Murmansk (Му́рманск)

Murmansk is in the northwestern corner of Russia, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. During the winter, between November and February, the sun never rises and it is bitterly cold and pitch black. The surrounding area consists of barren tundra and the city's harbor is home to Russia's nuclear-powered icebreakers. There is little of interest, apart from the Festival of the North, which is held during the last week in March. The festival includes reindeer races and skiing competitions. In the summer, the area is infested with mosquitoes and the sun doesn't set during the night.

There are several hotels and restaurants in Murmansk. The city is 1480 km north of Moscow and just over 2000 km from the North Pole. Trips to the North Pole can be arranged in town.