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The Murmansk region  knows how to surprise travelers not only with the northern lights.  Proximity to Europe, cold climate, access to the sea - this range of features could not but affect the attractions of the territory. Lovers of natural beauty will find something to do while exploring bays, nature reserves, tundra and lakes. Much in the region is associated with the history of the fleet - this is another tourist destination that attracts guests.  

Nuclear icebreaker "Lenin"

The nuclear-powered icebreaker "Lenin", a mighty ship that has plowed the ice of the Arctic Ocean for three decades, is on the quay near the Murmansk seaport. This is the first ship in the history of mankind, driven by atomic energy, - now a museum and a kind of monument to the era.

The village of Varzuga

The history of the Murmansk region began on the Tersk coast. The amazingly beautiful village of Varzuga, located on the banks of the river of the same name, recently celebrated its 600th anniversary; it is 450 years older than Murmansk. The main attraction of Varzuga is the wooden churches: the Assumption, built without a single nail in 1674, the northernmost pre-Petrine building in Russia, and the Afanasyevskaya, built in 1854.

Sami village "Sam Syit"

In the village of Lovozero, a hundred kilometers from Murmansk, there is a settlement "Sam Syit", where you can get acquainted with the life of the indigenous people of the North - the Sami. This is the first private reindeer herding in the region, a Sami community whose residents are engaged in farming and are always happy to show their settlement to curious tourists. This is an open-air museum where you can see the national clothes of the Sami, wigwams and wooden statues made according to the centuries-old traditions of this people. Here you can get to know real reindeer better and ride a reindeer sleigh, and if you like it, you can stay overnight in a guest house.

Museum and Exhibition Center of JSC "Apatit" in Kirovsk

This corporate museum is the most visited tourist attraction in the city of Kirovsk. These are 8 halls of the exposition of the mining and metallurgical museum, an exhibition center where temporary exhibitions are held, the exposition "Life and customs of the Russian Empire" with a rich collection of items of Russian everyday life, as well as an interesting multimedia exposition "Journey from the bowels of the Earth into the atmosphere" on seven floors of the clock tower. An extensive collection of minerals from the Khibiny tundra, the Kola Peninsula and other regions of the world has not left anyone indifferent! Visits and excursions to this wonderful museum are completely free.

The Kola Peninsula  

The Kola Peninsula has long possessed a stable reputation of an interesting tourist area. The map of the peninsula has virtually no blank spaces. Travelers cross the peninsula in all directions, the routes of many groups have passed the areas that were previously considered inaccessible.

Murmansk observation decks

There are two observation platforms in Murmansk: at the Alyosha memorial, at the highest point of the city, and at the walls of the Church of the Savior on the Waters. Perhaps these are the most popular sights of the city, as from here one can see the Kola Bay, the large Murmansk port, the Lenin icebreaker at the pier and many other city attractions. From here visitors can admire the polar lights and the beautiful view of Murmansk at night, when the city is illuminated by thousands of lights.

Petroglyphs of Kanozero

More than 1250 petroglyphs have been discovered on the rocks of Kanozero and nearby islands, which are among the five largest Neolithic monuments in the world. Petroglyphs are an object of cultural heritage of federal significance; now the Museum-Reserve "Petroglyphs of Kanozero" works here. The complex of rock carvings includes the continental rock Odinokaya and three islands - Kamenny, Elovy and Gorely. In the village of Umba, there is an exhibition hall of the museum, where the exposition   tells about the discovery and study of rock paintings. Here you can also order an excursion that will allow you to see with your own eyes the unique works of rock art that are located on the islands. It is better to contact the museum staff in advance to clarify the possibility of such an excursion.

Stone labyrinth "Babylon"

This mysterious labyrinth is located in the vicinity of Kandalaksha, 4 km east of the city on Cape Malaya Pitkul, its age is more than four thousand years. Its exact purpose has not yet been established, but the scientists who conducted the research claim that the locals used it not only for magical rites, but also for hunting.

House-Museum of Yuri Gagarin

Lieutenant Gagarin, after graduating from the flight school, was sent to serve in the village of Novoe Luostari. Now the village is called Korzunovo. After the wedding in 1958, his wife Valentina came to him, and their first daughter was born.  Yuri Gagarin lived here until he left for Star City, when he was chosen from the volunteers recruited for an important state assignment. After the death of the first cosmonaut, Hero of the Soviet Union Yuri Gagarin, a museum was opened in the house where he lived.

"Snow Village"

The "Snow Village" excursion and tourist center has existed in Kirovsk at the foot of Vudyavrchorr Mountain for over ten years, and in 2014 it was included in the Russian Book of Records as the largest structure made of snow and ice. Snow construction begins as soon as the first snow falls in the Khibiny. Every year a new theme of the "Snow Village" is chosen,  and sculptors come to create beauty. This is a great family vacation spot with a varied entertainment program.

Teriberka

The village was first mentioned in the 16th century, and has had its current status since 1997. The name comes from a nearby river. Tourists come here to admire the natural beauties, the polar night, the Barents Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. Climate features make it possible to practice kitesurfing in Teriberka all year round. On the coast, a ship graveyard formed itself. One of the reasons is the almost complete ban on fishing.

Lapland Nature Reserve

It was founded in 1930. The total area is almost two hundred and eighty thousand hectares. The objectives of the reserve are to preserve the nature of the region in its original form, to prevent the disappearance of rare species and excessive human influence. The reindeer is a specially protected animal here. It is svailable for eco-tourism, but accompanied by guides.