Arkhangelsk (population 350,000 in 2018) is a regional center in Northwestern Russia, located on both banks of Northern Dvina river near its mouth on the White Sea, about 1250 km by road to the north of Moscow and about 1100 km northeast of Saint Petersburg. It is part of the Silver Ring of cultural and historical centers of Northwestern Russia.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The city was founded in 1584 and became the first Russian port playing the major role in trade with Western Europe until the foundation of Saint Petersburg in 1703. Since then, Arkhangelsk has been developing as a provincial city. The second negative impact on its importance arose with the foundation of Murmansk, a trans-polar non-frozen seaport at Barents Sea, in the beginning of the 20th century. However, honour came to the city during the years of World War II, when Arkhangelsk was the key destination point for Allied sea convoys that helped the Soviet Union confront German aggression. Arkhangelsk claims to be the capital of Russian North.
Arkhangelsk is spread for 42 km via Northern Dvina river and has even several islands with no bridge connection included into its metropolitan zone. So getting around certain districts can be complicated. But all main attractions are located in the center and can be explored by foot. Public transportation is represented with buses and marshrutki (shared minibuses). It is difficult to use without knowing Russian. River transport is active during the summer season to connect river island vicinities with the city center. Commuter trains service connects several suburbs with the city, but is interesting mainly for locals keeping their dachas.
Arkhangelsk had been founded in 1584, but until the 20th century nearly all buildings were wooden. That is why there are not so many examples of old architecture here. Outside of the centre, buildings become very typical, but the core part of the city has some diversity. Orientation is easy from Lenin Square, where Arkhangelsk's only skyscraper is built. This 24-floor administrative building is seen from many parts of the city and can act as a lighthouse for a traveller. Streets called ulitsa (улица) are positioned perpendicularly to the river, those are called prospekt (проспект) are parallel to the river.
Walk through Northern Dvina embankment, see kilometers of water and feel strong wind in any season. Have something to drink in city cafes. Visit one of the city festivals (summer: street theatres from all Europe, winter: ice sculpture festivals) Arkhangelsk is called to be cultural capital of Russian North, so plunge into local culture: pay attention to the natural history museum and the gallery of arts, spend an evening at a classical organ concert in a music hall inside a former church. Try Northern Dvina's beach in summer (bathing is not recommended due to environmental reasons, but still allowed and possible). Spend a couple of hours on a skating-rink or take a skiing day-off in winter. …
1 Biblio-cafe (Кофейня "Высотка"), Lenin Square. A nice caffeterie in the heart of the city. Shared with a library and performed with old books and writers' portraits on walls. Lovely place for a cup of coffee. 2 Treskoed (Трескоед), prospekt Chumbarova-Luchinskogo, 8, ☏ +7 8182 44-03-02. An authentic restaurant of traditional Arctic fish cuisine. Menu includes Russian and Norwegian dishes, the prices are reasonable, and all information is accessible in English and Norwegian.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Arkhangelsk typically sees ~21°C daytime highs and 7 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-27. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy