Almost due north of Saint Petersburg, Murmansk is the largest city within the Arctic Circle. This important port on the shores of Kola Bay is warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream and is free of ice throughout the year. It was built with British assistance during World War I. The Northern Lights are seen here in November and December and in March the Sports Festival of the Peoples of the North is held. Murmansk, founded in 1916, is located behind the Northern Polar circle. It is the largest seaport, which is free of ice throughout the year. Murmansk is the most important base of fishing industry in Russia. Shipbuilding and repairing of vessels is the main part of Murmansk industry. Murmansk is often called "the Arctic gates", as the city is the starting point of the Northern Sea way and the base of the icebreaking (including atomic) fleet. The city is an important scientific and cultural center of the region. Significant oceanographic and polar institutions are located in Murmansk. Every year Murmansk is getting more and more popular as the center of international tourism. Excursions to the giant ships, beautiful northern nature and exotic animals, as well as cruises across the northern seas guarantee an unforgettable trip.
Murmansk's development has started just in the beginning of this century. Before that, the Kola Peninsula was inhabited only by the Skolt Lapps and a few Russian settlers. The main sources of livlihood are fishing, shipping and the navy. This is a great sight to see largely because of the unique Arctic nature. The peninsula is covered by thousands of lakes and dense forests. Here you'll observe the polar day in summer and the polar night in winter.
