The northernmost region of European Russia will reveal its most stunning sites only to a True Adventurer. North of Murmansk city, in once-upon-a-time closed military zone, there are no settlements, no buildings, no people - only Nature and You. In summer, this land is spectacular: the sun does not go below the horizon, the ocean breaks the waves against the rocky shores, the desert of tundra rejoices with bright colors of blossoming lichens, and only the austere rocks keep the silent memory of the WWII events that scarred this area.
We will bike through the dramatic mountainous tundra, past the scenic lakes - towards our destination - the austere and magnificent Arctic Ocean.
Day 1
Early morning arrival in Murmansk, meeting at the airport by the guide. Transfer by the Russian 4x4 (GAZ-66 or UAZ) to the starting point of our biking adventure – Titovka, the control point for access to the Russian northern borderline area (110 km paved road, 2-3 hrs). Stop on the way at the War Memorial at the Valley of Glory, which in the WW II times was called the Valley of Death. After passing the control point Titoka, get on the bikes and head for the first part of our biking itinerary, along the old German track. Stop on the way at the scenic waterfall on the Titovka river and at the ruins of the German hospital dating back to WWII. Lunch as a light snack on the way.
Arrival in the 1st stationary tent camp “Musta-Tunturi” (equipped with biotoilet and tent summer shower).
Dinner cooked over campfire. Overnight in tents
Day biking distance: 30 km (dirt road, gradient +200m)
Day 2
Breakfast. Set off biking, partially along the old German road, along the route Musta Tunturi camp – the mountain pass 300m with WWII fortifications “Yaitso” - descent to the sea - strikingly beautiful Malaya Volokovaya Bay. Lunch as a light snack on the way. While the instructors set tents and cook dinner, walk on your own and take in the views of Malaya Volokovaya Bay.
Dinner, overnight in tents next to the picturesque waterfall.
Day biking distance: 38 km (dirt road, gradient +350m)
Day 3
Breakfast. Bike from Malaya Volokovaya bay to Zemlyanoy Cape. Stop on the way to explore the Soviet artillery battery, which used to cover in the war period the strategic entrance to Petsamo fjord, and underground cabin. Continue biking till the 2 Brothers seids – a disturbingly spectacular site – the 2 great silent rocks on the seashore, Saami sacred site where sacrifices and rites used to be performed. Lunch as a light snack on the way.Stop at the Zemlyanoy Cape to set the tent camp. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day biking distance: 33 km (dirt road, gradient +200m)
Day 4
Breakfast. We are leaving Zemlyanoy Cape, biking past Bolshoye Ozerko (Big-Small lake) Bay and further past Korovy (Cow’s) Cape to the Skorbeevka Bay located only 10 km to the south-east from the Nemetsky (German) Cape – the northernmost point of the European Russia. Lunch as a light snack on the way.Arrive in the 2nd stationary tent camp “Skorbeevsky” in Skorbeevka bay, a small picturesque waterfall on the Skorbeevka river nearby. Feel the true Arctic spirit facing the endless cold waters of the austere Arctic Ocean (Barents Sea), with the magnificent tundra behind you, and black rocks eastwards along the shore.
Dinner. Overnight in tents in the 2nd stationary camp (biotoilet, tent summer shower).
Day biking distance: 45 km (dirt road, gradient +50m)
Day 5
Breakfast. Undertake a radial biking trip from Skorbeevka Bay, past Kekursky Cape (from where you might spot the seals) to Nemetsky Cape, the northernmost point of the European continental Russia, carefully protected at all times point. Take your time around the Nemetsky Cape, see the old meteo station and lighthouse. Lunch as a light snack on the way.Return to the 2nd stationary tent camp in Skorbeevka. Dinner, overnight in tents.
Day biking distance: 45 km (dirt road, gradient +100m)
Day 6
Breakfast. Biking from Skorbeevka to Ozerko Bay. Transfer by the off-road bus to the 1st stationary camp Musta-Tunturi (66 km), where those wishing can take a tent shower.
Dinner, overnight in tents.
Day biking distance: 30 km (dirt road, gradient +100m)
Day 7
After breakfast – trekking to Musta-Tunturi (“Black Tundra”) mountain range, with stunning views of the rocky tundra and sea with islands below. Visit the northernmost section of WWII fights, where the Soviet and German positions (trenches, defense pits, other fortification structures) remain untouched by time since the WW II. Lunch as a light snack on the way. Return to the tent camp. Shower for those wishing
17.00 – Transfer to Murmansk airport by the off-road bus. For those who stays overnight in Murmansk – trip end in the city.
Optional: for those who is not leaving by late evening/night flight for Moscow on this day, hotel accommodation and morning transfer to the airport can be booked for an additional fee.
Day walking distance: appr 20 km (0m – 1200m)
Extended Murmansk programme (for a supplement):
(for those who arrive on the eve of Day 1 and depart by morning flight on day 7)
Day 0
Arrival in Murmansk. Transfer to the city, check-in at the hotel ***. Sightseeing city tour of Murmansk with a visit to the Northern Fleet museum or the Local Lore museum. Night in the hotel (double-basis).
Day 7
Arrival in Murmansk in the evening. Check-in at the hotel ***. Time at leisure. Night in the hotel (double-basis).
Day 8
Breakfast in the hotel, check-out and transfer to the airport. Departure by flight to Moscow and further home.
The Tour Operator reserves the right to introduce alterations in the Day 1 and Day 7 adjusting it to the flight schedule Moscow-Murmansk. Light changes in the itinerary can be introduced due to the weather conditions or other similar factors out of control by the Tour operator.
