Murmansk: история и достопримечательности

When did the history of Murmansk start?

Why was the city of Murmansk called so?

Were there any dramatic events in the city’s history?

What is modern Murmansk like?

What is the climate of the city area?

How can tourists travel to Murmansk?

What attractions of the area are worth seeing?

Murmansk is the largest city in the world located above the Arctic Circle. It is one of the unique spots on the planet. Despite being close to the Arctic Circle, Murmansk has a relatively mild climate. Murmansk’s average temperature in January is a comfortable -12.6°C, while July has the average temperature of 14.2°C. The reason for this is the Barents Sea with its warm North Atlantic Current, bringing tropical water into the northern region.

The city of Murmansk has got its name due to the cold Barents Sea. Originally, the citizens of Norway were called “Murmans” in Russia. As time passed, the whole southern coast of the Barents Sea, located next to Norway, was known as “the Murman Coast.” And that is exactly the place where one should look for the city of Murmansk on a map. So, the name “Murmansk” simply means “the city that was built on Murman.”

Murmansk is one of the most fascinating Russian cities. Although it seems beyond belief, it was founded just over a century ago. It all started with a small settlement of fishermen that appeared on the coast of the Barents Sea in 1915. However, officially the story of the city began only a year later, in 1916, when the foundation stone of the settlement’s first church was laid. Murmansk became the last city founded in the large Russian Empire.

During WWII, the city was seriously damaged. The German army planned to take control of Murmansk in 2 days, but this plan of action was ruined. During the war, 185 000 bombs were dropped on Murmansk, but the city has never surrendered. In November of 1945, only one-fifth of the buildings were still standing. The city was reconstructed to its pre-war state in less than 10 years. And in the 1950s a new chapter of Murmansk’s history began.

Murmansk serves as the main “northern gateway” of Russia. The city is the largest seaport, which is free of ice throughout the year, and it is the most important base of the fishing industry in Russia. Shipbuilding and repairing of large boats or ships are the main Murmansk industries. The city is also an important scientific and cultural hub of the region. Murmansk is getting more and more popular as the city of international tourism.

Murmansk is a great travel destination for anyone who likes adventures or thinks that Russia has no more surprises up its sleeve. It is among the best locations to hunt for the Northern Lights. The city suburbs will make you fall in love with northern nature. There are excursions to the giant ships, as well as cruises across the northern seas. Tourists can enjoy such amazing winter activities as dog and reindeer sledding, or explore the fairy-tale Snow Village.