The Arkhangelsk region is known for its beautiful, albeit harsh, nature of the tundra and taiga, ancient and mysterious archaeological sites, some of which are up to 4 thousand years old, unique examples of ancient wooden architecture, beautiful temples and monasteries, stunning cave complexes, nature reserves and national parks.
It is in these places that you can enjoy the pristine nature of the north, wander through dense forests, fish in numerous clean rivers and lakes, and see many rare animals in their natural habitat. At the same time, the Arkhangelsk region is a real Orthodox center of Siberia, on the territory of which there is simply a huge number of churches, temples, cathedrals, chapels, monasteries and other religious buildings.
Solovetsky Islands
The most famous archipelago in the Arkhangelsk region and throughout Russia is the Solovetsky Islands, located in the western part of the White Sea. The main attraction of Solovki is the impressive Solovetsky Monastery, built in these places in the 15th century, which became the spiritual center of Pomerania and the strongest fortress of Russia on the northern borders. The islands and the monastery became notorious during the Tsarist and Soviet times, when they were used as a high-security state prison.
At the same time, Solovki is home to more than 1,000 archaeological complexes, including a large pagan sanctuary, religious and burial structures of the 2nd-1st millennium BC, about 30 labyrinths and more than 1,100 other stone structures. The most famous historical monuments of Solovki are the dam on Bolshoi Solovetsky Island, the Filippov Gardens, the lake-canal system of islands, and the Botanical Garden with more than 500 species of plants. The main attractions of Solovki are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Hear the singing of northern whales: Cape Beluzhiy
From Cape Beluzhy on Solovki you can watch the northern white whales - belugas. It is possible to see this rare natural phenomenon only from mid-June to mid-August only twice a day - during low tide and in the absence of rough seas. It is at this time of year that whales come to Solovki to mate, give birth and raise their young. But at any other time it’s worth visiting the cape for the stunning scenery. With an excursion either along the road to Sekirnaya Mountain until the exit to the Kulikovo tract, then along the forest track to the tract, and then along the ecological trail to the cape. If you decide to get to the cape on your own, it is better to rent a mountain bike.
Solovetsky Monastery
The first Christian preachers came to these harsh but beautiful places in the 12th-13th centuries; the first monastic settlement was founded on the archipelago in 1426. By 1554, the Solovetsky Monastery had already been strengthened to the size of a stone fortress - a powerful wall was erected on the Big Island. For almost 2 centuries the monastery successfully resisted attacks from warlike neighbors.
At the beginning of the 20th century. this place became a major religious center with schools, a rich economy and a small fleet. In 1920, after the closure of the monastery, a state farm was organized on its territory, and 3 years later - the Solovetsky special-purpose camp, which existed for 10 years. During this time, more than 5,000 prisoners were executed on the islands, and many famous people served their sentences in these places. The historical and cultural value of the monastery’s heritage was assessed by the government only in the 60s, and already in 1992 the Solovetsky Historical and Cultural Ensemble in the Arkhangelsk Region was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Option No. 2
Arkhangelsk is a northern city of Russia, which is located 1230 km from Moscow along the banks of the Northern Dvina River. Not far from the city is the White Sea.
The city was founded by decree of Ivan the Terrible. And the first settlements appeared here in the 12th century. At that time there was a monastery here. The city of Arkhangelsk was founded in the 16th century. According to legend, the city was founded in 1584. The educated settlement grew rapidly due to the development of trade relations with neighboring states.
At this time, Arkhangelsk often suffered from severe fires, since wooden buildings predominated in the city.
In 1693, construction of a shipyard began near the city. And a year later the first ship built was launched from it. The city turned into a sea and military port.
In 1702, Peter I deprived Arkhangelsk of the status of a trading city. He transferred all trade relations to St. Petersburg, which until 1762 was the main port of the country.
In 1708, Arkhangelsk became a provincial city and the main port city of Russia. In 1898, a railway connection to Moscow was opened.
For Arkhangelsk, the 19th century became the starting point for expeditions to the Arctic, which were dedicated to exploring the northern regions. This is how the islands of Novaya Zemlya and Vaygach were discovered. Thanks to the expeditions, the city of Arkhangelsk became a scientific center.
Arkhangelsk is the administrative center of the region of the same name. Today it is a large city and port in the northern part of Russia. There are 3 theaters and several higher educational institutions open in the city. There are several museums in Arkhangelsk, and various exhibitions are often held.
The city is located in the Far North. Therefore, Arkhangelsk has an arctic temperate climate with cold air masses from the ocean. The summers here are short and cold, and the winters can be long and frosty.
Today this northern city has its own anthem and coat of arms. About 400 thousand people live in the city.
When visiting the city, tourists are recommended to visit the unique museum of wooden architecture Malye Korely, as well as the Kenozersky and Vodlozersky national parks. It is worth taking time to explore the Novodvinsk fortress, which was built in the 18th century.
The religious monuments of Arkhangelsk include the St. Elias Cathedral, the Ustinskaya Church and the Church of All Saints.
The main souvenir that you should definitely bring from Arkhangelsk are figured painted gingerbread cookies - roe deer.
Kenozersky National Park
One of the most beautiful places in the Arkhangelsk region is the Kenozero National Park, formed in 1991. In total, there are more than 300 lakes and reservoirs on the territory of the reserve, grouped around the two largest lakes: Kenozero with Sviny, Dolgiy, etc. - in the north, and Lekshmozero with with its satellites (Syargozero, Vilno, Maselgskoye, Naglimozero, etc.) - in the south.
Kenozerye has preserved many beautiful untouched natural places, monuments of ancient wooden Russian architecture, sacred groves and other interesting sights - in total about 150 wooden churches, crosses, chapels, domestic buildings, sacred places. Many ancient trees were endowed with magical powers, thanks to which the sacred groves were perfectly preserved; there are 45 of them on the territory of Kenozerye in the Arkhangelsk region.
Kitchen
The large number of reservoirs located in the region also influenced the cuisine: Arkhangelsk residents prepare a large number of fish dishes. Cod is considered a traditional fish on the Pomeranian table. It is difficult to meet a resident of the Arkhangelsk region who has never tried cod. Also on the table of Arkhangelsk residents you can find pies with cabbage and berries. Residents of the region love to prepare fruit drinks and jelly from cloudberries and lingonberries.
They also bake special gingerbreads here, called kozuli. They got their name from the Pomeranian word for “snake”. Previously, roe deer were considered a delicacy; they were baked only for Christmas. They decorated the Christmas tree and only then ate it. Nowadays, roe deer are often given to children as part of New Year's gifts, and children can also enjoy roe deer on other holidays throughout the year.
One of the famous dishes of the Russian North is Pomeranian fish soup. The traditional recipe states that only freshly caught fish is suitable for classic fish soup.
Malye Korely
One of the best museums of wooden architecture in Russia is also located in the Arkhangelsk region. This is Malye Korely, an open-air museum founded in 1964, and since 1996 included in the list of especially valuable cultural objects of the Russian Federation.
On the territory of the museum there are collected more than 100 various wooden buildings from the 16th century. to the present day. The collection includes churches, chapels, barns, merchant and peasant huts, fences, wells, windmills, etc. For 30 years they were brought from all over the Arkhangelsk region, carefully restored and filled with characteristic interior items.
Where to stay
Photo: Shutterstock.com
In the capital, the choice of accommodation facilities is quite wide. Their cost varies from 1,500 rubles for an apartment with two bedrooms to 4,000 - 6,000 rubles per room in the four-star Pur-Navolok and Novotel hotels.
Outside Arkhangelsk, the choice is extremely scarce; hotels can be found only in relatively large cities like Onega, Pinega and Kargopol. Guest houses are gradually appearing in the villages most frequently visited by tourists.
Pinezhsky Nature Reserve
The Pinezhsky State Nature Reserve, founded in 1974, occupies 51 thousand hectares in the Arkhangelsk region. Of particular interest to tourists are the famous Penezh caves of this beautiful place. The caves are of karst origin, and it was around them that the reserve was organized. Currently, 385 caves have been discovered with a total explored length of more than 120 km. The most famous Pinega cave is Golubinsky Proval. In the caves you can admire underground rivers and lakes, stalactites and stalagmites, and beautiful ice formations.
The flora of the Penezhsky Nature Reserve is very rich in vascular plants, lichens and mosses, as well as edible mushrooms, there are relicts and endemics (netted willow, dryad, Alpine arctus, Haller's corydalis, Lady's slipper, bulbous calypsa, Pinega kachim, etc.). The flora in these beautiful places of the Arkhangelsk region is also rich, typically taiga - squirrel, bear, chipmunk, marten, wolverine, elk, otter, upland game (grouse, hazel grouse, woodpeckers, boreal owl, etc.)
The main attractions of Arkhangelsk: TOP-5
The vast majority of Russians who have never been to the city are very familiar with the main attractions of Arkhangelsk. Photos against the backdrop of the monuments depicted on the obverse of the 500-ruble banknote will become a wonderful tourist trophy, a vivid reminder of your visit to the Russian North.
Monument to Peter I
Address: Northern Dvina embankment. Transport stop "Petrovsky Park".
Arkhangelsk owes the acquisition of this iconic landmark to Governor I.V. Sosnovsky. It was on his initiative that in 1914 a small copy of the emperor’s statue was purchased and installed on the embankment, the original of which can be seen in Peterhof. The bronze sculpture of Peter I, dressed in the officer's uniform of the glorious Preobrazhensky Regiment, has a height of 2.5 m. It is placed on a granite monument, on the sides of which the dates of the great autocrat's visits to the city are engraved. Soon after the revolution, the statue was removed from its pedestal, but, fortunately, was not melted down. In 1948, bronze Peter again took his rightful place.
Marine river station
Address: Northern Dvina Embankment, 26. Transport stop "Marine River Station".
Arkhangelsk has been the largest northern port of the country for several centuries. The building of the river and, at the same time, sea station perfectly embodies the spirit of the city. With its outlines it resembles a large ship ready to set sail. Above the roof of the left side of the building, erected in 1972, rises a portal in the shape of a ship's deckhouse with a captain's bridge. It is crowned by a tall mast decorated with pennants. While exploring the station, do not miss the opportunity to dine at the oldest restaurant in the city, “Sever”.
Cape Pur-Navolok
Address: Northern Dvina embankment. Transport stop "Petrovsky Park".
Perhaps the most elegant monument to Arkhangelsk appeared on its 400th anniversary at Cape Pur-Navolok, where the fort that gave rise to the city was founded. The dominant feature of the sculptural composition is a stele topped with a stylized cast-iron compass needle, made in the shape of the bow of a Pomeranian boat. It rises in the center of a wide flight of stairs, flanked by granite columns with lanterns. At the base of the stele there is a cast iron plate with a memorial inscription.
Monument to M.V. Lomonosov
Address: Lomonosova Avenue, 4. Transport stop "Shopping Center Dvinskie Zori".
The monument to the great fellow countryman - a brilliant scientist, a wonderful poet, the founder of the Russian Academy of Sciences, was inaugurated in 1832. Funds for its creation were collected by the whole world, and the place for installation was personally determined by the autocrat Nicholas I. The sculptor depicted Mikhail Vasilyevich standing on a hemisphere symbolizing the northern hemisphere of the Earth, dressed in a Roman toga with a lyre in his hand. The winged genius knelt in reverence at Lomonosov’s feet. The composition will be placed on a cylindrical pedestal made of pink granite. Nowadays the monument, which changed its “registration” several times, is located in front of the building of the Northern Federal University, which bears the name of the brilliant Russian scientist.
Arkhangelsk high-rise
Address: Lenin Square, 4. Transport stop “Petrovsky Park”.
The main urban symbol of Arkhangelsk is lovingly called “pencil” or “high-rise” by its residents. The spire of the building, bristling with radio antennas and satellite dishes, rises 173 m above the ground and is clearly visible from anywhere in the city. The premises of the tower, built of concrete and metal, inaugurated for the 400th anniversary of the city, initially housed various design organizations. Then the offices of trading and logistics companies, as well as several radio stations, moved here. In the evenings, when the mast and facade of the building are illuminated by multi-colored spotlights, it looks amazing.
Ensemble of the Annunciation Church and St. Nicholas Church
In the city of Kargopol, Arkhangelsk region, there is an ancient architectural ensemble, which experts classify as unique historical monuments - the Church of the Annunciation and the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (Nikolskaya).
The Church of the Annunciation dates back to 1692, it is a beautiful temple with perfectly preserved stone patterns on the walls and carved patterns on the platbands are not repeated twice. Currently, the church is being gradually restored, its interior decoration is being restored through the efforts of the Kargopol Museum.
Next to the Annunciation Church is the St. Nicholas Church, its construction began in 1692 with donations from the Kargopol tradesman Shakhanov, it was completed only in 1741 after the death of the benefactor. At one time, the ensemble included 2 more beautiful places - the Vladimir Church and a wooden hipped bell tower, which have not survived to this day.
How to get there and what to travel by
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Arkhangelsk is by plane. The journey from Moscow will take 2 hours, the average cost of a round trip flight is from 4,000 to 10,000 rubles.
Trains Moscow - Arkhangelsk depart daily, travel time is about 20 hours, the cost of travel in a one-way compartment is from 3,000 rubles.
You can travel around the region as part of organized groups (by booking an excursion at one of the travel agencies in Arkhangelsk) or independently by rail and regional buses.
The roads, unfortunately, are far from being in the best condition. So, in order to actively travel around the region in a rented car, you should choose an all-wheel drive vehicle and regularly check the news about the condition of roads and crossings on the website.
Where to go with children in Arkhangelsk?
In the northern city, the younger generation is treated with incredible warmth, so there is entertainment here for both children and teenagers. Here are just a few interesting places in Arkhangelsk that a young traveler should visit:
Puppet Theatre
Guests of the city will have an amazing encounter with beauty in a house where dolls come to life. The colorful performances of the theater, founded back in 1933, are incredibly popular not only with children, but also with their parents, because the repertoire includes several performances for adults. Young viewers, starting from 4 years old, are invited to watch productions of classic folk tales and plays by modern children's writers. The dolls, some of which were made by the troupe’s artists, are amazingly colorful.
Santa Claus Village
If you are going to visit Arkhangelsk with your family in winter, be sure to give your child a trip to a bright New Year's fairy tale. In the picturesque village, visitors are greeted by Father Frost and the Snow Maiden. Children will be able to admire ice sculptures, race in a sleigh on a bird-troika, and ride down ice slides. It's easy to send colorful greetings to family and friends from Santa Claus's mail.
Mini-zoo "Madagascar"
The wonderful zoo will provide young visitors with the opportunity to plunge into the stunning world of wildlife. A real jungle island has been created here, inhabited by cute monkeys and soaring exotic butterflies. In several aquariums, bright tropical fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and formidable underwater predators feel great. The child will be able to play with most of the petting zoo pets and take pictures.
You may be interested in the sights of Vologda, Murmansk, Pskov, Naryan-Mar, Petrozavodsk, Veliky Novgorod, Syktyvkar, St. Petersburg and Veliky Ustyug.
By visiting the original city, you will be able to feel the special charm of the Russian North, get acquainted with the unique culture of Pomerania, and admire the harsh but extremely picturesque nature. As a souvenir of the trip, there will be many magnificent photographs against the backdrop of the sights of Arkhangelsk.
Tips for staying in Arkhangelsk
Here are some tips for your stay in Arkhangelsk:
- in the cold season, take more warm clothes with you (to a person unaccustomed to dampness it will seem even colder here);
- even in summer, take a jacket with you (in cool summers it may snow in Arkhangelsk);
- in spring and autumn, do not forget about waterproof shoes (puddles and mud can exist until May and from September);
- It is better to book a hotel room before your trip (prices for services from different hotels can vary greatly);
- before visiting any museum/theater/event, study the rules of visiting (for example, you need to bring smart, replaceable shoes to the puppet theater);
- It’s more convenient to move around the city by public transport or taxi (renting a car is not the best option for bad roads);
- calculate in advance how much money you need to take with you (prices for goods and services in Arkhangelsk are approximately the same as in Moscow);
- Prepare a tourist map in advance and outline a sightseeing route.
I know a family from Arkhangelsk. Calm people, sometimes indifferent, not fussy, as if a little sleepy. Of course, not all residents of Arkhangelsk are like that, probably, some are nimble. But it’s not for nothing that northern people are called “frozen.”
Fishing
People come to small Arkhangelsk rivers that flow into the sea for brown trout, whitefish, salmon, grayling, perch and pike. The size of the catch depends on the strength of the tide, fishing experience, quality of gear and luck. In small and medium-sized rivers flowing into Arkhangelsk lakes, trout, grayling, pike and perch are found. And on large navigable rivers they catch pike perch, sterlet and bream.
One of the most catching places in the region is the huge Lacha Lake, which has an area of more than 330 square meters. km. The natural reservoir occupies a shallow basin and is well heated by the sun in summer. On Lacha you can catch bream, pike, rudd, perch, roach and other freshwater fish.
On Lake Lacha
The lake is overgrown with dense forests. Much of its shores are marshy, but there are good sandy beaches on the west coast. Lacha is popular among fans of water tourism. The routes of everyone who rafts along the Svidi, Vozha and wants to continue their journey along Onega pass through the watery expanses of the lake.
Summer fishing in the region begins in mid-June. After the flood is completely over. Fishing is especially productive during the white nights, when the sun disappears below the horizon for just a couple of hours. Since salmon spawn in most rivers in the region, fishing is allowed only with licenses and in specially designated sections of rivers.
Cathedral of the Entry of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple in the city of Solvychegodsk
What sights to see in Severomorsk in one day
The most risky ones can take a sea cruise on a ship. It can be ordered from a travel agency or from the management of a ship repair center. The excursion on the 1911 ship will be remembered for a long time. Visitors can visit the local history museum. It is located in the building of the first maternity hospital. At the exhibitions, a museum employee will talk about the White Sea region and its people. Your family will love the modern retelling of the city's history and treasured, fun items.
If you have two days at your disposal, you can admire all kinds of architectural masterpieces:
- At the intersection of Yagrinskoye Highway and Chayachy Proezd there is a monument to the “First Builders”;
- In Yagrinsky Bor there is a memorial sign erected in honor of the heroism of the sailors who died on the Kursk submarine;
- At the 3rd km of the highway to Arkhangelsk, near Severodvinsk, there is a stele (painted in 1972 by sculptor N. S. Yakovlev). In 2022, an image was installed on it: “Order of Lenin.”
In the summer in Severodvinsk you can even visit the beach.
The whole family can go to the theater, the zoo or the cinema. Film buffs can visit the central department store, where there are 3-D cinemas. In Belomorsk there are entertainment halls “Russia” and “Stroyka”.
The most unforgettable place for a child will be a visit to the zoo. Not far from the center you can go to an amazing place: “The City of Butterflies - a garden of living tropical butterflies.” For a fun relaxation, you can visit the zoo. The child will be able to see different animals and enjoy the exotic view and atmosphere. In the enclosures you will meet lions, monkeys or fallow deer.
Every year a variety of animals are brought here, for which all conditions are created. Zoos contain not only animals, but also rare flowers, large parks and alleys. On the territory there is a children's playground with a sandbox, benches and swings. There are places for rest and hanging out along the perimeter.
In sunny weather you can visit the city park. It is best to come in the summer, as you can easily and quickly visit all the memorable places.
In fact, there are enough attractions in the city of Belomorsk residents. It is not possible to see all the beauty of the city in one or three days. Even upon entering it, it becomes clear that you are entering a fairy tale. Friendly people, delicious food, beautiful nature and wonderful things attract travelers here again and again.
Novodvinskaya fortress
Among the main attractions of Arkhangelsk, the defensive fortress of Novodvinskaya attracts attention. Its walls were erected at the beginning of the 18th century thanks to Peter the Great
According to the chronicle, in 1702, the army of the fort repelled the Swedish military forces, and during the Crimean War, the British, who came close to the city, were afraid only by the sight of the cannons mounted on the walls and retreated back home.
This landmark of Arkhangelsk was fully formed by 1714, when the construction of the ravelin was completed. An interesting fact is that in the last century, in the early twenties, a children's colony was founded on the site of the fortress, and then a forced labor settlement.
In the 21st century, the fortress became a landmark of the city of Arkhangelsk, becoming part of the local history museum. In 2007, reconstruction work began. From ancient times, only the gates, the fortifications located in the north and south, as well as some original fragments of the walls have reached us. To get to the fortress, you need to use the services of a boat.
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Story
On the territory of the Arkhangelsk region, sites of people from Paleolithic times have been discovered. The region has an impressive history, during which many events took place in the world, civilizations arose and collapsed. We will look at the history of the Arkhangelsk region briefly.
The entire territory of the region is dotted with rivers and lakes, the largest of which are the Northern Dvina, Onega, Mezen and Pechora. There are about 2.5 thousand lakes, the largest of which are Lacha, Kenozero and Kozhozero. In ancient times, all settlements were located near bodies of water. The rich flora and fauna attracted our ancestors here. The remains of these ancient settlements are still being found by archaeologists and paleontologists.
The first written mentions of the region can be found in the Charter of the times of Prince Svyatoslav Olgovich (1137), who collected church tithes from local residents.
After the Mongol-Tatar invasion of the territory of this northern region, mass migration of the population of Rus' began, in connection with this, the number of Slavs in these lands increased greatly.
In the 14th century, according to the chronicle, the land of the Arkhangelsk region belonged to Novgorod and was called Dvinskaya. However, in the 16th century. it was won back. The territory became part of the Moscow Principality. It was at this time that a new city was built at the mouth of the Northern Dvina - Novo-Kholmogory (Arkhangelsk).
The importance of the region increased greatly during the time of Peter I, who organized extensive shipbuilding there.
After the civil war, the territorial structure of the Arkhangelsk region changed several times. The region was called the Northern Territory and was part of the Vologda region, it belonged to the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and the Komi Republic. As a result, after all the transformations, on September 23, 1937, the history of the Arkhangelsk region with its capital Arkhangelsk began.
History of Pomerania
Based on the results of archaeological excavations, it is known that people lived on the territory of the modern Arkhangelsk region during the Paleolithic period, that is, 10-11 thousand years ago. These were Finno-Ugric tribes who lived by fishing and hunting animals. They settled in compact sites, like the Modlon pile settlement. The ancient peoples did not have any written language, so little information about them has been preserved.
Solovetsky Monastery
As historians suggest, the annexation of the region to Ancient Rus' occurred in the 10th century. In the ancient Novgorod chronicles it is noted that in the 10th-12th centuries tribute was already collected from Zavolochye. In those days, mainly Slavs lived here.
After the Tatar-Mongol invasion, the Slavic population moved north. By the 14th century, populated territories had formed in Pomorie, which became part of the Dvina land. In the 15th century, under Ivan III Vasilyevich, they were included in the Moscow Principality.
The Pomors began trading with Europe in 1492, when the first caravan with grain set off from Kholmogory to the Danish shores. This date is considered the appearance of Russia's first merchant fleet.
The northern lands played a big role in trade between Muscovy and European states, so at the end of the 16th century, a fortress city, Arkhangelsk, was built at the mouth of the Northern Dvina.
Holy Trinity Anthony-Siysky Monastery
