The history of the colonization of the Kola Peninsula in folklore, the lives of Russian saints and historical documents. Murmansk region. History of the Murmansk region

The kingdom of the Russian North, the Kola Peninsula is one of the most virgin, picturesque and harsh regions of Russia. The land washed by the Barents and White Seas is a real nature reserve: it contains more than a third of all the minerals of the planet, mountains and plateaus are replaced by tundras and lakes, about 100 species of fish live in reservoirs, and the change of day and night obeys the laws of the polar latitudes, giving tourists the spectacle of the northern lights . In winter, mainly skiing enthusiasts come to the Kola Peninsula: there are several "snow" resorts on the slopes of the Khibiny. And in the warm season, you can raft along mountain rivers, relax on amazingly clean icy lakes, go hiking along the Khibiny passes, hunt, fish and get acquainted with original culture Sami peoples.

The main cities of the Kola Peninsula: the capital and largest port of the Russian Arctic - Murmansk, the base of the Northern Fleet - Severomorsk, the gates to the Khibiny - Apatity and Kirovsk.

How to get to the Kola Peninsula

From Moscow and St. Petersburg, it is most convenient to arrive on the Kola Peninsula by landing at Murmansk Airport. From three Moscow airports, at least 5 flights depart daily for Murmansk; the route is served by UTair, Aeroflot, Nordavia, S7 airlines. Travel time - 2.5 hours. From northern capital there are even more flights - up to 10 per day. Petersburgers will spend less than 2 hours on the road. The carriers are the same, plus Rossiya airline.

In winter, there are direct flights to Apatity, on which skiers arrive on the slopes of the Khibiny.

Adventure lovers and beautiful landscapes can get to the Kola Peninsula by train, also arriving in Murmansk. Muscovites will have to spend at least 30 hours on the road (ticket price from 3200 RUB), St. Petersburg residents - about 25 hours (from 3000 RUB). Prices on the page are for November 2018.

By car, residents of both Russian capitals get to the capital of the peninsula along the M18 federal highway.

The main thing that attracts tourists to the Kola Peninsula is the incredibly beautiful, harsh and solemn nature, almost untouched by man.

A bit of geography

The Kola Peninsula is a battlefield of primeval nature, pushing, grinding and heaping up tectonic plates. Therefore, the landscape here is remarkably diverse: the Khibiny mountain ranges, rising to 1200 m, and high-altitude plateaus covered with coniferous forests Lovozero tundra with unique circuses - ice bowls several kilometers long and up to 200 m high, depressions and lowlands, rivers, lakes, swamps, tundra and taiga... More than a thousand varieties of minerals are contained here - a third of all known on the planet, of which 150 are found nowhere else on Earth.

The Kola Peninsula is the border of Russia with Finland and Norway, thanks to which there are three international checkpoints for cars. So if you have a Schengen visa, you can easily drive for a few days to our nearest northern neighbors.

Weather on the Kola Peninsula

The cold breath of the north affects the climate of the Kola Peninsula throughout the year: weather conditions change as if by magic: morning frosts are possible in summer, and lingering snowstorms in winter. Nevertheless, the warm current of the North Atlantic has rewarded the northwest of the peninsula with a moderately mild subarctic maritime climate: in particular, in Murmansk and Severomorsk, the average January temperature is only -8 °C. In Apatity and Kirovsk, it is noticeably colder in winter - up to -15 ° C, and on the slopes of the Khibiny "working" ski snow lies until May.

Polar days and nights, as well as the northern lights, are the main spectacular "chips" of the peninsula. You can admire the sun that does not set beyond the horizon in June-July, and plunge into the darkness of the night - in December-January (then it is worth hunting for the aurora borealis).

Popular hotels in Kola Peninsula

Entertainment and attractions

The main thing that attracts tourists to the Kola Peninsula (most of which are foreigners) is the incredibly beautiful, harsh and solemn nature, almost untouched by man. Among all the natural heritage, the Khibiny are the favorites: in winter people go skiing here, in summer they go hiking, rafting down mountain rivers and relaxing at lake bases. In addition, in Khibiny you should definitely go on an excursion to mining enterprises and visit the Apatit Museum and Exhibition Center in Kirovsk with an interesting exposition telling about mining.

Tersky coast and Kuzomensky sands - two amazing natural areas peninsulas. The first is unanimously recognized as the most picturesque: the desert coast of the White Sea is strewn with sparkling treasures - fragments rocks, including real amethysts.

Kuzomensky sands is a mini-desert in the northern latitudes: dunes of multi-colored sand stretch for almost 13 km along the coast.

The largest and picturesque lakes Kola Peninsula - Imandra, Lovozero and Umbozero. Imandra is ideal for a relaxing holiday without frills in the bosom of a stunningly diverse nature: pebble beaches are replaced here by sharp rocks, sandbanks alternate with heaps of boulders. Fishing and hiking in the forests and valleys are the most popular leisure activities. Lovozero with an area of ​​almost 200 km is surrounded by low mountains under the unobvious name Lovozero tundra. Seasonal camp sites operate on the lake, climbing is organized in the tundra.

Umbozero is the deepest on the peninsula: its depth reaches 100 m. It is remarkable not only for its picturesque shores, but also for several islands where you can feel like one hundred percent Robinson.

Teriberka is the recent cinematic star of the Kola Peninsula. After the release of the film "Leviathan", the village, forgotten by God and people, received a second birth: people come here for specific impressions of the abandonment and devastation of the once prosperous settlement. In Teriberka, you can stand on the coast of the Barents Sea, see the skeletons of ships and the remains of military batteries, wander along deserted beaches dotted with boulders, and look into abandoned houses.

The most interesting reserves of the peninsula are Lapland, Kandalaksha and Russian-Norwegian Pasvik. In the first, relic forests up to 10 thousand years old with 400-600-year-old trees grow, reindeer, elk, bears, wolves and many other animals live. On the shores of Lake Chuna, there is another residence of Father Frost - this time in Lapland. In the Kandalaksha Reserve, the tundra and the northern taiga are adjacent, where 67 species of mammals and 250 species of birds live. And in Pasvik, tourists can admire pine forests and glacial lakes and see numerous waterfowl.

Our free guide to the Kola Peninsula is part of a large guide to Russia. In it you will find information about the natural attractions of the Kola, lakes and rivers, unique northern reserves.

Rest on the Kola Peninsula is:

• rafting on northern rivers and lakes;
• climbing the passes Khibiny mountains;
• visiting the ancient settlements of the Far North;
• rest at recreation centers;
• skiing;
• fishing and hunting.

With the help of our guide to the Kola Peninsula, you can easily plan an independent trip, book a hotel or recreation center, select a full tour or a separate excursion.

Budget (2015)

Tickets

Traveling around the Kola Peninsula, most tourists start from Murmansk, Apatit or Kirovsk. It is in these cities that airports and large railway stations are located, which have direct communication with the center and north-west of Russia.

The prices for economy class air tickets for the main destinations are as follows (per person in both directions):

• Moscow - Murmansk: from 7000 rubles;
• St. Petersburg - Murmansk: from 10,600 rubles;
• Moscow - Apatity (Kirovsk): from 9000 rubles;
• St. Petersburg - Apatity (Kirovsk): from 8000 rubles.

Railway tickets for the same destinations are not much cheaper, especially given the much longer travel time (more than 1 day):

• Moscow - Murmansk: from 6300 rubles (reserved seat) and 12600 rubles (compartment);
• Moscow - Apatity: from 5300 rubles (reserved seat) and 7000 rubles (compartment);
• St. Petersburg - Murmansk: from 5,000 rubles (reserved seat) and 7,200 rubles (compartment);
• St. Petersburg - Apatity: from 4500 rubles (reserved seat) and 6600 rubles (compartment)

based on one person in both directions.

On the Kola Peninsula, there is a well-established long-distance bus service. So, from Murmansk you can get to the most popular cities and towns. Prices for a one-way ticket per person: to Apatit or Kirovsk - from 555 rubles, to Kandalaksha - from 630 rubles, to Monchegorsk - from 345 rubles, to Olenegorsk - from 261 rubles, to Severomorsk - from 160 rubles, to Umba - from 710 rubles, to Titovka - from 280 rubles, to Teriberka - from 331 rubles and Cola - 343 rubles

Accommodation

There are not so many hotels on the Kola Peninsula, although in last years tourism infrastructure is developing noticeably. In Murmansk, a standard double room in a 3-star hotel will cost 2200-3500 rubles per day, in Monchegorsk, Kirovsk and Apatity the prices are higher, apparently due to the proximity to popular ski resorts. Here, prices for a room in the same category vary between 2900-5200 rubles per day. A popular type of recreation on the Kola is various camp sites on the rivers Kola, Tuloma, Viva, Lake Imandra, in the Lovozero region. Here, the cost of living starts from 900 rubles per day per person and rises depending on the complex of included services and the comfort of the residential facility.

Nutrition

Restaurant service on the Kola Peninsula in all its diversity is presented only in large cities - Murmansk, Monchegorsk, Kirovsk, Apatity. For example, the restaurants "Tsarskaya Okhota", "Tundra", "Dekante" top the rating the best establishments Murmansk region. Here you will be offered delicious dishes of the national Sami and Pomeranian cuisine, for example, venison with a variety of berry sauces. Of course, the average check in such establishments will start from 1,500 rubles per person. You can dine inexpensively in a variety of pubs, pizzerias and self-service cafes. Here, a complex lunch will cost 500-700 rubles per person, depending on the institution. If you go on a trip along the Tersky coast, then most of the settlements that you will meet on the way are small villages, half abandoned. It makes no sense to look for a cafe there, at best you will find grocery store for organizing an independent picnic in nature. Food prices are basically the same as the average for Russia. The only thing is that there is a wide variety of types of sea fish, from which many national dishes are prepared, it is much cheaper, always fresh and tasty. You can buy from locals or go fishing yourself.

Story

The Kola Peninsula, located in the Far North of Russia on the border with Norway in the waters of the White and Barents Seas, was called Murman until the beginning of the 20th century. The ancient sites of the first people discovered by scientists on the territory of the peninsula date back to the Stone Age. As for the indigenous population of the peninsula - the Saami, their ancestors began to inhabit these northern lands later, only in the 2nd millennium BC. They were engaged in reindeer herding, hunting and fishing on the northern coast. The Russians began to actively populate the Tersky coast of the Kola Peninsula only in the 9th-11th centuries: various historical documents and chronicles mention large settlements Varzuga and Cola. They quickly begin to develop sea routes, organizing a promising trade in fish and furs with European countries in the North and West.

The natural wealth of the Kola land and established trade relations with many European countries attracted the attention of the Russian government. In the middle of the 19th century, active scientific study of the Kola Peninsula began. Numerous expeditions are sent for the purpose of a detailed study of the geography of the area, mapping. In 1916, the Murmansk railway line and the port of Romanov-on-Murman (modern Murmansk) were built. This ensured the connection of the central part of Russia with the Kola Peninsula both by land and by sea.

The peninsula was actively involved in the events of the civil war in Russia. In addition to the confrontation between the White Guards and the Bolshevik forces, intervention from England and America began in 1918, in connection with which a large-scale partisan movement was organized under the leadership of the Bolsheviks. As a result, foreign troops were forced to leave the peninsula, the White Guards were also defeated, and Soviet power was established throughout the territory.
Since that time, the active industrial development of the region began. Forestry and fisheries were restored. Huge deposits of various minerals, including the richest reserves of apatite, have been discovered in the depths of the Khibiny. The development of these deposits contributed to the development of several industrial sectors at once - the production of fertilizers (in Kirovsk), non-ferrous metallurgy (in Monchegorsk).

During the Great Patriotic War, the line of the northern front passed along the Kola Peninsula. Fierce battles were fought on land and in coastal waters. Ground forces, aviation and the Northern Fleet suffered huge human losses, holding back the active onslaught of the enemy, preventing him from reaching the strategically important Murmansk. Through courage and heroism Soviet soldiers, The port of Murmansk worked without interruption, and the enterprises of the region supplied products for the needs of the front without stopping. The complete liberation of the Kola Peninsula took place in October 1944, and in honor of the heroism of the Soviet people in the north, a special medal "For the Defense of the Arctic" was established.

In the postwar years, the active industrial development of the Murmansk region continued, and today it is one of the most powerful industrial regions of Russia. In the Khibiny, more than 9 million tons of apatite are mined per year, logging and fishing are actively carried out on the shores of the Barents and White Seas, non-ferrous metallurgy is successfully developing in Kovdor and Monchegorsk, and a whole network of hydroelectric power stations and nuclear power plants is operating to meet the large demand of the peninsula for electricity. The Kola Peninsula today is still of great military and strategic importance. The Northern Fleet is based here with headquarters in Severomorsk, there are large ports that provide direct access to open ocean during the whole year. Recently, ecological tourism and skiing have been actively developing. More and more residents of our country and foreigners are striving to explore the amazing nature of the Far North of Russia.

Business card

The hallmark of the Kola Peninsula is undoubtedly amazing nature Russian North, harsh, but no less beautiful. On the one hand, there are endless tundras, lonely peninsulas with half-forgotten villages and a cold ocean beating into sheer coastal cliffs. And on the other hand, these are green river valleys immersed in dense forests, picturesque mountain passes and gorges hidden in the heart of the Khibiny, fabulous northern lights in winter and long white nights in summer.

A trip to Kola really builds character. If you are not afraid of cold and wind, many hours of off-road driving with a constant risk of getting stuck away from civilization when you next try to overcome the ford and you like campfire romance on the coast of the White or Barents Sea, then we can say with confidence that you will be able to see the real Far North Russia.

Go to the Tersky coast - the surrounding landscapes are inspiring there, and under your feet - placers of amethyst brushes, shining in a variety of shades. And someone will certainly want to visit the most northern point of Russia - Nemetsky Cape or wander in silence through the ruins of military fortifications and trenches from the Second World War on the Sredny and Rybachy peninsulas, marveling at the courage and stamina of people who defended their homeland in such harsh conditions. It will be interesting to visit the Sami reindeer herders at Seydoozero or Lovozero, ride reindeer sleds and feel the traditions of this ancient people.

People from the most different corners of our country go to the Kola also for the sake of fishing and hunting. The most popular places: lakes Imandra, Big and Small Vudyavr, Umboozero, as well as the Kola, Tuloma, Varzuga, Teriberka, Umba rivers are rich in valuable salmon species, among which there are truly record specimens. And hunting for fur-bearing animals has been practiced on Kola since the first Russian settlements appeared on the peninsula.

And yet, for most tourists who have visited the Kola Peninsula, the Khibiny leaves the most vivid impressions. This is the oldest mountain range, in the depths of which there are huge deposits of iron ore, semi precious stones and a wide variety of minerals, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. On the slopes of the Khibiny Mountains there are popular ski resorts, which can please experienced riders with extreme descents and wide snow couloirs for off-piste skiing. Ecological trekking is also actively developing here - fascinating mountain hikes with overcoming passes of various categories of difficulty.

Those who go to the Kola Peninsula can hardly be called tourists. These are real travelers who are accustomed to weather surprises and difficulties on the road, those who value natural beauty above hotel service and familiar tourist entertainment.

Make it a must

Explore the Khibiny

This natural attraction is number one among many tourists planning a trip to the Kola Peninsula. The Khibiny mountains have always been full of mysteries. Previously unknown minerals are still being found here - of course, because this is the oldest mountain range, the geological age of which is more than 350 million years. The unique natural wealth attracts researchers from all over the world, the largest mines for the extraction of a wide variety of minerals operate here. Khibiny attracts no less interest among lovers of outdoor activities and ecotourism. On the slopes of the Khibiny Mountains are the best in the North ski centers, climbing routes of various complexity, hiking to mountain lakes and rivers are organized.

Relax on Lake Imandra

Lake Imandra is called the pearl of the Kola Peninsula. Its shores are very picturesque and diverse - these are steep cliffs, and gentle sandbanks strewn with huge boulders, and in some places you can even find comfortable pebble beaches. This place is very popular among tourists. Here you can just relax by renting a house at the base, go fishing, go boating or go hiking in the surrounding forests for berries and mushrooms. And for those who love speed, adrenaline and adventure, there are many developed routes for rafting along rapids that flow into the lake, as well as opportunities for various kinds kitesurfing at any time of the year.

Catch your "record" salmon

Even if you are not an avid fisherman, fishing on the Kola is a real thrill. More than 18,000 rivers flow on the peninsula, all of them are different in nature and the surrounding landscape, but they have one thing in common - the wealth of valuable species of fish that come to spawn from the Barents Sea. "Salmon" are mountain-type rivers with a rapid current and shallow, but long rapids. By the way, in order to overcome such a threshold, the salmon must have a strong tail fin, which helps it to jump up to 3 meters high! Not all representatives of the salmon family are capable of this, so only the best specimens rise into the rivers. The rivers Kola, Yokanga, Tipanovka, Kharlovka, Rynda are considered places for first-class fishing. It is absolutely possible to catch a truly huge fish here: reports are full of photos of the lucky ones holding 1.5 meters long salmon in their hands, the weight of which can reach up to 45 kilograms! So feel free to go for your personal record.

Look for amethysts on the Tersky coast

There is a particularly picturesque place on the Kola Peninsula - this is the Tersky coast - the southeastern coast of the White Sea. It was here that the first Russian settlements began to appear, which later became major centers of maritime trade and fishing - Umba, Varzuga, Kuzomen, Kashkarantsy. Nowadays, unfortunately, they look rather depressing, almost nothing reminds of their former prosperity. But here surrounding nature retained its charm. There is a wonderful place here - Cape Korabl, famous for its colorful amethyst shores. Of course, now you will not find large amethysts worthy of the rings of royal people here. But everywhere there are plenty of natural souvenirs in the form of rock fragments with small crystals of various shades - pale pink, lilac, bright purple, blue or even black. Here you need to walk slowly, completely forgetting about the daily routine, just admiring the magical glow of the coast in the rays of the northern sun.

Wander the Kuzomensky Sands

How do you like the idea to visit the desert in the middle of the northern tundra? It sounds unrealistic, but when traveling around Kola, what you will not see! It is worth coming to the village of Kuzomen to be convinced of this. Getting here is not the easiest thing, but the local scenery is really some kind of fantastic. Instead of the usual rocky shores, there are endless red sands, every year getting closer and closer to the village itself. There is almost no vegetation, except that in some places there are bizarre trees standing on bare roots - this is the wind blowing the soil out from under them, turning into fairy tale characters from the dense forest. And don't be surprised if you meet here free-roaming Yakut horses. They were once brought to the village for collective farm work, but they preferred a free life, and now they roam here on their own.

Visit reindeer herders

The Saami are an indigenous people who have inhabited the Kola Peninsula since the second millennium BC. Since time immemorial, they have been engaged in reindeer herding, preserving the ancient traditions of handling these noble northern animals to this day. Today, tourists have the opportunity to visit the Saami reindeer herders, going on their own to the Lovozero tundra or ordering organized tour on snowmobiles. In any case, it will be an exciting adventure: you can watch or even take part in reindeer sleigh competitions, taste the best dishes of the national Sami cuisine. This is a very hospitable people, so if you want to stay for a few days, you will be offered to spend the night on warm reindeer skins in a chum - a traditional Sami dwelling.

Why and when to go

Walks in the cities of the Far North

When: Anytime during the year.

One way or another, you will begin your journey around the Kola Peninsula by arriving in one of the major cities. Most likely, it will be Murmansk, Kirovsk, Apatity or Severomorsk. These cities initially developed as large industrial centers or important strategic ports with year-round access to the open ocean. Therefore, you should not count on outstanding architecture or a rich excursion program here. However, it is definitely worth taking a walk and feeling the specifics of the harsh northern cities, and at the same time taking a run through the most popular attractions.

The hallmark of Murmansk, the main port city in the Arctic, is the famous Lenin icebreaker and the northernmost oceanarium in Russia. By visiting the first one, you will be able to look at the legendary nuclear reactor, which provided the vessel with a unique speed in the arctic ice. And in the aquarium you will find a wonderful performance with the participation of talented gray seals, ringed seals and the only trained sea hare in Russia. They perform clever tricks and even play musical instruments.

Severomorsk is still an important basing center for Russia's Northern Fleet. On the pier near main square The city is flaunted by the huge submarine K-21, which gained world fame thanks to a series of successful military operations at sea during the Great Patriotic War. It was a real "ocean storm" that sank 17 enemy ships. Now the submarine has a permanent museum exhibition, and tours of the combat compartments are conducted.

Kirovsk and Apatity are located at the foot of the picturesque Khibiny mountains. Lifts to the famous ski slopes Aikuaayvenchorr and Kukisvumchorr. And nearby is the Polar Botanical Garden. N. Avrorina is one of the largest in Europe. Here you can look at the collections of plants from all over the world in huge greenhouses, as well as take a walk along the ecological path to the slopes of the Khibiny peaks to get acquainted with the northern flora in natural conditions. Fans of mineralogy should also visit the Geological Museum in Kirovsk, which contains unique samples of rare minerals and precious stones mined in the bowels of the Khibiny. If you come to Kirovsk in winter, be sure to visit the Snow Village. This whole city built from ice and snow. Interesting thematic events are held here, you can play hide and seek in the snow labyrinth and even hold a wedding ceremony in the solemn ice hall.

Visiting nature reserves

When: Year-round, the best time to visit is during the summer months.

You can get up close and personal with the interesting flora and fauna of the Far North of Russia by visiting one of the three nature reserves of the Kola Peninsula with an excursion. The oldest biosphere reserve in Russia, the Lapland Reserve, was created to protect the reindeer population. Today it is a unique corner of nature, uniting picturesque mountain landscapes, river and lake valleys and dense centuries-old coniferous forests. In addition to ecological routes to get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the reserve, tourists really like the excursion to "Fabulous Lapland" to visit Santa Claus.

The Kandalaksha Nature Reserve is one of the first and largest marine reserves in Russia, spread over more than 550 islands in the Barents and White Seas. Here is a real bird kingdom: during a tour of the archipelagos, you can see thousands of colonies of gulls, guillemots, cormorants and a wide variety of "flying". However, the most important inhabitant of the reserve is the common eider. This is a species of sea duck, whose down is considered very valuable. It was for the purpose of protecting eiders from mass destruction for commercial purposes that the Kandalaksha Reserve was created in the 30s of the 20th century. Excursions on a boat in the protected waters of the White Sea are popular: in addition to the "bird markets", you can see seals, sea hares, seals, and if you are especially lucky, then a flock of dolphins or beluga whales.

Pasvik is a nature reserve of international format, located on the border of Russia with Norway. This is a special place on the Kola Peninsula, where the forest-tundra meets northern taiga, which determines the richness of flora and fauna. Here grow magnificent northern forests with centuries-old pines and many beautiful glacial lakes. The most popular tourist routes are visiting Varlam Island with the museum of the Norwegian explorer Hans Skonning and the border village of Rajakoski.

mountain trekking

When: The best time for climbing is from early June to mid-September.

The Khibiny are far from the highest mountains in Russia: the main peak of Yudychvumchorr has a mark of just over 1200 meters. However, this is a very picturesque and ancient mountain range, in the depths of which beautiful gorges and pristine lakes are hidden. Majority mountain passes The Khibiny have a difficulty category of 1A and 2A or are not category at all, so special equipment for climbing is usually not required, except for passing some gorges in winter. However, the hikers must be in good physical shape and ready for sudden changes in weather conditions, which is a common thing in the conditions of the northern climate, regardless of the time of year. For beginner climbers, many routes have been developed through the low passes of Ramsay, Geographers, Kukisvumchorr, Postman. More experienced athletes choose the Krestovy, Eagle's Nest, Shchel, Chorrgor North passes for climbing - their conquest requires more serious mountaineering experience and endurance. Also popular are routes to the Lovozero tundra (the highest point is Mount Angvundaschorr, 1127 meters high) with a visit to Seydoozero, sacred to the Sami people.

The most beautiful period for trekking on the Kola Peninsula is from late May to mid-July. At this time, the sun does not set below the horizon, and you can enjoy the amazing northern "white nights". They add a special romance to the already beautiful mountain landscapes.

Adventures

When: Anytime of the year, depending on your interests.

In itself, a trip to the Kola Peninsula is already a real adventure, a test of strength in harsh weather and off-road on the way to the most beautiful places in this amazing northern region.

Many rivers flow here, different both in landscape (plain, mountainous), and in speed of flow and the presence of rapids. This creates excellent opportunities for organizing a variety of water adventures: sports rafting, family rafting, recreational kayaking, kitesurfing. If you crave speed and have sufficient experience to overcome the thresholds of different difficulty categories, choose routes along the rivers Umba, Krasnenkaya, Kutsayoki, Tumcha. For calmer rafting, the Kola, Tuloma, Kolvitsa, Varzuga rivers, as well as the tributaries of Lake Imandra, are suitable. The best time for such trips is from late July to early September. Weather conditions are more or less stable, and there are many berries and mushrooms in the surrounding forests.

Traveling along the Tersky coast and to the Sredny and Rybachy peninsulas will appeal to lovers of jeeping and extreme off-road driving. Some coastal villages are like ghosts: many houses are without windows, there are very few locals left, and there are even fewer tourists. This has its own advantage: you can enjoy the endless expanses of the north, colorful rocky shores and bewitching landscapes. harsh ocean. There is also the possibility of diving. For example, in the village of Dalnie Zelentsy on the shores of the Barents Sea, there is a diving school. True, getting here again is quite difficult without a reliable SUV. Alternatively, you can contact the instructors of the school in advance and arrange a transfer.

Popular options for winter adventures on the Kola Peninsula are various ski trips on frozen lakes and river valleys, as well as sports routes for experienced skiers in the mountains - to the gorges and passes of the Khibiny. March is considered the best time for ski tours on Kola.

You can also go on snowmobiles to Lovozero - get acquainted with the traditions of the indigenous people - the Sami and ride reindeer sleds. And if you are attracted by places shrouded in ancient mysticism and legends, go hiking to Seydozero. According to one of the legends, on the site of this lake there was once a highly developed ancient civilization Hyperborea, destroyed as a result of some natural disaster like Atlantis. Fragments of ancient buildings were even found at the bottom of the lake, and on land - traces of the existence of an old observatory, which has characteristic similarities with Stonehenge. The Saami consider the lake sacred, believing that it is guarded by the giant Kuyva, a legendary character in Saami myths. On one of the rocks surrounding the lake from all sides, its image is carved. For the Sami, this place inspires both fear and awe. Along the banks of the Seydozero there are many so-called "places of power" - ritual structures made of stones that have a special energy.

Fishing and hunting

When: throughout the year, depending on the place and purpose of fishing and hunting.

The Kola Peninsula is known throughout our country for its famous "salmon" rivers and extensive opportunities for salmon fishing, both independently and as part of specially designed tours. The Tersky coast of the White Sea is considered the most popular place: it is from here that whole shoals of fresh and strong fish rise into the numerous lakes and rivers of the peninsula. The fishing season opens at the end of May and continues until September. However, the best time for salmon fishing is the period from the last week of May to the 20th of June. At this time, on the rivers Kola, Varzuga, Pana, Yokanga, Indel, Tipanovka, there are really huge specimens, weighing from 10 to 50 kg! However, experienced fishermen claim that salmon fishing requires special skill and knowledge. This is a very strong, smart and resourceful fish that is able to jump out of the water to a great height and always fights to the last - the more excitement the angler experiences from this fight. In addition to salmon, the coast of the Barents and White Seas, as well as reservoirs in the depths of the peninsula, are rich in cod, trout, grayling, pike, perch, burbot, pink salmon, whitefish and other fish species. So without a valuable trophy, you definitely won’t leave.

As for hunting, the spring season falls on the month of May, and the autumn-winter season opens from the second half of September and lasts until the end of February. It is allowed to hunt upland and waterfowl - partridges, ducks, geese, black grouse and capercaillie, fur-bearing animals, hare, it is forbidden - lynx and otter. However, for some animals the number of licenses is limited. For example, during the season only 40 licenses are issued for bear hunting, about 50 for elk, and there are also restrictions on shooting wolves and wolverines. It should be noted that for the lack of a license or violation of the rules of hunting, a fine of up to 4,000 rubles is levied.

Useful

How to get there

The Kola Peninsula is connected with the central and northwestern parts of Russia by air, as well as by a network of roads and railways. Airports are located in the cities of Murmansk and Apatity, they accept regular flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg. From the same cities, as well as from Minsk and Vologda, there are direct trains to Murmansk. A railway connection with Volgograd, Anapa and Adler is added to the summer schedule.

Suburban electric trains connect the main cities and towns within the region: large railway stations are located in Apatity, Kirovsk, Olenegorsk, Kandalaksha and Kolya. Cities and towns located far from the Murmansk railway can be reached by bus or private car. The main federal highway M18 "St. Petersburg - Murmansk" crosses the Kola Peninsula from south to north. Regular flights depart from Murmansk bus station to Kandalaksha, Umba, Varzuga, Teriberka, Kola and Titovka. From Olenegorsk by bus you can get to Monchegorsk, Revda and Lovozero. There is also an international bus service with Norway (bus Murmansk - Kirkenes) and Finland (flights Murmansk - Ivalo and Kandalaksha - Kemijärvi).

The state borders of Russia with Norway and Finland pass along the Kola Peninsula, therefore there are three international automobile checkpoints: "Borisoglebsk" - in the village of the same name in the Pechenga region towards Norway; "Lotta" - near the village of Svetly in the Kola region and "Salla" - near the village of Alakurtti in the Kandalaksha region towards Finland.

Time

Time on the Kola Peninsula coincides with Moscow.

Climate

The climate of the Kola Peninsula is very diverse, weather conditions can change dramatically at any time of the year. For example, thaws are not uncommon in winter, and unexpected frosts can occur in the summer months. Various climatic conditions characteristic of sea ​​coast Kola Peninsula, its central part and highlands. The northern coast is influenced by the Barents Sea with its warm currents. The coldest month here is February, when the thermometers drop to minus 12ºС, the warmest is July (+12-13ºС). In the central part of the Kola Peninsula, the climate becomes continental, which is characterized by relatively warm weather in summer and persistent cold in winter. When moving inland, a decrease in average annual temperatures is observed. In the mountainous region, it is already colder summer with average temperature in July + 10ºС and a rather mild winter (the minimum temperature in January is -13 ºС), and the most precipitation falls here. In winter, lingering blizzards are frequent, and in the summer-autumn period - rains, fogs and strong winds (up to 45-55 m/s). Snow falls already in October and completely melts only by the end of May, and in the mountains it does not lie until mid-June.

Another one distinguishing feature The Kola Peninsula means long polar days and nights. In summer, the sun does not set below the horizon for almost a month and a half, and in winter you can watch the beautiful northern lights.

Kola Peninsula. Photo: Viktor Borisov

The first mentions of Kola Peninsula appeared in the written sources of Western Europe as early as the 9th century. They belonged to the Anglo-Saxon king Alfred, who described the inhabitants of the peninsula - the Terfinns - as skilled fishermen and hunters, and called the reserved region itself a place of terrible mysteries and the possessions of terrible pagan gods.

The indigenous population of the Kola Peninsula - the Sami (or Lapps, Lopni) - for many centuries, Christian beliefs and pagan rituals of worshiping the ancient gods, the once powerful rulers of their land, have successfully coexisted.

A number of legends are associated with ancient beliefs that exist today. So, the legend of the terrible giant is very curious. Kuyva, in ancient times attacked the inhabitants of the peninsula. The Saami, desperate to defeat the enemy on their own, turned to the gods for help, who, throwing a sheaf of lightning at Kuyva, incinerated the giant.

From Kuyva on Angvundaschorr, the highest peak of the Lovozero tundra, only an imprint remained, which, despite the weathering and shedding of rock, has survived to this day in excellent form.

According to local residents, the spirit of the formidable giant sometimes descends into the valley and then the imprint of Kuyva begins to glow ominously. For this reason, the valley at the peak of Angvundaschorr is considered by the Sami to be a bad place: hunters do not wander here and animals do not go here.

Mysterious Encounters and Unexplained Deaths

Another unusual legend is connected with the underground inhabitants of this region, whom the Sami call cywok. This mysterious people once lived on the surface of the earth, but after a strong natural disaster, the memories of which are preserved in Lapland legends, they went into underground caves, leaving behind granite megalithic structures in the north of the peninsula.

The folk epic describes saiwoks as small creatures living deep underground. They understand human language, and their witchcraft has a terrible power that can stop the sun and moon, and also kill a person who has always been afraid of meeting them.

However, even today, from time to time, information appears about meetings of local residents, scientists and travelers with mysterious saiwoks.

In 1996, a certain Egor Andreev happened to visit the Kola Peninsula, who, as part of a group of “black meteorites” in the Khibiny Valley, illegally searched for fragments of a meteorite that fell in those parts during the Ice Age.

According to Yegor's memoirs, on one of the summer nights he heard strange sounds near the tent, similar to the chirping of a magpie. Andreev looked out of the tent and suddenly saw three furry creatures resembling beavers.

And in a moment, Yegor was seized with horror: the creatures, taken by him for animals, had human faces with pointed noses, small lipless mouths, from which two long fangs protruded, and eyes burning in the darkness with a greenish light. Andreev took a step towards them and suddenly realized that he could not move.

Only by the evening of the next day, the comrades found Yegor lying unconscious, three kilometers from the parking lot. What happened to Andreev after he left the tent, the young man could not explain.

And in 1999, a real tragedy occurred on the Kola Peninsula. Then, four tourists died on one of the passes near Seydozero. No signs of violent death were found on their bodies, but horror was imprinted on the faces of the unfortunate.

Near the bodies, local residents noticed strange footprints that vaguely resembled human ones, but very large in size.

Immediately after this tragedy, they remembered a similar incident that happened in the summer of 1965, when three geologists who mysteriously disappeared from the camp died in the Lovozero tundra. Their fox-eaten bodies were found two months later. Then it was put forward official version, according to which geologists were poisoned by poisonous mushrooms.

Kola Superdeep

The drilling of an ultra-deep well, which began in the seventies of the last century on the Kola Peninsula, caused strong discontent among the local population. The elders of the Lapps feared the wrath of the disturbed underground inhabitants, rumors of whose existence constantly reached those who arrived from big land drillers.

However, the first kilometers were given to tunnellers surprisingly easily. And only when the depth of the well reached ten kilometers, serious problems began.

Drilling accidents followed one after another. The cable broke several times, as if some evil force was pulling it down, dragging it into the seething and unknown depths. Twice, an especially strong drill was brought to the surface melted, which was able to withstand temperatures comparable to the temperature on the surface of the Sun.

At times, the sounds escaping from the mouth of the well were like the groans and howls of thousands of people, forcing drillers accustomed to everything to experience an almost mystical fear.

And soon misfortunes began to happen on the drilling rig. In 1982, one of the workers was crushed by a fallen metal structure. In 1984, the head of the drilling shift was blown off by a broken mechanism.

Three years later, a team of ten people was sent by helicopter to Murmansk with symptoms of a mysterious illness: the workers' bodies suddenly swelled up and blood began to ooze from its pores. But as soon as the drillers were in the hospital, the strange disease passed without a trace without any treatment.

When one of the workers, who was local resident, found out about what had happened, he immediately declared that it was the saiwok who thus punished the people who invaded their possessions, after which he wrote a letter of resignation ...

Nowadays, every year, dozens of sensation-hungry people come to the Kola Peninsula: some for fragments of the famous meteorite, some in search of bones of fossil animals, and some with the aim of getting to know mystical riddles with which this ancient land abounds.

Murmansk region in ancient times

The settlement of the Kola Peninsula occurred relatively recently - archaeologists attribute the discovered sites of Stone Age people to the 7th-6th millennium BC.
At the end of the 1st millennium AD, the territory of the Kola Peninsula was inhabited by the Saami. They led a nomadic lifestyle, lived in childbirth, fished, beat sea animals, and were engaged in reindeer herding.
In the 12th century, Russian coast-dwellers began to visit the White Sea coast. The chronicles speak of the fabulous riches of Murman: furs, fish, deer, sea animals.
They called this part of the peninsula the Tersky coast (from the ancient Scandinavian name of the Kola Peninsula "Trennes" - "Tersky Cape"). By the end of the 12th century, Russian coast-dwellers were already sailing along north coast Kola Peninsula and reached Finmarken. The Russians called the Norwegians "Normans". The Norwegians themselves pronounced the word "Norman" a little differently, namely, "Murman". In the Russian sound, this self-name turned into "Murman". Of course, the name of the northern coast of the Kola Peninsula also came from "Murman". The Pomors called the Barents Sea the Murmansk Sea, since the path through it led to the country "Murman". Russian industrialists began to call the Terek coast not the entire coast of the Terek land, but only the White Sea part of it.
The first surviving evidence of the establishment of Russian power on the Kola Peninsula is contained in the Novgorod Chronicle under 1216.
Novgorodians, collecting tribute from the Saami, gradually expanded the area of ​​their activities. At the same time, the Norwegians also advanced from western Scandinavia to the northeast, into the lands of the Sami. They penetrated the Kola Peninsula and demanded tribute from the Terek Sams and Karelians, who were engaged in fur trade here. Armed clashes began to take place between the Novgorod and Norwegian tribute collectors. Novgorod the Great did not tolerate the hostile actions of the Murman. He considered any robbery of the inhabitants of the Kola Peninsula as an infringement of his own interests, the loss of part of his income.
In 1326, Norway and Novgorod signed a peace treaty. The Norwegians abandoned their claims to the Kola Peninsula and recognized it as the sphere of the predominant interests of Rus'.

Murmansk region in the XV-XVI centuries.

In the 15th century, Russians appeared on the peninsula as permanent residents. The appearance of the Russians not only contributed to the development of the region, but also ensured the protection of the indigenous population from the raids of Western conquerors. And in later times (in 1589-1591, in 1611, several times in the 18th century and at the beginning of the 19th century), Swedish and Danish troops, English pirates came to the land of Murman. They burned villages, robbed the population and monasteries, killed civilians.
The economic life of the population of the Kola Territory differed significantly from the life of the peasants of inner Russia. There, in the feudal era, subsistence farming dominated. Engaged in arable farming and cattle breeding, the population attached to the land lived closed and inactive. Often, throughout their lives, the peasants did not go further than the surrounding villages.
Agriculture was almost non-existent on the Kola Peninsula. The inhabitants were mainly engaged in crafts. Commodity production prevailed. Commercial and industrial activity required a certain level of culture - the ability to keep records, make mathematical calculations, make deals, etc.
Russian North in the XVI - XVII centuries was not a deaf, isolated outskirts. Intensive international trade developed on the White Sea and Murman.

Murmansk region in the XVII-XX centuries.

In the XVI-XVIII centuries, the Kola Peninsula played a significant role in the Russian economy: fishing, navigation, trade with many European countries. However, by the beginning of the 19th century, the economic development of the region slowed down due to the opening of new trade routes in other regions of Russia.
In the 60s of the XIX century, intensive settlement of the Murmansk coast began. Mostly Finns and Norwegians settled on the west coast, Russians settled in the east.
On February 8, 1883, the Kola district was formed with the center in the city of Kola. For more than two centuries, the Murmansk Territory was part of the Arkhangelsk Governorate. At the end of the 19th century, in addition to fishing, hunting and cattle breeding, the first logging began on the Tersky coast. In 1898, the Umbsky sawmill was built and put into operation in 1899, which laid the foundation for the development of the timber industry on the Kola Peninsula.
In 1899, a new urban settlement and port arose in the Ekaterininsky harbor, which was given the name Aleksandrovsk (now the city of Polyarny). Aleksandrovsk became a county town, and the Kola district was renamed Aleksandrovsky.
In December 1914, a decision was made to build the Petrozavodsk-Murman railway. It was dictated by the need to receive military supplies from Russia's allies in the First World War. The railway was built in less than 2 years. At the same time, a Trading port: from September 21 (October 4), 1916 - the city of Romanov-on-Murman, from April 3, 1917 - Murmansk.
In 1923, the Murmansk railway was turned into an industrial, transport and colonization plant, which included the Murmansk port. During the years of the New Economic Policy, this organization led the development of the region, developed industry and crafts. Sawmills, brick, woodworking factories were built. The plant was engaged in the extraction of fish, timber, mica, and trading operations.
On June 13, 1921, the Aleksandrovsky district of the Arkhangelsk province, which for almost 2 centuries included the Murmansk region, was transformed into the Murmansk province with the center in the city of Murmansk, and on August 1, 1927, the province was transformed into the Murmansk district and included in the Leningrad region.
There was an intensive exploration and development of the bowels of the Kola North, the mining and chemical, metallurgical industries and energy were developing. In the late twenties - early thirties, the development of the richest apatite deposits began in the Khibiny mountain range, a mining and chemical plant (PO Apatit) was built. In 1930, the first ore was mined at the mine, and in 1931, the processing plant, ANOF-1, developed its first product (in 1963 - ANOF-2, in 1988 - ANOF-3). The construction of the first hydroelectric power station of the Niva cascade - Niva-P made it possible to provide the energy base of the plant.
The formation of fundamental science on the peninsula belongs to the same period. In the winter of 1930, the Mountain Station of the USSR Academy of Sciences was located in the center of the Khibiny Mountains. Now it is the Kola Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
In the mid-thirties, the construction of the largest fish processing plant in the country was completed, the hulls of the ship repair plant grew, the most important event was the construction of the Severonickel copper-nickel plant in Monche-tundra (the first nickel was obtained in 1939). An energy base was created. In 1936, the unified Kola energy system "Kolenergo" was created.
Created in 1933, the Northern Naval Flotilla was transformed into the Northern Fleet in 1937.
After the end of the Soviet-Finnish war of 1939-1940, according to the peace treaty between the USSR and Finland, the western part of the Rybachy and Sredny peninsulas moved away from Finland to Soviet Union and on July 13, 1940, this territory was annexed to the Polyarny district of the Murmansk region.

Murmansk region during the Civil War

After the news of the victory of the February coup on April 3, 1917, Romanov-on-Murman was renamed Murmansk.
The overthrow of the Provisional Government was supported by the democratic organizations of the region (Soviet, Tsentromur, Sovzheldor), which, at an emergency meeting on October 26, 1917, recognized Soviet power. On the same day, the chief commander of the Murmansk fortified region and the Murmansk detachment of courts Ketlinsky K.F. Thus, on the Kola Peninsula, Soviet power was proclaimed one of the most rarely encountered ways in the practice of the revolution - the resubordination of the bodies created by the Provisional Government to the new government.
At the same time, the British, French and Americans who were on Murman, refusing to cooperate with the Soviet government in the center, headed for interaction with the local authorities of Murman, providing them with fuel and food. The unifying factor was the threat to Murman from the Finns and Germans: enemy submarines operated in the Barents Sea, troops were concentrated in northern Finland.
Under such conditions, Deputy Chairman of the Murmansk Council A.M. Yuryev (Alekseev) turned to the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs L.D. Trotsky with a request about the position of the center in relation to the allies. The latter gave a telegram allowing "to accept any assistance from the allied missions", which became the basis for the conclusion on March 2, 1918 of the so-called "Verbal agreement on the joint actions of the British, French, Russians in the defense of the Murmansk Territory."
On this basis, the landing of foreign troops begins on Murman. On March 6, 1918, units landed from the English cruiser Glory, on March 18 - from the French cruiser Admiral Ob. Somewhat later, the American ship "Olympia" anchored in the port of Murmansk, from which the US Marine Corps went ashore.
All this happened in conditions when on March 3 the central Bolshevik government signed a separate peace treaty with Germany in Brest-Litovsk and thus withdrew from the war. As a result (although this was not the only reason), the now former allies decided to support the anti-Bolshevik forces in the North. In June 1918, their joint actions led to a coup that separated the Murmansk Territory from Soviet Russia. In August, Murman became part of the anti-Bolshevik Northern Region with its center in Arkhangelsk.
In the Northern region, the authorities tried to build a democratic model of development, providing albeit limited freedoms, focusing on the restoration of private property and entrepreneurship. However, the attempt to find a "third way" failed.
In the autumn of 1919, the Allies leave the Russian North. The northern region, having lost its support, fell a few months later.
In the Murmansk region, the fall of white power occurred on February 21, 1920, after an armed uprising of workers and military personnel.
Soviet power was restored in the region.

Murmansk region during the Great Patriotic War

During World War II, the Kola Peninsula became the northernmost combat area. On June 29, 1941, two German and one Finnish corps launched an offensive against Murmansk (an auxiliary strike was launched in the Kandalaksha direction). On September 23, 1941, after the counterattacks of the Soviet troops, the front stabilized in the area of ​​the Western Litsa River. On the Rybachy and Sredny peninsulas, cut off from the main troops, the Northern defensive region was created; it was defended by the sailors of the Northern Fleet. The port of Murmansk operated without interruption, serving allied convoys.
Summer 1942 - the time of the highest intensity of the fighting. German air raids were daily, often several times a day. The fiercest fighting, as a rule, was in the Murmansk region. "It's better to fly to London three times than once to Murmansk," said the German pilots. Murmansk belonged to the four strongest air defense points of World War II - two "L" (London, Leningrad) and two "M" (Murmansk, Malta). It was over Murmansk that German aviation suffered the most significant losses - up to 30% of all aircraft shot down in the Arctic. The city suffered greatly from air raids, more than 70% of the buildings were destroyed.
In three years, the enemy created a powerful defensive area more than 100 km deep, saturated with long-term structures.
On October 7, 1944, the Petsamo-Kirkenes operation began. The Karelian Front went on the offensive in the area of ​​the river. Zapadnaya Litsa, from the Sredny and Rybachy peninsulas, he was supported by units of the Northern Fleet; troops landed at Liinakhamari. On October 15, Petsamo (Pechenga) was liberated; on October 22, the village. Nikel, units of the 14th Army reached the Norwegian border.
Having lost the Kola Peninsula and East Finnmark, the German command lost bases close to the routes of the northern convoys.

Murmansk region in the post-war years

Already in 1948, the level of industrial production in the Murmansk region caught up with the pre-war level. After the war, the construction of industrial giants continued in the region, around which new cities arose: Kovdor, Zapolyarny, Nikel, Polyarnye Zori. Olenegorsky (1955) and Kovdorsky (1962) mining and processing plants were built in the areas of development of iron ore deposits on the Kola Peninsula.
Early 1960s - the time of rapid energy construction in the Murmansk region. Entire cascades and individual hydroelectric stations were built.
In 1967, geological exploration of the largest Koashvinskoye deposit was completed. The total reserves of high-quality apatite ore in the Khibiny are about 4 billion tons.
In 1973, the Kola NPP gave its first current.
Today, the Murmansk region surprises with its contrasts. Industrial mining centers, such as Monchegorsk or Zapolyarny, coexist here with huge areas of fantastically beautiful nature untouched by man.