A northern city with a maritime character: what to see in Arkhangelsk and its surroundings
Arkhangelsk is a large city on the shores of the Northern Dvina River, founded in 1584 as Russia's first seaport. The spirit of the pomors and Arctic expeditions is felt here, and the white nights last for almost three months — much longer than in St. Petersburg. The city attracts with its history, culture and a special northern atmosphere.
How to start exploring the city
Severnaya Dvina Embankment is the heart of Arkhangelsk and its main showcase. There is a monument to Peter the Great, which reminds us that this emperor began the construction of Russia's first military fleet. It is this monument that is depicted on the 500-ruble bill. Nearby stands a monument to the savior seal, a symbol of the memory of the siege of Leningrad, when supplies of Arkhangelsk fish helped the city survive.
Bike and scooter rentals are available on the waterfront. A popular bike route leads to the Maisky Park, where there is a pond and recreation areas.
Today, the Red Pier has become a cultural space where summer festivals and fairs are held. River trams leave from here to Kegostrov and other nearby islands.
In the city center, it's worth taking a look at Chumbarov-Luchinsky Avenue, a pedestrian street called Arkhangelsk Arbat. Wooden houses from the late 19th century have been turned into museums and workshops, and monuments and art objects add a special flavor to the walk.
What to visit in Arkhangelsk
Getting to know the region is impossible without the sights of Arkhangelsk and the region — museums, cultural centers and northern architecture in the open air.
Northern Maritime Museum
The exhibition is dedicated to navigation and Arctic exploration: here you can see Pomor boats, icebreaker models and navigation devices. The collections contain thousands of exhibits telling about the Northern Dvina, Arctic expeditions and shipbuilding in the region.
A. A. Borisov Museum of Artistic Exploration of the Arctic
The museum is named after Alexander Borisov, a talented polar landscape painter, one of the first to capture the cold expanses of the north on canvas. It opened in 2008 in a renovated trading house of the late 19th century, which is part of the architectural complex of Shingarev-Plotnikov.
It features the world's largest collection of Borisov's paintings — more than 400 works dominated by northern landscapes: ice, blizzard, aurora borealis, and the whiteness of the Arctic. The exhibition is complemented by paintings by Ilya Vylka and the ethno-art of the Nenets people, as well as temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists.
S.G. Pisakhov Museum
It is dedicated to the famous artist and storyteller, the author of colorful northern stories. The exhibition contains his paintings, manuscripts and personal belongings. The images of pomors and heroes of Pisakhov's fairy tales are still perceived as symbols of Arkhangelsk, and the museum itself helps to better understand the humor and character of northern culture.
Museum of Wooden Architecture "Malye Korely"
The country's largest open-air museum is located just 25 kilometers from Arkhangelsk. The area of about 140 hectares contains many architectural monuments of the XVI-XX centuries: residential huts, churches, bell towers, barns and mills. The 17th-century tent bell tower, transported from the village of Kushereka on the Onega Peninsula, stands out in particular. The "Small Korels" allow you to see how people lived and built in the Russian North several centuries ago.
17th century Gostiny Dvor
It is the oldest stone building in Arkhangelsk and a monument of federal significance. Built in the 17th century, the shopping complex was reminiscent of the days when the city was the main port of Russia. Today there is a museum of local lore here. The expositions introduce the history of maritime trade, crafts and Pomeranian crafts.
St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral
The main temple of the city, built on the site of an ancient wooden cathedral of the 17th century. It was opened in 2022. Snow-white walls and golden domes have become one of the architectural dominants of Arkhangelsk. The cathedral remains an important spiritual center for residents and visitors of the region.
Novodvinsk Fortress
Built in 1701 by decree of Peter the Great, it became the first bastion fortress in the Russian North. The construction was supposed to protect Arkhangelsk from the Swedish fleet and preserved part of the walls, gates and barracks. Today, the fortress is open to visitors: in summer, historical reconstructions are carried out here, and a walk along its ramparts allows you to imagine the military era of Peter the Great. The fortress is located about 20 kilometers from Arkhangelsk. You can take a bus to the city of Novodvinsk, and then walk about two kilometers.
Theaters and cultural events
The Arkhangelsk Lomonosov Drama Theater was founded in 1932 and is considered one of the oldest in the Russian North. His repertoire includes both classical and modern plays, and productions related to the culture and history of the North occupy a special place. Today, the theater remains the center of Arkhangelsk's cultural life and invariably gathers full halls.
Northern cuisine: what to try
Pomeranian cuisine is based on fish and the gifts of the taiga. Cod, smelt, halibut and flounder dishes are especially popular in Arkhangelsk. Stroganina is especially appreciated: frozen fillet of fish served in thin slices with salt and pepper. Another classic dish is Pomeranian ear with cod liver.
The sweet symbol of Arkhangelsk is goats, painted gingerbread cookies, which are prepared for the holidays according to ancient northern recipes. They can be found in souvenir shops and at city fairs.
A modern interpretation of Northern cuisine is offered by the REKA restaurant at the Novotel Arkhangelsk Hotel. The menu includes fish and dishes with local accents, including traditional fish soup. The panoramic views, atmosphere and location make the restaurant popular with both city guests and locals.
Where to stay: the best hotels in Arkhangelsk
To get a better feel for the rhythm of Arkhangelsk, it is important to choose the right place to stay. A convenient option would be Novotel Arkhangelsk, which is located in the historical district of the city, right on the embankment of the Northern Dvina. The windows of the Superior and Suite rooms offer panoramic views of the river: in spring you can see an ice drift, in summer — white nights, and in winter the northern lights sometimes appear.
The hotel is convenient for tourists and those who combine leisure with work. There is an In Balance fitness center with a gym, sauna and hammam, all available to guests for free. You can buy souvenirs with a northern flavor right at the hotel to take a piece of Arkhangelsk with you.
Tips for tourists: climate and seasonality
The climate in Arkhangelsk has its own characteristics that should be taken into account when planning a trip.
Summers are cool here: the average temperature in July is +16°C, heat above +25°C is rare. The humidity is quite high. A windbreaker, raincoat and comfortable shoes will be useful for walking. There are a lot of mosquitoes on the banks of rivers and in forests in summer, so it's better to have a repellent.
The white nights in Arkhangelsk last from mid-May to the end of July — the sun hardly sets below the horizon. During this period, total darkness never comes, and the longest day falls on June 21st. To sleep comfortably, you should take an eye mask: blackout curtains are not everywhere.
Winter is mild by northern standards. In January, the average temperature is about -12 °C, snow falls in November and lasts until April. The shortest daylight on December 21 lasts only 4 hours. It is easy to see the northern Lights during the winter season. This is most often possible from September to March on clear nights. It is best seen outside the city.
An impressive sight is the ice drift on the Northern Dvina, which begins in late April and continues into May. River navigation is open from May to October, during which time boat trips and cruises become available.
The best time to travel is June-August for the sake of white nights, September for the sake of mushrooms and berries, February-March for the sake of sunshine and winter activities.
Getting to Arkhangelsk is not difficult. Aeroflot and Smartavia fly here from Moscow, and the flight takes about two hours. The Pomorie train runs for about 20 hours. It takes about 22 hours to travel from St. Petersburg by a branded train.
Conclusion
In Arkhangelsk, tourism opens up several worlds at once: the maritime history, the culture of the modern city and the atmosphere of the northern nature. Every day here is filled with walks, discoveries and new experiences.
The Novotel Arkhangelsk will be a convenient starting point for exploring the region. Book your stay and devote your time to the main thing — getting to know the amazing North.
