Traveling to Murmansk in 2025 might sound extreme, and it is.
It’s remote, rather cold, and the largest city in the world above the Arctic Circle.
But if you’re looking for offbeat Russia, Soviet leftovers, wild Arctic landscapes, and a chance to see the Northern Lights in a less touristy place, Murmansk is one of the most underrated destinations you can visit this year.
I’ve traveled there twice, first time in winter 2015 and last autumn(-ish), I spent a couple of weeks roaming around the Kola Peninsula, eating delicious reindeer meat, fish from the Barents Sea, and freezing my face off along the wind-whipped coast of Teriberka.
In this firsthand travel guide to Murmansk, you’ll find:
✅ How to actually get to Murmansk in 2025 (it’s easier than you think)
✅ What to see and do – from nuclear icebreaker to Soviet giant
✅ When to go, where to stay, and how cold it really is
✅ My personal tips and honest thoughts on this strange Arctic city
If you’re planning a trip to Murmansk – or just curious about what’s up there in the frozen north – this guide has you covered. Everything I wish I knew before going, all in one place.
Where is Murmansk and why travel there in 2025?
Murmansk is tucked away in Russia’s far north, on the Kola Peninsula, right along the Barents Sea, and just a few hours from the border with Norway.
It’s the largest city in the world above the Arctic Circle!
The city is isolated and draped in polar nights in winter. It also has Soviet war monuments, a nuclear icebreaker parked in its harbor and great Arctic light.
So, why travel to Murmansk in 2025 you wonder ?
Here’s why it’s worth it:
• It’s Russia off the tourist trail – no Kremlin crowds, no Ermitage queues
• You can see the Northern Lights
• You can visit the very first nuclear-powered icebreaker – it’s a museum
• The food is wildly underrated – think reindeer stew, fresh seafood and Arctic berries desserts.
• It’s still raw, real, and weird in the best possible way – especially compared to polished destinations like Tromsø or Reykjavik.
And in 2025, Murmansk is more accessible than ever.
With fewer travel restrictions, better infrastructure (than 10 years ago in my opinion), and an increasing number of travelers pushing further into Russia’s north, it’s the right time to go.
The local authorities are even trying to market the place with the slogan: “In the North, we live!” – НА СЕВЕРЕ – ЖИТЬ!.”
A bold move, considering the average -15 to -20°C winters (can even go down to -30°C) and the pitch-black skies for few months a year – but hey, it grows on you (I’ve been there twice already).
There’s a kind of strange beauty in the cold, the silence, and the way life adapts here.
If you’re into off-the-map travels, Soviet architecture, Arctic vibes, and meeting locals who’ll definitely ask “why the hell are you here?” – Murmansk will be your kind of trip.
How to travel to Murmansk in 2025
Getting to Murmansk in 2025 is easier than it sounds. Whether you prefer a scenic train ride, a fast domestic flight, or a self-driven Arctic road trip along the Kola highway, here are your options:
Train to Murmansk: The classic Russian experience
Taking the train to Murmansk is a timeless way to ease into the rhythm of the Russian North. Trains run daily from both Moscow (~1960 km) and Saint Petersburg (~1300 km), with year-round service, even during the harsh Arctic winter.
• From Saint Petersburg: ~26 hours
• From Moscow: ~35 hours
The journey cuts through endless boreal forest and remote villages. It’s cheap, reliable, and quite comfortable.
Recommended trains to Murmansk:
• Train Arktika 016A: The most iconic option. Departs from Moscow’s Leningradsky station, stops in Saint Petersburg, and offers comfortable sleeper cabins – some carriages even have showers.
• Double-Decker train 012A: Departs from Ladozhsky station in Saint Petersburg. Modern, spacious, and ideal for budget travelers.
• Regular services: Other trains from Moscow include 286C, 092A, 120V, and seasonal extras.
Tickets can be booked on RussianTrain (Visa/Mastercard accepted).
Drive to Murmansk via the Kola Highway (R-21): Arctic road trip of a lifetime
Driving to Murmansk via the Kola Highway (R-21) is one of Europe’s last great overland adventures. This paved route connects Saint Petersburg to Murmansk, stretching over 1350 km passing through Karelian small towns, and boreal forests.
Why choose a road trip?
• Total freedom to explore the Kola Peninsula’s wild interior
• Easy access to off-grid gems like Teriberka, Lovozero and more
Road conditions & safety
• Open year-round, but winters are harsh and demand serious preparation
• Use proper winter tires, carry snow chains, and plan fuel stops in advance – some stretches are remote
• Weather can change fast; check forecasts.
Back in December 2015, I met an Italian motorcyclist who reached Murmansk on a bike fitted with studded tires, heated gear, and nerves of steel !
Border crossings & off-limit areas
• Norway – Russia land border (Storskog–Borisoglebsky) is open for international travelers (eVisa not valid)
• The Finland-Russia border is closed at the time of writing (May 2025), so plan accordingly
Be aware: many areas around the Kola Peninsula are off-limits to foreigners without an official FSB permit. You can only get such permit in Murmansk – Full details coming soon in a Kola Peninsula general guide, sign up to my newsletter to be notified.
Fly to Murmansk (MMK): The fastest way to the Russian Arctic
If you’re short on time or planning a fast Arctic adventure, flying to Murmansk is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the Kola Peninsula in 2025.
Daily flights from major russian cities. Murmansk is well-connected via regular domestic flights from:
• Moscow (~2.5 hours)
• Saint Petersburg (~2 hours)
• Arkhangelsk and other regional airports
These routes are operated by major Russian airlines such as Aeroflot, Pobeda, and Smartavia. Flights run year-round, even in winter, and are usually reliable despite harsh weather.
What to expect at Murmansk airport (MMK):
• A small, functional airport with basic services
• Located 30–40 minutes from Murmansk city center by taxi
Book early during Northern Lights high peak season (November-February) and Russian holidays, as flights fill quickly.
Tip: You can book tickets online via platforms like Kupi.com (not .ru) with Visa/Mastercard.
The bus N°106 runs regularly from the airport to Murmansk city center. 1 hour bus ride. 110₽
If going overland, you will notice how to trees get smaller the further north you go.
How to travel around Murmansk city
Murmansk has no metro or tram lines, but it’s easy to get around using local buses and marshrutkas (shared minibuses). The city center is compact and walkable, especially around Lenin Prospekt, Five Corners Square (Ploshchad Pyat’ Uglov) – Murmansk’s central square – and the nearby train station.
If you’re heading beyond the center – for example, to the Alyosha Monument on the hill – hop on a local bus or marshrutka. A bus ride in Murmansk costs 40₽. I recommend using Yandex Maps to find the correct route and real-time info. Taxis are available through Yandex Go.
Note on terrain: Parts of Murmansk are hilly, and/or have stairs. E.g. to reach the Lenin nuclear icebreaker, you’ll need to take a pedestrian overpass that crosses the railway tracks.
Murmansk train and bus station tips
The Murmansk train station is just a 5-minute walk from Five Corners Square, very easy to spot and there’re also luggage storage boxes inside the station. Storage starts from 200₽/1-hour.
Right next to the train station is Murmansk’s central bus terminal (not really a station), which is split into two levels. If you’re heading to Teriberka or other towns, buses depart from the upper part, located between the train station and the nearby Irish Pub. Look for the ticket office (“Касса”), which opens at 8:30AM. It’s poorly marked and easy to miss: go down toward the lower bus station, check to the right behind the pub.
Best time to visit Murmansk
The best time to visit Murmansk really depends on what kind of Arctic experience you’re after – because this city above the Arctic Circle changes drastically with the seasons.
• Winter (November to March)
If you’re coming for the Northern Lights, winter is your window.
From late November to early March, Murmansk is dark, cold, and completely frozen – which means perfect conditions for aurora hunting.
You’ll also get the surreal experience of polar night, when the sun doesn’t rise at all for weeks. It’s gloomy, weird, and unforgettable.
I’ve experienced it and it’s really not for everyone. See pictures attached – they were taken around midday in December.
• Summer (June to August)
On the other side, summer in Murmansk is all about the midnight sun – when it never gets dark. Temperatures hover around 10–15°C, the tundra blooms, and it’s actually possible to hike without wearing three layers of thermal gear.
It’s also a great time for road trips along the Kola Peninsula, fishing villages, and exploring Murmansk without slipping on ice.
• Autumn (September to October)
Autumn in Murmansk is short and starts early – usually in the first days of September. Above the Arctic Circle, autumn comes fast and leaves quickly, but the landscapes are stunning while they last. Expect colorful Arctic tundra, golden birch forests, and crisp, dry air. I saw snowfall as early as the first week of October, so be sure to pack warm, layered clothing and waterproof shoes.
This is also the start of the Northern Lights season, with dark enough skies for aurora sightings by early October. You’ll find fewer tourists, quieter trails, and often better prices on accommodation compared to summer.
Recap: When to visit Murmansk ?
December to February → For Northern Lights, dark winter, and that wild Arctic atmosphere
June to August → For midnight sun, milder weather, and Kola road trips
Late September or early March → For a weird but cool mix of both (plus fewer people)
Murmansk isn’t for everyone year-round, but if you’re into raw, seasonal travel, every time of the year gives you a different Arctic vibe.
Where to stay in Murmansk
From brand-new hostels to stylish Arctic hotels, Murmansk offers far more accommodation options than you might expect this far north. The hospitality scene has improved dramatically in the last decade – 2025 Murmansk is not the Murmansk of 2015 (back when I first went). Whether you’re traveling on a tight budget, looking for a mid-range guesthouse, or want a comfortable hotel there’s something for every type of traveler.
In this section, here are some personal recommendations you can book online with your foreign bankcard in 2025.
TL;DR: My picks for where to stay in Murmansk
• Budget: Yagel Hostel, Murman Loft Hostel
• Mid-range: Smart Asgard Hotel, Boutique Hotel Renaissance
• Luxury/Comfort: Congress Hotel Meridian
Budget stays
• Yagel Hostel
Very friendly staff, easily the warmest welcome I’ve had in Murmansk. The hostel is spotless, with a well-equipped kitchen. Rooms are on the smaller side, but the cozy vibe and central location more than make up for it. My top pick for backpackers and solo travelers. (Yagel means reindeer moss/lichen)
• Murman Loft Hostel
Spacious rooms, great location, and ultra-clean. The kitchen setup is quite basic, and the reception staff were… let’s say, not be the most engaging. Still, for the price, it’s great value, especially if you don’t need much more than a clean bed and space to breathe.
Note: the hostel is located on the 4th floor, you’ll need to take the lift. Don’t bother asking the building’s front desk, the receptionist there literally didn’t say a word, just shoved a sign in my face saying where the hostel was. Classic Russia moment.
Mid-range options
• Smart Asgard Hotel
Provides modern rooms with comfortable furnishings. Its location offers easy access to the city center, and its very good value for money. Single room from 18€, double room from 25€.
• Boutique Hotel Renaissance
Boutique Hotel Renaissance offers stylish accommodations and good service quality. The location is convenient, and the pricing is reasonable for the amenities offered. Breakfast available. Double room from 65€
Luxury/Comfort
• Congress Hotel Meridian
A fully renovated hotel offering over 120 modern rooms and suites. Located right near Murmansk’s central Five Corners Square, it’s perfectly placed for exploring the city or catching transport connections. Ideal if you’re looking for comfort and convenience. Suites and flats available.
Tip on registration for foreigners: Murmansk is so accustomed to tourists that all hotels and hostels seem to handle registration for us automatically, without asking for it. Still, it’s worth double-checking that it’s done correctly – One of my grumpy hostel receptionist registered me as Chinese by mistake …
What to see and do in Murmansk
Despite its frozen setting, Murmansk has more to offer than just Arctic weather. In this section, I’ll cover the best things to see and do in Murmansk in 2025, including both city landmarks and nature-based experiences.
🔹 Five Corners Square
Five Corners Square is the heart of Murmansk, a central crossroads where locals gather for events. Surrounded by shopping centers and cafes, it’s where many public events take place, including Murmansk City Day celebrations every October. When I visited during the city’s anniversary, there was a full concert stage set up, Muzykalnaya Alleya (Musical Alley) was lined with Arctic food stalls, and Pushkinskaya Street transformed into a lively “Murmansk Arbat” filled with local crafts.
Even outside of festivals, the square is a great starting point to explore the city. It’s close to many cafés, hotels, and shops, with easy access to public transport and major Murmansk landmarks.
🔹 Lenin Nuclear Icebreaker
Where else can you walk through a real Soviet nuclear icebreaker? The Lenin is docked in Murmansk harbor and now serves as a floating museum. It’s bizarre, fascinating, and one of the city’s top attractions. Mandatory guided tour from Wednesday to Sunday, best to book in advance by email.
Tip: On the way to the Lenin Icebreaker from the city center, you’ll cross over the railway tracks, take a moment to check out the old steam locomotive parked just behind the station.
🔹 Alyosha Monument
You literally can’t miss Alyosha, the giant Soviet soldier standing watch over the bay. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Murmansk, built to honor the WWII defenders of the Arctic. It’s impressive and very Soviet. It’s free to visit and roam around.
🔹 Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker viewpoint
One of the best panoramic viewpoints over the city and the surrounding hills. Located just a short climb from the city center, it’s marked by a large statue of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, the patron saint of sailors.
🔹 Churches
Murmansk also has some Orthodox churches worth visiting. The Church of the Savior on the Waters, perched above Semyonovsky Lake, honors lost sailors and offers great panoramic views. The St. Nicholas Cathedral is the city’s main religious site and spiritual hub. For something older, head to nearby Kola (a town South of Murmansk) to see the Church of the Annunciation, built in 1807, it’s the oldest stone church on the Kola Peninsula.
🔹 Local Museums
Murmansk has a few interesting local museums – including ones on Arctic fauna, Soviet history, and even polar exploration. Naval Museum of the Northern Fleet; Regional Murmansk Museum; Murmansk Art Museum
🔹 Northern Lights
One of the main reasons to travel to Murmansk in winter is to catch the Northern Lights – without the crowds of Tromsø or Finnish Lapland. You don’t even have to leave the city to spot them (though it helps). You can spot the aurora from early October to late March.
Fun fact: Why are there so many chinese couples in Murmansk ?
Spotting lots of Chinese (and other Asians) couples in Murmansk? You’re not imagining things. There’s a popular belief in China and some places in Asia that conceiving a baby under the Northern Lights increases the chances of having a healthy baby boy.
So yes, many of these couples are literally here to get laid under the aurora borealis. World’s coldest honeymoon.
Arctic food and where to eat in Murmansk
We eat surprisingly well in the Russian Arctic.
Murmansk has developed a genuinely interesting northern food scene – think reindeer meat, seafood from the Barents Sea, and Arctic berry desserts. The culinary options are far better than you’d expect this far north.
When I first visited Murmansk back in 2015, I don’t remember eating anything memorable. But things have changed. On my latest trip, I was genuinely impressed – the local food scene has grown fast in recent years, and for the better. I had everything from wild game stews to fresh baked goods and surprisingly good coffee.
This section breaks down where to eat from Sami to Pomor cuisine, and the best spots for a warm meal after a day exploring the Arctic’s biggest city.
My picks for where to eat in Murmansk
• Tundra (€€€) – A stylish restaurant offering creative takes on northern Russian dishes. It was recommended to me by a babushka at my hostel — the food was genuinely tasty, though a bit pricey. The hostess was awful, but the waitress made up for it.
• Pomor (€€€) – More polished and a bit high-end, serves modern Pomor cuisine – Arctic seafood and fish, wild berries desserts. Food was great, service hit-and-miss (same as previous one, hostess was crap but the waiter lovely).
• Pelmen House (€€) – colorful dumplings (yes, really, from bright blue to black), filled with everything from reindeer to salmon. Weird-looking but delicious. A cozy, affordable place for a casual meal.
• Pomorsky Kotch (€€) – A food truck near the Lenin Icebreaker serving Pomor food. Tasty, fast, and a great lunch stop with a view; you can eat on the benches beside it.
• Vaffel – Russian waffle (€€) – A local favorite for breakfast and sweet stuffs but they also serve unusual waffel sandwiches with venison meat. Actually worth trying.They do solid coffee and the staff is friendly.
• StartUp Coffee (€€) – A cozy and modern coffee shop located right across from Five Corners Square, in the heart of Murmansk. They serve very good coffee along with fresh pastries. Friendly staff.
Travel tips for Murmansk in 2025
Murmansk might be the Arctic capital of Russia, but traveling here is more straightforward than you’d expect. Still, there are a few things you need to know, from Arctic weather prep to unexpected urban details – here are some extra Murmansk travel tips for 2025:
• Dress for the weather – seriously
Murmansk weather is no joke. Winters are long and brutal, and even autumn can hit hard by early September – I had to wear all my extra “in case” layers by the first week of October. If you’re coming between October and March, don’t underestimate the cold. More info on How to dress for your Russian trip here.
• Crosswalks aren’t obvious
Don’t assume zebra crossings will be clearly marked – or even exist. One of the most absurd omissions is right in front of the train station, where you’d expect basic signage. Follow pedestrian traffic lights.
• Murmansk City Day
If you’re in town on October 4th, you might catch the Murmansk City Day anniversary – a surprisingly lively local celebration. Expect loud American hits blasting through speakers, street food stalls serving Arctic snacks, and crowds of locals.
• Tourist information center
Inside the shopping center on Lenina Avenue, there’s a small but excellent Tourist Information Center with English-speaking staff who are actually very helpful. It’s a bit hidden, but worth finding for tips to plan your visit to the Kola Peninsula.
• Language barrier
While Murmansk sees a fair number of foreign travelers, English isn’t widespread. A translation app like Yandex or Google Translate is recommended. That said, locals are generally very nice, and a few Russian words will go a long way.
What souvenirs to buy in Murmansk (and where to get them)
Forget the cliché vodka–matryoshka–ushanka combo – Murmansk has better, more authentic Arctic souvenirs. You can bring back cloudberry jam, wild tundra tea, or even lichen chips (if reindeer eat it, why not us?). There’s also a surprising selection of local rocks and semi-precious stones from the Kola Peninsula, including shungite and amethyst.
Most souvenir shopping can be done inside the Volna mall, nearby Five Corners Square. At the very end of the left-hand corridor, you’ll find a small souvenir shop run by a super friendly lady – great spot for local gifts and handmade items. Also worth checking out is Sever (literally “North”), a trendy local clothing brand with a shop on the top floor.
FAQs
Final thoughts: Why I love Murmansk, and you will too
Murmansk might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning an Arctic trip, and that’s exactly why it’s worth it.
It’s remote, raw, and real – full of strange Soviet leftovers, dramatic polar light, and unforgettable Arctic landscapes.
Whether you come for the Northern Lights, the edge-of-the-world feel of Teriberka, or just to say you’ve made it to the largest city above the Arctic Circle, Murmansk deserves a spot on your Russia travel bucket list.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably serious about visiting, and I hope this guide helps you make it happen.
Happy Arctic travels!
