I don't want to get fully ahead of myself -- still trying to find a way from Oslo all the way up north to Hammerfest (northermost city in the world. . .check). Taking a couple overnight trains tonight to get half way there. I think I can take local buses the rest of the way. But here is my question.
I have always figured I would find a way from there down to Helsinki, Finland, and then from there into Russia at St. Petersburg -- which I do want to hit. After doing a bit of research this morning though, it looks like I could go from Hammerfest to Murmansk, Russia. From there take a 30 hour train down to St. Pete.
Murmansk sounds kinda interesting to me. I think it was the main Soviet port on the Atlantic side during the Cold War, at least in summer. Not sure, but I thought I remember reading about it somewhere.
Should I skip Helsinki? Head back into a cheaper place that is a little more adventurous? Or see another country that I've never seen, Finland, although quickly?
Северомо́рск, 25 km north of Му́рманск, is the main base of the Russian Norther fleet. It ic ice-free around the year. You should not attempt visiting the closed city of Северомо́рск unless you'd like to stay on the Republic's expense.
ReplyDeleteLOL -- I won't be visiting any military base :)
ReplyDeleteWas just making the comment that I thought that stuff was in the area. Thanks though!