Kola peninsula time now. The Kola Peninsula: history, description and interesting facts

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE KOLA PENINSULA

Kola Peninsula located in the extreme north-west of the European part of Russia and makes up most of the Murmansk region (this section contains only the most necessary for tourists general information about the Kola Peninsula, as it natural conditions, population, economics and history is the subject of extensive literature).

RELIEF OF THE KOLA PENINSULA

The Kola Peninsula is located on the northeastern tip of the Baltic crystalline shield, composed mainly of the oldest crystalline igneous rocks: granites, gneisses, diabases. The main features of the relief of the Kola Peninsula are due to numerous faults and cracks in the crystalline shield. The relief of the peninsula also bears traces of the powerful impact of glaciers, which smoothed the tops of the mountains and left a large number of boulders and moraine deposits. According to the nature of the relief, the Murmansk region can be divided into two regions: Western and Eastern. It is generally accepted that the border of these regions passes through the valley of the Voronya River, Lovozero, Umbozero and the valley of the Umba River. The relief of the western part is more complex than that of the eastern part. A deep meridional depression runs through the western part, occupied by the valleys of the Kola and Niva rivers and Lake Imandra. In the north of the Western region, a high plateau (up to 250 m) abruptly breaks off towards the Barents Sea, forming rocky shores up to 100 m high, indented with bays - fiords. To the south-west of the Murmansk coastal plateau lies the wide Tulomo-Notozero depression, in which the basins of the Lotta, Tuloma and Notozero rivers are located. South of the Tulomo-Notozero depression is the Central mountainous region, located between the state border of Russia and Lovozero. River valleys and lakes divide this ridge into separate massifs - tundras (on the Kola Peninsula, tundras are called not only vast treeless expanses of the tundra belt zone, but also treeless mountain ranges). Roslin, Tuadash, Greasy, Chuna, Monche, Volchi, Khibiny and Lovozero tundras stand out for their height.

To the south of the mountainous region lies the Southern Lake Lowland, stretching from the border with Finland to the middle reaches of the Umba. This spacious lowland is occupied by vast swamps and numerous lakes. Elevations up to 500 m high are also found here. In the northwest, the lowland is bounded by tundras - Korva, Vuva, Liva, Zayachya and Nyavka, in the southwest - by the heights of Rikolatva and Kelesuaiv. From the southwest, the lowland is closed by the Kandalaksha (600 m) and Kolvitsky (780 m) mountains, adjacent to the Kandalaksha beret and falling steeply to the White Sea. A significant part of the lowland is occupied by the Pirenga river basin, consisting of lakes connected by short channels (lakes and rivers Yena, Kokh, Kalozhnoe, Chalma, Upper and Lower Pirenga lakes).

The eastern region of the Kola Peninsula can be divided into three parts according to the relief: northern, central and southern. The northern part is a plateau, abruptly breaking off to the Barents Sea and the throat of the White Sea. The plateau is crossed by many gorges and transverse fissures, through which the Kharlovka, Iokanga, Vostochnaya Litsa, and Ponoy rivers flow. To the south, the plateau gradually rises to 300 m and abruptly breaks off to the central marshy lowland. This edge of the plateau is called the Keiva Ridge. To the south of Keiva, in the central part of the eastern region, there is the Central Bog Plain, which occupies the upper and middle reaches of the Ponoi and the upper reaches of the Varzuga and Strelna. The southern part is a plain, plane tree, and in some places in the form of terraces, falling to the shores of the White Sea. There are pools on the plain downstream Varzuga, Strelna, Chapomy, Chavangi.

VEGETATION OF THE KOLA PENINSULA

There are three zones of vegetation on the Kola Peninsula: tundra, forest-tundra and forest. The tundra zone occupies a coastal strip 30–60 km wide in the north and northeast of the peninsula. The main vegetation here is mosses, lichens, creeping varieties of dwarf birch and willow. Woody shrubs are found along the valleys of large rivers. The forest-tundra zone stretches in a strip from 10 to 60 km south of the tundra. The characteristic vegetation is a birch crooked forest with an admixture of spruce and undersized pine. Various types of shrubs and mosses are found in abundance. In relatively dry places, reindeer moss covers the soil and stones with a thick layer. In the forest-tundra, there are extensive berry fields (lingonberries, cloudberries, blueberries, crowberries) and a lot of mushrooms (boletus, boletus, volnushki, russula).

The entire southern part of the peninsula belongs to the forest zone. Here are pine-spruce forests with an admixture of birch, aspen, mountain ash, willow, alder. The forests of the Kola are heavily swamped, so shrubs and herbaceous moss vegetation are widespread in them. The south-west of the Murmansk region and the basins of Umba, Varzuga, Strelna are especially wooded. AT mountainous areas vertical zonality of the vegetation cover is observed. Up to a height of 300-400 m there is forest vegetation, heights of 400-600 m are occupied by birch crooked forests and shrubs, and above 600-650 m only rare shrubs and lichens grow.

ANIMAL WORLD OF THE KOLA PENINSULA

Diverse animal world Kola Peninsula. Taiga and tundra animals are found here: bear, wolf, hare, marten, fox, squirrel, elk, reindeer, wolverine, arctic fox, lemming-pied. In recent years, muskrat and mink have been acclimatized, and beavers have been released. Seals, seals, bearded seals and other marine animals live in the waters of the White and Barents Seas. There are about 200 species of birds on the peninsula. A lot of sea birds: gulls, guillemots, guillemots, puffins. On the northern coast there are large bird colonies. In the tundra live white and tundra partridges, in the forests - hazel grouse, capercaillie, black grouse. 10 species of ducks, geese, swans nest on the lakes. The Kola Peninsula is an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, midges and gadflies. The seas washing the peninsula, lakes and rivers of the Kola are rich in fish.

There are over 110 species of fish in the Barents Sea, of which 22 are commercial (cod, haddock, sea bass, saithe, herring, flounder, etc.). There are sharks, dolphins and even whales in the sea, pike, perch, grayling, whitefish, char, vendace in rivers and lakes. Particularly valuable is salmon, which has long been fished on the peninsula; trout are found in large lakes. There are two nature reserves on the Kola Peninsula: Kandalaksha and Lapland. They preserve untouched samples of the nature of the North, create conditions for the preservation and increase in the number of rare animals and birds. The Kandalaksha Nature Reserve occupies a significant part of the Kandalaksha Skerries, Veliky Island and the Kem-Ludsky archipelago in the Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea. The reserve also includes the Seven Islands archipelago and the Ainovy Islands in the Barents Sea. The territory of the reserve includes corners of the North, diverse in natural conditions and wildlife, where there is both the northern taiga, and the tundra, and the forest-tundra crooked forest, rocky and sandy shores of the islands, high cliffs sea coast with huge bird colonies.

The reserve was founded in 1939. One of its main tasks was to study, preserve and increase the number of the eider, the most valuable northern bird. Currently, on the islands of the Kandalaksha Skerries (the reserve includes about 50 islands), there are more than 3,000 eider nests. The Lapland Reserve, located to the west of Monchegorsk, preserves the natural complexes of the northern taiga and mountain tundra of the Kola Peninsula. All characteristic Kola landscapes are represented here, with the exception of the sea coast and flat tundra. One of the main tasks of the reserve is the protection and study of wild reindeer. In 1960, there were about 1,400 deer in the reserve.

CLIMATE OF THE KOLA PENINSULA

The climate of the Kola Peninsula differs significantly from the climate of other northern and polar regions of our country. The North Cape branch of the Gulf Stream, which invades from the northwest, brings heat with it, due to which it is warmer on the northern coast of the peninsula in winter than in middle lane European part of Russia. We can say that in the Kola north and south have changed places: the Barents Sea washing the northern shores does not freeze all year round, and in the south of the peninsula, the White Sea is ice-bound in winter. Three climatic zones can be distinguished within the Kola Peninsula: the sea coast, the central region and the mountainous part. The climate of the northern sea coast is determined by the influence of the Barents Sea. average temperature air of the coldest month (February) fluctuates within -6-12°C, the warmest (July) +12-13°C. In the regions of the central part, the climate is continental, with relatively warm summers and stable winters. From the coast to the interior of the continent, the average annual temperatures decrease. The most continental climate points are Yena and Krasnoshchelye. The average January temperature in Jena is -14.3°C, in Krasnoshchelye -13.7°C. In the upper reaches of the Ponoi River, especially low temperatures are observed (up to -50 ° C). The mountainous climatic region has colder summers, relatively mild winters, and a lot of precipitation. Maximum average monthly temperature(July) +10°С, minimum (January) -13°С.

The temperature on Kola is subject to frequent changes: thaws are possible in any winter months, and frosts in summer. This is due to the fact that cold air masses coming from the northeast collide with warm air currents over the peninsula. The Kola Peninsula belongs to areas with excessive humidity (about 80%). The least amount of precipitation falls in the north (up to 400 mm), the most in the proud regions (up to 1000 mm). Most of the peninsula lies north of the Arctic Circle, so the sun does not set here for a month and a half in the summer, and the polar night lasts for the same time in winter. Spring is rather late. The snow melts in late May - early June, at the same time the lakes open up. Summer comes stormily and quickly, since its beginning coincides with the establishment of the polar day. At the end of June, flowers bloom, young foliage appears on the trees, night frosts stop (sometimes there are several cold nights during the summer). In the mountainous areas, spring and summer are delayed for a while: when all the trees in the lowlands are already green, buds are just swelling there. The polar summer lasts 2.5-3 months: from mid-June to the end of August-beginning of September. During this short time, the diverse and rich vegetation cover of the mountains and plains of the Kola Peninsula comes to life. During the summer, there are drastic changes in the weather. The weather is especially changeable in the mountains, where rains and fogs are frequent. Most of the precipitation in the mountains falls in the summer.

Autumn comes in late August - early September. In the last week of August, many trees turn yellow, and there are more and more night frosts. At this time, mosquitoes and midges disappear, especially numerous in July and early August. Snow falls at the end of September, and even earlier in the mountains. However, a stable snow cover falls only by the first decade of November. The air temperature drops rapidly at the end of September. In September, sometimes in August, you can already observe the northern lights, one of the most amazing and beautiful natural phenomena. The rivers freeze in the middle or end of November, small lakes are covered with ice a little earlier. Only in the rapids areas freeze-up is delayed by 1.5-2 months, and powerful rapids do not freeze all winter. The thickness of ice on rivers and lakes ranges from 70 to 110 cm. The snow cover is uneven and depends mainly on the terrain and the prevailing winds in the area.

November is already a winter month, when severe frosts are possible. The day is significantly reduced, the whole of December and the beginning of January the sun does not appear over the horizon. In March and April, the day lengthens, the weather becomes quite stable, the snow is covered with a strong crust, the air temperature, especially in the mountains, rises (in the Khibiny, for example, the average temperature in March is -9 ° C, April -2 ° C). In the evening and at night, however, a significant drop in temperature is possible (down to -30°C and below).

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: more than a third of all the minerals of the planet are contained here, 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 the original culture of the 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.

Adventurers and beautiful scenery 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 mountain 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... It contains more than a thousand varieties of minerals - 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 favorite are the Khibiny: in winter people come here to ride skiing, in summer - they go hiking, rafting down mountain rivers and resting 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.

The Tersky coast and the Kuzomensky sands are two amazing natural areas of the peninsula. The first is unanimously recognized as the most picturesque: the desert coast of the White Sea is strewn with sparkling treasures - fragments of 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 most picturesque lakes of the Kola Peninsula are 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.

The Kola Peninsula is one of the most picturesque, virgin and severe Russian regions. This is a real nature reserve, containing huge wealth in its bowels and reservoirs. What is the Kola Peninsula?

Russia is rich in magnificent vast expanses of the North. One of the most remarkable places will be discussed in this article.

General information

The land washed by two seas (White and Barents) is a real nature reserve. Its territory contains more than one third of all world minerals of the planet. Here, vast plateaus and majestic mountains give way to lakes and forests. The reservoirs of the Kola Peninsula are full of various fish (about 100 species). Thanks to the laws of the polar latitudes, the change of day and night in these places gives an indescribable fairy-tale spectacle - the Northern Lights. And what kind of original people live from the Kola Peninsula to Taimyr? More on this below.

Numerous tourists come here. Ski lovers test their strength and endurance on the slopes of the Khibiny, where the resorts are located. Warm weather attracts lovers of rafting on mountain rivers. The peninsula is also famous for its amazingly clean icy lakes and Khibiny passes. Here you can perfectly hunt, fish and get acquainted with the local peoples (Sami) and their original culture.

Geographical position

The Kola Peninsula is located in the extreme Russian north, and almost all of its territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle.

On the northern coast of the Kola Peninsula, the waters of the great Barents Sea stretch, in the east and south - the White Sea. The western boundary of the Kola Peninsula is the meridional depression, which extends from the Kola Bay along the valley of the river. Cola, oh Imandra and R. Niva to the Kandalaksha Bay. Its area is approximately 100,000 sq. kilometers.

It should be noted that approximately 70% of the Murmansk region is located on the Kola Peninsula.

Due to the fact that the Kola Peninsula was formed due to heaps of tectonic plates, the landscape here presents a wide variety of forms: the Khibiny mountain ranges (heights up to 1200 meters); alpine plateaus with coniferous forests; tundra Lovozero with unique circuses (glacial bowls 200 meters high and several kilometers long) and taiga; lowlands and depressions; swamps, lakes, rivers, etc. A huge amount of minerals is contained in the natural depths, 150 of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

It is also noteworthy that the Russian border with Norway and Finland passes through the peninsula, and there are three checkpoints of international importance for cars. Thanks to this, travelers have the opportunity to independently make trips to this amazing Kola Peninsula.

Story

Until the beginning of the 20th century, only the northern part of the coast of the peninsula (from the Norwegian border to Svyatoy Nos) was called Murman. In the future and to this day, it means the entire Kola Peninsula.

The southern coast is historically divided into the Kandalaksha and Tersky coasts.

The peninsula in tectonic terms is located on the Baltic Shield (North-Eastern part), composed of the oldest rocks of the crystalline basement: granites, gneisses, diabases.

Infrastructure

The Kola Peninsula has located several cities on its territories: Murmansk is the capital, which is largest port Russian Arctic; Severomorsk - base of the Northern Fleet; Khibiny and Apatity are the gates to Khibiny.

There are even smaller cities such as Kola, Kandalaksha and Kirovsk Ostrovnoy, as well as several other urban-type settlements: Umba, Kildinstroy and Revda.

The bases of the Russian Northern Fleet - Gremikha and Severomorsk - are also located on the peninsula. The latter is the headquarters of the Northern Fleet.

Climate

The Kola Peninsula has peculiar weather conditions that change quite unexpectedly: in summer there may be morning frosts, and in winter periods - blizzards, and protracted ones.

And yet, thanks to the warm current of the North Atlantic, the northwest of the peninsula has a rather mild subarctic maritime climate. For example, in Severomorsk and Murmansk, the average January temperature is only -8 ° Celsius. Kirovsk and Apatity are characterized by colder winter weather - up to -15 °. And on the slopes of the Khibiny ski snow can lie until May.

The main natural climatic spectacle on the peninsula is the northern lights. And in June-July, you can admire the sun that does not set beyond the horizon and feel the darkness of the night in December-January (when there is also aurora).

Relief of the Kola Peninsula

The Kola Peninsula occupies the northeastern part of the large Baltic shield, which determines the main feature of the relief on it - a large number of cracks and faults of this crystalline plate. There are also traces of a fairly strong influence of glaciers that smoothed Mountain peaks and preserved a large number of moraine deposits and boulders. The peninsula was covered more than once by powerful glaciers advancing from the territory of Scandinavia. The last glaciation ended about 10,000 years ago.

The mountains here are flat high plateaus, abruptly ending and dissected towards the lowlands. deep gorges and valleys. Naked placers of stones and fragments of rocks cover their surface.

In addition, the formation of the relief was greatly influenced by the rivers, which carry debris and form large deltas at the mouths.

The peninsula, according to the nature of its relief, is divided into eastern and western parts, the border between which passes through the Voronya (river) valley, through Umbozero, Lovozero and the Umba river valley.

In the northeastern part, the coast of the Kola Peninsula (plateau) abruptly breaks off to the throat of the White Sea and to the Barents Sea. It is carved by gorges, with the channels of the rivers Iokanga, Vostochnaya Litsa, Kharlovka, and the lower reaches of the Ponoi running along them. To the south, the plateau gradually rises to a height of 300 meters and abruptly breaks off to a lowland with swamps. This region is called the Keiva Ridge.

Minerals

In terms of the variety of minerals, the Kola Peninsula has no analogues in the world. There are about 1000 of them on its territory, 150 of which are unique and are found only here.

There are deposits of ores of apatite and nepheline ores (in the Khibiny Mountains), nickel, iron, platinum, rare earth metals, titanium, lithium, beryllium, jewelry and ornamental stones and building stones (chrysolite, amazonite, garnet, amethyst, jasper, etc.), mica, etc.

Vegetation

Three areas of vegetation stand out on the peninsula: forest, tundra and forest-tundra. The southern territory is a forest zone. Pine and spruce forests grow here: aspen, birch, willow, alder and mountain ash. It should be noted that these forests are heavily swamped, which is why shrubs and moss are common in them. The mountainous terrain at altitudes from 400 to 600 meters has birch crooked forests and shrubs, and at a level of up to 650 meters - lichens.

The tundra vegetation is located in the northeastern and northern parts of the peninsula. In these places, lichens, mosses, varieties of creeping willow and dwarf birch predominate. In the river valleys, you can also see woody shrubs. A feature is birch crooked forests growing interspersed with pine and undersized spruce. In more arid places, the soil and stones are covered with a thick layer of reindeer moss. In the forests of the tundra there are large berry fields (cloudberries, blueberries, crowberries, lingonberries), and mushroom places (volunushki, boletus, russula, boletus).

Hydrology

The Kola Peninsula is a country of lakes, in no way inferior to its neighbor Karelia. There are a lot of them, and from the smallest to such large ones as Imandra.

The rivers that feed the lakes and connect them with each other carry their waters to the Barents and White Seas. In these places they are rapids and abounding in water, with surprisingly picturesque shores.

The Kola Peninsula is rich in numerous reservoirs. Their names are: Ponoi (the longest Kola river), Yokanga, Kola, Varzuga, Umba, Kola, Teriberka, Voronya, etc.

There are a considerable number of lakes, the largest of which are Imandra, Lovozero and Umbozero.

Attractions

There are 2 more unique natural areas - Kuzomensky sands and Tersky coast. The second is the most picturesque place on the Kola Peninsula. This is the coast of the White Sea, strewn with sparkling fragments of real amethysts.

Kuzomensky sands are dunes of multi-colored sand, stretching for almost 13 kilometers along the seashore.

Lake Imandra - perfect place for a relaxing holiday in the bosom of stunning nature: sandbanks, pebble beaches, sharp rocks, boulders.

The most popular leisure activities are hiking in the valleys and forests. On Lake Lovozero (an area of about 200 km), surrounded by the Lovozero tundra (not high mountains), seasonal camp sites operate. You can climb in the tundra.

In conclusion about the locals

From the Kola Peninsula to Taimyr, along the vast coast of the Northern Arctic Ocean Most of the 45,000 people living throughout Russia are local residents. Their name in translation means "real person" (more outdated - Samoyeds). Their main occupation is reindeer herding, hunting and fishing.

The Nenets (Samoyed ethnic group) is the most numerous of all the indigenous peoples of the vast Russian North. According to the latest population census, approximately 27 thousand people of this nationality live in the Yamal-Nenets district, and these peoples are divided into forest and tundra groups.

Each of them has its own history, customs and traditions.

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;
ascent to the passes of the 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.

Intercity bus service is well established on the Kola Peninsula. 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 tourism infrastructure develops 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 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. There is no point in looking for a cafe there; at best, you will find a 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 costs much less, is 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. Russians began to actively populate the Tersky coast of the Kola Peninsula only in the 9th-11th centuries: in various historical documents and annals, large settlements of Varzuga and Kola are mentioned. 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 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 plants 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, and there are large ports that provide direct access to the open ocean throughout the 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 that neither is northern point Russia - Cape German 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 different parts of our country go to 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, most tourists who have visited the Kola Peninsula have the most vivid impressions leave the Khibiny. 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. 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 is of no less interest to amateurs active rest and ecotourism. On the slopes of the Khibiny Mountains there are the best ski centers in the North, 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 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 - it is the wind that blows the soil out from under them, turning them into fabulous characters from a 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 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 exhibition, and tours of the combat compartments are conducted.

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 around the world in huge greenhouses, as well as take a walk along ecological path on 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 unique corner nature, combining 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 ship 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 the northern taiga, which determines the richness of flora and fauna. Here grow magnificent northern forests with centuries-old pines and many beautiful glacial lakes. Most Popular tourist routes- visit to the island of Varlam with the museum of the Norwegian explorer Hans Skonning and the border village of Rayakoski.

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. Most of the Khibiny mountain passes 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. 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. best time March is considered 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 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. To 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 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 the sea coast of the Kola Peninsula, its central part and mountainous terrain. 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 summers with an average temperature in July of +10ºС and rather mild winters (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 distinctive feature of the Kola Peninsula is the 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 western boundary of the Kola Peninsula is the meridional depression, stretching from the Kola Bay along the valley of the Kola River, Lake Imandra and the Niva River to the Kandalaksha Bay. The length from North to South is about 300 km. From west to east about 400 km. The area is about 100,000 square km. The northern coast is high, steep, the southern one is low and gently sloping.

The climate of the Kola Peninsula, despite the northern position, is relatively mild due to the softening influence of the warm Atlantic current. The average temperature in January is from -5° (on the northern coast) to -11° (in the central part of the peninsula), in July, respectively, from +8° to +14°. The ice-free port of Murmansk is located on the northern coast of the Kola Peninsula.

The Kola Peninsula is replete with rivers, lakes and swamps. The rivers are turbulent, rapids, have huge reserves of hydropower. The largest of them are: Ponoi, Varzuga, Umba (White Sea basin), Teriberka, Voronya, Iokanga (Barents Sea basin). The most significant lakes are: Imandra, Umbozero, Lovozoro, Kolvitskoye, and others. The northern part of the peninsula is occupied by tundra and forest-tundra, and the southern part by taiga forests of pine, spruce, and birch. There are huge reserves of apatite-nepheline and nickel ores, building materials and other minerals in the bowels. On the development and use of the natural resources of the Kola Peninsula in 1929-1934. a lot of work has been done under the guidance of S. M. Kirov. The seas surrounding the Kola Peninsula are rich in fish.

Kola Peninsula

Kola Peninsula- a peninsula in the north-west of the European part of Russia, in the Murmansk region. It is washed by the Barents and White seas. The area is about 100 thousand km 2. In the western part - mountain ranges: Khibiny (height up to 1200 m) and Lovozero tundra (height up to 1120 m). Further west are Monchetundra, Chunatundra, Wolf Tundra, Nyavka Tundra, Greasy Tundra and Tuadash Tundra. In the north - tundra vegetation, to the south - forest tundra and taiga. The orographic pattern of the Kola Peninsula and Karelia is quite simple. The territory reaches its highest heights in the western part of the Kola Peninsula, which has a dissected relief. There are separate mountain ranges with flat tops, separated by depressions. Their heights reach 900–1000 m. rises the Keiva ridge (397 m), consisting of separate chains, stretched from northwest to southeast along the central part of the peninsula.

Sights of the Kola Peninsula

The main attraction of the Kola Peninsula is, of course, amazing nature. Everything is collected here: lakes, mountains (albeit not too high), the sea, rivers and even one desert was found. Fortunately, there are still very few tourists here, so the places here are wild and reserved. Hiking in Kola is ideal for beginners or parents with children. Here you can find great amount simple routes passing through picturesque places. And not so long ago, travel agencies began to appear here, offering a more civilized vacation. Among their services are boat trips, tours of the main attractions of Murmansk and its environs, diving, and so on.

On this page we have tried to collect the most interesting sights of the Kola Peninsula. While there are not so many of them, but the information is constantly updated.

The Kola Peninsula is located in the Murmansk Oblast. Its shores are washed by the White and Barents Seas. The area of the Kola Peninsula is approximately 100 thousand square meters. It has such mountain ranges as the Lovozero tundra (up to 1120 m in height) and the Khibiny (up to 1200 m), located in its western part. Other massifs are also noteworthy: Chunatundra, Monchetundra, Nyavka, Wolf Tundra, Tuadash, Salny and Pecheneg Tundras. The vegetation on the peninsula is tundra and forest-tundra, and in the south - taiga. South coast historically divided into Kandalaksha and Tersky coasts.

Since the Kola Peninsula is located on far north, almost all of its territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle. Its western boundary is the meridional depression, which runs from the Kola Bay along Lake Imandra, the valley of the Kola River, and the Niva River.

The climate of the peninsula is quite diverse. So in the northwest it is subarctic, which is due to the warm North Atlantic current. In the center, in the east and southwest, the continentality of the climate increases. Here it is moderately cold. The average temperature in January is from -8°C (in the northwestern part of the peninsula) to -14°C (in the central part). In July, the temperature is between 8 °C and 14 °C respectively. Snow cover persists from October to the end of May. Sometimes it snows even in summer. The Kola Peninsula is famous for its numerous reservoirs (rivers and lakes), which are home to many species of valuable commercial fish. They are found salmon, whitefish, palia, pike, grayling, trout.

The largest rivers are: Ponoi, Tuloma, Kola, Varzuga, Teriberka, Yokanga, Umba, Voronya. The largest lakes: Umbozero, Imandra, Lovozero. In the seas surrounding the peninsula, cod, halibut, flounder, herring, capelin, and crabs are caught. Tourists come to the Kola Peninsula to get acquainted with the harsh but beautiful northern nature. They offer equipped camps and recreation centers.

Until the beginning of the 20th century, only the northern coast of the peninsula was called Murman - from the Holy Nose to the Norwegian border, but later this concept expanded, and now it means the entire Kola Peninsula. The southern coast of the peninsula is historically divided into the Tersky and Kandalaksha coasts.

The Kola Peninsula is located in the far north of Russia. Almost the entire territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle.

In the north it is washed by the waters of the Barents Sea, in the south and east by the waters of the White Sea. The western boundary of the Kola Peninsula is the meridional depression running from the Kola Bay along the valley of the Kola River. Lake Imandra and the Niva River to the Kandalaksha Bay. The area is about 100 thousand km²

The climate of the peninsula is varied. In the northwest, warmed by the warm current of the Gulf Stream. it is subarctic marine. Toward the center, east, and southwest of the peninsula, continentality increases; here the climate is moderately cold. Average January-February temperatures range from minus 8°C in the northwest of the peninsula to minus 14°C in the center; July, respectively, from 8°C to 14°C. Snow falls in October and completely disappears only by mid-late May (in mountainous areas in early-mid June). Frosts and snowfall are possible in summer. Strong winds (up to 45-55 m/s) are frequent on the coast, and lingering blizzards in winter.

Sources: goroda-prizraki.narod.ru, wiki.web.ru, goodroute.ru, mapsoid.ru, dic.academic.ru

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