Murmansk, Russia, is a city located above the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in the polar region. With a population of over 300,000, Murmansk serves as an important naval base and maritime port on the Kola Bay, an inlet of the Barents Sea. Its high latitude means that Murmansk experiences extreme seasonal variations, with polar nights in winter when the sun doesn't rise above the horizon, and the midnight sun in summer with continuous daylight. Despite the harsh climate, the port remains ice-free year-round thanks to the warm North Atlantic Current. Murmansk played a significant role during WWII as a port for the Arctic convoys, and today it is a center for maritime trade, fishing, and shipbuilding. The city features several monuments and museums, including the Alyosha Statue, a tribute to Soviet soldiers, and the Lenin icebreaker, a museum ship. The surrounding region is known for its unique Arctic landscape, offering spectacular Northern Lights views and a variety of outdoor activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and husky sledding.
