The northern city attracts attention with its restrained beauty. The main part of the year black and white colors reign here, they create the impression of a kind of fantastic reality. If you don't know what to see in Murmansk in 1 day on your own, start your journey from the main city square.
A tip for those tired of the daily hustle and bustle: choose the picturesque surroundings of the regional center and devote your free time to contemplating nature. There is public transport here, but it's better not to rely on it and rent a car to get around the Murmansk region.
Local authorities pay attention to the development of regional tourism, therefore, the prices in museums are quite affordable. Information about new exhibitions, cultural and sports events, art objects on city and regional sites appears promptly.
The question is different: you need to take care of buying tickets for shows and concerts in advance, because free seats in the halls are rare.
Five Corners Square
There are sights with this name in other cities of Russia, including St. Petersburg. Five-roads are considered a rarity, places of power, on a par with seven-roads. In fact, 4 streets converge on the main square of Murmansk today.
This nuance does not change a special attitude towards her. The square is often called the heart of the city. It was at the five-crossroads that more than 100 years ago the first stone of the temple was laid in honor of Nikola the Ugodnik, the heavenly patron saint of sailors.
It was not possible to build the church. Later, the place was built up with multi-storey public buildings. The square has been reconstructed several times. Nowadays, on its territory there are: a cozy park, a children's playground, a fountain that works all year round.
The water supply to it stops with the onset of subzero temperatures, water jets are replaced by LED design. A stele with the names of honorary citizens of Murmansk is installed on the square. Nearby there are museums, libraries, theaters, recreation areas.
Cod Monument
You can always see tourists and residents of the city near the sights. Many are in a hurry to make a cherished wish near the figure of a fish. In the second case, the magical action is not particularly difficult: adults, children inform in a whisper crackling noise that they want to receive a gift.
Fishermen believe in the magic power of the monument. They believe: if you stroke him, the catch will be 100% rich. The sculpture made of metal and stone weighs 32 kilograms (like an average fish of the cod family).
The monument was opened in 2015. The figure symbolizes a simple truth for the residents of Murmansk: fishing is salvation in difficult times. The Arctic is famous for its cod dishes. Here it is prepared with various ingredients, including herbs and northern berries.
This fact does not leave indifferent fans of gastronomic tourism. Gourmets are happy to taste boiled, baked, fried, cooked over an open fire cod in local cafes and restaurants.
Steam locomotive-monument L-4386
The vehicle has become a city landmark relatively recently. The mainline freight steam locomotive was built in the middle of the last century. It recalls the Soviet era, the role of the October Railway in the life of the region.
It is noteworthy: the technique created in the 50s is fully operational. Transport, if necessary, can be removed from the pedestal and hit the road.
The steam locomotive-monument is located next to the railway tracks. To take a selfie in front of it, you need to approach the object from the side of the pedestrian crossing. The letter "L" in the name of the technique reminds of the brilliant Soviet designer Lev Lebedyansky.
He developed projects for steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, gas turbine locomotives, led management work, and during the Khrushchev "thaw" was in disgrace. Lebedyansky's inventions influenced the economic development of Murmansk and the Arctic.
Nuclear icebreaker "Lenin"
The name of the legendary ship says a lot to those who remember the era of the USSR. In the last century, it was the world's first icebreaker with a new type of power source. Construction of the ship began in the mid-50s. 500 enterprises worked on the creation of mechanisms and equipment for the nuclear-powered icebreaker.
The icebreaker served in the navy for 30 years, led thousands of ships along the northern sea route. Lenin was designed without taking into account the possibilities of further modernization. Its main disadvantage was its low maintainability, but the fleet management did not dare to send the famous ship for dismantling.
Today the icebreaker is “resting” at the eternal anchorage at the pier of the seaport. The vessel is included in the state register of cultural heritage monuments. There is a museum on board the ship.
Its unique exhibits are witnesses of the former glory of the Soviet fleet. The icebreaker regularly hosts exhibitions, a souvenir shop, and mainly group excursions. Without a guide or a crew member, it will not be possible to get on board and inspect the ship.
AZIMUT Hotel Murmansk
Located right next to Central Park
Park Inn by Radisson Poliarnie Zori
Panoramic view of the Kola Bay
Regional Museum of Local Lore
In a few years, the cultural institution will celebrate its centenary. An interesting local landmark is located next to its building: a monument to the legendary icebreaker "Ermak". Unique geological and historical collections are presented in 19 exhibition halls of the museum.
It has an exposition dedicated to the construction of a sea vessel (the ship is placed in a dry aquarium). The museum possesses rarities that allow you to learn a lot about the life and life of the indigenous northern peoples: the Sami, the Pomors.
Particularly popular with visitors is the hall, where items of Soviet everyday life of the 50s are presented. The museum's collections contain 160 thousand unique, rare items. The oldest library in the Murmansk region functions in the same building.
The cultural institution is open to guests every day except Thursday and Friday. Once a month, children and retirees can visit museum exhibitions free of charge.
Museum of History, Culture and Life of the Kola Sami
The cultural object in the village of Umba (357 kilometers from the regional center) is a structural subdivision of the Murmansk Museum of Local Lore and a kind of pearl of the Arctic. There is no second such authentic collection in the world. The history of the Kola Sami Museum began with a small school collection of antiquities.
The hobby of a simple teacher gave a start to an ambitious regional project for the preservation of the cultural heritage of the northern indigenous peoples. To accommodate the exhibits, the institution was given the building of the House of Culture, built during the Soviet era.
The object is an interesting example of how elements of neoclassical architecture, fashionable in the USSR, harmoniously blended into the northern landscape. The museum collection consists of over 800 items.
Ancient artifacts occupy a special place among the exhibits. They confirm scientific hypotheses that human civilization in the Arctic has existed for at least 3,000 years. The museum contains: a stone with petroglyphs, interior items of a wooden Sami house, traditional clothes of reindeer herders, and products of applied art.
There is a regular transport connection between Murmansk and Umba, but it causes complaints from tourists and local residents. The most convenient way to get to the museum is by a rented car or as part of an excursion group.
Memorial complex "To the sailors who died in peacetime"
The memorial is at the same time an observation deck from where the city can be seen at a glance. The monument is about 20 years old. It consists of several objects.
In the center of the complex there is a lighthouse, whose height is more than 17 meters. On its walls there are memorial plates in honor of the sailors. The book of memory of the museum (it occupies the first floor of the lighthouse) contains data on those who died in peacetime.
An anchor is installed next to the lighthouse. There is an Orthodox church on the territory of the complex. Not far from the lighthouse there is another symbol of sorrow: the heading of the Kursk nuclear submarine. This is not the only ship that has sunk in the depths of water.
During the existence of the Russian fleet in peacetime, sailors died, according to official data, on 33 submarines. The names of the ships can be seen here and the footprint of a human hand carved into stone can be touched. She also symbolizes national memory.
Musical alley
The square is recognized as one of the most beautiful, romantic places in Murmansk, the Arctic. When, by voting, the townspeople decided on the choice of the name of the attraction, the following fact influenced its result: there is an art school and a philharmonic society nearby.
The sounds of music, the voices of singers, singers are constantly heard around the buildings. However, the sight also has a second (unofficial) name: "Alley of Love". Newlyweds in this picturesque place traditionally triple photo sessions, lovers make dates.
In the park there are neon half-arches in the shape of hearts. The alley looks elegant at any time of the day. Several years ago, she gained fame far beyond the Arctic. National Geographic Traveler Russia magazine named it the most romantic place in the country.
A selfie in the park is considered a must for many tourists who come to the city. Travelers have a sign: visiting the musical alley brings good luck in love.
Monument "Waiting"
Sculpture is often called the hallmark of the city. The idea of installing a female figure made of granite and bronze appeared in the 80s of the last century, but the monument was opened only in 2012.
Photos of "Waiting" are actively replicated on the Internet, but at the same time the sculpture receives portions of criticism. It fuels the interest of travelers, because everyone has their own opinion about a very expressive sculpture.
The production and installation of the monument turned into a national project at the turn of the century. Funds for the creation of the figure, its pedestal were collected by enterprises and individuals. The townspeople expected: the work will be done by someone from the specialists living in the Arctic.
And the authorities, together with the participants in the popular vote, chose the project of Smolensk architects, who did not take into account local realities: the clothes on "Waiting" are more suitable for the climate of the Baltic coast.
Park of Culture and Rest on Lake Semenovskoye
The reservoir located within the city limits is visited by tourists and townspeople with pleasure at any time of the year. There used to be a village on the coast named after a local resident. The settlement no longer exists, but the lake and its picturesque surroundings remain.
It is from here that the history of the emergence of the city begins, it was called Romanov-on-Murman before the revolution. The place is also unique in that the Sami camp existed here (according to the versions of local historians) more than 3,000 years ago.
The park operates all year round. The main attraction of the recreational area: the fountain in the central part of the lake. The most popular pastime among vacationers is catamarans or ice skating, depending on the season. In winter, ski trails are laid next to the lake.
For fans of rollerblading, biking, skateboarding, there are also interesting paths. The park has a Ferris wheel, a shooting gallery, a cinema attraction, a playground for the little ones, and cultural events are regularly held. Gourmets speak positively about its restaurants and cafes.
Oceanarium
The entertainment complex on Lake Semenovskoye is considered the northernmost in Europe. During the Soviet era, an institute laboratory was built in the Murmansk region to study the behavior of mammals in natural conditions.
After the collapse of the state, the scientific center was closed, and a unique oceanarium was created on its basis. Today, Arctic seals live and perform in it. In the aquarium you can see bearded seals and ringed seals.
There are special programs for young visitors in the entertainment facility. Photographing of the show is allowed free of charge. For the opportunity to take pictures, video recordings next to the inhabitants of the Arctic, you need to pay a small amount. There is a children's club at the aquarium, where it is easy to order a one-time lesson for a child, dedicated to the inhabitants of the water depths.
Memorial "Defenders of the Soviet Arctic during the Great Patriotic War"
The complex has another unofficial popular name: "Murmansk Alyosha". The cultural heritage site dates back to the 70s of the last century.
The height of the soldier's figure on the territory of the memorial: more than 35 meters. He looks towards the Valley of Glory, where fierce battles took place on the outskirts of the city in 1941.
A stele is installed next to the soldier, on it are indicated the military formations that defended Murmansk. Anti-aircraft guns and a pyramid stand nearby. It symbolizes the lowered battle banner and sorrow.
On the territory of the memorial there is an alley of plates of hero cities. The complex occupies a hill on Cape Verde, overlooking the city and the Kola Bay.
Tropical swimming pool "Lights of Murmansk"
The entertainment complex operates all year round. Most of all, it resembles a piece of tropical paradise, miraculously transferred to the Arctic. On Wednesday and Friday in the water park, the cost of visiting the baths is as low as possible. Many people are in a hurry to buy tickets for these days in advance.
In the "Lights of Murmansk" there are children's and adult pools, a bathtub with hydromassage, a bar serving delicious soft drinks, a sauna, and a solarium.
The cost of equipment rental services in the aqua complex is relatively low. Those who visit the institution with children can order a special entertainment program with prizes for young fidgets.
In the halls of the aquazone there are real southern plants. They enhance the illusion of the tropics, emphasize the atmosphere of carefree relaxation.
