For 40 days, from December 2 to January 11, the sun does not rise in this city. So, how do the lives of the residents and tourists unfold here?
Murmansk is a city in northwestern Russia and is the largest city in the world located above the Arctic Circle, similar to several provinces in Norway, Finland, and Alaska (USA). The city is situated on the Kola Bay, part of the Barents Sea. It is an important port with an ice-free harbor.
Life in a city that knows no sunlight for dozens of days.
Due to the harsh, frigid weather, this area has just over 300,000 residents, which is roughly equivalent to the number of tourists visiting each year. From Murmansk, travelers can journey to the Arctic by ship, approximately 2,000 km away.
Life continues as usual without change.
Being located within the Arctic Circle, the sun does not appear in Murmansk during winter days. So, does life here get disrupted by the absence of sunlight?
Following photographer Amos Chapple from New Zealand, he had the opportunity to visit Murmansk during the winter, with temperatures around -13 degrees Celsius. Despite the harsh weather, the lives of the residents continue as usual. Photographer Chapple was impressed by many architectural structures in the city and found the people to be particularly friendly.
Snow covers Murmansk for most days of the year.
Chapple noted that winter in Murmansk tends to be long. As a result, for most months of the year, this region is always blanketed in white snow. The residents are friendly but sparse, living in characteristic Nordic-style homes.
A contemplative guest enjoys beer in a shop.
Despite living in darkness without sunlight for many days, Murmansk remains one of the best places to observe the Northern Lights in Russia. On clear days, lucky tourists may witness the aurora borealis lighting up the sky.
Furthermore, due to the long winter, the people of Murmansk know how to attract tourists with various activities such as snowmobiling across ice mountains, exploring snow deserts, and experiencing unique cold-weather games…
A snowstorm does not deter a man walking through downtown Murmansk.
This city is the best place to view the Northern Lights in Russia.
Heavy snowfall buries a car.
Despite the cold outside, a nightclub in the city center is lively and vibrant.
