Murmansk, the largest city above the Arctic Circle, is named after the old Russian term for Norwegians. It’s a historically resilient city, marked by monuments to military heroes and the Arctic Convoys. Religious sites like the Church of Tryphon and St. Nicholas Cathedral enrich its cultural heritage. Unique Arctic phenomena such as the Northern Lights and polar nights can be observed here.
The polar night in Murmansk Region, a period when the sun never breaches the horizon, spans from December 2nd to January 10th. During winter, one can also witness parhelion here—a rare spectacle where sunlight refracting through floating ice crystals creates the illusion of two to five luminous bodies in the sky.
For evening entertainment, Murmansk offers a variety of shopping, dining, and nightlife options.