Murmansk's Secrets

Murmansk is the largest travel hub in Russia for viewing the aurora borealis. Here are some things you might not know about Murmansk: 1. Murmansk is an ice-free port, and its climate is similar to that of St. Petersburg and Moscow. Although it is located in the Arctic, temperatures can even rise above zero in winter. 2. Murmansk has a sufficient supply of goods, complete commercial facilities, and affordable prices. Ordinary goods and restaurants are almost the same as in St. Petersburg and Moscow, and fresh fruits and vegetables are only slightly more expensive than in big cities. 3. In winter, 70% of visitors to Murmansk are Chinese tourists, and the main language used at the aurora observation points and aurora hunting tours in Teriberka is Chinese. 4. To quickly get first-hand information on aurora observation and quickly form a group on site, the best accommodation strategy is to stay in a youth hostel. 5. The color of the ordinary aurora is actually blue-gray to the naked eye, and only cameras can capture the green and purple-red effects. However, when a super aurora occurs and is very close, we can see a light green effect with the naked eye. 6. There are many enthusiastic bloggers online who provide various "Murmansk One-Day Tour Guides" and "Teriberka Sightseeing Lists," but in fact, these attractions are almost worthless in winter and are purely for checking in when you are bored during the day. For example, due to the Russia-Ukraine war, McDonald's has long withdrawn from the Russian market, so the so-called "northernmost McDonald's" is a false proposition. On the other hand, although checking in at these so-called attractions has nothing to do with improving aesthetics and cognitive levels, it is a social activity that can enhance the relationship between friends and family traveling together. In summary, if you travel thousands of miles to see the aurora, it doesn't matter if you don't visit any attractions. If you don't see the aurora, it's all in vain to check in at all the attractions. Finally, I wish everyone here can see the aurora borealis in their lifetime!