The Kola Peninsula: history, description and interesting facts. Journey to the Kola Peninsula

Kola Peninsula. Photo: Viktor Borisov

The first mentions of Kola Peninsula appeared in written sources Western Europe back in the ninth century. They belonged to the Anglo-Saxon king Alfred, who described the inhabitants of the peninsula - terfinns - as skilled fishermen and hunters, and he himself protected area called a place terrible riddles and the domains of the 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 a 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 cataclysm, the memories of which are preserved in Lapland legends, they left for 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 a local resident, found out about the incident, he immediately stated that it was the saiwok who had punished people who had invaded their property in this way, 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 the mystical mysteries that abound in this ancient land.

This peninsula is located in the northwest Russian Federation, is part of the Barents Sea in the north, and the White Sea in the east and south. The western border of the peninsula is a meridional depression that stretches from along the Kola River to

Its area is 100 thousand square kilometers, the northern shore is steep and high, and the southern one is gentle and low-lying, gently sloping. In the west of the peninsula there are mountain ranges - Khibiny and Lovozero tundra. In its center stretches the Keiva Ridge.

Geographical position

The Kola Peninsula occupies seventy percent of the territory of the Murmansk region. It is located in the far north of Russia. Almost all of its territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle.

Climatic conditions

The Kola Peninsula has a very diverse climate. The warm North Atlantic Current warms it in the northwest. Here the climate is milder subarctic, maritime. Closer to the east, center and southwest of the territory, continentality increases - here the climate becomes moderately cold. The average January temperature ranges from -10°C in the northwest to -18°C in the center. In July, the air warms up from +8 °C to +10 °C.

Fully snow cover is established in early October, and disappears only at the end of May (in the mountains, this process drags on until mid-June). Frequent frosts and snowfall even in summer time. Strong winds often blow on the coast (up to 55 m / s), in winter, prolonged snowstorms are a common occurrence.

Relief and nature

The Kola Peninsula is terraces and depressions, plateaus and mountains. The massifs of the peninsula rise above sea level by more than eight hundred meters. Swamps and numerous lakes occupy the plains.

The reservoirs are rich in various types of fish - char and salmon, trout and whitefish, pike and grayling. In the seas washing the territory, flounder and cod, capelin and halibut, crab and herring are found in abundance.

History of the peninsula

Its specialists divide it into four main stages. The first began even before the arrival of the Russians on the Kola Peninsula. In those days, the indigenous population lived here - the Sami. They were engaged in deer hunting, berry picking, and fishing. The Sami lived in huts with a flat roof - blunts, or in huts made of deer skins - kuvaks.

The second historical period begins in the eleventh century, with the appearance of the first Pomeranian settlements. Their inhabitants did the same as the Sami, but, unlike them, they rarely went hunting.

They lived in ordinary Russian huts, but with very narrow windows. They were needed to keep warm as much as possible. In these narrow windows they installed whole pieces ice. When it thawed, a strong connection with the tree was formed.

The third historical period of the Kola Peninsula can be considered the wars against the interventionists. The Norwegians have interfered with the indigenous population since ancient times. They have long claimed the land of the Sami. They had to fight with them, protecting their territory. The British began to lay claim to the peninsula behind the Norwegians. In the 17th and 18th centuries, they burned Kola, a fortress built at the mouth of the river of the same name.

The fourth stage in the history of the peninsula is entirely associated with the emergence of the city of Murmansk. The first prospectors appeared in these places in 1912. Today it largest port Arctic.

Cities of the Kola Peninsula

The first settlement of Pomors, which appeared on the territory of the present city of Kola, appeared in 1264. It is mentioned in the notes of Simon van Salingen, a Dutch merchant in the 16th century.

At this time, the Pomors began active trade with the Norwegians, Swedes, British, Danes, who arrived by ship on the Kola Peninsula. The city of Cola has become administrative center. Its population was engaged in fishing, poultry and cattle breeding.

In 1814, the first stone church on the peninsula was built here. The townspeople became famous for fearlessly repulsing the attacks of the Swedes and the British.

Murmansk

This largest city in the Arctic is located on the Kola Peninsula. It was founded in October 1916. At first it was called Romanov-on-Murman. The city bore this name until April 1917. It is located on the coast of the Kola Bay, 50 kilometers from the Barents Sea. It is surrounded by numerous hills.

Its area is 15,055 hectares (including a section of the water area of ​​the Kola Bay - 1,357 hectares). The city is made up of three administrative districts- Oktyabrsky, Leninsky and May Day.

Murmansk cannot be classified as one of the largest cities in our country, but it is the largest city in the world, located above the Arctic Circle.

In May 1985, he received the high title of "Hero City", and in February 1971 he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor.

Apatity

The Kola Peninsula, a photo of which can often be seen on the pages of publications for travelers, has not much on its territory. major cities. One of them is Apatity, with a territory under its jurisdiction, which includes the Khibiny station and the Tik-Guba settlement.

The city is located between and on the banks of the Belaya River. Population - 57905 people.

In 1916, a railway station appeared on the site of the present city, in connection with the start of the construction of the road. In 1930, the state farm "Industriya" was organized here.

The laying of the city took place in 1951, and three years later the construction of the academic campus began. Due to Stalin's death, work was suspended until 1956. Then the construction of the Kirovskaya GRES began in the city. In 1956, the first residential building was commissioned.

In 1966 the city was transformed. It included the village of Molodyozhny.

Winter on the Kola Peninsula

This is the longest season in these parts. Winter lasts up to eight months. In October, snow cover appears, and in May, lakes and rivers are still ice-bound. And at the same time, in winter, the Kola Peninsula (you see the photo in our article) is unique, fairy world. Despite the fact that the temperature can drop below 40 degrees, the cold does not hold down at all and is practically not felt, thanks to the low level of humidity.

polar night

Due to the fact that the Kola Peninsula is located beyond the Arctic Circle, from the end of November to the end of January, the polar night reigns here.

The black sky is strewn with bright stars, the cities are illuminated by electric lights. At noon, the sky brightens a little, purple, dark blue and even pink shades appear on it. Thus pass two short hours of twilight. Then the sky darkens again.

Northern lights

Few of the inhabitants of the European part of our country had a chance to see this extraordinary sight that adorns the Kola Peninsula in winter. The black sky suddenly blooms with tongues of fiery shades - from crimson to blue-green. It's like Laser show You can't take your eyes off him. It can be observed from September to April. Until now, the northern lights are considered a mysterious phenomenon, which even the inhabitants of the Arctic cannot get used to.

The rivers of the peninsula

The reservoirs of this land are mainly fed by melt water (up to 60% of the runoff). The rivers of the Kola Peninsula are full-flowing for 2 months a year (May-June), and then they become much shallower. The water level in them largely depends on the summer rains.

Their length exceeds 50 thousand km. They belong to the basin of two northern seas - the Barents and the White. Some of them are over 200 km long - Varzuga, Ponoy, Tuloma. They occupy 70% of the total basin area of ​​the Murmansk region. Almost all rivers have a meridional flow direction, only the Ponoi River differs in latitudinal flow.

Many Voronya, Umba, etc.) follow from large lakes. The water in them is usually greenish-blue and clear. During floods, rivers carry a large amount of silt, sand, and fallen leaves. The Kola Peninsula is distinguished by a long freeze-up - 7 months, the ice cover remains up to 210 days a year. The rivers open up in May.

Hydro resources

On the Niva, Kovda, Voronya there are hydroelectric power stations and reservoirs built. In contrast to the flat southern rivers, in the northern rivers, due to cooling of the water, bottom ice forms on the rapids during the cold season.

The rivers of the Kola Peninsula are conditionally divided into four groups:

• semi-plain (Varzuga, Ponoy, Strelna);
• canal rivers (Varzina, Niva, Kolvitsa);
• lake type (Umba, Drozdovka, Rynda);
• mountain type (Kuna, Malaya Belaya).

Fishing

The Kola Peninsula today is one of the most interesting places for true connoisseurs of trout and salmon fishing. He is well known throughout the world as the best place for catching "noble fish". Conventionally, fishermen divide the rivers of the peninsula into those that flow into the cold Barents Sea, and those that carry their waters to the White.

Fishing on the Kola Peninsula is a pleasure not only for beginners, but also for lovers of this activity with experience. In July, a large number of not very large salmon, “tindy”, enters the rivers of the peninsula, and the August herds contain medium-sized salmon.

This harsh region left its mark on the inhabitants of the reservoirs. In many rivers there is no grayling, here it is replaced by arctic char and whitefish.

River trout here grows to a very solid five-, and sometimes even seven-kilogram sizes, and trout does not exceed 2 kilograms.

The most famous rivers that attract fishermen from all over the country and from abroad to the Kola Peninsula (Russia), related to the northern coast, are Yokanga, Kola, Rynda, Kharlovka, Varzina, Vostochnaya Litsa. It is here that the best fishing on the Kola Peninsula is organized by the savage.

Kharlovka river

This amazing river is well known to experienced salmon fishers. In addition, travelers who appreciate the extraordinary northern nature often come here. They are attracted by a beautiful waterfall. Huge masses of water can lead to indescribable delight of a person who has seen this amazing sight at least once.

Kharlovka is known for especially large salmon and no less large trout. True, fish can pass through the waterfall streams only with the proper water level in the river. Sometimes anglers give up fishing and watch as the salmon tries to overcome this obstacle. In the white water foam, the fish jumps out of the water. At the top of the waterfall there is a natural slab from which you can capture this process on film. Residents of the Kola Peninsula have not been surprised for a long time by the unique shots in which a huge fish seems to be flying into the camera lens.

Fishing is excellent in Kharlovka, which is why not only “savage” fishermen come here, but also high-quality organized tours are organized.

Bell

This river attracts with a combination of excellent fishing and natural beauty. Three large multi-stage waterfalls, a huge amount of trout and salmon make this place extremely attractive.

Fishing on the Kola Peninsula on the Rynda River has many fans. Some of them have been coming to these places for fishing tours for 17-18 years.

Tersky coast

The rivers that are located on the southern Tersky coast are very popular among a wide circle of anglers around the world.

This is the magnificent river Umba, and the rapids and wide Varzuga with tributaries, Kitsa and Pana, inhabited by numerous salmon herds, and the famous Terek rivers Strelna, Chapoma, Chavanga, Pyalitsa.

It should be noted that the rivers of the Tersky coast are distinguished by a very wide list of living fish. Shoals of pink salmon, salmon, and sea trout enter them for spawning.

Brook trout, brown trout, grayling, and whitefish constantly live in these rivers.

Of the carp species, roach and ide are found. And predators are represented by perch, pike, burbot.

In our world there are many corners where all the beauty and power of nature is most clearly revealed. One of them is the Kola Peninsula. This is an amazing world of snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes, fast rivers and wide stone plateaus. Nature here is harsh and ascetic, but the masterpieces created by it surprise even sophisticated travelers. Hundreds of tourists come here every year. Many are just discovering this majestic region, but most of them are not traveling for the first time. Once having been here, it is impossible to forget this place.

Kola Peninsula located in the north-west of Russia beyond the Arctic Circle. This is an area of ​​almost 145 square meters. km. From two sides it is washed by the waters of the White and Barents Seas. This is the Russian Arctic, the territory of the Murmansk region.

The capital of the Murmansk district, large cities: Kandalaksha, Severomorsk, Apatity, Monchegorsk.

Nature

More recently, by geological standards, namely about 12 thousand years ago, the Kola Peninsula was completely covered with a glacier, which determined the features of the local relief. Its central part was occupied by a large plateau. Rivers, and here they are very deep, divided the territory into mountain ranges, which the locals call "tundra".

An interesting feature of the mountains on the peninsula is their "table" form. They are distinguished by almost vertical slopes and flat, horizontal tops resembling a table.

In the tundra

Story

The first people in these territories appeared about ten thousand years ago. They were the Proto-Sami, the ancestors of the modern Sami. Their way of life and culture are so unusual that they contributed to the allocation of the lands inhabited by these people into a separate area called Lapland.

In the XIV century. the first Russian settlements of Kandalaksha, Umba and Varzuga appear on the peninsula. The old capital of the peninsula, Kola, played a special role in the development of the region.

At the beginning of the last century, a large number of minerals were found on the territory of the peninsula. A railroad was built connecting central Russia with Kola Bay. At the same time, Murmansk, a unique non-freezing port on the Barents Sea, was laid down. After the revolution, the rapid development of the region begins.

During the years of the Great Patriotic War there were fierce battles for the region, as a result of which it received significant destruction. After the war, industry and infrastructure were rebuilt.

What to see and do on the Kola Peninsula

The Khibiny tundra is one of the sights of the Kola. A trip to the Kola Peninsula is worth starting just for the sake of these places. In addition to natural beauty, there are many unique corners here. Among them is the Polar Alpine Botanical Garden. The world's northernmost garden of the three located above the Arctic Circle.

Khibiny ahead.

Khibiny is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Alpine skiing, backcountry, snowboarding and ski mountaineering are far from full list tourist destinations developed in these parts. Another attractive mountain range for travelers is the Lovozero tundra. Seydozero is located in its center, which, together with the adjacent slopes and gorges of the mountains, forms the Seidyavr reserve. On the territory of the complex there are two unique natural formations - the circuses of Raslak. This place is very popular with tourists. In addition, the Lovozero tundra has long been considered a special “place of power” for the Saami.

Titovka river.

Very common on the Kola Peninsula water tourism, which is understandable, because this is the land of rivers and lakes. The rivers here are of various types: mountain, lake, semi-plain and even canal rivers. They often have waterfalls and rapids formed by stones washed out of the glacier.

The peculiarity of local rivers is that their upper reaches are located at a small distance from each other. This makes it possible to climb one of them, and raft along the other and make exciting many-kilometer trips across almost the entire peninsula.

White Sea near Kandalaksha.

Travelers will be hospitably greeted by the ancient Pomeranian village of Varzuga, where the most beautiful wooden Assumption Church has been preserved. Nearby is Cape Ship, where four hundred years ago the monks of the Solovetsky Monastery discovered amethyst mining. Stone veins go straight to the surface, in sunny days the shore sparkles with crystals.

Ocean coast.

The ocean coast is completely different. Here you can clearly feel the breath of the Arctic. Around are hills and randomly scattered stones of the most bizarre sizes and shapes, brought here by a glacier. These are legendary places where several layers of the history of mankind have mixed up: Paleolithic sites, ancient Saami temples, portages of Pomors and Vikings, ancient auctions. The traces of the Great Patriotic War are also visible here - trenches, fortified areas and pillboxes, which the tundra vegetation cannot hide in any way.

A special place is the Rybachy Peninsula, the real edge of the earth. From it to the very North Pole there is nothing more than the endless expanses of the Arctic Ocean.

Pillbox on Rybachy.

The Kola Peninsula is rich in nature reserves. There are a lot of them here: Kanozero, tundra Murmansk, Pasvik, Kandalaksha and others. There are about a dozen reserves here. The unique nature of the region has preserved many corners where the explorer's foot has hardly set foot. If you wish, you can see them with your own eyes - many travel companies offer trips to the reserves of the Kola Peninsula.

An unforgettable impression is left by the local fishing. On the south coast, Atlantic salmon is perfectly caught, as well as grayling, brown trout, char, whitefish and trout. Pike, bream, ide, whitefish and grayling are found in fresh lakes. Sea fishing will delight you with navaga, salmon, cod, flounder and herring.

Extreme lovers can go diving. Undersea world cold seas are attracted by sheer cliffs, unusual animals: seals, beluga whales, whales, northern dolphins, as well as "iron" left after the Second World War.

The water in the rivers and lakes of the Kola Peninsula is crystal clear.

Fascinating tours to the Lovozero and Khibiny alkaline massifs, to the Keivy Plateau and the coast of the White Sea have been specially created for mineralogists of various levels.

And those who want to see the North Pole can board the icebreaker and make an unforgettable cruise along Arctic Ocean. The journey begins in Murmansk.

Most tourists come here in winter for skiing. The center of skiing is the city of Kirovsk, located at the foot of the Khibiny. In its vicinity are famous resorts North Slope, Kolasportland, Kukisvumchorr, Khibiny-Snow Park and others.

Alpine skiing is not all winter entertainment. Outdoor enthusiasts can go on a dog or reindeer sledding trip, snowmobile safaris or mountain skiing. And some travel hundreds of kilometers to admire the fantastic northern lights. The black sky seems to bloom with flashes of cold flames, which whimsically shimmer from cobalt green to crimson and purple tones. The northern lights are unpredictable. It can hang motionless in the night sky, stretching from horizon to horizon, or it can rapidly “rush” changing colors every second.

Our free guide on the Kola Peninsula - this 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 our guide to the Kola Peninsula, you can easily plan independent trip, book a hotel or a recreation center, choose 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 recent years the tourist infrastructure has been noticeably developing. 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 represented only in major cities- Murmansk, Monchegorsk, Kirovsk, Apatity. For example, the restaurants "Tsarskaya Okhota", "Tundra", "Dekante" top the rating of the best restaurants in the 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 one is here big variety 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 belong to 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 learn 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 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. Thanks to the courage and heroism of the 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. IN Lately actively developing ecological tourism, skiing. 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 the amazing nature of the 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 ores, semi-precious stones and a wide variety of minerals, many of which are not found anywhere else on Earth. On the slopes of the Khibiny Mountains there are popular ski resorts that can please experienced riders with extreme slopes and wide snowy 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 there are the best ski centers in the North, climbing routes of various complexity are organized, hiking to mountain lakes and rivers.

Relax on Lake Imandra

Lake Imandra is called the pearl of the Kola Peninsula. Its shores are very picturesque and varied - these are both steep cliffs and gentle sandbars, 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 on rapids that flow into the lake, as well as opportunities for various types of 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 the surrounding nature has 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 rich excursion program. 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 ship with a unique speed in 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 exposition, guided tours of the combat compartments.

Kirovsk and Apatity are located at the foot of the picturesque Khibiny mountains. Lifts lead directly from the city to the famous ski slopes of 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 is a whole city built of 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: main peak 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 the purest lakes. Majority mountain passes The Khibiny have a difficulty category of 1A and 2A or are not categorized at all, so special equipment for climbing is usually not required, with the exception of passing through some gorges in winter time. 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 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 rapids 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 northern expanses, colorful rocky shores and bewitching landscapes of the 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. by the most popular place the Tersky coast of the White Sea is considered: 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 receive 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 settlements within the region: major 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).

On the Kola Peninsula pass state borders Russia with Norway and Finland, therefore there are three international road 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 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 the sea coast of the Kola Peninsula, its central part and highlands. The northern coast is influenced by the Barents Sea with its warm currents. Most cold month here - February, when the thermometers drop to minus 12ºС, the warmest - 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.

The Kola Peninsula is considered a separate kingdom, which is located in the magnificent and harsh Russian north. Not everyone will even consider considering it as a place to relax, but it is definitely worth doing, especially if you like outdoor activities and reserved nature. In winter, skiers rush here, so the Khibiny provide conditions for tourists all year round. In summer, hikers, river rafting enthusiasts, hunters and fishermen, as well as connoisseurs of outlandish places, which are numerous here, gather on the peninsula. Maybe that's why even travel companies began to consider this area as an exotic option for holidays in 2019?

Brief historical background

The Kola Peninsula was inhabited by the most ancient ancestors of modern people as early as the 8th millennium BC. Can you imagine, grasp the mind so old times? Meanwhile, archaeologists have already proven that people lived in this area during the Arctic Paleolithic. These were tribes engaged in hunting, they moved here from Scandinavia. Later, people from the Volga and Oka joined them. Through the mixing of Caucasoid and Mongoloid people, the Saami appeared, who in in large numbers live on the peninsula.

In the Middle Ages, large boyars of Rus' sent expeditions to the peninsula to get fish, furs and other northern values. The local population was oppressed, tribute was introduced. In the 15th century, this area became part of the Moscow principality. And in the 17th century, the period of Christian missionaries came, who actively baptized the Sami, built temples, and settled on the peninsula.

In the 18th century, fisheries and trade on the peninsula somewhat declined, but mining began. The Russians were actively colonizing these northern lands.

In the 20th century, everything changed radically: infrastructure began to develop - railways and port cities were built. The most important port city was Romanov-on-Murman, today's Murmansk, now playing a huge role as a port city in northern Russia. The wars of the 20th century brought destruction to the area, in the future, the Soviet government continued to develop the region.

During perestroika, the crisis also affected the north of the country. There was an outflow of the population, because people could not find work. This is happening even now.

As for tourism, people interested in the peninsula appeared in the last century - after all, in Soviet times, tourism developed throughout the country, the image of a sports, active and patriotic person was cultivated, ready for physical hardships in order to conquer new personal heights, overcome internal barriers. And now a new wave of tourists is reaching the Kola Peninsula - the so-called adherents of ecological tourism. These are, as a rule, those people who are interested in the pristine nature preserved in many parts of the region, its exoticism, as well as lovers of outdoor activities.

Brief geographical reference and climatic conditions of the Kola Peninsula

The Kola Peninsula is one of the places that have preserved the pristine purity of nature; it is part of the North-Western region of the Russian Federation. It is washed by the White and Barents Seas. The third part of the minerals mined in Russia is located on this peninsula.

The Kola Peninsula is the site of a collision and subsequent divergence tectonic plates, which gave a striking relief. Mountains, plains, ice bowls and many waterways. The smallest reservoirs can be a habitat for hundreds of species of fish. In the west of the peninsula are the famous Khibiny.

Natural zones are almost entirely located beyond the Arctic Circle, the relief and vegetation are mountains, tundra, taiga, coniferous forests. There are many northern rivers and lakes, swamps in the region.

As for the climate, due to the vast territory it is quite diverse. Frequent weather changes are proof of this. In summer, you can often feel morning frosts on your skin, while in winter the peninsula is attacked by long snowstorms. True, in the north-west of the peninsula there is a subarctic maritime climate, it is milder. Due to this, the average January temperature there is considered to be 8 degrees below zero, but in other regions it is noticeably colder - around 15 degrees below zero, which allows skiers to train almost until the end of May. In July, the temperatures are opposite: from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius.

Home beautiful feature is the presence northern lights and unusual polar nights and days. The sun will not set below the horizon in July and June, and complete darkness occurs in December and January.

Kola Peninsula on the map

How to get to the Kola Peninsula?

This type of recreation in 2019 should be chosen by people who are delighted with the harsh and at the same time incredibly beautiful nature, which was practically untouched by man.

Tourists from large cities such as St. Petersburg and Moscow, and even more so from residents of remote southern regions, are advised to use one of several airlines that fly daily to Murmansk. The approximate flight time is about two and a half hours, and the cost starts from 4,000 rubles per full ticket one way. In winter, you can travel with very direct flights that arrive directly on the slopes of the mountains.

All lovers of beautiful landscapes should pay attention Special attention to travel by train. But not everyone can afford such a road, because the duration of such a trip from the capital will last at least thirty hours, and the ticket price will be more than 3,500 rubles.

Those who find it convenient to travel by their own vehicles should stick to the federal highway M18. By the way, Norway and Finland are also located not far from the beauties described in the article, so you can drive through three international checkpoints for cars. If you have a valid Schengen visa, time and money, you can combine a holiday on the Kola Peninsula with a visit to neighboring northern countries.

Hotel infrastructure

The largest port is located in Murmansk, and the gates to are located in Kirovsk. These cities have the most developed hotel infrastructure. Booking hotels in advance, you can find a sufficient variety of offers in major cities of the peninsula.

For example, in Murmansk four star hotel can cost around 4000 rubles per day. A three-star, quite comfortable, will cost half as much. Accommodation in a hostel will cost fifty rubles per day per person.

Hotels in Kirovsk, on average, have fewer stars or none at all. But here it is cheaper: for example, a hostel will cost 350 rubles per tourist per day; apartments will cost around 2000 rubles; well, a luxury hotel - 4000 rubles per day of stay.

You can also find offers from private traders, rent an apartment or a house, if we are talking about a secluded area. Since there will be no language problem on the peninsula, you can always agree, and experienced tourist can plan well budget travel. As for hikers, they are most comfortable: the house is always with them, on their backs.

The main places of interest on the Kola Peninsula

The main feature of the Kola Peninsula is truly beautiful nature practically untouched by the harsh hand of the modern world. Therefore, romantics, eco-tourists, outdoor enthusiasts come here.

Khibiny and Kirovsk

Undoubted superiority in the list of places visited by tourists was given to the Khibiny. In winter, the slopes are popular with skiers. Most athletes settle around Kirovsk. There are several ski resorts and complexes in the microdistricts of the city. They are suitable for both beginners and professionals in the field of winter sports. The slopes near Kirovsk are both steep and gentle, in general they are well lit and equipped with the necessary infrastructure. Also in winter, you can, for example, go on a snowmobile tour and get to know real reindeer herding tribes or go fishing under the ice.

In the summer, the Khibiny are quite popular with lovers hiking and those who dream of conquering one of the many channels mountain rivers. Tourist bases are located around the mountains near beautiful, clean lakes. You can drive around the peninsula on SUVs, visiting the surrounding villages.

It is worth paying attention to numerous excursions to mining enterprises. Also in Kirovsk is the Apatite Museum, where you can see the collection of rare minerals of the peninsula, learn about the history of the mining industry in the region. The museum is located in a nice building, and inside it is quite interactive.

The Khibiny are beautiful on their own, but there is also the northernmost botanical garden in the world. This is the Polar Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute. It is unique in that you can see plants from several natural zones at once: valley tundra, taiga, birch forests, Arctic deserts. More than 400 plant species await visitors to this place.

There is an interesting entertainment place in Kirovsk that is entirely made of ice and snow: the Snow Village. The rooms themselves, furniture, household items - everything is created from the cold materials of nature.

Murmansk

Murmansk is definitely worth a visit, and better in winter. In December-January, you can observe a unique natural phenomenon here: the polar night. Also, sometimes in the sky of Murmansk, due to the refraction of light in ice crystals, you can see ... several suns. But the most brilliant, bewitching and amazing sight that you can’t help but like is the northern lights. It is capricious: sometimes it is worth waiting a week to catch this amazing phenomenon in all its glory. But whoever sees it will be rewarded: your breath stops when you see amazingly bright flashes in the sky.

While the tourist is waiting for the northern lights, he can visit Murmansk sights. The city is rich in monuments to soldiers and sailors. interesting Cathedral Murmansk. Museum fans can visit the Museum of Local Lore, which has been operating for almost a hundred years, as well as the Murmansk Regional Art Museum- see paintings by local artists.

If you happen to be in the city in March, you can get to the Polar Olympics. This event is a competition in exotic sports: reindeer racing, winter swimming, skiing with reindeer and so on.

Other reserved places of the Kola Peninsula

A place that has no analogues on the globe is the village of Kuzomen. The fact is that in the village there is a real sandy desert. Why did she appear in such an atypical climate zone? It's all about human influence. People were engaged in deforestation, herds of pastoralists ate grass. Thus, this incredible Kuzomeni landscape arose. Not everyone dares to get here: sometimes wild animals roam the sands, including harmless horses or hares, and dangerous wolves with bears.

It is interesting to go to the Tersky coast. It is located in the southeast of the peninsula. The coast is beautiful and with its landscapes, as well as on its territory, it regularly nails real treasures, including fragments of amethysts.

The small village of Varzuga will appeal to those who are interested in the traditional culture of the Pomeranian peoples. In general, this is the most ancient Russian settlement on the peninsula. The city has preserved ancient temples built of wood. Assumption Church was built in the 17th century. It houses a beautiful carved iconostasis and a painted vault. There are also Nikolskaya and Afanasyevskaya churches in the village. The locals are friendly people who cherish their traditions. So, in Varzuga you can buy a “goat” - a figurine made of dough, which is made in honor of any holiday, and then passed on to subsequent generations, driving away evil spirits from the family.

Pay attention to the reserves, which are relic forests with trees, whose age is hundreds of years old. Wolves, bears, moose and reindeer also live there. The largest and most famous are the Lapland Reserve, the Kandalaksha Reserve. Worth a visit in summer unique lakes peninsulas: Imandru, Lovozero, Umbozero.

Culinary traditions of the Kola Peninsula and a list of must-have souvenirs

Traditional Pomeranian and Sami cuisine are very specific. So, local population loves the semblance of a fish salad and cloudberries. Despite the fact that in our time the meat of livestock familiar to us is also available in the region, on the peninsula you can taste venison in a variety of forms. But still, the basis of the diet of local residents for centuries was seafood: boiled fish, fried fish, salted and dried fish ... in general, any fish. However, if a tourist prefers to eat something familiar, in large cities and tourist bases he can eat dishes of ordinary Russian cuisine.

What to bring from the Kola Peninsula, except for impressions? Here is a short list of glorious things:

• minerals;
• products made of stone and wood;
• northern berries or jam;
• items made from elk or deer antlers;
• mittens with a traditional pattern;
• fish delicacies.

The Kola Peninsula is a very exotic place to stay. But rest is not only a beach or a museum. Rest is, first of all, when the soul rests. And enjoying the nature of the Kola Peninsula will undoubtedly give your soul a rest, so overcome stereotypes and go to this wonderful place in 2019.

A little more about the Kola Peninsula - in the video: