Arkhangelsk is located a thousand kilometers from Moscow, at the place where the Northern Dvina River flows into the White Sea. The city was founded in 1584 and named in honor of the Archangel Michael, who was also the celestial patron of a nearby monastery.
Arkhangelsk symbolizes the gateway to the Arctic via the sea route. It is an ancient city in a region of water bodies and dense forests, where modern residents have a passion for jazz.
Immerse yourself in the city life by visiting the market behind the sports palace. Stalls overflow with fresh vegetables, fish, and meat. Continue your walk along the Chumbarov-Luchinsky pedestrian avenue, named after a revolutionary since 1921. Here, you can see single-story wooden houses, typical constructions of the region. Passersby will notice a humorous statue of a man riding a giant trout. This is Nalim Malinych, a character from the tales of a local author.
A must-do walk in Arkhangelsk is along the beautifully maintained embankment of the Dvina. Tourists will not only enjoy the sea view and air but will see many interesting things. A marble monument to a seal recalls the hunger during World War II when the meat and fat of this animal saved thousands of lives. Further along stands a monument to Admiral Kuznetsov, a hero of the Soviet era. The “Beaver” restaurant on the embankment offers dishes of local cuisine, fish, and seafood at reasonable prices.
Do not pass by one of the most interesting museums of the city—the Gostiny Dvor. It is the oldest building in Arkhangelsk. The historical exhibition is fascinating, and concert evenings are organized in the renovated interior.
In the eastern part of the city, on the Dvina embankment, there is the Museum of Arctic Exploration. The exhibition tells everything about the northern region, where you learn about the properties of ice and how ice cream is made. Sweet lovers can participate in a master class and make the cold treat themselves.
In Arkhangelsk, you will see beautiful churches. The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was built over 100 years ago. This single-domed church with a tented bell tower has a rectangular shape. Lacy grilles decorate the lancet windows, and the interior is filled with sunlight and colorful paintings.
