. Visitors can also embark on whale-watching tours in Teriberka, chase the magical Northern Lights, or even travel to the North Pole aboard a nuclear icebreaker.

Within the city, key attractions include Heroes’ Alley, the Alyosha Monument – Russia’s second-largest monument and a symbol of the courage and resilience of the defenders of the Arctic – and the Lenin, the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker. Following its renovation, the Murmansk Regional Museum of Local Lore has reopened, offering visitors an immersive experience into the region’s rich history and unique culture. The Northern Lights are best viewed outside the city in designated observation areas. For more details, visit murmansk.travel.