Travelling anywhere is obviously difficult during this pandemic but the rules here in Russia are arguably the loosest anywhere. While that doesn’t mean you SHOULD take advantage and travel, it does mean there are some opportunities – and we decided to take a short flight up to Murmansk. At 69 degrees north, Murmansk (pop 300k) is the largest city in the world above the Arctic circle, although the lingering effects of the Gulf Stream current make it more hospitable than other places at similar latitude. The environment is mixed – some short stubby trees close to the coast and along the Kola Inlet but actual tundra further inland. Most Canadians never make it to their Arctic, largely because its extremely expensive. I was up to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut a few years ago and as I recall our flight from Yellowknife was $2000 return. Compare that with Russia, where Aeroflot has up to six flights daily from Moscow at less than $200 Cad return. The scenery is spectacular; the end-of-the-road town of Teriberka, three hours of north and east of Murmansk is well worth a trip; and the northern lights put on an incredible show. A winter holiday in the Arctic isn’t for everyone; but Russia has something very unique that’s worth a visit.
