Cheap Flights To Murmansk

Murmansk lies in Russia's extreme northwest and is the largest city in the world that's north of the Arctic Circle. However, it's still small in comparison to other Russian cities but features a prominent port that doesn't ever freeze thanks to warm water from the Gulf Stream. Visitors to Murmansk will uncover a bustling city that's quickly moving into the 21st century, acquiring its wealth from natural resources under the Kola Peninsula.

At first sight, the Soviet-style architecture in the city may not look very inspiring, but there are many hidden gems including monuments, museums and the lovely Kola Bay. Also, the Arctic surrounds are the ideal place for outdoor adventures, which really come into their own during late May to late July, when there's daylight almost up until midnight. From late November to the middle of January, visitors can marvel at the northern lights peeping over the snowy landscapes, creating a wonderful ambience. There's plenty to keep visitors entertained with the Festival of the North running every year from late March to early April, the sporty Murmansk Mile in late June and the International Festival of Documentary Films and TV programmes in November.

Things To Do

Murmansk offers many attractions including monuments and museums where visitors can gain a good appreciation of the history and art of the region.

• Numerous interesting museums
  Among the most interesting museums in the city are the Regional Museum of Local Lore, that showcases the early life of settlers in the region, and the Northern Fleet Naval Museum with lots of models and photos of the Russian fleet.

• Fascinating monuments
  Murmansk boasts many monuments such as the Alyosha Monument in memory of the defenders of the Soviet Arctic during the Great Patriotic War. Other monuments to stop by are the Monument to Waiting Woman and the quirky Semyon the Cat Monument.

• Lovely Kola Bay
  The bay and port are great to stroll around and visitors can see the nuclear icebreaker ship, Lenin, moored there. Lenin was the world's first nuclear-powered surface ship, and visitors can go on a guided tour to learn all about it.

Calendar Of Events

The largest city in the world north of the Arctic Circle, Murmansk hosts many annual events which focus on the great outdoors as well as local culture. Some more of the top picks can be found at [http://eng.gov-murman.ru/about_region/tourism/].

• Festival of the North. From late March to early April, this annual 10-day festival features reindeer-sled races, ice hockey, snowmobile contests and ski marathons. Most events take place at Dolina Uyuta.

• Murmansk Mile. Every third weekend in June, this fun-packed festival takes place around Kola Bay's main bridge. There's a mini-marathon, swimming competition across the bay, sailing, volleyball and wheelchair events.

• International Festival of Documentary Films and TV Programmes. Nordic countries take part in this International festival, including journalists, directors and producers from many countries who are all passionate about the North. Various cinema venues host public screenings during the festival.