A road trip from Murmansk to St. Petersburg, focusing on the Kola Highway and its interesting diversions, offers a unique travel experience through the Russian North. The five-day itinerary highlights various attractions and historical sites along the way.
The journey begins with an afternoon departure from Murmansk to Monchegorsk, a city often overlooked in favor of nearby Apatity and Kirovsk. Monchegorsk serves as a gateway to Lake Imandra, offering opportunities for yacht and kayak tours, tundra trail routes, and night excursions to the Lapland Reserve. In the city itself, visitors can explore the Imandra embankments, view art installations like “Suncircle” and “Dreamer,” and visit the Alley of Fame. A visit to the observation deck on Mount Poazuayvench is also recommended.
Day two starts with a drive to Kandalaksha, which has seen significant beautification in recent years with the addition of parks like Primorsky and the park on the Niva River. For those seeking active pursuits, a visit to Old Kandalaksha includes a walk along the eco-trail to the “Babylon” labyrinth. A refreshing break can be taken at the Kolvitsa waterfall, accessible via a slightly challenging road. The next destination is Umba, followed by a drive along the Umba-Varzuga road, which transitions to a dirt road after the 88th kilometer.
The Tersky coast is a highlight, featuring the historical Pomorye region. Tonya Tetrina offers insight into the life and traditions of the White Sea coast, from the Sami to the Pomors, showcasing salt boiling, fishing techniques, and karbas boat construction. The schedule of tides and ebbs should be checked to access the littoral path. Other sites on the Tersky coast include Kuzreka, with its spring and wishing pine tree, and Olenitsa, known for glendonites stones and the wooden sculptures of Sergei Ermolin. Further along the coast lies Kashkarantsy, where visitors can see the lighthouse, the Church of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, and the karbas of St. Asterius inside the church.
The Amethyst Coast offers a chance for treasure hunting, while the Kuzomen desert presents a unique, anthropogenic landscape. Varzuga, a large Pomor village, features the Museum of Pomor Life and a memorial to war veterans and their wives. The village is also known for its unique “waterfowl” herd.
Day three begins with exploring Umba or the Tersky Coast further, potentially visiting Old Umba and the Sea Threshold. The route then heads to Kovda, featuring the Nikolsky Church, known for its unique architecture. Kem offers a brief stop with two temples and a monument to Pushkin, serving as a convenient overnight stay before Solovki. The day concludes with a walk along the pier in Rabocheostrovsk.
On day four, a detour to Belomorsk is made to see the petroglyphs. The “Besovy Sledki” pavilion houses an exposition and the ancient rock drawings, while the petroglyphs of Zalavruga are accessible via a forest path. Medvezhyegorsk follows, where visitors can see the house where “Love and Pigeons” was filmed. The journey continues to Zaonezhye, with a stop at the Tsaritsyn Spring. Oyatevshchina marks the final point accessible by car before Kizhi Island.
The final day is dedicated to Kizhi Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its collection of ancient architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Visitors can explore peasant houses and the Chapel of Archangel Michael. A boat tour of the “Kizhi Necklace” offers a deeper understanding of the region’s history and traditions. The trip concludes with the return to St. Petersburg.