Murmansk History
On September 21st 1916, on the coast of Semyonovskaya Bay, the city of Romanov-on-Murman and the Church of St. Nicholas of Myrklia were founded.
The construction of the city is directly related to the building of the Murmansk railway in 1915–1916. It connected the Murmansk coast with the rest of Russia through Kandalaksha, Soroka (Belomorsk), and Petrozavodsk. The railway was of strategic importance, as during World War I, the ice-free port on Murman enabled the reception of goods from the Entente Allies—Great Britain and France. Access to the ports of the Baltic and Black Seas was blocked by the Triple Alliance, and the railway route through Arkhangelsk could not handle the cargo turnover.
After the February Revolution of 1917, power was taken over by the Provisional Government, and on March 21, Romanov-on-Murman was renamed Murmansk.
Soviet power in Murmansk was established in October 1917, immediately after receiving a telegram from Petrograd about the victory of the socialist revolution.
Following a citywide meeting on June 30th, 1918, the Murmansk Regional Council effectively broke ties with the central Soviet government. From August 1918, with military and humanitarian support from the Entente, an autonomous entity called “the Northern Region,” with its capital in Arkhangelsk, functioned in northern Russia. Soviet power was restored in Murmansk in February 1920.
During the Great Patriotic War, Murmansk was a key center for Arctic defense. As during World War I, Murmansk and Arkhangelsk received Arctic convoys—military supplies, fuel, food, etc.—from the Allies, Great Britain and the United States.
Today, Murmansk is the administrative center of Murmansk Oblast. Its population is approximately 287,847 inhabitants (2020).
Murmansk Weather
Due to the influence of the warm Atlantic current of the Gulf Stream, winters in the city are relatively mild. The temperature difference between the city and rural areas located at least 10 km inland can be about 20 degrees. Summer is short and cool.
The polar night, the period when the Sun does not rise above the horizon for more than a day, lasts from December 2nd to January 11th. The polar day, when the sun shines the whole day, lasts from May 22nd to July 22nd. The White Nights’ period, when the sun is not hiding behind the horizon, lasts from May 20 to July 23, approximately.
Thanks to the influence of the warm Atlantic Gulf Stream, winters in Murmansk are relatively mild. The temperature difference between the city and rural areas at least 10 km inland can be about 20°C. Summers are short and cool.
The polar night, when the Sun does not rise above the horizon for more than a day, lasts from December 2nd to January 11th. The period of the White Nights, when the Sun remains above the horizon, lasts approximately from May 20 to July 23.
Murmansk Tourist Attractions
Here are some of the most popular sights and activities in the city:
1. Memorial to Defenders of the Soviet Arctic
Located on Green Cape, the complex includes the “Alyosha” monument (Alexei), the Eternal Flame, a memorial pyramid, an avenue with plaques bearing the names of hero cities, and two anti-aircraft guns. Erected in 1974, the “Alyosha” monument is 35.5 meters tall. Its prominent position and historical significance attract many visitors who come to see the monument and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
2. Lenin icebreaker Museum
Launched in 1957, “Lenin” was the first nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world. It participated in numerous Arctic missions, including convoying along the Northeast Passage. Decommissioned in 1989, the ship now belongs to “Atomflot,” a federal enterprise, and is no longer operational—the nuclear reactor has been dismounted. The ship serves as a museum dedicated to the history of the icebreaker and Arctic exploration.
Address: Portovy Passage, 25
Excursion times (subject to change): Wednesday–Friday at 12:00; Saturday–Sunday at 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00.
3. Memorial Complex “To Sailors Who Died in Peace-time”
This complex features a lighthouse-shaped tower with memorial plaques commemorating sailors lost at sea during peacetime. Next to it, a section of the cockpit from the sunken “Kursk” submarine is displayed. Nearby is the Church of the Saviour on the Waters, sanctified in 2002.
Founded in 1926, the museum’s exhibits cover the nature of the Kola Peninsula, the history and culture of the Sámi indigenous people, regional development from medieval times to the present, and WWII defense efforts. Noteworthy are the exhibits on the Sámi and the mineral resources of the Kola Peninsula.
Address: Lenin Avenue, 90
Open daily from 11:00 to 18:00; closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
5. Navy Museum of the Northern Fleet
Established in 1946, the museum is housed in a former officers’ club building. It features four floors of displays, including photographs, ship models, flags, maps, uniforms, weapons, and other naval artifacts. Several rooms focus on WWII Arctic convoys.
Address: Tortseva Street, 15
Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 (lunch break 13:00–14:00), closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
6. Oceanarium
(Note: As of 2025, the Oceanarium is closed.)
Founded in 1996, the Oceanarium hosts water circus performances featuring aquatic mammals such as Greenland seals, grey seals, ringed seals, and bearded seals. It also conducts research on Arctic seals and offers educational programs for schoolchildren and students.
Address: Prospect Geroev-Severomortsev, 4
Performances: Wednesday–Sunday at 11:00, 15:00, 17:00; closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Many visitors hope to see the Aurora Borealis. This natural phenomenon can often be observed in polar and subpolar regions from late August to early April. However, city lights can hinder viewing; for better chances, it’s advisable to go outside the city when forecasts and solar activity are favorable.
8. Ice floating in Murmansk
A recent activity gaining popularity among adventurous travelers is ice floating. The ice-floating center is located on the coast of Kola Bay, opposite Murmansk, which requires transportation to the site. Upon arrival, participants are briefed on safety policies, dressed in insulated costumes, and take a dip in the icy water. Staff members capture photos and videos from the pier, ensuring you won't leave without memorable pictures of swimming among the ice floes. The minimum age for participants is 10 years, with a height requirement of 145–150 cm. Groups gather from November to May to experience this unique activity.
