What to See in Murmansk: Best Locations in the City and Surroundings
Looking for where to go in Russia in winter? Then pay attention to Murmansk. The Far North, known for its natural phenomena, the spirit of shamanism and mysticism, as well as luxurious nature — that's the place to go for winter.
When to go
In general, Murmansk is good in any weather and any season. However, tourists love to come here in winter, even frosts don't scare them. In January-February, the thermometer can drop to –30 °C, so you won't be able to walk around much. But due to the warm current in the Barents Sea, the average winter temperature is about –10 °C.
The polar night season begins on December 2 and ends on January 11. During this time, the nights here will be the longest, so if you want to catch the Northern Lights in Russia, plan your trip for the first month of winter.
Gradually, the day gets longer. In summer, you can explore Murmansk without special insulation or thermal underwear — the average temperature at this time reaches +15 °C.
The verdict is: if you want to hunt for the Northern Lights, go in winter; if you want to walk around in a pleasant environment without blizzards, come in summer.
How to get there
The easiest way, of course, is to fly. The most popular direct flight tickets are Moscow — Murmansk, Saint Petersburg — Murmansk and Sochi — Murmansk. Of course, the romance of train travel hasn't been canceled: you can easily get here from the Northern Capital, Petrozavodsk, and other beautiful cities.
Where to stay
Mini-hotel Arctic Hotel
Arctic Hotel is located near the city center, next to two attractions — the icebreaker "Lenin" and the "Waiting Woman" monument. Nine rooms with free Wi-Fi are available for guests, with prices starting from 3,000 rubles per night.
AZIMUT
This business hotel with panoramic views of the Kola Bay and Murmansk is located on Five Corners Square. The AZIMUT hotel building is considered the tallest beyond the Arctic Circle. Room prices start from 10,000 rubles per night.
Apart-hotel "Sopka"
"Sopka" is located approximately three kilometers from the center. Guests are offered spacious rooms with necessary furniture and a kitchen. There is also an option to book smoking rooms or rent a car. Accommodation costs start from 3,000 rubles per night.
Hostel "Yagel"
"Yagel" is one of the cheapest options. VIP rooms here cost from 3,000 rubles. In the economy segment, prices start from 800 rubles. Despite the cost, it offers all conditions for comfortable living: Wi-Fi, a library, a TV, and even a workspace.
Where to eat
After checking in, it's time to grab a bite. In Murmansk, you absolutely must try seafood, if you have a soft spot for it, as it's fresh and very delicious here.
Tundra
An establishment with modern Northern cuisine. They serve crab, scallops, and sea urchins. Unusual presentation coupled with signature tinctures — that's what will warm your body and soul after long walks around the city.
Terrace
The freshest seafood and the most seemingly incompatible flavors in one dish. In short, definitely check this place out if you're staying at AZIMUT — "Terrace" is located near the hotel.
Kruzhka
A chain restaurant for those who don't want to give up their favorite Caesar salad and delicious pasta. The menu at "Kruzhka" is very extensive, so dishes will be found even for the pickiest visitors.
What to see in Murmansk and its surroundings
Kola Bridge
The Kola Bridge is one of the longest bridges in Russia, and beyond the Arctic Circle, it is considered the longest. This attraction draws attention more for its significance than its architecture, as it connects the city with the western districts of the Murmansk region. It's worth noting that the bridge has excellent lighting, so those wishing to take photos can do so even during the deepest polar night.
Alyosha Memorial
The monument is popularly known as "Alyosha". Officially, the memorial is called "To the Defenders of the Soviet Arctic during the Great Patriotic War". It depicts a soldier in a greatcoat, with a total height of 42.5 meters. The monument is considered one of the tallest in the country and is second in height only to the Volgograd statue "The Motherland Calls".
Monument to the "Waiting Woman"
It's incredibly simple: the monument is dedicated to women who await the return of their husbands or sons from the sea. The bronze sculpture of a girl waving a scarf was cast in Smolensk by sculptors Igor Chumakov and Yuri Anushko. The monument is located on Chumbarev-Luchinsky Street.
Nuclear Icebreaker "Lenin"
The icebreaker "Lenin" was the first surface vessel with a nuclear power plant. It was commissioned in late 1959 and for 30 years ensured navigation along the Northern Sea Route, also serving as a "nuclear university". In 2009, the icebreaker moored in Murmansk and became one of the most popular tourist attractions.
Murmansk Ostrich Farm
Everyone who dreamed of seeing ostriches (and perhaps taking a feather dropped by a bird) should go to the village of Molochny. The farm with magnificent birds is located 18 km from Murmansk. Besides ostriches, peacocks, rams, curly pigeons, and other interesting fauna live here. An adult entrance ticket costs about 400 rubles. We believe this is a quite reasonable fee for such outdoor recreation.
Seydozero
The name Seydozero (a body of water located 187 km from Murmansk) translates as "lake of mountain spirits". Many legends and traditions are associated with it, attracting all fans of the otherworldly: here you can find hieroglyphs on the rocks and an analogue of Stonehenge. Setting aside the mysticism, it is a lake of incredible beauty that is definitely worth visiting if possible.
"Two Brothers" Remnant Rocks
Yes, we love natural monuments and are not ashamed of it. After all, where else can you feel true happiness but in the fresh air? The "Two Brothers" remnant rocks, located on Cape Zemlyanoy, are named after a Sami legend. It states that these are not just geological formations, but petrified sorcerers Akka and Ukka, who were punished for their evil deeds. Yes, you will need to travel about 170 km from Murmansk to reach the rocks. But in the end, you'll kill two birds with one stone: you'll see a cult site of shamanic rituals and walk along the shore of the Barents Sea.
What to do in Murmansk and its surroundings
Visit Teriberka
Yes, Teriberka again. But popular doesn't necessarily mean bad. In the case of Teriberka village, where the film "Leviathan" was shot, it always means a great trip. And it's okay that many have been there. Here's a list of must-sees in Teriberka: Barents Sea, Bateryevskoye Lake, "Dinosaur Eggs" beach, ship graveyard, Votive Crosses. In general, to visit all the cool places, you need to allocate at least three days. And, of course, hunting for the Northern Lights. However, when coming here in winter, be sure to pack two (or even three) pairs of thermal underwear. It will be cold, but awesome!
Visit the Murmansk Oceanarium
Perhaps the cutest location to visit. The Murmansk Oceanarium is a cozy haven for pinnipeds. Grey and Greenland seals, as well as bearded seals, live here. Some of the residents participate in circus performances, for example, Filya the seal, who is 33 years old, and Dik the bearded seal. Rest assured that you and your friends will have a great time here if you enjoy observing rare fauna.
Go skiing at the "Bolshoy Vudyavr" resort
The resort is considered the highest mountain resort in the northwest of the country. Be sure to come and try skiing if you've never done it before. "Bolshoy Vudyavr" has high-class instructors who will teach you how to ski. Family tourists can leave their child in the playroom with professional nannies to go down the slope a couple of times on a board. Isn't that a fairy tale?
Explore the city's unusual monuments
So, grab a friend who will take the coolest photos for you.
Murmansk has many unusual monuments:
- sun-drum on Green Cape;
- monument to cod on Five Corners Square;
- monument to the lost cat Semyon, who traveled to Murmansk (it is located in the park near Semyonovsky Square);
- lower jaw of a blue whale near the Research Institute of Marine Fisheries.
Don't forget that Karelia in winter is also a great option, so if you have the energy left, rush there from Murmansk. Snow-covered fir trees and fresh air — that's what will give you a second wind.
We wish you a great trip to Murmansk!
