A Day in Murmansk

With around 300,000 residents, Murmansk is the most densely populated area north of the Arctic Circle.

A brass band gets ready for the opening of the newly renovated Arktika Hotel ?€” with 19 floors it is the tallest building north of the Arctic Circle.

The world's first nuclear icebreaker "Lenin" was hailed as a symbol of Soviet success, as it allowed the country to establish an unparalleled presence in the Arctic seas ?€” off limit to other nations because of meters-thick layers of ice.

Due to its northern position, Murmansk is an important port city ?€” a gateway to Arctic oil exploration and a major transport corridor to Asia, Europe and North America.

On leave from the Severomorsk naval base ?€” home to Russia's Northern Fleet ?€” St. Petersburg native Dmitry Meronov, 24, takes a stroll through the center of Murmansk.

A ride on the world's northernmost trolleybus in Murmansk will cost you 19 rubles ($0.50.)

Halfway between Moscow and the North Pole, frosty temperatures are never far away in Murmansk.



In winter, temperatures can plummet to - 40 degrees Celsius.

Oleg and Valery, mechanics, are drinking homemade brew at Piligrim, one of Murmansk's pubs. A pint of beer costs 80 rubles ($2.10).

The Murmansk region continues to suffer a steady population outflow — from 1.2 million people in the early 90s to roughly 780,000 people today — as the young and skilled leave the region to seek their fortunes in nearby cities.

A shaman belonging to the indigenous tribe Sami sings while preparing ukha — a traditional Russian fish soup.



Following persecution under the Soviet regime, most Samis were displaced and only 2,000 of them remain in Russia, compared to 50,000 Samis in neighboring Norway.

A dog loiters around the city's stadium, where locals run laps and work out.

An elderly woman walks past the city's market, where local produce such as mushrooms and berries are sold in large quantities.

Around two thousand kilometers removed from the Kremlin, a man glances out the bus window at a giant poster of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

Murmansk's location near the world's greatest energy resource reserves has made it an important industrial base for shipping, fishing, and the processing of raw materials.

Local vendor Nadia showcases Murmansk's famous sea food. Each crab leg will cost you 1820 rubles ($47).

A lady sells freshly picked blueberries and mushrooms at the city's market.

A man takes a breather after working out at the Murmansk's stadium.

Devoted swimmer Anatoly, is one of the 235 members of the Murmansk Walrus fitness club, most of whom visit the club on a daily basis.

It's September in Murmansk and the water temperature is around 10°C.



But Murmansk swimmers have faced rougher challenges — the club is most crowded in the middle of winter.

Murmansk's iconic "Alyosha" looks towards the West, facing the site of the fiercest fighting against invasion from German troops during World War II.



At more than 40 meters, the monument honoring the defenders of the Arctic during the war is Russia's second-largest statue.