KirovskThings to do

Things to do in Kirovsk

  1. Kola Travel

    The main reason to come to this prosperous nickel-smelting city is to engage the services of experienced, multilingual Kola Travel, a Russo-Dutch travel firm offering an inspiring selection of Kola adventures including hiking, biking, rock-hunting, snowmobile safaris. Their 4WD trips include one to a middle-of-nowhere village where you can sleep in a comfy but traditionally styled turf hut.

    reviewed

  2. Hiking

    In summer (about mid-June to mid-September) the Khibiny mountains provide the best hiking in northwestern Russia, in an expanse of flat-topped mountains divided by deep valleys, swift rivers and lakes. The highest point, Yudychvumchorr, rises 1200m above sea level. Don't treat these hills lightly: avalanches happen and the weather can be extreme, even in summer, so don't wander off without a guide.

    reviewed

  3. Old Ski Station

    There are two main ski stations, on the north and south slopes of Aykuayvenchorr mountain at the foot of which the town stands. The lengths and steepness of the runs are comparable at both - good for both beginners and experienced skiers. The old ski station, on Aykuayvenchorr's northern slopes immediately above the town, is a little cheaper. Take your passport as ID to rent equipment.

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  4. Bolshoy Vudyavr Ski Station

    Bolshoy Vudyavr ski station, just across the mountain east of Kirovsk but 12km away by road, is the best of three ski stations with modern lifts (R40 to R50 per ride) and half a dozen downhill runs. Bring ID: you’ll need it to hire equipment.

    reviewed

  5. Regional Museum

    The Regional Museum is located in the Kirovsk-25 mikro-rayon (bus No 1, 12 or 105), within an awesome mountain gap. Some experts believe that the neat removal of literally half a mountain here can only have been achieved through a nuclear detonation.

    reviewed

  6. Kazan Church

    Buses 1, 12, 16 or 105 (R12) from pr Lenina run through Kukisvumchorr (‘25km’) known for its ‘miraculous’ Kazan Church.

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  7. Polar-Alpine Botanical Gardens

    The lovely Polar-Alpine Botanical Gardens has hothouses which nurture tropical plants and a 2km summer-only trail climbs to the alpine tundra.

    reviewed

  8. Geographic Bureau

    The St Petersburg-based Geographic Bureau offer guided treks. The Khibiny are also a very happy hunting ground for rockhounds.

    reviewed

  9. Kafe Vechernee

    Precooked point-and-pick foods, salads and breads sold by weight, with simple café tables at which to eat them.

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  10. A

    Bolshoy Vudyavr Bowling Centre

    The Bolshoy Vudyavr Bowling Centre has a café-bar, billiards and a weekend disco.

    reviewed

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  12. Delfin Swimming Pool

    For more urban pleasures there’s the modern Delfin Swimming Pool

    reviewed

  13. Kafé Zodiak

    Kafé Zodiak has prepared foods and only one table.

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  14. Knigi-Kirovsk

    Sells town and regional maps (R65).

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